Exploring Palo Duro Canyon

   
We have discovered that we love exploring.  Especially when it a huge park  full of "choose your own adventure" trails.  Meaning...there isn't a trail.  Our kids hike, climb, explore, do hard things, overcome obstacles, laugh, cry, and exhaust themselves in the wild of the outdoors.  Today, our terrain of choice was Palo Duro Canyon in Texas, just outside of Amarillo.  We enjoyed the little bit that we were able to see, but there is so much more that we didn't even get to....we will have to take another trip or two before we leave the area. 

A Love Story

 

There once was a couple who hike to a Ravine.  The only way to cross the waters was a log bridge.  The man easily crossed, but the nervous woman held back. 

With only love in his heart, the man held out his hands and patiently and lovingly helped his woman cross the bridge. 

When they were both safely across the ravine, the woman was so overjoyed with love, she gave her brave hero a big kiss.  The audience stood by and watched with a smile on their lips. 

 

The couple walked away and lived happily ever after.  THE END

Family Valentines Get-A-Way

With Clay doing lots of TDYs, working long days, flying, and working on his masters, both Clay and Laura have been a little busy!  So, a few days before Valentines, Laura sheepishly confesses that she hadn't bought anything for Clay for Valentines.  Relieved, Clay also admits that he hadn't done anything for Laura!  Together they agreed not to do/buy anything this year, but as a family we would go away for the weekend instead!  Yipee.  Let's get out of town!  Our first weekend trip since living in New Mexico...where to go???  We decided to head to Amarillo, TX.  Clay was in charge of the room arrangement.  Wow...he did a great job.  He found a place called Ashford Suites - our room was AMAZING!  2 full rooms with king size beds, walk in closets, full bathroom - one with tub and one with a walk in shower, full kitchen, dining room, sitting room, pull out bed, and a crib.  We felt we were living in luxury....because my goodness...we WERE!  Good job Clayboy...you delivered! It even had a pool and free continental breakfast.  What a home away from home.  It was perfect for our family of 6.

Our Fantastic FOUR

 

 HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! 

 From the Claywardcrew  

Best Part of Cookin' is Helping Clean up...Ward Style!

 

 
Detric had fun helping Dad make some yummy goodies...brownie covered oreos and chocolate chip doctored brownies.  Dad gave Detric a very specific job that he did very well.  He was tasked with ....cleaning up the spatula!

 

 

 

 

Preston strikes again

 

Preston has been busy as usual....dressing up and having fun.  Here are a few of his latest costume creations.

Laura's Day

It comes once a year for everyone!  January 25 is THAT day for Laura.  We have a family tradition of serving breakfast in bed for your birthday.  Well, since Clay had to work early (like 4am early...and Laura didn't want breakfast served THAT early on her birthday) Laura figured that breakfast in bed just might have to be foregone this year, or served on another day at least.  OH NO...she couldn't have been more wrong.  Little did she know, Clay and the kids had everything under control!  The night before, Clay had taught them what to do, got everything ready for them, and the next morning the kids executed with amazement.  When Laura emerged from her room because Detric was fussy and wanted out, Laura was met by the breakfast in bed Nazi...aka..CJ and Preston. With a stern look and a pointing finger they asked, "What are you doing out of bed Mom?"  "Detric was needing to get out." She said.  "You need to go straight back to bed so we can give you breakfast in bed."  "How about I take care of Detric and when you are ready, I will go back into my bed."  Oh no..that was not going to do.  They told her "No Mom....you go now.  We will take care of Detric."  When asked why don't they start making breakfast now, they said, "Dad told us we couldn't start making breakfast until the alarm in our room went off and it hasn't gone off yet."  Laura chuckled...what obedience.  Love it.  Laura obediently went back to bed and several minutes later, was "awoken" by 4 cute kids singing happy birthday, carrying the breakfast tray, and videoing as they came in!  They have been taught well.  Laura was served blueberry pancakes, sausage, bananas with cool whip, a cheese stick and juice.  She felt like a queen.   These kids are amazing.  Later in the day, the kids surprised her with a treasure hunt complete with a map, clues, and hidden presents. It was the perfect day.  Laura requested that her "birthday cake" or aka cream cheese pie be delayed a few weeks (Clay and Laura are participating in a biggest loser contest...and Laura didn't think eating a whole cream cheese pie was very conducive to loosing weight... so she ate some marshmello popcorn to hold her over for a couple weeks until she can fully enjoy her pie!