The guys rock climbing- indoors! It's still January after all.

I think this might be David...or Jayson? upside down in the "cave".


Joel hanging upside down in the "cave" at the gym.

Joel on the ground, Joseph on wall, Nathan H. on wall

The guys went on their first non-parent trip-it was just them, "hanging' out!

David, Clayton, Joseph, Caleb H., Nathan H., Jason H., Raymond from Finland, T.J. McShane!, Jayson and Joel went to Boulders Climbing Gym today and from the looks and sounds of it, had a fabulous time!

Several of them passed their belay test so that they could belay a buddy up a wall, but I think many found "bouldering" even more fun.

They are a great group of guys!!

Marlie Rose at her swim meet in Milton

Here's Marlie right before she gets into the pool for her 50 yd backstroke. She has such good form! 

It was my first time ever being at a swim meet and I had no idea how loud, crazy, colorful and high energy they are. It wasn't boring even when my little niece wasn't in the water.

Seeing all the many, many kids there was cool too-you just want to cheer for all of them.

So-Way to Go Marlie Rose!

Sunrise Snowboarding and Snowshoeing

Joseph, Clayton and Cousin Joel

WOW!! Can you believe that getting up and out of doors before sunrise can actually be fun? I am surprised too!

While Rosemary, Kathy and I snowshoed around the beautiful landscape at the golf course Clayton and Joseph were joined by their cousin Joel on the big sledding hill where they met the sun coming up on their snow boards.

It was such a beautiful morning with gorgeous skies and that kind of snow that looks all sparkly-it was awesome-God is Good!!

My niece Marlie the Otter!

This is my niece, Marlie Rose. She is working hard during swim team practice! (She stopped just long enough to let her mom snap this pic.)  

Swim practice is over for the day so it's time to take the lanes down and swim for fun!

A Night at The Dry Bean

 Marlie and Joseph at the table!                                Joseph's debut at the Dry Bean.

Grandpa and Grandma Hodges took Joseph and cousin, Marlie to the Dry Bean near Madison.

Joseph has been learning the song "Wild Wood Flower" per the request of his Grandpa Flood and Grandpa Hodges. He intro'd his song, and even got to play a follow up of "Simple Man". 

Joseph was introduced by his Grandpa as "Rock River Red"--for those of you wondering, our little town is near the RockRiver and as for the red, I'm pretty sure  you can see why *smile* 

Marlie and Joseph had a good time visiting with each other and listening to their Grandpa and the rest of the musicians there at the open mike. It's a very encouraging atmosphere for musicians, and we look forward to Marlie's!! debut there in the future.