Wah-shun-gah Days

Every year the three of us make a trip back to Council Grove for their annual festival, Wah-shun-gah Days. For many years I boycotted the festitivite because I wanted no part of it. Well, since getting married and having a child I look forward to going back each year. The main reason we go back is to see our family and hang out with friends we grew up with. Usually we go back on Friday so Madelyn can spend several hours at the carnival that evening. However, this year Madelyn was content riding her scooter at Grandma and Papa Muhlig's house. Then on Saturday morning Madelyn and I go to the parade while Ryan finds something to work on at the rental house. After the parade we meet up with a few of my best girlfriends for burgers and fries at Tom's and then head over to the park to let the kids play. While Ryan waits at the Muhligs' or Sills' house for his buddy Willie Crabtree to make his annual visit. The grandparents take turns watching Madelyn on Friday and Saturday nights while Ryan and I go out to the local bars to reminisce with friends. Friday night was pretty lame at the local bars and we were back at my parents' house by midnight. However, we made up for it on Saturday night/Sunday morning when we came rolling in at 3:00am. We had a great time but it took a few days to recover.
Garrett and Madelyn enjoying the parade.

Matt (with chiclet teeth) and Madelyn at the Parade.


Kris, Me, Robin, Jini and the kids.

One Fish, Two Fish, Three Fish, More Fish

As mentioned in the previous blog Ryan and Madelyn went fishing at Butler County Lake yesterday evening. Soon after they got in the boat Madelyn told Ryan that they probably weren't going to catch much because it was too windy. Well, Ryan found a place with less wind and proved her wrong. They caught about 50 perch in thirty minutes. Madelyn was actually to the point of boredom with all the fish catching that she stopped to watch her movie on the DVD player for awhile. Then Ryan started catching some Bass and Catfish and Madelyn was much more interested in helping reel in the Big fish.
Around 11:00pm I suddenly woke from my slumber and was worried about why Madelyn and Ryan had not made it home. I quickly called to discover that they were only a few miles from our house. Ryan said they had a great time but Madelyn was so tired that she asked if she could be carried to bed and skip the bath that night. Of course Ryan couldn't aruge with that.

Lonely, Boring life

Ryan and Madelyn left around 6:00pm this evening to go fishing at Butler County Lake. I was actually looking forward to some time to myself with the opportunity to do whatever I chose. I worked out, I watched some TV while enjoying some chocolate milk and oreo cookies and I've surfed all my favorite websites a dozen times. Now I sit here wondering what I'm going to do with myself for the next hour before I head off to dream land. I guess I could do some cleaning or laundry but Ryan pretty much has that caught up and I would hate to over do it. With the extra time to ponder I realize how grateful I am to have a wonderful husband and daughter. Although it may be a small family for some it is absolutely fitting and perfect for me. I adore my small family and I'm so blessed to have the two of them in my life. My life would be very boring and lonely without them.

T-Ball Time

Madelyn started her 2nd Season of t-ball at the end of May. She made it to one practice and then missed a couple of practices and games while we were on vacation. Last week was her first game. She played 3rd base and short stop when she was in the field and made some good hits when she was up to bat. She actually caught the ball when she was playing short stop and tagged the runner out at 3rd base. She did, however, forget the order to run bases after a hit and instead of running from 2nd to 3rd base she ran to the pitcher's mound. She made it to 3rd after some kind words from her coach and yelling from her parents. Silly girl. I must say though she has definitely improved and actually seems to enjoy it more than last year.

To the Dads in my life

My husband - Ryan is an amazing dad to Madelyn. He has always been a hands on dad. Whether it be getting up at 2:00am to change a dirty diaper when she was an infant or taking her to doctor's appointment and t-ball practices. He stays home with Madelyn whenever school is out and the two of them are inseparable. Madelyn and her daddy have a very close bond and I know that when it comes time for her to find her life partner she will have a hard time finding a fellow that fills those shoes.


My Dad - He is an amazing dad who always showed unconditional love. He left huge shoes to fill, but he is the reason I picked such a great husband. He was an awesome example to follow. My dad is also a wonderful Paw Paw to my daughter. Madelyn adores him as much as I do.


My Father-in-Law - Bob is a fun loving, silly and humorous man. Ryan often says that he and I are a lot a like, probably because we both enjoy being the center of attention. Bob always makes me laugh! I'm thankful that he raised an amazing son. Madelyn thinks the world of her Papa Muhlig.

Random Stuff

5 Year Well Child (or what I call physical)
Madelyn had her 5 year check up this week. She actually went in because we thought she may have an ear infection from all the swimming over vacation, so while she was there we had her physical completed. Madelyn has a tendency to get swimmer's ear during the summer months. She did indeed have a slight ear infection so was put on antibiotic drops. Besides the ear infection Madelyn's check up went well. She is 46 inches tall, which is in the 96 percentile, and weighed in at 49 1/2lbs, which is in the 91 percentile for her age. She is a big girl. The doctor made sure to explain to Madelyn that she may be taller than most of the kids in her kindergarten class. I'm not sure that was necessary.
Madelyn was very pleased that she didn't have to have any shots this year. All the shots she needed to get for kindergarten she received at her 4 year check up last year.

Pumpkin Farmers and Turtle Ranchers
Since Ryan and Madelyn have a little extra time on their hands during the summer they have decided to try some new things. One thing they accomplished was planting a pumpkin patch at the pasture. They actually had a patch last year too but this year they planted the jumbo pumpkins. We may just have a record pumpkin come October.
They also decided to become turtle ranchers. However, that has proven to be unsuccessful thus far. We stopped along the highway the other night and picked up the very first turtle for the ranch. It then went in Madelyn's sand box, which is to be converted into "The Ranch." The turtle earned the name "Flipper" after Madelyn watched him try to crawl out in which he quickly flipped over onto his back. Flipper made it two days at the ranch before he plotted his escape and was gone. However, I'm sure there will be many other turtles that will come and go at the ranch in the future.

Summer Vacation 2008

This year we decided to take a vacation with my family. It had been six years since the last Sill Family trip. Our destination was Table Rock lake. My mom and dad, sister, brother-in-law, two nieces and the three of us stayed in a 3 bedroom 2 bath cottage for 6 days.

This was the view from our cabin.


The Happy Campers


I probably gained at least 5lbs this week because of all the fantastic food we ate. My favorite would be Lambert's which is known for throwing homemade rolls. Not only is it a fun atmosphere but the food is fantastic! We also continued the tradition and ate at the Bearded Clam one evening. Ryan and Terry enjoyed the beer!

Kaitlyn trying out one of the rolls.

Of course we couldn't go to Missouri without going to the Bass Pro Shop. This was actually Madelyn's second visit, the first time she was only 5 weeks old.


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We went to Branson almost every day. Madelyn loved the boat rides and go carts. I, of course, loved the outlet malls. We also went to a show, The Baldnobbers, it was a new and interesting experience for us.



We rented a pontoon boat for 1/2 a day and the girls enjoyed tubing. I enjoyed drinking a few beers and chowing on junk food. The resort also had a pool and hot tub that Madelyn was in at least once a day.


Madelyn showing off


We went to Silver Dollar City for a few hours on two different days. Madelyn loved the rides, especially the water rides. She rode every ride she was tall enough to ride. However, she wasn't real fond of the rides that went in dark caves.









The last day we went to the Hatchery where Madelyn fed the trout. That evening we took mom and dad to eat at Joe's Crab Shack at the Branson Landing. We all enjoyed the tons of seafood. I'm glad mom and dad put on their bibs.








We headed for home on Friday so I could have two days at home before I head back to work. We stopped at the Discovery Center in Springfield, Mo on our way home.

It was a really fun trip and we all are still on speaking terms so I would say that it was a success! However, I did manage to drink 2 bottles of wine and a few beers which did assist with my coping skills.