A Griswold Family Vacation!

So the Knutson's are known to have some "not so great" luck on family vacations...I could probably write a book about some of our past family vacations. Though I am no longer technically a 'Knutson', the "Griswold curse" seems to have followed me! I don't think Craig realized what he married into! :-) Our vacation started out seemingly normal...Hunter playing his Nintendo DS, Colton asking how many more minutes until we get there about every 5 minutes, and Kyla amusing herself by singing to the radio.

However, the next day when we were supposed to have a fun filled day of rollercoasters and junk food at Lagoon, the weather decided to change dramatically and instead of being the predicted 70 degrees.....it was pouring rain all day! We had packed up our cooler, swimsuits, and all the extras only to drive an hour away and then have to turn around and head back to my sister's house. Not to mention Logan getting carsick and throwing up about 10 minutes from my sister's house. So I guess you could say it wasn't the best day! Disheartened, we decided to catch a movie and go out to eat. Anyone who is thinking '17 Again' would be a good movie to watch...think again.

Luckily, the weather prediction for the next day was also wrong...it was predicted to be the same rainy weather, but Hunter got up extra early to check the internet and found that it had changed...again. NO RAIN in the forecast!!! So we got our stuff packed up and headed to Lagoon again and ended up having a fabulous day. The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the lines were shorter than I'd ever seen them. We were able to ride all of the rides, and some several times. (Though we couldn't get Colton on the rollercoasters that went upside down!) We decided not to cram in Lagoon A Beach (similar to our Roaring Springs) since we would be driving home that night which would make for too long of a day. We all had a great time and got home at about 10:00 pm. Is the Griswold curse broken???? I highly doubt it, but it was nice that this trip didn't end up a total disaster. :-)

It was so nice for the kids to get to spend time with their cousins! Morgan and Kyla had a GREAT time playing, and the boys also got along great with their cousin Logan. I love visiting my family, regardless of whatever 'setbacks' we encounter. Thanks Monica for putting up with us! I LOVE YOU!!!

LAGOON AMUSEMENT PARK

Summer Fun...

Summer is finally here!!! The weather has been eratic lately, so there has been no telling if it's going to rain, snow or be 90 degrees...but I think the warm weather is officially here for good (or at least I HOPE it is!!) The boys love to turn on the sprinkler under the trampoline, and I set up Kyla's pool and slide. Good Times for Everyone!!!!

My mom, my friend, my hero...

This Mother's Day I wanted to pay tribute to my own mom and reflect on a few of the things I love most about her. Anyone who knows me knows that my mom is one of the most important people in my life. She is not only my mom; she is my friend and my hero. Now that I am a mother myself, I am amazed at how my mom was able to do everything she did while holding a full-time job and raising four daughters.

There are so many things I learned from my mom that I hope to pass on to my own kids. As I think about all my mom's wonderful qualities and things she did that make her such an amazing mother, there are two things in particular that I know have contributed significantly to making me the person I am today.

My mom showed up! "The most important thing a parent can do for a child is show up." When I was young, I took for granted the fact that my parents were always there for me. Now I realize how important it is just to show up for your kids. I know my parents were busy, but their priority was always us kids. When I think about all of the important events in my life, I always remember my parents there too...cheering me on. From showing my animals in 4-H, school choir concerts, church activities, and sports...I can't remember a time when they weren't there. Thank you for always being there and supporting me!

The other thing about my mom that I cherish is that she always encouraged my dreams and never discouraged me from dreaming big. I remember going through a time in my late teens and early twenties where I was really trying to find my 'place in the world.' I seemed to have a new career path every other week. First I wanted to go to Harvard to become a lawyer, then I wanted to be an author, then a teacher, then move to Nashville to pursue a singing career, then a travel agent, then a psychologist, then join the Peace Corp...and the list goes on and on. Regardless of what crazy "life plan" I came up with, my mom always supported it (no matter how insane it really was.) She told me there was nothing I couldn't do if I wanted it badly enough and was willing to work for it. She only wanted me to be happy. I knew that no matter what I decided to do with my life my mom would support me, and because of her continued support and encouragement I finally found my passion and pursued it. If I can pass on to my own kids even half of the wisdom my mom has given to me, I will consider myself successful. Thank you for not only being my mom, but for being my best friend and my hero. I love you mom!!!



My beautiful mom! I love you with all my heart...Pamela.

Light in the Darkness

I've never been able to tell you

what words can't even say.

What can I possibly do to repay you

for the gifts you so freely give?

The countless hours of

Heartache -

You suffered

For me.

You settle for little so that I can have more.

You lend your ear-and heart-

always accepting of all I say.

Never wavering in your faith that someday

I will become the person-

only you know I am.

Through times of discouragement

and times of doubt-

You were there-never judging-

just loving and being an example.

You are the sunlight that nourishes

My soul.

 

They say nothing compares to a

Mother's Love.

And now I am aware-

Only Christ could love as pure,

could carry the burden

endure the pain,

be the Rock you are.

All your efforts taken for granted-

Only to watch you give more.

I only regret it has taken me so long to see

My blindness.

 

I am surrounded by your warmth as

You shine-

My Light in the Darkness.

 

written by: Pamela Fagan

Happy 44th Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

Today my parents are celebrating their 44th Wedding Anniversary!!!! I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents who have taught me so much. They are both amazing people! Congratulations!!!! I love you both VERY much!

Married May 7th, 1965

Still going strong after 44 years!

Scuba Diving 101

This past Sunday I took the boys with me for our first scuba diving lesson. I have a really good friend who is an avid scuba diver, so she is the one who encouraged me to give it a try. It's something I've always wanted to do anyway. The boys were anxious to learn too...so we just decided to do it.

We had a great time, even if there weren't any tropical fish at the bottom of the pool! :-) We got the hang of the equipment and played some underwater frisby. Next stop...The Great Barrier Reef! Ha ha ha...

Attentively listening to the instructions...

And next for the Equipment... once we figured out which tube was for what, we were good to go.

Hunter

Colton

You will notice there are no close-up pictures of me in these goofy goggles...well that is the luxury of writing the blog! I can embarrass my kids without humiliating myself!!!! Oh, the joys of motherhood!