Happy Holidays!

I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of 2010! It only seems fitting to send Warm Wishes and Happy Holiday Greetings from our traveling home to yours!With Love-

Daniel, Melissa, Chance, and Hershey

The post you have been waiting on....

Ok get ready...we have been keeping the roads warm!

In August, we made the drive over to Oklahoma, to jump Hershey in the Claremore 2010 Dog Expo. My parents came up to cheer on their grand-dog and watch her win! Hershey placed 1^st and 2^nd in the Dock Dogs Big Air Junior Division with an ultimate best jump of 14,5”. She moved up this competition from the Novice to the Junior Division based on her distance. We are proud parents! We also met Melisse and her dog Yaska (both are amazing) a Malamute, the breed that won overall at the CynoSport World Championship last year. Team Yaska went all the way to win 1st place at the Dock Dogs Nationals. I know we will be seeing more of them at dock diving events in the future. We had a great weekend, are so glad we were able to see my parents, and get another win!! A summer of dock practice at the lake paid off!

The next week we dropped off our babies with R and R and headed to the airport to begin our vacation in Cabo! Jill and Jason were there to greet us at the resort when we arrived. We had an amazing week with a lot of relaxing on the beach, by the pool, making new friends, and catching up . The guys went deep sea fishing and caught 2 huge Marlins. They had a great time and still talk about it.

The resort, friends, and the fishing trip

Jill and Jay

The resort had an amazing view however, up close the landscape was outstanding. We all rented jet skis and went over to Lovers Beach, the Arch to see the sea lions, Lands End, and to view the Pacific Ocean side.

Jet ski's, Sea Lion up close, Lands End

Daniel and I also went zip lining at Wild Canyon and had a blast! It was quite intense with a lot of hiking and was totally different than any other zip lining I had done. I would totally do it again, but this place was the real deal!
We had an amazing trip and already want to go back. Jill and Jason thank you so much for asking us to take a trip with you...we loved every second of it!!! We are so lucky to have friends like you!

After a relaxing week we headed back on Saturday to pick up our babies from R and R’s. We stayed the rest of the weekend to hang out because we had not seen them in a while.

The babies "look" so sweet...

Before we left we decided to make our vacation a combo Anniversary and Daniel's birthday trip..but I couldn't let his birthday go by without a little celebration. A few days after we got home it was time to celebrate. Dinner was low key with chicken and dumpling followed by a fabulous cheesecake. It was the perfect end to an amazing trip! Happy Birthday D I love you!

We made another trip out the lake for one last fun weekend however,it was so cold and rainy we didn't even get in the water! So, we enjoyed it by visiting with the neighbors, catching up on some reading, and watching movies.

The next weekend packed up for Dallas to dog sit for R and R. We were also able to see my parents, Ben, Ann, and Connor as well as my grandparents. It was a busy visit but we had a blast!

Daniel and I were finally able to make it to the Texas Sate Fair! We have been talking about going for 5 years and have been out of state the last few. I do have to say its much bigger than any other state fair I have attended. We had a great time, but were exhausted within a few short hours. We went on a Baylor game weekend and it was packed! I still don't know how all the parents with little kids do it and last all day. I think that might be too much for me! HA! I am so glad we went and we want to try and make it back next year..just not on a game weekend!

Big Tex, Ferris Wheel, and the strip

Early October we headed to Austin for Aaron and Gretchen’s baby shower. Both of us were excited to be close enough that we were able to drive down for the weekend. We were pleasantly surprised as we got to see many friends that went to school with Daniel and most we had not seen since we started traveling. We used to see them all time when we lived in Austin. We are so happy for Gretchen and Aaron. They had little Leo a few weeks ago and from what Aaron tells Daniel having a newborn in the house is easy! While in town, were also able to see Daniel's family as well as Ben, Ann, and Connor. Daniel's mom had everyone over for a barbecue and we got in some good family time. Michelle also had little Jacob a few weeks ago and from the pictures he is a cutie! We stopped by Ben and Ann's house to hug on Connor and make a video for my parents. We enjoyed our trip and are happy we decided to head to Austin for the weekend.

The next weekend we headed back to Dallas for a memorial service for my grandfather. He had been sick for a while and as sad as loosing a family member is, we all know he had a good full life. The memorial service was very nice, my mother did a great job giving the eulogy, as well as my brother saying words. The house was packed for a reception at my grandmothers and that is exactly what she needed. We all know she has a great group of friends to surround her with love and support.

My dad and KoKo got some fun play time outside with Connor. Daniel also has a new buddy, Connor was helping him write a paper for school.

November 3 was our 3rd Anniversary (you know when I was supposed to blog HA!) Well this year was leather and apparently..two great minds think alike! ;) I again ordered the cake topper and as every year something happens. This year they made our chocolate chocolate cake, vanilla. The lady came out and said "How does this look, dear?" My response laughing" Um..well I think its supposed to be chocolate." She nearly died and ran into the back and 15 minutes later came out with the perfect topper! I thought it was funny and came home to get ready for dinner. So long story short blah, blah, blah, we come home from dinner and the precious babies had eaten the entire thing!!!!!!!!!! They were so excited to see us! I bet all jacked up on sugar..silly dogs! We could not believe they did not make a mess and we almost did not notice the cake box on the floor. Needless to say we were not happy! We still love them but geesh! Happy Anniversary Daniel here is to 57 more.. we'll be a young 88 and 94 ;)Lets see what else...I flew to AR to visit with the family before Thanksgiving. While in town I was able to attend little Jaxton's first birthday party and visit with several dear friends. Andrea did amazing job on the decorations, food, everything! Thank you guys for inviting me! Jaxton and Ashlynn are so cute and enjoyed visiting with everyone at the party!

Trips to AR are always packed and there are so many people we want to see. I was able to get together with Andrea, Shannon, Jennifer as well as, many family friends. Love you ladies and hope we can make it back soon so we can do it again!

Ben and Ann came in early in the week while the rest of the family arrived on Wednesday. Poor Daniel worked, drove in, and then had school work to do that night. We had a great Thanksgiving with both my dad and mom's family. This was the first year to have both sides together and we enjoyed getting to see everyone at once.

While in town, we helped my parents put up a few Christmas decorations as ours are in storage.(Daniel was just certain we would be back to Austin before the holidays..silly D) My dad and Daniel also made a trip to the preserve to quail hunt. They had a great time and I am glad they were able to go before we left town. This year Christmas shopping has been a task as I started out on behind the 8 ball. I have been frantically trying to get all the shopping done and at this moment I am 99.9% finished. That makes me happy! The Christmas cards are coming as well...I am waiting for them to arrive so I can send them out. Wowza someone needs to get on the ball! HA!

We also recently nailed down our next rotation. We are traveling to Oregon! From what I can tell the town is in a valley so it doesn't get super cold or super hot! We shall see! One big plus..lots of snowboarding resorts within an hour drive! ;) Daniel starts his rotation on January 19 so we will be heading out early on the 15th. Its a 3 day drive and obviously we have no room for issues...Please keep your fingers crossed!

Finally I guess I need to add the reason I have been neglecting the blog, shopping, etc. I have been a little "under the weather." Right around Thanksgiving my migraines came back full force and have been present almost every other day. Guess what?!? We are having little nugget in July! Yesterday (12-21-10) we had our first doctors appointment, everything is going great, and baby is growing on track. I will say I was not prepared for the migraine increase nor the actual unknown by doctors as far as migraines go with expectant mothers. I am actually further along than we previously thought and currently almost 11 weeks! So as my mom said today "Wow you are almost a third of the way done!" I responded "Wow, um... well yea I guess I am!" I don't know what I expected yesterday, but I really wasn't expecting to see a little baby on the screen or hear a heartbeat. So yes we are adding a little nugget to our full-time lifestyle of traveling on the road craziness! I think we are going to have many many stories of raising a baby on the road but its an adventure we are ready to tackle. We could not be more excited to share this news! I also have to add, I was overwhelmed with joy by all the comments and nice words we have heard from everyone! Thank you so much!!
I hope this post finds all of our friends and family in good health, good spirits, and living life to the fullest. Please leave a comment to let us know how you are doing. We miss talking to everyone!!!

We hope each of you has a safe and Merry Christmas!
Many Many Hugs!!!

Daniel and Melissa

Happy Anniversary!!!

Wow!!! Time flies when you're having fun! I can't believe its been three years since that warm November day in the vineyard! (Specifically since it has been windy and cold here today!) I remember all the excitement I had about marrying the man of my dreams! I will never forget the love, laughter, and great memories made with our family and friends over that weekend.

Daniel, I love you more today than the day I married you! You are such a great loving person. I can't believe how much our lives have changed in three years. We had only talked about traveling and I would have never dreamed some of the things we have experienced. I love that you wanted to travel full time, the fact that you convinced me we needed a truck and a 5th wheel to live in with 2 labs. Neither one of us would have thought we would spend a winter in Iowa, a summer in El Paso, live in towns so small we thought we might not make it out, mountain bike all over the country, camp in the heat of the summer and the dead of winter, live on the lake and the slopes all in one year!!! Its the little things in life! HA! I love you Daniel!

AND.......I feel like I should be in a group. ”Hello My name is Melissa and I have been having so much fun I have let the blog slack.” I know, I know...it's been forever since I have written to my infamous fans and updated you on our musings. We have been busy! I am working this rotation teaching Gyrotonics and Medical Pilates, Daniel is nonstop with work and school, we have taken a fabulous vacation, and of course non-stop weekend traveling.

I feel pressure (of course not from the "fans" :) to write about things we have done, places we have visited, and the funny events in our life to keep a record of our crazy newlywed traveling years! This past month and a half really didn’t seem that interesting...until I made the list and defiantly realized I should get back to my weekly goal of updating the blog. I will try and do a better job of this....my fans are waiting. Oh, YOU know you are a fan!!!! My goal is to have to post up this weekend!

Many Many Hugs!!!

Melissa and Daniel

Texas Ranch Round Up..Yee Haw!

No your eyes aren't a foolin' you its two posts in one day!!
Picture the typical Texas stereotype and we dove full force into the Texas Ranch Roundup!We made a day of it and had so much fun! We started out at the cutting horse auction, made our way through the vendors, and ended with a night of rodeo! Its some serious business and we enjoyed it! All I can say is Yee-Haw! Enjoy!

A little history - The Original Texas Ranch Roundup began in 1981 and is held annually every August. To be eligible, a ranch must be selected by the Roundup Committee with consideration given to working ranch status, length of ownership or management and historical significance. What makes the Texas Ranch Roundup unique is that it incorporates the entire ranch family with a cookin' contest as well as a festival including photography, painting & drawing, furniture, crafts and western handiwork. Winners of these events earn points that, combined with their points in the rodeo, make up the Ranch Roundup winner.

The 2010 Contestants: R.A. Brown Ranch, Circle Bar Ranch, JA Ranch, Johnson Ranches, Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co., Rocker b Ranch, Spade Ranches, Swenson Land & Cattle Co., Tongue River Ranches & W.T. Waggoner Estate

The Events: Wild Cow Milking, Calf Doctoring, Ranch Bronc Riding, Team Branding, Team Penning & Top Hand-Top Horse

Little kids goat doctoring

Team Penning

Ranch Bronc Riding


And Finally...Wild Cow Milking

Little C turns 1, Family Time, and a Wedding!

Half of this post has been ready since mid July..oops! I know, I know but our electrical issues - read below!! The extreme makeover is almost finished. Furniture has been removed and cabinets installed. It makes me so happy! New Cabinets! Chairs moved. Now to find new pillows, throws, and roll out the new rug! I need better pictures to give you a real understanding of the 264 ft space.

Mid July we headed to Austin for Connor's first birthday party. I can't believe he is a year old! We stayed at Daniel's parents house and (as always) they spoiled us! I enjoyed Mary showing me all of her flower and vegetable gardens. She stuffed us full of fresh fruit, vegetables, and yummy cooking! We spent Saturday morning visiting and rearranging our storage unit. It was hot that day so I made the decision to just sell the removed furniture. Both pieces were in perfect condition and within 10 min on Craigslist they sold! Yippie! A friend of Daniel's family (of over 30 years) responded to the add, so we know it has another good RV residence! Small world!

On Saturday Ben and Ann had a birthday party for Connor. Several of their friends and neighbors helped celebrate!It was a lot of fun and the kids were so playing the Wii! They smoked the adults! My parents surprised Connor with a rocking horse and he loved it! After visiting, lunch, games, and presents it was time for cake madness. The cake mess was tame! Silly boy! He will learn! ;) Who doesn't like cake??

Saturday we had a barbecue at Daniel's parents before packing up and stopping off at Ben and Ann's before we hit the road. Connor was so funny playing with all his new toys! We had a great time everyone and can't wait to come back! The next weekend we headed to Fayetteville for Shannon and Jason's wedding. We had not been to NWA since November! Wowza! We packed so much into this trip. Saturday morning we were able to have breakfast with Kerryanne and Aaron at Mimi's. It was so much fun to catch up with you both. We love you guys and are so happy life works in its little ways!! After breakfast we headed over visit with Andrea, Marshall, A, and J. Oh my goodness did we have fun! I can't believe how much the kiddos have changed. I mean isn't he cute! I can't believe big sister is going to be in school this year!!!! I know, I know Andrea we need to come into town more than once a year! HA! We enjoyed so much visiting with your family(as we always do)! I wish it could have been longer and definitely more often! We love you and hope to see you again soon!

The wedding was perfect and always great to see a friend so in love. We enjoyed a fun evening catching up with everyone. It had been way too long!

The Happy Couple -Mr. and Mrs. CarrollLP, Shani, Cass, and Me

KD LadiesThese boys....The WengersThe Bashams and The Smiths

Future Mr. and Mrs. Hallmark! We are so happy for you guys!The Chagnons and newlywed Grunewalds

We closed down the reception and headed to Dickson to meet up with the bride and groom. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of them!! What was I thinking? Anyway, we had a blast and really hope to make it back again soon. Congrats Shannon and Jason we are so happy for you!

The next morning we headed up to Bella Vista to have breakfast with Cassie and Adam. I was excited to see their adorable house as well as catch up some more. It is so cute! Cassie and Adam we are so happy for you guys, thank you for the yummy brunch, and our babies enjoyed your backyard while we visited! After we headed over to Aaron and Kerryanne's place to say our final goodbyes. It was adorable as well and we loved getting to see your place! Thank you guys again!!!! Overall we had an amazing weekend seeing all our NWA friends. It is always a fast and furious trip when we come to town..so many people to see...so little time! NWA we will be back to visit again soon!

The last few weekends have been spent on the lake we are so close. Its so nice to have room to spread out, practice with Hershey, and enjoy the AC! Ha!
She is gearing up for competition!
This one is for Jill..a sunset picture at the lake!

Last week we moved parks as we were completely over the electrical issues at the old place. We dealt with the parks issues for a month and had enough. Long story we finally found a place about 20 miles outside of Wichita Falls. It is a further drive but in this case electricity is essential with the current 106 plus temperatures. I wish I could say the electrical issues were over..but they aren't. We have replaced the outside plug and now entire power cord- hey thanks old park we appreciate it! So we are still sweating but hey..ok no..no positive here! HA!

And finally Happy Anniversary to my parents! Recently they celebrated 37 years of wedded bliss!

I could not have asked for better parents! You are great teachers in the art of marriage! We love you!!!

Until next time!
loves!
M and D