muddin'

So, here is the most important video from last weekend's 4 wheeling trip - the mud run! The first video starts out with Eric on the 4 wheeler and then has me driving the Bronco through the mud. The second video is Brad going through the mud on his 4 wheeler.

Drew here: After all these years of building the Bronco I finally got to take it out in the woods! My uncles Eric and Brad went with me on the inaugural run. This is Eric and I loading it onto the trailer for the first time. It was just under 6 years ago that Eric and I hauled the Bronco body up from North Carolina with his truck. The 4runner is our new Bronco hauler and it did a very good job of getting the Bronco to the trail and back.

We didn't get too far into the woods when I got stuck in the mud. So, I pulled the winch cable, hooked it up to a tree and winched myself out.

Brad got some good videos of me driving. Here I am creeping down a hill. The transmission I put in is a 4-speed with very low first gear so I didn't have to use the brake going down hills too much.

Another fun mud hole.

Brad playing in the mud.

After some arm twisting I finally talked Eric into wheeling my Toyota so I would have someone to pull the Bronco out of the mud when it got buried. Actually, it was very easy to talk him in to taking the truck. Eric kept commenting that the truck climbed like a billy goat.

CCDS Graduation and fun presents

Tonight we had our high school graduation! It was the last big event that I had to do this year! It went well, it's over, and I only have a half day tomorrow!

One of the students is from Africa, so he gave his teachers an African gift. Check me out in my new dress and head shawl (not sure how to put the head wrap on, so it's just tied in the back!). The dress fits perfectly, and it's very roomy! I love it! What a creative gift! I have to say, I've never received an African dress as a present before! I must also tell you that I am not really as large as the picture makes me look- it's a very puffy dress and I had clothes on underneath while I tried it on here! Just thought I should say that! I have now also been taught how to wear the head wrap thing, and it looks nothing like what I did here! =)

"Master Greg"

Last weekend, Greg received his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary! We are all so very proud of him! All of our family and Greg's family was together for graduation and celebration, and it was a great weekend!
Greg's family- Angie's hubby-Andrew, sister-Angie, Kim, Greg, mom-Mary, dad-MikeGimples, Kings, and Shaffers (sorry Drew, Greg's cap is in your face!)Dad and Mom before the Baccalaureate service Wonderful celebration dinner at Legal Seafood!

Almost had to bale it!

We finally mowed today! The grass was getting way too tall! Drew worked on our ancient riding mower for 2 hours before it was finally working enough for me to use. And I mean barely worked enough... something is still wrong with the steering though. I had to turn the steering wheel with both hands and with all my strength for EVERY turn! It was very, very, very hard to turn, all the time, in any direction! But... it did do the job, so we didn't have to push mow the entire yard.

And I got a great arm workout!

I feel special!

Today at school, an Edible Arrangement was delivered to me! I was very surprised! A former student sent it to me as a thank you for recently helping her get apply for college, FAFSA, grants, etc. She found out today that she was accepted and doesn't have to pay anything for the first year! She just wanted to thank me for helping, and it was such a neat way to say thanks! I love it! It looks somewhat like this one, minus the balloon, with a mug on the bottom! YUMMY!

We had visitors!

This past week, Alicea came to visit us in Erie! We drank a lot of Starbucks, did a lot of shopping, ate out tons, and played lots of games! Justin, Alice, and Caleb came for a few days too! Caleb is growing so much, he is just over 6 months now! Can you tell who was the focus of our attention?