The not so good and the good

I realize now a lot has happened in since my last post. Here goes and I will try my hardest to make this flow....

Not So Good:
Since arriving in El Paso we have had some amazing Mexican food...as to be expected. For the past 2 years I had been hearing about Chicos Tacos from a client. She told me to order the tacos and that they would not disappoint. The restaurant was packed as we stood in line. After much confusion in our translation from English to Spanish we orderd "a single" and to my surprise it is recommended with french fries (yea I know). This is what arrived


Yep it was just as nasty as it looks!! The tacos were more like small fried meat substance filled chimi changas in a watered down tomato soup with a handful of a shredded cheese like product. We tasted it and waited for the other to comment. It was not comparable to anything I have ever eaten except for salt! Notice the school lunchroom style french fries..yes they were as tasty as the "tacos." We both left nauseous and disgusted from all the people enjoying their lunch and vowed never to return. When I questioned my client and Daniel questioned his work they said "oh its an acquired taste." I can't get over the fact that they are always packed!! I think acquired taste just like Casa Taco in Fayetteville! haha

The Good:
On a completely different note if ever in El Paso in the summer a must see/do is Viva El Paso! The outdoor amphitheater is nestled in the Franklin Mountains, providing a dramatic backdrop for the depiction of the unique history of this Southwestern region. Its an amazing musical show that has been around for 32 years!

I had no idea what to expect but it did not disappoint! The performance details 400 years through Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Western American people (by story of a family and their ancestry) through traditional dance, original song, brilliant costumes, and special effects.




Another good:
My parents celebrated 36 years (WOW) of marital bliss in August! I have learned so much from them and could never begin to tell them how much they mean to me! Happy Anniversary Mama and Daddy! Daniel - Isn't this a great picture!

A Great!
Baby Connor came home from the NICU after a 2 week stay. He was having some trouble with his oxygen levels as well as regulating his body temperature but is now doing great and growing like crazy at home! My parents have both been in Austin to help Ben and Ann with the new arrival. My mom was able with them while Connor was in the hospital before school started and my dad when he came home. Mama and daddy have both told me he is the cutest thing ever and by the tone in their voices and pictures its obvious they think the first McKenzie grandchild is perfect! I know they are ready visit together so they can start spoiling him!! Connor we are so happy you are home!




A Wonderful
Our amazing friends Jason and Jill got engaged! We can't wait for your wedding! We are so happy for you both and do not think you could complete each other better!

The Fab...
Daniel and I have continued to say busy on the weekends. A few of the guys from Daniel's work have a band so we been listening to some local music. We took a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and spent the entire day in the cool cave and learning about the area. We hiked down from the natural entrance and it was amazing! The Big Room at the bottom of the cave was a 8.2 acre of excitement! At dusk we saw the flight of Mexican bats out of the cave. We both highly recommend this trip to anyone!
Carlsbad Caverns













Mexican Bat Flight



This past weekend we set out to go mountain biking and accomplished it as well as rock climbing, hiking, and caving. Finished the day a little sunburned having dinner at the World Renown Cattleman's Steakhouse with some new friends!















We didn't get to Cattleman's Steak House in Faben's TX, until later in the evening and are definitely going to make a trip back. We had no idea what the ranch entailed besides a few movie sets. It includes a lake, a zoo, exotic animals, a maze, along with Old West memorabilia including an antique wagon collection, a western town, and an old working stable. The food was outstanding and we can't wait to go again!

And More Good!
I am deep into training and fund raising for the Breast Cancer 3-Day in November. So far I have logged 315 training miles with many more to go!! I am really excited to continue this journey and anxious to walk 60 miles over the course of three days with thousands of other women and men in the Dallas –Fort Worth area. My hope is that one day there will be a cure and all the ones I love will be safe from this disease. To learn more please visit my personal page.

Well I guess that is about it. I am packing for the weekend and am ready for some fun on the lake! Daniel is excited to have Monday off and relax for a few days! We are still enjoying El Paso and you are all welcome anytime! Have a safe and great weekend!
Love
Daniel and Melissa

Umm...Well at least its an update!

Alright everyone..we are here! Get ready for picture overload!! We had an amazing fun and relaxing week at the lake house and as always it was so hard to leave!
Enjoying the Lake
**Click on any picture to make it bigger







We left the lake on Thursday and headed West and stopped along the way and visited with Daniel's Aunt Martha and cousin Glen. We spent night in Midland/Odessa and then got back on the road for a day that seemed to never end. I had been warned about the "nothingness" between Fort Stockton and El Paso but when I say nothing I literally mean nothing! Daniel and I are always in different cars so the entire trip we call each other ponder things like what people did on wagons traveling that terrain.

The Lake and Trip Out to El Paso...

We have been pretty busy since arriving: almost crossing the boarder twice; driving the Southern Rim Road and shopping in downtown El Paso; mountain biking in the Franklin Mountains - the southern most part of the Rockies in the US; going to an El Paso Diablos baseball game with Daniel's work; figuring out the area and finding a safe place to stay; making a trip to Dallas to see a few special peeps some of those are 4 legged and check on my grandmother after her knee replacement and see my mama; seeing and catching up with my lil sis (sorority) Jennifer during dinner while she was in town (I forgot my camera), and taking a trip to Alamaogordo, NM to the White Sands National Monument as well as a weekend camping mountain adventure in Ruidoso, NM. We have had an encounter with wild horses, a mule deer, and what my dad says were probably wild hogs. Being a Razorback fan..still not a fan of wild hogs especially with the heinea like noise! ;)

Our New Home Site!



Downtown El Paso and Driving the Southern Rim

Ciudad Juárez

Mtn biking in El Paso at the Franklin Mountains - The Southern tip of the Rocky Mountains in the US



El Paso Diablos game.. They lost horribly but we had fun with new friends!




Camping in Ruidoso, NM



White Sands National Monument


In other exciting news guess who made an appearance a little early... Little Connor Pascal Chen McKenzie was born 7/27/2009. Ann and Ben are doing good and Connor is growing a little more everyday! We all think he is pretty cute!


Daniel's job is going great and so far so good. We really like this area and all the outdoor activities available. Remember their is an open invitation to everyone anytime. We love visitors and comments! ;)
Love Daniel and Melissa

Up Next...

Hint: "Out in the west Texas town of El Paso..."


We are excited!Get ready to read about new fun things!
Love,
Daniel and Melissa

Big 30, Austin, and the 4th of July!

Yep I am officially 30 and all I can say is that I had no idea what was in the works for me. Daniel threw me a surprise party! WHAT?!?! I know!!!! SURPRISED!! I guess I am loved more than I even thought possible. So many of my friends and family had gathered to surprise me, even from out of state. I mean what more could a girl ask for...An amazing dinner with friends on Friday night as well as a surprise!!
Saturday I had birthday chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and then spent the day shopping, getting a pedi, grabbing a fruity drink, and having girl time. I was told we were going to a show that evening however, when I walked in I realized I was the show! I had an amazing 30th birthday and have to say a thank you to so many of my friends who helped Daniel make this possible. I received some amazing gifts and can't thank everyone enough for all the trouble they went through! I love you all so much! I have been told I am not easy to surprise..a girls gotta know what she needs to wear and pack when she is packing for 3 weeks away from her home including her birthday and trips to the lake..right?!? ;) Daniel I loved every bit of it; the pool party, decorations, great food, fun times, and many memories! I love you from the bottom of my heart and will never forget my 30th birthday!
My parents came in for the party and my mom and I headed north to spend a few days at my grandparents house. We were able to also celebrate father's day with my daddy on Sunday (at where else but KFC) and gave him his very own hand painted ice cream bowl! He loved it and we love you daddy!
During our quick visit it was determined my grandmother is having knee replacement surgery later this month. Mama came back to Longview with me for the rest of the week. We had so much shopping for Ben and Ann's baby, in general, and spending time together. Mama you were a blast and I am glad we were able to spend the week hanging out!! Daniel, mama, and I headed to Austin for the weekend to see family and friends. Daniel and I spent Friday night with his parents and were able to see his sister Michelle and family as well as some of his parents life long friends. As you can see from this picture Daniel got in some good quality time with Tory! It was so nice to see everyone. Unfortunately I had not been feeling well most of the week(and actually the week before) and ended up at the doctor on Sat morning with an abnormal sinus infection. I received a message right before my birthday from Phaedra who is like a sister to me "You'll be 30???? At the stroke of midnight you'll start getting aches and pains doing simple things like bending down to tie a shoe. But trust me, you'll enjoy the 30s better than the 20s." I love it and couldn't agree more! I am feeling so much better and really appreciate Daniel, Mary and my mama taking care of me!

Mama, Daniel, and I spent Saturday night putting the baby's room together at Ben and Ann's new house and were able to surprise them big time on Sunday morning. They could not have been more excited to see everything. We are so glad you guys liked everything and we can't wait to meet the little guy!
We finally got the 5th wheel back after almost 3 weeks and of course something had to go wrong. The AC would not stop blowing the breaker and it was only a mild 100 degrees. Who needs AC? Luckily it was an easy fix! Everything seems to great with the repairs, new roof and awning. Yippie! We are staying a new park and so far love it! We won't be here for long as Daniel's last day is on Friday. We are still up in the air on our next location but hopefully will sign something soon!
We headed to the lake house for the 4th with Jill, Jill's cousin Erin, and Jason. We had a blast and of course got some major sun time as well as relaxing in! I am sad Jill, Erin, and I were having so much fun we didn't even get a picture together. Why does that always happen? We had an amazing time at the lake and can't wait to go back!! Poor Chance hurt his knee early Saturday morning and spent the weekend curled up in a corner. I am happy to report after a visit to the vet and x-rays..no broken bones! He twisted his knee and we should know by the beginning of next week if its an ACL injury. He is starting to use his leg again and the swelling has significant decreased. I was so sad for Daniel as he was feeling Chance's pain.
I also have to mention that the 4th was Kylie's birthday! Welcome to the 30 club! We miss you!
Well again like I always say this rotation has flown by! We can't believe we only have a few short days left here. I promise to post when I know of our next location. We have such better reception here! ;) We miss you all and can't wait to hear from all of you! Sending much love from East TX!
Daniel and Melissa

A Wedding, The Lake, And In Limbo!

Seriously right!! I know another month..its the Internets fault!haha
Just a warning..this post is spastic!

On my last blog entry we were in AR and going to Cassie (my college roommate) and Adam's wedding. Cassie looked amazing, so in love, and had a lovely wedding. We had a good time catching up with Shannon and Jason, Christie and Bryan, and Cassie's family as well. We couldn't believe how long it had been since we were all able to catch up! They are the kind of frineds that you just pick up where you left of..Love it! Congrats Cassie and Adam! We are so happy for you both! We hope we can see everyone again soon!
Thank you mama and daddy for another relaxing trip to AR! We headed to our TX "home" on Monday only to have Tuesday bring mother nature a chance to have some fun with us. A gust of wind ripped the awing off our 5th wheel. We of course incurred major damage as it literally ripped and broke the fiber glass siding and roof. Yes we were please as you can imagine.
That weekend we hit up the Mountain biking trails for a long ride. We had a great time and were successful in getting very lost. We have been back to the beautiful trails around Martin Creek Lake and enjoy every minute of it.
We have also been to the lake house three times. We absolutely love being able to make weekend trips! Its always so hard to leave on Sunday. We enjoy all the room, the lake, and the land to roam on. I love being able to let the dogs run as they please and wear them out playing fetch in the water. I can't wait to go back and spend some more time in the sun. How we love thee Possum Kingdom!
Last week we found out Daniel's current rotation will be over in 4 weeks. We are in the process of looking for another assignment! We have no idea where we will go but his recruiter is working on locations for us. We also took the 5th wheel into the dealership for awning repairs. We were shocked to hear it would take 3 weeks (big smiles)..so yes we are homeless again!

On a total side note...I will be turning the big 3-0 on Saturday. I am not quite sure how I feel about it but am excited about the future! ;) So the motto this week: Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda had it right all along - 30 really is the new 20!! Happy Birthday to me and here is to looking forward to great thirties! Kampai!!! (Cheers in Japanese) XOXOXOXO

Well I warned ya..it was all over the place...right?
XOXOXO

A month of catching up!

Wow! Ok so I didn't get to do the update like I promised because of the weather and our Internet connection. We drove to Longview in downpours with tornados looming all around. The easiest part of packing and loading up the 5th wheel becomes a huge chore. The park pickings were slim but we decided on a place that is minimal but works for us and appears to be safe! We decided on a spot, set up home, and then headed to AR for a week of fun and R and R.
Mama and daddy met us in Clarksville for dinner and it was yummy! Monday was a day of touring. We hit up Paris, viewed historic homes and buildings, went to Subiaco, and ended up again Clarskville. Tuesday Daniel and I were appointment happy. We had dr, hair, vet, etc! Wednesday I meet up with my childhood friend Jennifer in Clarskville to see her new baby girl. MacKenzie was born on St Patricks day and is adorable. She also showed me her new home and we spent several hours just catching up! Jennifer I can't wait to watch MacKenzie grow up and someday play with our kiddos. I hope they have a friendship that lasts as long as ours has! We also attended Taste of the Ozarks and enjoyed seeing several people from high school. Thursday we had lunch in Ozark at my cousins restaurant and got to visit with some family. That night we meet up with a high school friend Patrick and his wife Kacie. We had dinner at Keltz (yummy) and got to visit with the Lindley's as well. Patrick and Kacie we had a great time seeing you guys! Friday we did a little work around my parents land and then and headed to NWA for dinner at Crabby's with Shannon and Jason, Kerryanne, Andrea and Marshall, and Kylie and Brett. It was great! I love all of these ladies and we always have such a great time catching up!

Saturday before leaving town we had brunch at Ricks (YUM) where I got mama the cutest birthday cake. I now think we will make Rick's a must when we are in town! We headed to Fort Smith to meet mama and daddy for shopping and a birthday surprise dinner! I am so glad we were able to be their for her birthday! I know she got some really pretty flowers from daddy! Lucky lady!
Sunday we loaded up our family and drove back to Longview early in the day. Apparently their was a lack in communication at the park as we had to move our 5th wheel! We of course had complications getting our new location set up but are now at home literally across the driveway! So much work for so little of a move ;) I left early on Monday morning to head to Austin for another dentist appointment and spent the week with these 2 little darlings ;)

Sunday I woke up with a horrible migraine and was not able to run the half marathon I had been training for. I spent the rest of the week in bed and finally felt better on Wed just in time to pack for my trip to FL. I left on Thursday night after Hershey and Chance surprised me with a mother's day gift! They bought Marley and Me the book and movie! ;) Yes I cried like a baby at the end of the book and can't wait to have time to watch the movie.
I spent Thursday night with my favorite double J's. They dropped me off at the airport on their way to work on Friday morning and my trip began! Thank you so much guys!!!! I arrived in Tallahassee on Friday evening and met up with Sue and her fiance Tarick. We waited on Kerryanne to arrive and headed out for sushi! It was so good!!! Saturday morning was Sue's graduation from Law School so we met up with her mom, fiance, aunt, and cousins for the ceremony. KA and I were like proud parents!
That afternoon we went to lunch at a great Mexican restaurant with an amazing hot sauce bar, shopping and just hung out in our hotel until we headed to the movies. Sunday Kerryanne and I took a side trip to Bald Point Beach ...such a blast! White beaches near Tallahassee? So very pretty! That night we kept low key with pizza at Sue's. The trip could not have been more fun and on Monday evening I wanted a few more days of fun! ! I had a great time catching up with Kerryanne and Sue. We laugh, reminisced, and planned for the future! Sue I am so proud of you and all that you have done. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you. I am honored to have met your fiance and to have been able to spend time with you! Can't wait for a girls trip!!!

We decided on Thursday to head to the lake house for the weekend which marked 3 yrs since he proposed on the dock! We had a great time, relaxed, and spent time together. We did have a few technical issues to take care of when we arrived but all in all a great trip! Daniel played fetch with the dogs all weekend and can't wait to go back...me either!
This weekend we are in AR for my college roommate Cassie's wedding. I dropped our babies off yesterday at the kennels and we arrived in AR last night! Its tonight and I am pretty pumped to see some old friends. Shannon I can't wait to see you!! Daniel's job is going great and he likes this rotation a lot. He has said more than once how much he really likes the current hospital! Daniel I am so happy you are enjoying Select! I love you!!
My dad's tonsil surgery on Thursday went great! Thank you everyone for your thoughts and well wishes. He really appreciated them. The doctor said no cancer and we could not be more thankful! He looks great and is feeling much better than expected! ;)
Well off to visit with the family and play outside! We hope everyone has a great Memorial Weekend and yes I am going to try and update more often!!!
Love, Daniel and Melissa

Crazy 8s

Leslie tagged me. She is waiting on 2 little girls to arrive and needs some entertainment! ;)

8 things I'm looking forward to:
1. Going to the lake house this weekend
2. Meeting all the babies that are going to be born this year!!
3. Doing another triathlon this summer
4. Seeing my family in a few weeks
5. Spending a lot of time on the lake..we are so close!
6. Someday having a family
7. Finding out our next location of travel
8. Going on a run this evening

8 things I did yesterday:
1. Went on a run after work with Daniel
2. Payed all the bills and balanced the checkbook
3. Decided to go to the lake house for the weekend
4. Unpacked from FL and cleaned the house
5. Made list of those important things to do short and long term that I always forget like registration and actually getting the current car insurance in the car ;)
6. Talked to the PhD program yet again
7. Started thinking about summer plans
8. Played fetch with Hershey

8 things I wish I could or want to do:
1. Take my entire family on a long vacation to Scotland
2. Go on a spur of the moment trip with Daniel
3. See my friends from Japan more often
4. Let friends and family know that I think about them often and care more than they know even if we don't talk everyday
5. Decided firmly on getting a PhD or not...hmmm
6. Decide where we will live when we stop traveling
7. Go canoeing on the Mulberry
8. Do larger scale positive actions for the environment

8 shows I watch:
1. The Office
2. Thirty Rock
3. The New Adventures of Old Christine
4. 2 and A Half Men
5. Big Bang Theory
6. How I Met Your Mother
7. Biggest Loser
8. Little People Big World

8 People to Tag:
Anyone who wants to participate!

Oh and I will be updating soon of our last month. We have been so busy and the internet connection is very slow! I promise..lots to catch up on coming soon!