The "Merriest" Place on Earth

I figure I better hurry and blog about our trip before Christmas has come and gone and I am even farther behind.

We took the family to Disneyland for part of their Christmas present...thanks Grandma Wood...a>
We ( read Kara ) have always wanted to go during the holidays and it worked out perfectly this year. We went with some good friends that have never been before. It was fun to see everything throught their eyes.

We had a fantastic tour guide, Julie ( if I do say so myself ). The kids had so much fun going on rides over and over. Screamer was the family favorite, except Travis who wouldn't go near the thing! Yes, we were the ones escorted from the coaster because someone was crying so hard, and yelling he wouldn't do it before even getting buckled in.

We all love Disneyland and had a great time! Thanks Muhlestein crew for coming with us.

Synchro starts again

Kaylee had her first meet of the year on Saturday...sorry no pics...and she did great. This year she has to swim in the 13-15 advanced age group, so she is at the very bottom of the heap. But this certainly didn't stop her. Kaylee placed 10th out of 47 competitors. Since she missed half of November practices, we think this is pretty great. She was thrilled.
Several of my nieces swim too. One got 10th out of 20 in the 9-10 advanced, one got 3rd in 8-under novice, and one got 1st, one got 2nd in 8-under advanced. Must be something in the Nichols blood that makes them swim like fish!! We are all proud of these great girls!!

Amazing Awaits

What a great theme for where I just spent 3 days. I just got back from spending the weekend at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs CO.

The food was wonderful, the weather beautiful, and the fact that it was just us girls, even better.

We were trained by sports psychologists, trainers, nutritioists, and other athlete development experts at a coaches college for Synchronized swimming. It was the best training ever. My favorite part was the sports psychologist who spoke to us. Everything she said about helping athletes could be directly applied to raising a family. It was great.

I may never have had an olympic dream myself, but if this is what Kaylee decides to do...I am all for it!!

Support Synchro!! Eat Krispy Kreme!!

Hey all you fellow blog readers...at least those who like to read my blog. I have a huge favor to ask. Kaylee is doing 2 fundraisers for synchro if you are interested at all.

1. Krispy Kreme Coupons...Buy a coupon/gift certificate. Each certificate gives you a dozen donuts. Pay $6 each, or 2 for $10. This will be on going for the entire year...so before you head down to Krispy Kreme, stop by for a certificate and save $1.50 per dozen.

2. On November 8th she is doing a swim-a-thon and would love your support. You can sponsor her by pledging a set amount per lap (200 lap maximum) or a flat rate donation. The monies earned will help offset the cost of her events this year. Your donations don't have to be a lot, she is just excited to earn even a few bucks. If you are interested in donating drop me an email tbowman14 @ cox.net or leave me a comment and I will get back to you. The team that she swims for is a non-profit...which means this fundraiser is tax deductible.

Kaylee thanks you... hope to hear from you.

Pierced ears

Well the big day arrived. We finally got pierced ears on a boy at our house. Not, as I am sure you all are wondering, Todd...It is our very own Travis!! but not in the way typically imagined.


Sunday evening I spent a few hours at Stake meetings and come home to a hospital ward in my bedroom. Seems that something was thrown by Tyler that hit Travis just right and pierced his upper ear. In fact, it went through his ear into his head. Yeah, I'm glad I missed the gory bloody part. Todd mostly had him cleaned up when I got home.


We had our good friend (the dentist... cause who is better qualified with holes in the head?) check it out to see if he needed stitiches. The cost of some butterfly bandages outweighed the $200 ER visit fee to be told no stitiches necessary.


When we asked Trav if we could put an earring in, he was outraged. "I'm not a gurwul (girl), Mom!" Hopefully, we won't have to deal with earrings on a boy again.

Free Purses

So I am not a crazy purse lady, but the chance to win a free purse appeals to me. Handbag Planet is having a give away of a free handbag, 1 handbag every hour 24 hours before they officially open their doors. There are some really cute bags at not horrible prices. Go here to enter to win http://www.handbagplanet.com/contest3

Best Friends

Some of you know that Travis has a bad case of Idol (hero) worship. No it is not the Nintendo. (That would be Tanner)

Travis idolizes Keith Van Oostendorp.

When the Millers moved, Travis was devastated. His 2 best friends (that he still talks about) were gone. The only thing that softened the blow was Keith. Keith was 18 years old at the time, but he rides motorcycles, Travis' great love!! Travis became his shadow almost instantly.


Two weeks ago, Travis had to write a story at school about his best friend. He did not choose the kids at school, or any family member to write about. He chose Keith. Keith has since left on his mission...yes, many tears were shed at our home, especially once Travis realized Keith would miss his baptism day.

Here is his story...spelled just like he did it.

"My Best Friend by Travis Bowman. My best friend is Keith. Keith is alot oder then me. Keith has a dirtbike. It is red. I like to go over to his howes to help him change his tiers and wosh it. Keith is fun. Keith is going on his mishin for to yers. Im going to mis him. I am going to write him leters. Keith is 19 and I am 7. Keith and me like to tolk abaot ploying water footboll and basketball to. I like Keith because he makes me laugh."

We like Keith too. We are so grateful to him for being such a wonderful example of a righteous young man. We hope Travis turns out just like him. The case of hero worship is surely justified!