Rockford, Illinois

Well, if anybody saw a Jeep about to head into oncoming traffic that would be the kickbackexpedition model from California as it was two bolts (out of 6) away from flying off the back of the RV while attempting to get on I-80 in Ohio. The result was a bent tow-hitch (see picture) and an emergency visit to Chucks Custom Service Center. The crew was extremely helpful and got us back on the road ASAP (Three hours or so, but hey it was Ohio so that's pretty good). As it turns out, it very well could have been IMPROPERLY installed originally. I smell a warranty war coming on! After that we, and when I say we I mean Dad/Poppa/David, steered the ship towards Rockford, Illinois. Well, Chicago traffic is less than desirable and with the Jeep fiasco in the morning we missed our window to see 'Ol Blue Hair (Lori) today. Fret not as a plan has been set to meet up tomorrow and we're all looking forward to that!

Canton, Ohio

Canton, Ohio home of the Football Hall of Fame. Justin was very excited for the visit today and took his time reading EVERYTHING! The tour took a couple hours (Grace and Amy were done a lot quicker) and ended with a great video which made you feel like you were at the Superbowl Game. It fired Justin up and he can't wait to get home to get back to his football team! Then we headed back to the campsite while Poppa cooked the meat, Amy cooked the salt potatoes and mushrooms, Gramma did the laundry, and Uncle Jason fixed the drinks. Grace had her alone time and Justin organized his football stuff! It's a late night at the campfire with Smores made by Grace :)

Niagra Falls

We left Syracuse and headed to Buffalo to see Niagra Falls. Gary will be flying out tomorrow from Buffalo but got to see Niagra Falls today. We got to camp and headed over to Niagra Falls. We got to see across to Canada....which looked a little dirty. Niagra Falls was amazing but we did expect it to be a lot louder than it was. We walked around a bit and decided we would eat dinner then walk the cave tour. We made it to dinner just as a storm broke out. We had an amazing thunder and lightning storm....again.....us Pickards have not seen this much rain and lightning in our entire life!!! The storm had passed when we finished dinner and Poppa, Gramma, Uncle Jason, Amy, Gary, Justin and Grace put on some great outfits and shoes and walked to the bottom of the falls....it felt like we were in a hurricaine and it was amazing....we were very happy we did the walk...Thanks Gramma!

Syracuse

We got to spend some time in Syracuse with both sides of the family. Uncle Jason flew in on Friday the first. Amy and Uncle Jason got to see some of their cousins and their children that they haven't seen in 9 years! It was great to spend time with them. We stayed at camp with Uncle Gary and Aunt Elaine....who I think Grace wanted to be adopted by! Uncle Gary's boat bit the dust the first night we took her out....but the ride was awesome anyway! Grace has a new love of fishing thanks to Uncle Gary. She caught 30 fish one day and Justin caught 31 (of course, it's always a competition!) We played lots of games....most involving money that the Kobus/Pickard Family won!!! Sorry Craig, maybe you'll have more luck when we're back in California :) Jaime and Bear had to spend a lot of time babysitting the Pickards but we enjoyed that time so we hope they did too! The Stiller/Kobus families from Delaware we enjoyed camp time....especially when Amy beat William, Sarah and Grace made alliances, Ryon lost first in pass the Aces and Ron always liked to give his chips away in LCR! Jake, always sit across from Amy :) We hope to make it out for one of the weddings/graduations next summer with hopefully more camp time.

We celebrated Aunt Esther's 90th birthday! We got to see the Raner and Farrell side of the family as well. Lots of great food to eat...Aunt Jane's macaroni salad, Joe's Grilling, and Julie's spicy chicken dip! Yum. It was great to see all the cousin's and their children.....who most are taller than Amy now...definitely taller than Vonnie :) We got to spend more time with Aunt Jane, Uncle Moose, Uncle Mert, Aunt Ginny, and Uncle Dickie at dinner one night. We're still trying to convince them to come out to California for a visit. We got to see Uncle Dickie's place and stopped by 1044 State Fair Blvd...doesn't look the same but still makes Amy remember all the good times there.