Here is the second set of pics I promised to post

I decided to post the pics separately so I can make them bigger

I'll post more later

Amish at last!

Well after a slow start this morning (more organizing and showers :)  we left the campground and drove the back roads through Amish neighborhoods to an Amish market called Rentown.  What a beautiful drive.  The farms we passed looked so peaceful and incredibly well maintained.  I seriously felt like I was driving through a book of fairy tales.  The farms were so colorful with their vibrant green grass and trees, bright red barns, laundry lines with solid print dresses and bonnets, multicolored houses and a mixture of colored flowers.  Each farm seemed to be at least an acre and usually was home to a horse if not many horses and cows.  Almost all the houses we passed had one if not multiple Amish family members outside mowing the lawn (apparently their Saturday activity), working with the horses, hanging laundry or just playing in the yard.  The most interesting and heartwarming thing we noticed is that EVERY Amish person we passed waved at us.  I honestly felt as if we were the Grand Marshal in a parade.  It didn't matter what they were doing, how old they were, if they were driving a buggy or riding a bike, they would stop and wave.  We probably saw over a hundred Amish on our drive and I am not kidding.... every one of them waved.  We loved that!  The Amish do not like to have their pictures taken because they believe they are not being modest if they are in a picture.  So we tried to respect them by not snapping pictures of them if they were looking at us.  Well the only problem with them stopping to wave was that they were always looking at us!  Good thing I have a telephoto lens!  I managed to get a few good pictures.  I would have loved to photograph everything I saw,  The Amish kids were soooo cute!  They were driving buggies, riding horses and this one baby was sitting in an outdoor wooden sandbox.  It was seriously adorable.  

The Amish market was so cool.  We bought home made bread, cookies, cinnamon rolls, jams, candy,  apple butter, cheese, beef jerky, canned peaches, apricots and home made salsa. YUMMY!  It is so funny parking your motor home next to all the buggies.  Next we visited a more tourist place called Amish Acres.  We walked around awhile and then bought some home made fudge (I'm going to have to keep up with my jogging).   

We decided to drive to Shipshewana for the night but first stopped in Middlebury at another touristy place called Das Dutchman Essenhaus for a traditional Amish family style dinner.  Tip of the day: If you ever go to eat at an Amish restaurant, GO HUNGRY!  First course, 2 loaves of home made bread served with home made apple butter and home made peanut butter, drinks (we chose chocolate milk) and salad with a selection of home made dressings.  Second course, fried chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, noodles, and stuffing (you could add roast beef, steak and corn too if you wanted to weigh 500 pounds)  Final course, dessert choice of over 29 pies including shoefly pie or about 20 other non-pie dessert choices!  Talk about stuffed!  

After dinner we decided to take a well needed walk.  Sterling bought a Notre Dame football at the gift shop (he is collecting footballs) so during the walk the boys ran for passes.  It was a gorgeous walk.  We came across a covered bridge with a family of ducks swimming in front of it (I took about 50 pics).  When we got back to the RV we were entertained by a few Amish buggies parked right next to us.  

We then drove to Shipshewana and took a drive around the town.  We stopped on the side of the road to figure out where we should stay the night and a cop decided to join us (he was just making sure we were ok).  We got to talking to him and learned a lot more about the Amish.  Amish teens from the ages of 16-21 take a hiatus from being Amish so that they can sow their wild oats and decide whether or not they wish to remain Amish.  It's called rumspringa and I guess the kids really get out of control.  The officer said that they never have problems with the Amish except for the teens during that time.  Kinda weird that they would be given that much freedom after all the structure they have always had.  It is also interesting that 90 percent of the teens decide to remain Amish and then have to sell their car and get rid of their electronics.  They do a 180 and seem to handle it well.  

Anyway, we decided to drive 12 miles and stay in Michigan at a WalMart!  

If you didn't noticed I posted a link to our pictures.  I haven't had a chance to download all of them yet, but keep checking back.  I'm trying to download a few a day (they take a long time to download).  I also posted a weekly survey just for fun.  In addition, if you go in profile you can get our emails if you want to send us an email...Brittney, I'm working on setting up an email account for the boys per your suggestion.  Thanks again for everyone's comments!  We really love to read them!

Bremen, Indiana

Today is a very easy post.  We didn't go anywhere!  We needed to get some laundry done and some organizing so we just hung out at the campground.  I actually was feeling pretty yucky today so I took a long nap.  Dave worked around the RV and the boys home schooled and then played Frisbee, mini golf and pool.  They also pulled out their golf clubs and practiced their drives.  Tonight we enjoyed a few movies and God entertained us with a huge thunder and lightning storm.  It was awesome!  

Thought of the Day:  We read all about the Amish today as part of our lesson plan.  The interesting thing about the Amish is that they simplify life by not using any of the modern day conveniences that we buy to simplify our lives. The stuff actually make our lives more complicated so we buy more stuff to help us uncomplicate from the complication. You think we would get a clue by looking at the rich and famous with all their stuff and all the complication that comes with it.  You never hear about Amish people in rehab, prison or the Jerry Springer Show.  Just a thought!

Lincoln Museum and Amish Country

We spent the morning at the Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  It was a fabulous and informative museum.  We gave the kids an assignment to take notes about Lincoln, his life and his mission.  They were to take the information they gathered and write a one page report in the first person about Lincoln and then perform it to the family.  The kids did a fabulous job on this assignment.  I am going to use their research for our blog today.  Lincoln was born Feb 12, 1809 in Nolin Creek, Kentucky.  In 1812 Lincoln's brother Thomas died at infancy.  In 1818 His mother died from milk sickness which basically is when a cow feeds on poisonous plants and a human drinks the milk from that cow.  In 1828 Abe's sister dies while giving birth.  Also that year Lincoln was hired to take a flat boat down the Ohio and Mississippi River to New Orleans.  This was a 1200 mile journey in which he was paid $25.  Unfortunately he legally had to give the money to his parents.  ( I have to mention what Peyton said "Daddy when Lincoln got the $25 for floating down the river did he get a $5 with his face on it?")  In New Orleans Lincoln witnessed his first slave trade.  Lincoln moves to Illinois and gets elected to Illinois General Assembly.  In 1842 Lincoln marries Mary Todd.  Together they have 4 sons.  Three of his son's die at a young age.  November 6, 1860 Lincoln is nominated the 16Th President of the United States.  April 12, 1861 Confederates open fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston and the Civil war begins.  Lincoln first asks General Robert E. Lee to lead the Union Forces but he declined because he said he couldn't fight against his own soil.  Lincoln went through many generals with little success (he did not feel as if they were aggressive enough) before he found ultimate victory with Ulysses S Grant.  Jan 1, 1863 Lincoln issues the Final Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves in territories held by the Confederates.  Nov 19Th, 1863 Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address.  Nov 8,1864 Lincoln is re-elected.  April 9, 1865 Gen Robert E Lee surrenders to Grant.  Finally, in the words of Peyton.."April 14, 1865 Lincoln went to a play and "BOOM" he died! 

At the end of the Museum you got to make a speech on why you should be the next president.  We all pleaded our case as to why we should be the Hulsebus president.  We then made campaign posters to increase or chances.  After our final plea's we went to the voting box.  Although I used threats of constant chores and Liver and Onion dinners, I did not win!  Peyton was nominated President!  I think it was his speech about how he promised to bring, "joy to every one's heart."  Well, he has taken his presidency very

seriously by reminding us all why he "The President" doesn't have to do choirs and since he is President he gets to tell us all what to do.  I think he is going to be impeached soon for the lack of JOY.  

After the museum we  drove north to Breman, Indiana to the RV capital of the US. Did you know,  1 out of every 2 RVs are manufactured here.  Although that is appealing, that is not why we decided to drive this direction.  We are in the middle of Amish country!  I'm s0 excited!

You see, when I was a teen I joined my grandparents for a month on their year long RV adventure.  We went to Hershey, Pennsylvania and visited the Hershey factory.  Well, next door was the Hershey amusement park.  My cousin Jim (who's month overlapped mine by a week) and I insisted that we get to go to the amusement park.  My grandparent's really wanted us to go with them to the Amish country.  They said that amusement parks are all over the place but you don't get a chance to see and experience people of another culture.  We argued with my grandparents telling them that the Amish sounded boring. Finally, after much debate and a little whinning, they dropped us off at the amusement park and they went to see the Amish. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the amusement park I have always silently regretted not going with my Grandparent to see the Amish. I am so excited to be able to have the opportunity to do so now.  I will take lots of pictures and report back on my experience.  One more funny quote from Peyton to close out today's blog.  "Mommy you have to see this, this is real life, this really happened, horses are pulling a cart with wheels in the road with real cars driving next to it."   He had seen a Amish buggy going by and was quite taken a back that something could go that fast with out an engine.  Love and miss you all!  

OK... up to this point Cindi gets all the credit for this incredible blog.  But with her out of town this past weekend I had to plan the social calendar and now report the day's events.  The highlight of the weekend was the INDIANAPOLIS 500!  But before I get to Sunday I have to give a brief recap of Friday and Saturday.  Friday we (me and 3 sleepers) dropped Cindi at the airport at 5 am then back to get some more shut-eye at, this time, a Sam Club (can't always stay just at WalMarts).  I hate to say it but the remainder of the day was pretty much boring.  We did a bunch homeschool then errands including the bank, BlockBuster, Home Depot, the grocery store then ended up at an RV Park in Indianapolis called Lake Haven Retreat.  Sounded good but, not so good especially because it had rained and the gounds were "muddy."  Incredibly this was the first real day it had rained on us since we started this adventure a month ago.

With me at the helm again planning the social calendar Saturday was well... not too exciting.  I did find a $1.25 movie theater.  So we took in a double feature like when I was a kid.  We saw "Horton Hears a Who" and "College Road Trip" (I know what some of you are thinking, College Road Trip??  No it is not an R-rated fraternity flick.  It is actually a G-rated Disney movie for the whole family).  The day ended with a good night sleep at the W Hotel.  Oops,  I mean the WM.

RACE DAY!  I have to admit I'm not the biggest track fan but I definitely could not pass up the opportunity to take my boys to the INDY 500, "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."  I did grow up watching it on TV and remember names like A.J.Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears (all 4 time winners).  This event is HUGE.  My point of reference is the Rose Bowl where over 100,000 people attend.  The 500 has between 300,000 and 400,000 at the track!  Tanner, Sterling, Peyton and I all purchased general admission tickets so we were free to roam the inside of the 2.5 mile track.  We planted it in a great spot near turn 1 where we watched the military unraveled a gigantic USA flag right in front of us.  Then 4 jets came screaming by right above us.  It's times like these when you feel proud to be an American!  We moved around over the next 3 hours to get different views of the race and cars.  The kids all picked there favorite cars including WiiFIT, Indiana Jones (Marco Andretti), McDonalds and Target.  The buzz during the race was mostly about Danica Patrick, who started 5th and was doing well in her GoDaddy car until another top 10 driver ran into her in the pit area.  She was not happy about the altercation which got a lot of press the next day.  For those of you who are "Dancing with the Stars" fans, Helio Castroneves in the Team Penske car eventually finished 4th.  Did I mention these rocket cars are LOUD, jetting by at over 220mph?  Now I know why every booth sells ear plugs and headsets.  The eventual winner of the 92nd Indy race was Scott Dixon, a New Zealander in a Target car, who actually started in the poll position.  With the win he pocketed a record $2.98 million.  The kids including me had a great day which was ultimately finished off by picking up mommy at the airport then driving to Fort Wayne for a get motivated show.  ...Nights at the Hyatt are oh so appreciated. 

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hey everyone, sorry about the long delay in posts.  Over the weekend I was in DC for my cousin's weeding and Dave was in Indianapolis with the kids at the Indy 500.  He is going to write a blog on his weekend and post it sometime today.  I'm going to fill you in on my weekend and the last few days as well.   First, I have to tell you that if you have been trying to reach me on my cell I'm not trying to ignore you.  My cell is still in DC...long story!  I will have it back in about a week.  

Last Friday morning. I got in to Washington National Airport at 7:40 am and caught a shuttle to the hotel.  I stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn in Virginia.  It was a really nice hotel.  The free breakfast was the best free breakfast I have had.  I hung out with my Aunt Annette, Uncle Steve, cousin Dina , her husband Daniel and their adorable son Brandon for a while before heading over to see the groom (my cousin Alan).  It was so great seeing everyone!  I absolutely adore the whole Springer Family and am so blessed to be so close with them all.  I was also so excited to hang with Brandon. I hadn't seen him since his 1st birthday (he is 2 and a half now) and I so enjoyed getting to see him and his so sweet personality.  He is soooo cute....I would post a picture but the only pictures I have are stuck in my phone which is with my aunt in DC.  Well after breakfast I got to go visit with my cousin Alan as he was working on a video for the rehearsal dinner.  Alan and I have very similar personalities and we have always been really close.  We are both very sarcastic so we constantly give each other a hard time.  I really enjoyed visiting with him and hanging out with him and his friends over the weekend.  

Well, to make a long weekend short...The rehearsal dinner was fabulous!  The video my cousin made was outstanding...the best pre wedding video I have ever watched.  He is a 2 time Emmy nominated producer for a sports show so I guess I knew it would be awesome.  The wedding was absolutely beautiful.  Lauren (the bride) looked amazing and Alan made quite the groom.  The wedding was in the Ritz Carlton so you can imagine how nice it was.  I would tell you about the reception, but I had to leave after the ceremony and catch a plane to Indianapolis so I missed it.  My flight was at 9:10 and I really didn't want to leave the wedding so I didn't get into a cab till 8:30!  That's when I lost my phone...I was in such a hurry getting out of the cab and into the terminal that I dropped my phone in the cab.  Surprisingly, I made my flight and after a lot of phone calls to cab company my phone was located.  I had the cab driver bring it to my Aunt at the Ritz and she is going to ship it to me...Yeah!  

The reason I had to rush away from the wedding was I had to work in Fort Wayne, Indiana at 7 am Monday and the only flight that would get me there before that time was the 9:10 pm flight which was right at the start of the reception!  Dave and the boys and the RV picked me up at the airport and we all drove to Fort Wayne.  We have spent the last 2 days at the Hyatt Place.  I have worked and they have had a chance to catch up on home school, and relax and swim.  I forgot to mention, Dave and I also were blessed with a golf game while in Fort Wayne.  It was really nice to hang with my friends and have a break from the kids.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Good evening race fans!  Yes that is right!  We are in Indianapolis during the Indy 500 weekend!  What a lucky coincidence.  Dave is going to see if he can get tickets.  I am flying to Washington DC tomorrow to be a witness to my cousin Alan's wedding.  

I guess I need to start from the beginning of the day.  We drove from Illinois to Indianapolis this morning.  We stopped at a rest stop so the kids could burn off some steam.  We arrived in Indianapolis around 1:00 p.m and went to the Apple/Mac store to see if we could get one of my old Macs fixed.  We found out we could but it will cost us an arm and a leg! So we are back to one computer :( We then went to the Homegoods store in search of some new towels and a vinyl table clothe (we had a gift certificate).  We then really wanted Italian food but didn't want to spend any money.  Thank goodness for Pop and Dee Dee and a great Macaroni Grill Gift Certificate they gave us for Christmas.  Yum, Yum....thanks Pop and Dee Dee!  After a great dinner we went decided to drive to our favorite place to sleep the night....Walmart!  

I'll post pics when I have a chance to download.

Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois

This morn Dave and I took a jog around the campground.  I have a love hate relationship with running.  I love the wind caressing my face as I swiftly glide by serene nature surrounding me in every direction.  I love the quiet, yet its not at all quiet, it is filled with the sounds of life.  The birds and squirrels enjoying their daily routines.  The trees swaying in the breeze.  The water rushing in the distance.  I love looking at the oddities of nature, for instance we noticed these weird roots that would come up from the ground and then curve and twist their way back up the trunk of the tree's as if they were desperate for one glimpse of sunlight.  I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when my run is over and I know I did something healthy for my body.  I think I could be quite passionate about running if I didn't feel as if I was carrying a pregnant elephant on my shoulders the whole run.  Also, when I mentioned the quiet, peaceful sounds of nature I forgot to mention that I can hardly hear them because of the overpowering sound of my lungs sucking in and out as I try to get one ounce of air. Not to mention that the birds and the squirrels are probably not enjoying their daily routines with the sounds and sight of a wheezing, stumbling, giant thundering through their once peaceful homes.  They are most likely collecting their valuables and running for their lives.  Oh well, at least I went for a jog!

After that lovely run we did a bunch of home school, had lunch and all enjoyed a hot shower at the campground showers.  We finally hit the road around 3 pm.  We drove thru tennessee, Missouri and are now in Illinois (10 pm).  We drove so much because we have to be in Indianapolis by 5 am Friday.  I have to catch a plane to Washington DC to watch my 'cous' Alan get married.  we did stop for 2 hours at a rest stop so that we could watch the Americ

an Idol Finale.  The whole time I prayed that our RV battery wouldn't die until I saw the results.  Congrats David (if you didn't see it I didn't give it away since both finalists are named David).  

Thought of the day:  The hardest part about being away is not being able to take everyone you love with you.  We really do miss you all and  are so glad that you are following along with us on this journey through our blog.  

Meeman-Shelby State Park Millington, Tennessee

Dave's house he lived in when he was 4

Memphis, Tennessee

Sorry I didn't post again yesterday but once again the campground we stayed at was in the middle of nowhere and we did not get Internet.  So this post is for Tuesday.

We drove into Tennessee and immediately went to the Memphis Visitor center.  You can always find a bunch of info at the visitor center.  We decided to walk through town and go to the Peabody hotel and watch the ducks march from the roof, though the elevator to the fountain.  We were not alone in this idea of viewing the ducks.  About 200 of our not so close friends were blocking our view of the cute little waddle the ducks make on their way to the fountain.

We did find a little space behind the fountain in which we got a somewhat blocked view.  The ducks were cute but I don't think they are worth the hype.  Did you know how this tradition started?  Well back in the 30's the general manager at that time Frank Schutt and his hunting buddies were quite drunk and thought it would be funny to leave their hunting decoys (live ducks) in the fountain.  Well to their surprise the ducks were still in the fountain in the morning.  Not only were the ducks enjoying themselves so was a crowd of people that had formed to watch the ducks.

 This gave Frank an idea about how to attract guests and from that day on the ducks became a Peabody tradition.  

After the Peabody we walked to Beale st.  It was pretty quiet since it was the middle of the day, but it was still cool to see.  We walked back to the RV and then drove by Medronic head quarters to see where Dave use to work.  After that drive by tour we ate lunch at the famous Interstate BBQ.  It as quite yummy, but way to filling.  We then drove by Graceland (you couldn't see much since we did not go in) but we did see two of Elvis's private planes.  We also took another drive by tour of the house that Dave lived in when he was 4.  It was very quaint in a very green, peaceful neighborhood.  Finally, we decided to stay at Meeman-Shelby State Park in Millington, Tennessee.  This was another beautiful state park with lots of tree's and wildlife.  I really like staying at state p

arks because they are usually a lot more spacious and relaxing.  The only downfall is that you usually don't get Internet or phone reception.  We also did not get cable so I missed American Idol!!  I'll watch tonight.