This past weekend we walked for Autism www.autismspeaks.org.

It was nice to see so many people walking for such an important cause.
We came to support our friends, Jill and John Stein. They have a son who has autism, they Both work endlessly raising support for research and awareness.

Here are Jill and John

We are off! -- it was a beautiful day and it felt great to walk for this cause.

Jill with Trey, Daniel and behind them are John and Steven

Here is the ever-so-adorable baby Jacob, the youngest member of Daniel's Pace team.While walking we kept cool by having water gun fights.
Trey made a new friend.
What a way to end the walk on a cool note! :)

OKLAHOMA -- PART THREE

We would like to say thank you to Bob's parents for a lovely vacation. We had a blast in Oklahoma. Robert and Shirley were great hosts and we look forward to more visits. We came back relaxed and rested. Bobby, Trey, Shirley and Robert


Trey and grandpa

Uncle Charlie, Robert, Bobby, Chris and Trey
Trey and Grandma

Cherokee Heritage Center : The Cherokee Nation occupied vast areas of the Carolinas, Virgina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. They spoke in dialects of Iroquoian language. They called themselves Ani-yun-wiya meaning "real people."

Their villages had up to 2000 members, who made up a republican form of government with a constitution, a chief, a senate and a house of representatives. The Cherokee people were farmers, hunters, fisherman, artisits and warriors. I was impressed by their stronge traditions, deep hertiage, agriculture and complex tribal governments-- it was interesting.

remains of the seminary columns Our guide Shawna with my handsome guys.

meeting hall
Different types of arrows for hunting and warWinter house
Summer house
Food storage house
Showing how Cherokees made their clay bowls. Our guide told us that Cherokees generally lived to the age of 35 due to levels of lead in the clay. Women wore turtle shells with small rocks inside of them during religious celebrations. The leg dressings could weight up to 30 lbs per leg.

Trail of Tears Exhibit: Trail of Tears was the relocation of Native Americans from their homelands. They were forced to walk hundreds of miles west. Many died from harsh weather conditions, hunger and disease. This exhibit through it's special effects, lighting, video, audio and life-cast figures depict pre-removal life, court battles to keep their eastern lands, imprisonment, forced removal, and the rebuilding of Cherokee lives in the new Territory.

USS Batfish : Trey's first torpedo -- The name came from the ferocious fish of the West Indies.

SUNNY TREY DAYS

The New England Dance Center http://www.newenglanddance.com/ put on their annual dance recital today. Trey's dance class performed to "Baby Chicks" song. Can I say, "Oh My God! it was adorable." Trey was the farmer, of course. He was so sweet walking out on the stage all smiles and waving up a storm. The class did a great job. In my opinion they all were superstars. I uploaded the performance but, it's a little dark. You can see bits and parts and you can hear them very well. Trey is the first one on the right.

Backstage with Trey's dance class. (click on photo to enlarge)

MUSKOGEE ART

Muskogee has treasures at every turn. While driving around looking for guitars I found these murals on the side of brick buildings. I found them interesting, beautiful and full of history. It seemed almost endless and unexpected to continually find artwork sporadically through town. Just when you thought there wasn't anymore to find -- I would find another.

I love this painting. It really popped out at you!

These are paintings of Mr&Mrs Hoopes the original owners of Hoopes Hardware.

Shirley and Trey outside of Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame http://www.oklahomamusichalloffame.com/

Muskogee's Rhythm's Guitar Exhibit features 30 eight feet painted guitars. The guitars celebrate the town's rich musical heritage . Here are a few of the guitars that adorn streets of Muskogee.

Trey's favorite guitar.

HONOR HEIGHTS PARK
This is the oldest and most enjoyed park in Muskogee. There is over 122 acres with manicured gardens, ponds, playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic and splash pads, hiking trails, plus a sand volleyball court. This is home to over 600 varieties of azaleas, rose and butterflies gardens. I fell in love with this park. It really is a beautiful park.

One of the ponds

Swan paddle boats and a water fountain in this pond.

Looking down on the park.

Trey having fun playing at splash pad. It was a hot day! how refreshing.

OKLAHOMA - PART 2

We made it to Muskogee, Oklahoma safe and sound. It was smooth sailing. Bob's parents were wonderful hosts. Their property is beautiful and there was plenty to see and do.

Here is the pond on their property. What a lovely pond.

Here is Robert & Shirley's home. There's 11 acres of land and they share it with Bob's Uncle Charlie.

This is my favorite picture of Robert and Trey. He loved riding on the tractor.

Here are my two handsome guys, having lots of fun. Helmets?

Trey had fun with these dogs. The neighbor has eleven dogs and I think they had fun with Trey.

OKLAHOMA - PART ONE

May 23rd we headed out to Oklahome to visit Bob's family. Trey got his first plane ride. I thought this was a great shot of Trey with a plane in the back ground.
Some breakfast before boarding our plane.

Our plane is on time and we are ready to go.

Waiting in line to board.

Here is my big man all calm, cool and collected. He was so brave for a first time flyer.