Father/Daughter Trip Day 2

The view from our hotel room (17th floor).

Lunch at JJ's (Jimmy John's) - the girls choice.  They each got the #1. (Note from Jolene: I am not sure if you needed to add #1 sandwich, Dad!!!!!   But it was good!)

We took the train out to Central Park and went ice skating.

On the way back from Central Park we stopped at Union Station  to get some Subway sandwiches.  I had no idea this destination existed.

Union Station is an old train station (at one time the busiest in the world) repurposed into a mall with food, shopping, and a hotel.  This time of year it is decorated and had various groups singing Christmas Carols.  We should have allowed more time here.

With supper in hand, we boarded our 5:30PM train headed northbound for home.

The girls are convinced that supper tastes better on the train.  We made it home a little before 10PM.

A good time was had by all.  It was a trip to remember.

Father/Daughter Trip to St. Louis

We left Bloomington/Normal Amtrak station at 9:14AM Friday.

We carried everything in two back packs.  Dad necessities accounted for about 1/6 of the supplies we brought.  The girls made up for the rest.

Eating oatmeal on the train made with hot water we got from the snack car.

As our train came into St. Louis there was a low fog such that all you could see was the base of the arch. When Jolene saw this view she exclaimed loudly "Oh look, the buildings are leaning!"  I had to explain to her that she was seeing just the bottom parts of the arch.

We arrived in St. Louis at 12:20PM and it was raining.  We walked a mile in the rain to our hotel.  We got wet, but it was fun.  We are staying at the Hilton at the ballpark.  We have a view of the arch from our 17th floor room.

After we checked into our hotel and got dry clothes on we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory for lunch.  We got to eat in the trolly car.

We went to the arch next.  This is our attempt at a groupie at the arch.

Going up in the tram.  Note from Jolene: Notice my face-The Tram was about going to go. I was nervous that Dad would not make it on the Tram on time!!!!!!(Note from Dad: Someone has to do the worring)

There were not very many visitors at the arch, so we were the only ones in our tram.

It was so foggy that you could hardly see the court house!

A nice lady offered to take a picture of our group.  To our suprise when looking back through our pictures we saw that there was a guy that was posing in our picture.  We don't know him from Adam and did not know he was there.  We don't even remember seeing him up top.  Wierd.

After about 5 pictures he began to back away.  I hope he enjoyed it.  I don't know why the nice lady taking our picture didn't say something unless they were working together on a practical joke.

After we got back from the arch we went swimming and then dressed up nice to go out to eat at a fancy restaurant.  

Carmine's Steak House which was a block away from our hotel.  Cloth napkins, candles, pretty plates. We didn't know how to act.

For dessert we went to "Yo My Goodness Frozen Yogurt".

This was interesting in that you serve yourself in a bowl.  Lots of different flavors to choose from.  Then you add whatever toppings you want.  At the checkout they weigh your creation and charge you $.44/oz.  It may sound cheap, but it adds up.

We concluded the day with a second swim. Note from Jolene: Dad did not get in the second time!!!  :( 

It was a great day.

Are You Amish?

Mom had Jesse take Javan into drivers ed, and Mom wanted me (Jolene) to go along and help Jesse get some food items and etc........  We got everything we needed (or we thought!) We picked up Javan, and before we left Pekin, Javan asked if we had gotten dog food.  OPPS!  We forgot!  So back to Walmart we go!!!!!!  When we checked out there was a guy and a ladly in front of us. The guy was talking to the cashier about Christmas.  And how many trees he has and how many blowup decorations he has. Then he turned around and looked at us and asked us if we like Christmas.  We said we did. Then he asked us if we decorate.  We said we live so far back in the country that no one would ever see it.  Then the guy started walking away and then stopped.  He looked at us and said "Wait a second, Are you Amish????"  We said "No!!!"  And then the lady who checked us out said "Some people are just plain weired!!!!!!"

Posted By: Jolene 

                               Edited By:My wonderful Daddy

                                                                               Give all the credit to:Me

To CUTE to not post!

By: Jolene Plattner

Farm and Fleet had their open house last Thursday. There were peanuts on sale. So Dad bought a lot of them. 

Any guesses of what Jeremiah called them?  

In the van going home from Farm and Fleet after buying the peanuts. And having a little snack of them. 

When he would finish his peanuts he  would say "Peanut Butter!"

 

It might not be cute to all you out there but it was too cute for me!

 

Whenever the phone rings everybody wants to get it!  When the phone rings there is a lot comotion! "Mom! Can I please get it?" By 3 or more people!😄.  (Jeremiah is usually repeating what we say!)

Ok, so the phone is ringing and a lot of us are like. 

"Can I please get it mommy?"

Jeremiah: "Pwease get it?"

After letting some one else get it, Jeremiah goes crying to Mommy. "I get it!"  

Sorry buddy!  You still can not do what everybody else does!

A Visit to the ER

By Jesse

Some of you know the short of how I earned my crutches, but this the long firsthand version with 1351 words and 7 paragraph.  So after reading this you will know the long and short of the whole story.

We were on vacation last week 5/26-30 in Alabama, camping at Desoto State Park.  Monday we set up camp.  Tuesday we hiked and did some rock climbing (we use ropes and harnesses for safety).  Wednesday we went to Cherokee Rock Village and did some more rock climbing.  After that we went to Blue Hole, a very clear swimming hole along a river down there, and swam a while.  Thursday we went to Desoto Falls where we tried fishing and ate lunch; then we headed back to camp and dad and the three oldest went mountain biking; when we got back we went swimming at the pool.  Friday we went back to Cherokee Rock Village to do some more rock climbing, then it happened…

A little before one o’clock PM I had made it to the top of a 40’ to 50’ climb and was being let down by someone I’ll call “J” (because his/her name starts with J) at approx. 15’ from the ground J lost control and I dropped the remaining distance to the ground.  I don’t remember the fall but the next thing I remember is lying on the ground in excruciating pain gasping for air.  Dad and Mom ran over and helped me up, still gasping I asked for a chair which was immediately brought and with the help of Mom and Dad I sat down.  The pain level was 8 to 9 (on a scale of 0 to 10) my chest, hip, and ankle all hurt on my right side.  I sat in pain until everything was cleaned up, then Dad and Mom carried me to the van.  When we came to the first hospital we didn’t see an emergency room so we asked someone if it was a hospital, it was a mental hospital, OOPS!!!  The guy told us of a different hospital.

One hour after the accident we arrived at the Gadsden Regional Medical Center ER.  Dad went in and got a wheelchair for me and after helping me into it he brought me in.  We waited I don’t know how long until they called my name and we went back to a small room where they asked a few questions, then we went back to the waiting room.  Awhile later we went back to the small room where a nurse got me a gown then went out while I changed.  A little bit later she came back in to examine me, thankfully my ankle was just scraped, and my chest was just bruised.  After the examination another woman came in and asked about insurance for a little bit.  Then I went back to get x-rays after they got the x-rays they put me in a hospital bed and brought me back to the small room.  A little while later some nurses came in and told us the room we were in was a short time room and they were going to move me to hall F, where I was right across from a door that was labeled nourishment, my belly told me I was at the right place but the nurses said I couldn’t eat because I might need surgery.

I don’t know how many hour(s) later they took me upstairs for a C.A.T. scan.  They diagnosed me with a broken pelvis.  After the scan I was taken back to the hall where all was good until I had to use the restroom.  Two problems, one, I couldn’t get up (they weren’t going to let me get up either), and two I was in a hall where there were people constantly walking by.  I don’t think you’re supposed to improvise in a hospital but we did it anyway.  They put a curtain thingy at the side of my bed opposite the wall and two people held sheets at the head and foot of my bed while I did my business.  At about eleven o’clock PM they told us I needed to go to a different hospital where there was a doctor who could work on pelvises.  Then for the journey they gave me an IV.  A little after midnight the ambulance arrived to take me to the other hospital I was put in the back, and mom got to ride in the front by the driver (where I wanted to be).  After I got settled I prayed until I fell asleep.

We arrived at the University of Alabama Trauma center in Birmingham at one o’clock AM where they put me in a sterile looking room, on a sterile board that was supposed to be a bed.  Where they took blood samples, my watch, and my socks, and if that wasn’t bad enough they put this uncomfortable neck brace on me “just in case I had hurt my neck in the fall” (it was twelve hours after the fall).  They got more x-rays, then took me upstairs for more C.A.T. scans.  When we got back down stairs they gave me some medicine that would relax me.  Several hours later they finally got the results from the C.A.T. scans which proved I didn’t need the neck brace so they took the brace off and removed the board from underneath me which allowed me to settle down into a soft bed.  Then a nurse came over and asked me “what year is it?” I joked “2017” She said “guess again” I gave her the correct answer then she asked me what my name was, who the president was, etc. just to see if I was in my right mind.  A little while later they came in and told me they were going to take me upstairs to a private room where I would wait to find out if I needed surgery.

When we got up to the room the transport wished me good luck on getting a cute nurse (it didn’t happen).  When the nurse came in she asked me the usual questions (whether I have had drugs, or smoked etc.).  Somehow a rumor had gotten around that I had walked into the emergency room so several nurses came in asking whether I had really walked into the ER with a broken pelvic bone.  In a little bit mom came up and got settled on the window seat then took a nap while I watched TV shows like Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe.  The nurse came in after a while to tell me that I could finally eat and to give me a menu.  Several hours after I had breakfast a physical therapist came in with a walker to teach me how to walk.  I walked about fifty feet down the hall then turned around and walked back.  I did well with the walker so he told me he would get me crutches and they would be up in a half hour.  An hour or so later I was being taken to get x-rays when we met Alisa McCool (my mom’s cousin who lives in Birmingham) at the door.  I went to get the x-rays (to make sure everything was OK for me to get discharged).  When we got back Alisa said hi to me and gave me her condolences then Alisa and mom talked for several hours.  During that time the doctor came in and told us I was going to be discharged so we told them we haven’t got the crutches yet.  A little bit later they brought a pair of crutches in and set them by the wall.  I don’t know when Alisa left but a little while after she left I fell asleep.  When I woke up dad and the rest of my siblings were there making themselves at home.  In a little bit the physical therapist came in and taught me how to use the crutches with that done they were ready to evict me.  The nurse brought the eviction papers and gave me some pain killer for the trip home.  At four o’clock PM we were finally discharged so we high tailed it home.  Around midnight we stopped at a Walmart parking lot for a few hours then hit the road again to arrive home at seven o’clock.

Life at the Plattner’s House Part 2

It is always hard to think of stuff to say.  So just ENJOY!!!!

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 June

June we did not have very much stuff going on.  But we do have a lot of pictures.

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Happy 41st Birthday Mom!!!

Happy 41st Birthday Mom!!!  There are 3 facts that I would like to share with you.

1.  Mom likes surprises

2.  Dad likes to give surprises

3.  Dad does not like surprises.

Ok,got it?  Ok Dad ordered some flowers for Mom.  He wanted them delivered to our house, so the man that deliver them to our house did not take directions very well.  The guy who was delivering the flowers to us called are home phone, asked to speak with Mom.  He asked for directions and he told her that he has some flowers for Mom.  Mom knew write away that they were from Dad.  BUSTED!!!!!

Daddy’s beautiful bride!!  And my lovely Mother!!!

Any guesses who drew this?

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Biking on the Rock Island Trail

On a Sunday afternoon after church we went on the Rock Island Trail.  We went 9 miles total.  Dad, Jesse, & Javan wanted to go some more but we girls were too tired out.  It was only 9 miles!!!

Enjoy

And of we go!!!

Resting

Both Jeremiah and Johanna are asleep.

We packed our own supper and brought it with us.

Jeremiah getting a drink.  Jeremiah really likes playing in water!!!!  In the summer Jeremiah found out how to turn the water hydrant on.  YIKES!!!!  He loves playing in the water.

YUM!!!!!

Later after we were done biking we went to see Great Grandma Rumbold.  Grandpa & Grandma Plattner were there also.  Grandpa Plattner thought we needed some ice cream after bike riding.  When we were loading up in the van to go get some ice cream Johanna got her fingers in the door of the van and somebody was closing the door got them pinched.  She passed out she started to fall but Mom caught her.  She came back about a minute.  VERY VERY SKARY!!!!! 

(LL here – a little clarification…  The van was parked on a slight incline.  The door closed on its own.  Johanna’s fingers did get banged but didn’t leave any marks.  She started to scream and I picked her up.  She arched her back like she wanted down so I went to put her down but she went to her knees and went limp.  I screamed for Chad – at first thought maybe she was having a seizure.  ///  Thankfully 2 nights prior my sister in law was commenting on how sometimes children will pass out when she gives vaccinations – That reminded me of the stories I’ve heard about when I was a little girl and would get hurt I would get real stiff and hold my breath till I passed out.  (It didn’t happen all the time but scared my Mom when it did).  My Mom talked to the doctor and he said I would grow out of it.  ///  That brings me back to Johanna.  Having been reminded of my habit of passing out when I was little it gave me comfort that it was probably the same thing.  We watched her and nothing else happened, in fact, it hasn’t happened since.)

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Hiking at Matheson State Park

April

Dad needed to pick up a part for our Ranger in some town.  He decided to make a day of it.  He offered to take all the children (including Jeremiah) so Mom could have a quiet day to work at home.  Matheson State Park is about 40 minutes from were Dad needed to pick up the part.  The worst part about hiking is that we had Jeremiah but we managed by caring him in a back pack and bringing cheerios along.  Dad had all of us.  Just to let you know there were 8 of us!!!!!   That was the first time for Mom leaving Jeremiah with us (He wasn’t completely weaned yet). 

Thanks Dad for taking us hiking at Matheson State Park!!!!

Enjoy these pictures!!!!

The hiking was really fun!!!!  Until my legs got tired of walking!!!   POOR ME!!!!

Jonas

There was these things that we had to cross to get across the water.  Some of them were pretty far apart.  It was kind of scary walking across them.  But with a little of Dad’s help I was able to do it.

I am not sure if they wanted us climbing on the rocks, but we did any way.

climbing some more

Part of a trail you had to go past this really tight part as you can see on the picture.

There was this really cool water fall

Dad wanted to take a few pictures of us by the waterfall.  How many people are in the picture?

Javan helping Jonas and Johanna.

GORGEOUS!!!!

Walking through TOP SECRET PASSAGES SHSHSHSH that we only know about!!!!

That’s all for now!!!!  After we went hiking we drove home, stopped for about 5 or 7 minutes to change some clothes because some people got a little too careless and got wet.  (We are very thankful that nobody fell in.) And left again for church cleaning.

The 3rd part will come soon!!!!

THE  END!!

Oh and I forgot to tell you that this blog is by Me!!!!!

Life at the Plattner’s House Part 1

Life at the Plattner’s house can get pretty interesting.  Through the summer when we were trying to do a garden, trying to do school, and having a Japanese girl stay with us. Through the Summer we were not blogging so I will try to catch up.  Here is a peek into our world.

ENJOY!!!!!

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May

  Grandpa and Grandma Riley came to visit from Ohio.

 

All ready to take Grandma for a ride down to Prairie Creek.

And we are off!!

GOOF BALLS!!!!!!

Some more GOOF BALLS not cooperating.  You understand when pictures take for EVER it seems like!!!!!

More BORING PICTURES!!!

Jesse

Me (Jolene)

Jared wading. Would it be funny if he fell in???????  Do not get your hopes up.  He did not fall in!!!!

No clue what this was about!!!!  Are feet cute?

Grandpa and Jeremiah enjoying the outside summer air.

Playing Euchre.  I love Jesse’s smile!!

Jubilee, Grandpa, & Johanna

Jeremiah laying on the floor.  This was a rare site back then. 

Neck Sandwich – Paybacks Grandpa!!!

Grandpa, Grandma, and the Plattner grandchildren.

Grandpa, Mom, and Grandma.

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Kayaking and Canoeing on the Mackinaw River

I am not sure if I have blogged about this yet.

Here are some pictures that you can enjoy.

 

Me

Jubilee

In the van ready to go down the Mackinaw River.

Getting put in

Mom

And on we go!!!!

Grandpa, Jubilee, and Jonas

Me 

Dad, Jeremiah, Jubilee, and Jonas.

Taking a little brake.

Me AGAIN!!!!!  (I never could leave the good pictures of me out.  Could I?)

Jubilee

Any guesses of who’s head that is???

Racing!!

Me 

Jonas

Ready to shove off from a brake.

My best Grandpa Riley I have ever met!!!!

Jesse

Mom and Jeremiah

 

I hope you enjoyed everything!!!

 

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May Birthdays and Mother’s Day

On Mothers Day we had the Plattner birthdays.  All of the Plattners were able to make it.

I will try to post all the good pictures.  We did not get too many.

Danae playing dollies.

2 peas in a pod.  Daisha and Johanna playing babies.

Jeremiah ready for his cupcake.

“Happy 1st Birthday Jeremiah!!!!”

Time to dig in!!

“Mmmm this is good”

So CUTE and what a mess!!!

It is time for Jonas' birthday!!!!  He turned 6.

Jonas’  cake that Grandma Plattner made.

 

Danae’s 2nd birthday!!

Danae

And that is the end of all the pictures that we have for Birthdays and Mother’s Day.

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Jonas’ Birthday Outing

I have all ready posted pictures so you can look here if you have not looked at them yet.

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Rescuing someone from distress.

We just got home from swimming at a friends pool,  the phone rang and Jared answered it. Jared got off the phone and said “Mom, Kathy has a snake in her house,  she needs us to come and catch it for her.”  So we went over.  The boys went in the house while we girls stayed outside.

 

The little baby snake that perishes. 

Kathy was very thankful to get that snake out of her house.  Many of you are like “how did that snake get in the house?”  So hear I go!!!  Kathy likes to garden.  She had a black bag in her yard that had milk jug’s in it for gardening.  The bag sat outside for a while.  She brought it in and put it in her basement.  The snake was in the bag and she brought it inside.  The snake got out of the bag and went upstairs. 

Well that is all for now!!!  The second part will come out SOON!!! 

Stay tuned!!!

Later~

Jolene