Lanker Landings

My 3rd Half Marathon

2011-09-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

I ran my third half marathon with my sister Elisa on Sunday. It was fun to run Hutchinson's first half marathon, Run For the Rocks. I was so excited to get back into training once I found some bands that helped with my knee pain. I signed up for this race as soon as they announced it, so I would have a goal for training and ended up being the second person to sign up! My training went well enough that I was pretty nervous for the race because I really wanted to reach a new PR for myself.

We always try to not start out too fast, but that is really hard to do in a race. Our first mile was too fast and I was feeling like I was pushing myself just a little too much by mile 7. I told Elisa that I would beat myself up if I kept her from getting a new PR, so to go ahead because I needed to slow down a little. She slowly took off and was out of sight only for a minute or two when I saw her running the wrong way towards me!!! She told me "I would beat myself up for not staying with you to cross the finish line and not another word about it!" Well I got a big lump in my throat and had to get my breathing back in check and off we went. And yes she is always that sweet! I know I would have struggled with motivation on my own so I’m so thankful she ran with me. It is amazing how different you feel training vs. race day.

My last half I struggled after mile 8 and walked/jogged the last 5. My finishing time was 2:23. So I knew that it would be totally reasonable to beat that goal I just wanted to really beat it! My goal was to try to stay ahead of the 2 hour pacer flag and just see how I did. Well, running is very mental and when that pacer passed me close to mile 6, I think I had to do a lot of positive thinking, quoting Scripture and my newest phrase “Thank you Jesus I feel great!” My friend Mandy and I used this a lot in training when we needed to refocus!

Greg was on duty so he got permission to take the fire truck to watch us at one of the intersections. As we were within a few blocks of them we heard their sirens start and they were off to a call. That bummed me out but he was able to get to another location and cheer us on later. My mom and Elisa's husband and all of our kids were cheering us on at several different locations. That was so nice to have, there is just something motivating about being cheered on. My mom even recruited others to cheer us on also! I know she would have loved to be running right along side us!

As we came within a half mile of finishing Elisa told me we needed to try to beat 2:05 and we didn't have much time to do that so I picked it up the best I could and together we crossed that finish line at 2:04.59! I had such a great time and hope to run many more.

Nice relaxing massage afterwards!

This Morning

2011-06-21T09:05:00.001-05:00

This is what greeted me this morning when I got home from the station.

(then go to your chair)

(go to the kitchen)

(Sorry, Trevin was feeling kinda sick and he was sneezing a lot)

Not sure if you can tell, but they added green food coloring for the effect!

It’s great being a dad!!

Happy Birthday Greg

2011-06-16T20:30:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to my #1 guy!

I don’t know what I would do without you'.I am so thankful for you and the man you have become. You are such a great husband and daddy. You always keep life exciting, never a dull moment. Thank you for the Godly example you are for our children. I can’t wait to grow old with you! You will always be my younger man!! HAPPY 34TH BABE!

First Stop…KC

2011-06-06T22:42:00.003-05:00

60 degree weather didn’t keep the kids from swimming in Roger and Dee Dee’s 85 degree pool.

Boys will be…???

Ready to fly on the rip cord!

Exploring the Caves

2011-06-06T22:25:00.002-05:00

First Summer Trip of 2011

2011-06-05T20:12:00.002-05:00

Brendon helping the magician out

Meryn learned to love the big roller coasters

Grandfathers Mansion

Meryn doesn’t look too worried

Bad Boys!!

Brendon’s new love…a saloon girl!

Meryn on the swings

Braces times two!

2011-06-05T19:16:00.001-05:00

BEFORE

End of school year awards

2011-06-05T18:39:00.002-05:00

Morgan Elementary awards for 5th grade

Trevin received All A Honor Roll

Trevin got straight A’s in Advanced Math so he will be taking 7th grade math next year

We are very proud of you Trevin, We love you!!!

Brendon’s awards:

HMS 7 Honor Roll

Track Award

Math: Student of the year award (in recognition of earning all A’s for entire year in Math)

Caleb’s awards:

HMS 7 Honor Roll

English : Spongebob Award (For being inquisitive, curious, pleasant to be around, courteous, honest and having a sense of humor. Completing assignments, considerate of others, conscientious, a life-long learner and a privilege to teach).

Track Award

HMS7 Hawk Award (For exemplifying responsible behavior and outstanding interpersonal relationship skills. For being thoughtful, kind, supportive and congenial to students and adults)

They were also both in the top 10 nominated for the highest award given out.

Brendon and Caleb, we are very proud of you! We love you both!

Brendon and Caleb Track 2011 HMS7

2011-06-05T12:07:00.001-05:00

Brendon and Caleb both loved their first experience of track this spring. They both did a great job and won several awards!

Brendon running 100m hurdles

Caleb running 200m race

Caleb in the long jump

Brendon in the 4x100 relay

Spectators Norah and Meryn

Longest track meet ever, but Meryn was still smiling!

Easter 2011

2011-06-04T23:49:00.000-05:00

We are so thankful for God’s Son Jesus who gave us the free gift of life by His sacrifice!

HAPPY EASTER!

Tree trimming...

2011-06-04T20:25:00.003-05:00

equals fun time for boys!

Spring Break 2011

2011-06-04T19:53:00.007-05:00

We spent spring break in Oklahoma City visiting the sight of the bombing and a neat children's museum. Here are a few pictures of our time.

Science Museum

Oklahoma Bombing Memorial

Tree that survived the bombing.

BASKETBALL

2011-02-19T12:12:00.006-06:00

Trevin played two sessions of basketball with his friends from school for the YMCA. He is getting more aggressive the longer he plays. He is fun to watch! He played his last game today he scored and they won! Great way to end the season!!

Brendon & Caleb's team

Brendon and Caleb got the chance to play basketball with a local home school team. They have learned so much from their coach and teammates. They are the Mid Kansas Mustangs.

New Years Eve 2010

2011-02-19T11:40:00.009-06:00

We had a fun New Years Eve with the Seaba's and Duehring's. A night filled with tons of food, Wii dance offs, games and kids everywhere. Happy New Year!

Bop It

Just Dance

The boys

Avery, Meryn & Maggie

Who needs a remote?? The entire room was into this song, with the exception of Grandpa! :)

looks like Grandpa is joining in now!

Watching the countdown

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Christmas 2010

2011-02-19T11:04:00.007-06:00

Just what every 13 year old need new underwear!

Thanks Petricks!

Stormy's first Christmas

Yep, this 13 year old needed some too!

A new BB so Trevin can practice on becoming a future KU player

We had another busy Christmas! Greg and I both worked Christmas eve. The kids got to stay with Grandpa and Grandma Neir and some cousins, so they didn't mind us being gone. We picked them up Christmas morning and had our family Christmas before I headed off to bed for a few hours. We kept Christmas pretty simple this year and I am happy to say we have very grateful children no matter what they get.

Trevin's 11th Birthday

2011-02-19T10:36:00.005-06:00

Trevin turns 11! Daddy was away in Washington on his birthday so we celebrated early! Trevin is into drawing/sketching and he loves KU. We got him some bedding to match his entire KU room. We love you Trevin and we are so proud of you!! Happy Birthday!!!

Nerd Day at School

2010-10-12T20:19:00.002-05:00

It was nerd day at school today, and boy was there some nerds! I laughed the whole way to drop them off. This is their friend Easton who also made a hilarious nerd!

Meryn Models Heather Hill

2010-10-12T20:16:00.003-05:00

Meryn loves her Heather Hill clothes from aunt Heather. She wanted to be a model like her cousins Elise and Madison.:) So here she is with a dress we got from aunt Heather.

Airshow

2010-10-12T20:04:00.004-05:00

FOOTBALL

2010-10-12T19:44:00.007-05:00

The twins had a great year of football. They played for the B team at HMS 7. They both did a great job and enjoyed it for the most part. It was long hours and made for some long days so not sure if it is something they will do again. They did awesome and we are proud of them!

Hard Game

Brendon waiting for the punt return

Caleb made the tackle

Brendon #23 and Caleb #20

First Game Day!

My Sleeping beauty

2010-10-12T19:18:00.002-05:00

Meryn Turns 7

2010-10-12T18:53:00.005-05:00

Meryn had a special 7th birthday, she got treats at school and then bowling with her friends. She finished off the day with presents and cake! Meryn is such a sweet tenderhearted girl. We love you so much and thank God for you!

Grandpa Lanker's Visit

2010-10-12T18:21:00.000-05:00

Grandpa Lanker had a quick layover in Wichita, so we got to spend the day together. The kids were surprised and excited to get to see grandpa!

First Day of School 2010

2010-10-12T18:19:00.000-05:00

First day of school came way too fast this year! Brendon and Caleb are in 7th grade (big junior high boys now) Trevin is in 5th and Meryn is in 1st.

Ice skating

2010-10-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

We went to Wichita to spend one last day of fun before school started. We had an awesome time and the kids all did great. It was a first for all of them and they picked it up really fast.

Happy Birthday Susan

2010-08-17T09:45:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Susan. We hope you have an awesome day. Thank you for all your hard work and devotion to our family. We are so blessed to have you. Love you baby!

St Louis Train Ride & Union Station

2010-08-06T23:07:00.007-05:00

We went to St Louis with some of Susan's family for a few days. We took Amtrak and had a great time.

Meryn and Avery trading silly bands

Caleb and Brooklyn

Brendon

Raegan and Brooklyn

Bungee jumping/flipping in Union Station was quite a hit with the kids.

Meryn

Trevin

Brendon

Caleb

"Whispering Arch" in Union Station

St Louis Day 2 City Museum

2010-08-06T22:39:00.006-05:00

We had an awesome time at The City Museum. We have never been to any place like this. There was so much to do and I am positive we even missed a few things. There were holes to climb in and caves to climb through, slides, ball pits and so much more. We spent most of the day there and had a great time.

17 cousins

St Louis Day 3 The Arch

2010-08-06T22:10:00.009-05:00

Walking to the Arch

Taking a rest, it was so hot and humid we were all pretty soaked when we got there.

Brave boys getting ready to head up

View from the top

Our whole group 9 adults and 17 kids (my parents, our family and 3 sisters and their families)

We all had a great time at the Arch, it was under a two mile walk from our Hotel on a really hot day but we managed to get there with all 17 kids in decent time.

Spaghetti Factory (our waiter making paper airplanes for the kids)

Mississippi River - Brendon

Caleb

Meryn & Trevin

St Louis Day 4 Train ride home

2010-08-06T21:38:00.007-05:00

Heading home - Greg, Meryn & Brendon

Another Amtrak train we met in the middle of nowhere. We had to stop and let the lady that was on her phone and missed her stop get out so she could get back to her stop on that train.

The tired family

DS boys AKA Trey, Trevin, Micah

Maggie, Avery & Caleb

everyone was up and moving around a lot of the time

Caleb

Last shot with the train as it took off, such a fun way to travel!

I REMEMBER...

2010-06-25T23:49:00.005-05:00

finding out I had two healthy babies growing in me and crying tears of joy

feeling the first flutters of your tiny arms and legs

growing out of clothes as my belly grew faster than I could buy them

putting a remote on my belly and then watching you both make it move

feeling scared with pre-term labor pains and spending time in the hospital

daddy taking me for rides in the car just to get me out of the house and a break from bed rest

having such a big belly I had to turn side ways to fit in the booth at Red Robin

the night the doctor called me and told me it was time you two needed to be born

being scared and yet so excited to meet these two beautiful boys growing inside me

a long hard night of labor

the moment I first laid eyes on Brendon at 4:45

the moment I first laid eyes on Caleb at 5:02

feeling a love I never knew could be so strong for two tiny babies

hearing you both cry and feeling so relieved you were both ok

being excited the first time they allowed me to go to the nursery and see you both

holding my two beautiful boys together for the first time in my life

the first night I finally got to have you both in my room, the room was bright with blue lights from the photo therapy, but I did not care because I got to sleep near my babies

how tiny you looked in your matching car seats

getting to take you home and feeling so proud that you were my babies

spending hours staring at you both as you slept

how you both fit on my belly as we relaxed together

all of these things from your first week of life and so much more

I love you Brendon and Caleb so much, it feels like yesterday not 13 years ago as I remember all of these memories. Thank you for being the wonderful boys you are. I am so proud of you both and the men you are becoming. I feel so blessed that God chose me to be your mommy! I love you both so much! Happy 13th Birthday, Mommy

Brendon & Caleb's 13th Birthday

2010-06-24T22:55:00.003-05:00

Well it is official, we are proud parents of two teenagers. We wanted to do something special for this day and so we let them pick their party. They just wanted to stay home and invite some friends over for dinner and games. Well they ended up having almost the entire 6th grade class over(50+ kids) It was a great night with lots of adventures! I will say, I am glad they only turn 13 once :) No really, it was a fun time and made us appreciate our kids even more. They then had a few of their closer friends spend the night and had a great time. We are so blessed that God chose us to raise these two boys. They are true blessings! We love you Brendon & Caleb!!

They still love each other after 13 years!

Balloon popping contest

Brendon giving it a try

The guy in charge (he did a great job too)

getting ready to start the picture scavenger hunt

cake time

my helpers

"thats a lot of candles to blow out!"

present time

lots of sugar!

Trevin got them good with his gifts! Shocking cameras!!

Girl Time

2010-06-09T14:49:00.004-05:00

While the boys are away the girls will play!

Big Boy Time

2010-05-30T21:07:00.002-05:00

Brendon, Caleb and I decided to go for a ride today. We had never been to the Sand Hills State Park before, so we thought we'd go check it out. It was a bunch of fun and a pretty good ride. We rode about 5 miles on some trails and then we rode about 5 more in town. It was a great time hanging out with my boys!

Last Day Of School...

2010-05-30T21:03:00.005-05:00

and the last time they all attend the same school and get to walk there together!

Teachers

2010-05-30T20:52:00.003-05:00

Brendon, Caleb and their 6th grade teacher Ms. Wessel

Meryn and her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Geurian

Trevin and his 4th grade teacher Mrs. Owenby

The kids all had great teachers this year!

Award Assembly

2010-05-30T20:17:00.003-05:00

Brendon, Caleb and Trevin all got awards at the award assembly. They worked so hard this year and the recognition showed. We are very proud of them!

Sixth grade Celebration Party

2010-05-30T20:09:00.003-05:00

The sixth graders had an end of year dance a week before school was out. These are a few of their friends who went together.

Sixth Grade Band

2010-05-30T20:06:00.003-05:00

Brendon and Caleb took band this year. Brendon played the Trombone and Caleb the Tuba. Thank goodness they gave Caleb a second Tuba to keep at home because the thing was as big as him! They both did a great job playing and sounded so great in their final performance! Good work guys!!

Brendon & Caleb's 6th Grade Science project

2010-05-30T19:57:00.003-05:00

Caleb's Project

Brendon's project

Landscaping

2010-05-30T19:48:00.006-05:00

Our landscaping was in desperate need of some TLC. It was way too overgrown and way too many things in one place. We decided to just tear everything out and start over, much to ours and our neighbors satisfaction. We also decided to start simple and plant grass and just a few bushes. We may add some flowers later, but we're happy with the results. We also had to replace the basketball goal which the kids were thrilled with. The other one was 18 years old and began breaking with every shot!

Meryn's kindergarten play

2010-05-30T19:46:00.004-05:00

The Three Pig Symphony

Meryn's class did a wonderful performance of the three little pigs. It was so cute and very entertaining. She had fun and we were proud of her. Can't wait for the next one!

Spring Soccer 2010

2010-05-30T19:31:00.005-05:00

The twins still love soccer and both do very well at it. Brendon played goalie and had some awesome saves. Caleb plays different positions but they both love to play forward and get opportunities to score.

Meryn told me she thinks she needs a break from soccer and wants to get back into gymnastics again. I guess it's not as exhausting and a lot cooler

Trevin gets his braces off

2010-05-30T19:25:00.003-05:00

Trevin is done with his first set of braces and will get new ones in the next couple of years. They corrected his cross bite with the first phase, but became very straight too. So maybe we could get lucky and not need phase two, but not likely since he has about six permanent teeth coming in.

Spring Break 2010

2010-05-30T18:53:00.010-05:00

Coco Keys

Trevin

Silly boys

Caleb

Big boys playing in the baby pool

Daddy & Meryn

Crown Center

Drying Off

Fritz's

Walking through the tunnel to Union Station

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T22:32:00.003-05:00

We had a great Easter! Great church service, beautiful sunshiny day, a delicious lunch, lots of eggs for the kids to find, time with family, and best of all a risen Savior. My sister took the pictures of our family so I will have to add those later.

When their hair won't lay down right...

2010-04-04T22:00:00.000-05:00

this is how they fix it! They both hate turkey tails.

Why I should not go to church after working night shift!

2010-03-07T17:35:00.006-06:00

I worked 7p-7a Saturday night and decided to go to the 8:30 service this morning before going to bed. Well that did not turn out to be such a good idea! I went with my friend Mandy, who had worked all night too. I started struggling the last 15 min of the service and had a few thoughtful nods for our pastor, but if that was the only thing, I wouldn't feel SO embarrassed! Well at some point he asked us to bow our heads and that's the last I remembered. Until I woke up all of the sudden and for some reason, through my nodding off, heard something about raising your hand and without any thought of why or what was going on, I shot my hand up and then down. As soon as I did that I thought, that's weird, I wonder what he was talking about and what I raised my hand to. He did go on and I was completely awake now, so I listened and he then asked anyone to raise their hand if there were areas that they could improve getting closer to God or things they would do differently(at least in my somewhat coma state, that's what I remember). He then ended in prayer and we left. As soon as Mandy and I got in the car we were talking about how I was struggling and nodding off and I told her it was kinda weird, I remembered hearing something about raising your hand and I did. I asked her what that was all about because I had no clue. She looked at me and started laughing soooo hard eventually she let me know that I was basically saying I was not saved and wanted to be and that I had addictions I needed rescued from. It wouldn't be that big of a deal but since we were in the front row practically and a half empty church, I am sure my hand was NOT missed... our pastor must think that I have been living a double life. Well I think I will just sleep from now on after I work all night...that or sit on my hands!

Fun Get-a-Way

2010-02-10T21:48:00.004-06:00

I got the chance to go spend a few days with Greg's sister for her 30th birthday. It was odd traveling by myself. Having no kids to take care of on a plane was, a first for me. And just packing for one was pretty easy too. Anyway, I had a great time. We had a day at the spa with manicures, pedicures and a nice long massage. Then a spray tan to give us a little color to look good in our fancy dresses when we headed out to dinner for the birthday party. I even had a chance to see a couple of my girl friends and catch up over lunch. I had a great time but missed my family bunches.

My Sweet Sweet Twin Boys!

2009-12-29T17:25:00.003-06:00

Every mom needs to relax and have a break sometimes right? I came home from work tonight to two handsome boys all dressed up and signs directing me to a comfy spot on the couch with a blanket and pillow, hot cider and a fresh baked plate of chocolate cookies. To top it all off they also cleaned the whole house! I could not ask for better kids! I love you Brendon and Caleb!!

Open Door Pregnancy Care Center Run

2009-12-23T08:37:00.005-06:00

Susan and some friends decided to put on a 5k race and 1.25 mile fun run/walk at the beginning of November. It had never been done before so they were starting from scratch. It ended up being a huge success with well over 100 people showing up. The weather was beautiful and the course was perfect. They ended up raising over$3000! They are going to try and do it again next year.

Thanks to Mom for making the registration flyer!

The walkers

Caleb and Easton, the twins friend

Brendon

The runners

Mandy, the one who had the race idea, acting as the coffee barista.

Registration

Rope Swingin' in Arkansas

2009-12-23T08:22:00.004-06:00

I think Heather had as much fun as the kids

Uncle Jason getting some much appreciated help getting across with some splashing results! Unfortunately, I was too busy saving his life to get a picture

Brendon, Caleb, Trevin, Madison, Elise and Meryn all made it safely. I bet they could give Uncle Jason some pointers!

Arkansas Lankers

2009-12-23T07:54:00.008-06:00

We went out to visit Jason, Heather and the girls this fall and went to this really cool drive through safari. We had a bunch of fun and saw some really unusual animals including this one.

Rare Albino Orangutan nearly fully evolved.

Crazy spider monkey

MMMM, You smell that boys....the smell of fear

Looks like one of the three little pigs is taunting the big bad wolves.

Fun Run

2009-12-23T07:49:00.003-06:00

Susan, the kids and some friends, ran in a fun run this fall. They all had fun and are looking forward to the next one.

Fun At The Fair

2009-12-23T07:37:00.004-06:00

Mommy and Meryn having fun

Brendon, Caleb and Trevin convinced Daddy to go on this ride. It was fun but Daddy can't handle these rides like he use to. I was ready to be done!

Meryn's art project on display at the fair.

Our Girl Scouts!!

Visitors

2009-12-23T07:16:00.002-06:00

I was mowing the yard and noticed a pile of fur under the grass. When I moved the top layer, there were 5 little rabbits all huddled together. I managed not to run over any with the mower and when the kids came home, they were still there. They had fun chasing, catching and trying to feed them, but Peter and his siblings decided they had had enough and were gone the next day.

Trevin turns 10!!

2009-10-23T12:31:00.004-05:00

Our baby boy Trevin is 10 today! I can't believe it either. Trevin is an awesome son who has an ever present smile across his face. He is such a happy boy who has fun with anything he's doing. Right now, he's celebrating in Branson with Susan, brothers and sister, aunts and cousins. I wish I could be there to spend it with him, but I know he'll have a flurry of stories to tell me when he gets home. I love you Trevin and am so glad you're my Fat Boy!

Happy 6th Birthday Meryn

2009-09-08T20:48:00.005-05:00

I remember saying I would be just fine having four boys and I know I would have. But at 18 weeks when the sonographer said it looks like you're having a princess, I was SO excited. I always thought it would be fun to have a baby girl, and it is! Meryn is a sweet, caring, loving, tenderhearted girl who I love so much. She is very girly yet has a tough side too! She loves keeping up with her three brothers. She is doing gymnastics now and loving it. We are so proud of you Meryn and love you so much...please stop growing so fast! Happy 6 years

Our August

2009-08-27T22:10:00.008-05:00

We had a very busy August and like always we didn't have our camera out near enough. We did manage to capture some of the fun times. Gregs family was here throughout most of the month, so it was a fun, yet busy month.

Meryns first day of Kindergarten

2009-08-26T09:20:00.001-05:00

Oh man. I didn't think it was going to be this hard. Our little girl is growing up. I knew this day was coming, but it came too fast. Today is Meryns first day of kindergarten. And she couldn't have been more excited. I was making some coffee 10 minutes to 7, when I heard some little feet upstairs. I got to the top of the stairs and saw my little girl excitedly getting dressed in her new school clothes. She looked at me and smiled, "Hi daddy, did you see my new shoes? We had to erder them". After some pronunciation work, I just watched her as she made sure she was all set to go, ring and all. We all walked to school together and there was no hesitation as she sat with all the other kindergartner's, waiting to be dismissed. When it was time, she headed off to her class, found her seat and sat there looking around, taking it all in. She looked so big sitting there. Not our baby anymore. When it was time to go, she gave us hugs, told Susan she would "miss you with all my heart", waved and told us goodbye. This is going to be a long day. 3:05 can't come quick enough!

And then there were none...

2009-08-26T09:18:00.000-05:00

Today is a sad day for me! All four of my kids are gone to school and the house is too quiet. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind SOME peace and quiet, it is just that this means my babies are all grown up. I have always had someone home with me for the last 12 years to entertain, bug, play and even nap with me. I will miss those days so much and I am sure summers will be extra special for us from here on out, all getting to be together. I just hate to think my kids are getting so big, and will all be grown up before we know it. I miss having babies but love seeing what grown ups they are all becoming. I am so proud of them all and so proud to call them my kids.

First day of school...2009

2009-08-24T07:45:00.003-05:00

It is that time again! Brendon and Caleb start their first day of 6th grade today, Trevin 4th and Meryn will start all day Kindergarten on Wednesday. The house will be so quiet, I'm not sure we will like it. This is the first time in Twelve years we don't have any kids home. Wow how fast time flies!

Swimming Lessons

2009-08-20T10:11:00.002-05:00

We had private swimming lessons for the kids this summer and they all four really improved their skills. I didn't have my camera for the twins but got a couple of Trevin & Meryn.

Vail Vacation

2009-08-07T09:08:00.009-05:00

We went to Vail Colorado for our family vacation this year with Roger and Dee Dee's family. We had an awesome time and loved the cool weather we had while we were there. Here are a few of the 400 pictures we took.

Boat

2009-07-23T09:56:00.004-05:00

The kids were crazy excited about the new boat. So much so, they wanted to wash it at 9:30 last night when we finally got home. Well, after some reasoning, they gave up and went to bed. I came down stairs this morning, quietly trying to make some coffee, when a herd of children came charging up from the basement, "can we wash it now, can we wash it now?". I'm just now getting to my coffee, but we have a clean boat!

Camp Gramma 2009

2009-07-15T00:07:00.005-05:00

Is it over yet?

No, seriously, we are having a great time!!

Happy 12th Birthday Brendon & Caleb!!!

2009-06-24T18:59:00.005-05:00

Twelve years ago at 0445 & 0502 Brendon & Caleb were born weighing 4-12 & 4-14. It was a hard delivery but how fast that all faded when we got to see our precious boys. I remember thinking how much they looked like their daddy. They looked so identical we left bands on them and put a black dot on Brendon's foot just to be sure we didn't mix them up:) They still look a lot a like and they seem to enjoy most of the same activities. We got them new bikes for there birthday and they were super excited to have bikes with shocks and gears(they love getting air jumping of of curbs). They both love playing soccer and the computer. They are very grateful boys and have tender hearts. We are so thankful for you both Brendon & Caleb, We love you so much! HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY!

Calebs run in with the glass

2009-06-23T21:45:00.004-05:00

Caleb thought it would be funny to lock Trevin outside last night while he was taking the trash out. So Trevin decided he would pound on the window until someone opened it. Caleb decided he would show Trevin up with one HUGE pound on the window. The rest is history! I was out running with a friend when I got back I had several missed calls and was sick to hear Greg was at the ER with Caleb. Brought back bad memories of the day Meryn hurt her lip. I rushed over sweaty & stinky to be with them. It looked bad but not near as bad as when the doc numbed it up to sew it. He cleaned the blood out, I was shocked how deep it was, we even got to see a tendon(yuck). The er doc said he could see two spots where it cut the tendon and so he called the orthopedic on call to see what he wanted him to do. The ortho dr said to just close it up and he would look at it today. So long story cut short...When I took Caleb in today the orthopedic was happy with how well Caleb could move all the different ways he wanted him to and with little to no pain. He said it had to be as little as 20% of a tendon injury/cut and he wasn't going to need surgery. Thank the Lord!!

Trevin had a really hard time thinking he was to blame for this so my parents brought him to the ER to be with Caleb. The kids were all so sweet...when Greg took Caleb he left the other 3 home alone since I was gone. They told my mom they huddled in the living room and prayed for Caleb. Then they called my parents and asked them to come over to be with them. They were all so sweet to Caleb. I think the three of them cried more than Caleb did. I am so thankful for our tenderhearted children!

Clippie Contest

2009-06-19T23:21:00.003-05:00

My sister Elisa is giving away some clips on her blog. Go visit The Seaba Family, leave a comment and you could win them. They are all so cute I know you will love them! Meryn loves all of hers!!!!

Car Wash

2009-06-13T22:05:00.002-05:00

The kids decided they wanted to wash the cars today. They washed both the van and car and did a wonderful job on both. Brendon said "we could do this all the time. Once a month" Sounds fine to me!

Wood Flooring

2009-06-13T21:44:00.003-05:00

Here is an update on the progress of our floor. It isn't going quite as quick as I had hoped for, but I think that's a little of my fault. :~) I made it into the kitchen today, which has been a concern for me, on how I was going to keep it all straight. So far so good. Hopefully I can get this wrapped up on my next few days off.

New Floors

2009-05-31T22:50:00.003-05:00

I started a new project this week. Replacing the floors in the dining room and kitchen, as well as getting new carpet in the living room. I started in on the dining room and kitchen by tearing out the WHITE carpet?!? in the dining room and the turn of the century linoleum in the kitchen. The carpet took us all of 30 minutes to get out, the linoleum, that's a whole different saga. As with all Lanker projects, It wasn't as it seemed and it took quite a bit longer than expected. After finally tracking down a specialty saw in Wichita, (I had intended on renting it, but to no avail), I finally was able to get the last of the old underlayment out so I could lay new. Today I was able to finish up the kitchen prep and was getting ready to start laying the hardwood, when a still small voice said, "Greg, this doesn't look right". It was my beloved Susan bringing to my attention the obvious difference between the 13 boxes of "Brazilian cherry" that she had painstakingly separated and stacked for ease of use and the 1 box of "Brazilian cherry". Same name, completely different wood. So it got me thinking. When we looked at samples, we liked the "Brazilian cherry" and not the "Mahogany". So that's what we chose. Well it seems we were sent the wrong wood, from what I can tell, and I'm ready to start laying it down. We ended up mailing 2 pieces to KC so John can talk to the rep and figure out what's up. Hopefully we'll have an answer this week and be able to finish this project soon. Here are a few pictures in the mean time.

Mowing

2009-05-31T22:40:00.003-05:00

Susan's gonna yell at me when she sees this. I'm suppose to be blogging about the floor project we have going on in our house, but I saw this and just wanted to thank her for all her help around the house. This is the first time she's mowed here and she did a great job. She was pretty impressed with herself, when she drove up in the driveway yesterday, at how straight the lines were, then she realized I had done that section. Pretty funny! Anyway, thanks for all you work Susan. I love you!!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

2009-05-27T20:37:00.004-05:00

My parents are celebrating their 42nd anniversary today. What a great example they have set for us kids. Happy Anniversary!!

Grandpa is with Jesus

2009-05-14T23:55:00.002-05:00

Grandpa Tucker & Snookie

2009-05-09T20:56:00.003-05:00

My grandparents moved to Hutchinson to live with my parents a couple of years ago. That also means they also get to spend lots of time with our kids, since my parents help out with babysitting. Grandpa nicknamed Meryn "snookie" and it has stuck! She loves that she has a special name just for her from great-grandpa. He is not doing very well these last few days and could use your prayers.

Big brother keeping little sister safe in a thunderstorm

2009-04-29T16:34:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T10:50:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-15T20:22:00.001-05:00

Gymnastics

2009-04-07T20:37:00.002-05:00

Meryn had her first lesson at gymnastics tonight. She loved it so much she told me she wanted to stop playing soccer and just do gymnastics. She did very well, you would not have known she hadn't been on a balance beam before tonight. Here is a few pictures of the fun.

Meryns Haircut

2009-04-07T20:09:00.002-05:00

Meryn has been begging us to let her cut her hair short again so we finally made an appointment. She was so excited, she said she wanted it short like her brothers so she didn't have to deal with knots anymore. Well of course we didn't agree to that but she was happy with the results and loved showing off her new do.

12 Year Anniversary

2009-03-29T10:28:00.004-05:00

12 years and going strong!
Happy Anniversary to us!

Snow!!

2009-03-28T18:31:00.004-05:00

Brendon and Trevin digging tunnels

Clearing a path

Snow hanging over the roof

The front of the house

The kids and I

Caleb towing Meryn

The backyard

Yesterday I was headed back home from California hoping to beat the blizzard that was predicted for our area. Well, I made it home with the storm already in progress. There were about 6 inches on the ground at around 7 pm. This morning when we woke up, there was 18. We were pretty surprised. I think this is the most we've had at one time since we moved here. The kids were so anxious to get out and play in it, so we went out and took pictures before it didn't look so nice. Susan and I spent over 2 hours shoveling one side of our driveway. Hopefully we'll be able to use it tomorrow if the roads are plowed.

California

2009-03-28T18:05:00.007-05:00

The original Lanker's

Mom, Jason and Dad

Jason in the batting cages

Katie and Ethan

Grandma and Grandpa

Congrats Dr. J

Jason defending

I was blessed with the opportunity to go out to Los Angeles this week, to be there for Jason's defense for his PHD. It was a great event to attend. Jason did wonderful and is now "Dr. Lanker"! Kind of weird. I was able to see a lot of my family I hadn't expected to, so that was great. The time went fast, but a lot of great memories were made. Thank you Mom and Dad for everything!

Honor Guard

2009-03-28T16:51:00.005-05:00

I was chosen last year to be on our fire departments' Honor Guard. After a lot of waiting, I finally had my first event last Friday at the NJCAA basketball championship. We presented the colors before the game. It was pretty neat and a bit nerve racking since it was my first event and there had to be at least 100,000 people there or so it felt! I carried the Kansas flag and made it through with no missteps, so that was good. I was glad to finish and am looking forward to the next event.

Trevin

2009-03-23T15:26:00.005-05:00

Trevin cracks me up! When he walked in from school, he asked if I noticed anything about him. I didn't right away except he wasn't wearing his glasses, but that is no new news for him. So he said my pants are on backwards! Well I guess he put them on backwards this morning and when he realized it around lunch time, he said he didn't want to make a big deal by switching them back(i guess he wanted it to look like he wore them that way purpose). He said one girl at the end of the day told him quietly "your pants are on backwards" he just looked at her and said "uh yeah, I know". He is a funny boy, I love his personality!

KC Spring Break

2009-03-20T14:13:00.010-05:00

Skywalk

Mommy and Mini Me

Union Station

3D Theater

Kaleidoscope

Susan trying to dodge the camera

Wizard of Oz

Munchkin Meryn

Munchkin Caleb

Munchkin Brendon

Caleb & Meryn

Delivery Train

Weirdos

Trevin & Brendon

We had Spring Break 2 weeks ago, so we decided to get out of town and have a mini vacation. We pricelined the Marriott for $50 a night instead of £50. It's a much better deal!(funny story) Anyway, we stayed up there for 4 days and did a bunch of different things. Went to Fritz's to have the train bring us food, ate ice cream at Sheridan's, went to Kaleidoscope, went to Crayola, visited the Wizard of Oz, Union Station to watch a 3D movie on the 51/2 story screen, and of course, shopped. We owned the pool at the hotel and even had most of the cousins come by to swim with us. It was a great time full of good memories.

Exploration Place Getaway

2009-03-20T13:39:00.007-05:00

Kansas in miniature

Playing with water

Underground

"Experience a Tornado"

Caleb and Meryn

Brendon

Caleb

Microscopes

Wright Brothers simulator

Brendon discovering propeller pitch and the effects of thrust.

Flight simulator.

Veterinarian exhibit

Dr. Meryn

Caleb "fixing?" the cat

Castle walls

We wanted to get out of town a few weeks ago, so we decided to head down to Wichita and visit Exploration Place since we hadn't been there for a while. We had so much fun and there were some cool new things to do.

Hunting...Sort of

2009-03-20T13:29:00.002-05:00

I took the kids out right before the pheasant season finished because we finally had some cold weather. They were so excited to go, but the excitement quickly faded as soon as we got out. It was a bit cold and they didn't realize they'd actually have to walk through the grass that was as tall as them. Well, after playing on the frozen creek and rescuing frogs under the ice, we decided to go home. Although we didn't see anything, we had a good time and made good memories.

Family Weapons Training

2009-03-20T12:43:00.005-05:00

Trevin. Not sure if he wants to try.

Brendon showing us how It's done.

Meryn shooting the shotgun for the first time.

Caleb nailed it!

Susan. What a natural!

Trevin's ready for action!

Caleb is focused.

Look out intruders! Don't let the smile fool you!!

What a stud!

A couple of months ago, we headed over to my captains house to shoot some skeet. We had a bunch of fun. We need to do it again soon so Susan can get a bit more practice with the handgun!