For Spring Break this year we took our first family RV trip and drove south. We ended up in Mountain View Arkansas where we camped out, played games, and canoed ten miles of the White River. It was a trip to remember and a fun family outing.

Labels: J and A, kyla, nature, zaylee

Happy New Year!

In 2009 we did plenty to keep us busy, entertained, educated and connected to others in our life. Our online family scrapbook or website blog documents several events and thoughts, but I thought I'd write this letter as a summary for the year.

Probably the most significant event we experienced this year was in the spring when our home was hit by a double-bolt of lightning and strong winds causing over $30,000 of damage. Fortunately the fire dissolved quickly in the rain and no one was physically hurt, but it scared Kyla enough to cause some psychological issues we had to deal with. On a positive note we now have a new roof and several upgraded electronics.

Angela had some heartrending times this year. In April her father Tim passed away at the age of 55. Tim's battle with pancreatic cancer was wearisome and quickly depleted his health. Fortunately Angela was able to help care and visit with him his last couple months at his home in Alaska. Then in the fall, her Uncle Randy (Tim's Brother) passed away. This obviously has been difficult for her and I know she appreciated the kindness and prayers you have shared. Shortly after her fathers death we took a family trip to Orlando in an effort to get away, grieve in a better place and cheer up. I enjoyed getting to know her family at Tim's burial service in North Dakota. Angela and her Mom stay in close contact and are coping with Tim's departure. They took a two week road-trip together this Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed some special time together.
Angela was hospitalized a couple times herself this year for personal reasons but seems to have made a full recovery. She took on a second job in the summer with a non-profit organization and that kept her plenty busy. Fortunately she's been able to work both jobs from her home office. Later in the evening and weekends she attends to housework and being the wonderful mom and wife she is. I really appreciate all her hard work and dedication. She turned thirty this year. And for fun, she's been studying and practicing photography and getting a little more into yoga. We celebrated my 35th birthday and our third Anniversary on the beach in Curacao. This was a greatly appreciated break and a memorable time together, just the two of us.

This year I persuaded Kyla to cut her hair short because at her age it was getting to be a little much to prep and maintain. We get up early in the morning and I drive her to a private school about an hour away; so time management in our morning and evening routine is key. She's doing very well in first grade and seems to excel in math. She's been reading much more this year and her own library of books is growing. We also play pretend school at home where she seems to be a very strict teacher and I seem to get some sort of discipline in her class each time I attend. She also enjoys making art projects with markers, paints and cutting unique shapes. Other fun things we did this year included gymnastics, roller skating, water parks, horse back riding, a trip to Alaska and watching a monster truck event.

Zaylee is nearly two now and most you know how fun kids are at this age. She's been attending a great daycare and developing very well. She enjoys feeding our neighbor's horses, riding her four-wheeler, playing with babies, sorting items and counting. Most of all she enjoys playing with her big sissy, reading books with Mommy, and spending time outside with Daddy. When it was warmer this year, we had a routine where she and I would take a walk outside and her favorite part was visiting our pond and finding frogs.

I seem to stay busy at both home and work. This year marked my fifth year working for the US Department of Agriculture as an Application Specialist. At home, I garden and maintain our seven acres where I often see deer and various wildlife. I built a fire-pit and helped remodel our family entertainment room. I liked the remodeling project because I notice I acquired some new tools when building our new entertainment center; so that worked out good. I didn’t hunt this year but I did do a little fishing. I also had the opportunity to get reacquainted with some high school friends in my home town by organizing a small gathering. Plus I hosted an event celebrating my parents 35 years of marriage. By far my favorite thing to do is just be a Dad. My daughters bring me such joy. We do plenty of activities together. Lately they've been teaming up on me when we wrestle.

Sincerely,
Justin Lindsey

Labels: J and A

The Lindsey family would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. We hope your travels are safe and you can share the holiday with loved ones. “Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.”

Labels: J and A, kyla, zaylee

We snorkeled a couple days and found lots of sea life near the reef by the resort. Mainly damsels, butterfly fish, wrasse, mullets, flounders, parrot fish, and squid. The corral wasn't impressive but the water was clear and warm.

Labels: J and A, vacation

We celebrated my 35th birthday and our third anniversary on the Curacao island. It was hot, breezy, beautiful and we would totally do it again.

Labels: J and A, vacation

And loving it!

Labels: J and A

We went to another Halloween party at the Munden manor.

Labels: J and A

We rocked out with our friends Chuck and Anna this weekend. Be watching for another Rock Band party this winter.

Labels: J and A

Today I'm 30. Thanks Justin for the perfect birthday cake!

Labels: J and A

I've visited the Table Rock Dam several times. But this past weekend, it had a breathtaking mystic look that we had to capture.

Labels: J and A

Labels: J and A, kyla, lindsey family, zaylee

Thanks for the gifts and that yummy pineapple-upside-down cake. I just love my girls.

Labels: J and A, kyla, zaylee

Lightning and strong winds struck our home earlier this week causing around $20k in damage. The bolt struck Zaylee's roof and came within one foot of Zaylee's head as she slept in her crib. We lost several electronics do to a surge in the phone, cable and electric lines. It's been no fun without phone/cable/internet/AC but we are so happy the house didn't burn down and we are all ok. Home repairs begin next week. I just restored my web server and home network today, so sorry for the delay. Kyla has been a little shook up since the mega boom, so you might want to remember her in your prayers.

Labels: J and A

Below is the majority of our remaining summer schedule. Maybe we will run into you?
June 12-Omaha family visit-Omaha
June 13-Tim Woodward memorial ceremony-North Dakota
June 21-Pool party-Republic MO
June 26-Helm family reunion-Denver
June 28-Helm picnic-Denver
July 4-Cornerstone festival-Busnell IL
July 17-Lindsey family reunion-Springfield IL
August 4-VANS Warped tour-KC MO
August 9-Alaska

Labels: J and A

Last weekend we all four rode our four-wheeler down various trails in the Mark Twain National Park and we ended up at a cliff where I hung out as a kid.

Labels: J and A, kyla, zaylee

Sometimes I think Zaylee doesn't know what to thing about her family. She looks at us strange and I don't know why.

Labels: J and A, kyla, zaylee

That's a Magic Kingdom.


Hey Mickey!


RRRrr! That's Captain Jack Sparrow fighting me.

Labels: J and A, vacation

Today we modified the color scheme and made some minor adjustments. This site has been up and running since the mid 90s, so something new is kinda nice. More minor updates to come. Do you remember the other versions?

Version 1.0	Version 2.0	Version 3.0

Labels: J and A

We've been conferencing on the web about every other day or so. I can tell Zaylee is growing fast and it's great to see her smile and hear her voice. Kyla misses her sis.

Labels: J and A

The first coat of paint is going on today. Our bedroom wall is near completion and the family room feels much bigger.

Labels: J and A

We are expanding our entertainment room. This will serve two purposes.
1) It will utilize wasted space not used on our back porch.
2) It should nearly double the size of the entertainment room when finished. This will allow us to spread out more ourselves and have more room for guest seating.

Labels: J and A

I love this little girl so much!

Labels: J and A, photography, zaylee

It was a festive night with holiday tunes and laughter. Kyla presented Justin with a hand painting. Zaylee seemed more interested in the wrapping paper than the gift inside.

Labels: J and A, kyla, zaylee

Justin played in the 10" of snow that fell yesterday on Nathan's snow machine.

Labels: J and A

Did I enjoy my birthday? Well if you watch the video above, you will get a peek at my day. We skied Winter Park until 4:00. Then we soaked in a hot tub overlooking the Rocky Mountains. Then we ate my favorite pizza in the entire country. Then we went to a pub and entered in a holdem' tournament. Out of 24 people, I went out in 14th place and Angie took 4th. It was a great birthday.

Labels: J and A, vacation

Angela and I have been married two years now. We are very happy together, and I feel this past year we've grown together in many ways. I love you Ang!

Labels: J and A, photography