More Christmas Activity

Christmas is over and we are now on to the next adventure! The last few days have been great, but everyone is moving on today for the New Year. Kristy and Brian are headed home via Blowing Rock, NC -- one of their favorite destinations. Kirk flies home later today, and Chad and Jen are on the bus heading from Mexico City to Guatemala. (P.S. Just got email from Chad. He says, "The city is in full holiday spirit. The weather is spectacular.")
We had plenty of good Christmas celebration time; encouraged by Connie's extensive decorating and preparation. Here Jen and Kristy enjoy Connie's "little tree" in the dinning room.
We had plenty, plenty to eat. Consulting Chef Chad expertly carves the turkey for his Chief Chef, Mom. Chad is actually the gourmet cook in our family and he always brings a professional touch to the kitchen chores. It was good!!!We spent several hours on Christmas Day at our Positive Action office facility in Whitakers. Our ministry conducts seminars and youth activities and so we have an excellent game room that is equipped with a Wii set-up. Here Jen and Chad try out the virtual tennis courts.
The grand finale for the day was lighting sparklers on our deck (left over from the 4th of July) and that ceremony produced this interesting photo of Kristy and Kirk.

Warm Christmas

The Carlson family sends "warm" Christmas greetings from 60 degree North Carolina! Our gang arrived on the 23rd -- well, actually Kirk, Chad and Jen didn't get to our house until 3:30 a.m. on the 24th. Kirk had a difficult time getting out of Detroit and then his luggage did not make it to Raleigh with his flight. But after a good night sleep, we were all revived and thankful to be together again.
We started out with a Taco Salad lunch and moved on to a "Chad" project in the afternoon. Chad fabricated a custom bike rack for the back of our 5th Wheel. He did a great job!
Then our neighbor's son, Jett Bunn, came over at Connie's urging to show our kids his Green Bay Packer helmet and scrapbook. His dad, a native of Rocky Mount, who has been a life long Packer fan took him to Green Bay for a game this fall. Jett won the helmet as a door prize at a VIP reception at Lambeau Field.

Later we had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner of Beef Stroganoff and all the other goodies.
Christmas morning we had our 2-hour gift opening ceremony. As always it was a great time, with some interesting gifts. Kirk got some ECU (his alma mater) gear, including a beautiful pictorial history of the university.
Fisherman Chad's prized gift was an Abu Garcia fishing reel (made in Sweden -- go figure) to support his Wisconsin hobby. Kristy has more pictures on her site Life's A Stage at http://www.tnwalker62.blogspot.com/.
This morning at 3:00 a.m., Chad and Jen left the house to catch a flight for Mexico City. From there they will take a 12 hour bus ride to Guatemala for a two week adventure. Oh, to be young! But, we leave this weekend for Sebring, Florida for two weeks in our 5th wheel.

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Merry Christmas from North Carolina

We want to extend a Christmas greeting from our home to you and your family. In the next few days our family will be arriving for a time of celebration and joy. We wished that we could have sent out a family photo on our Christmas card, but that was not possible prior to our gathering time at Christmas. However, in the coming week we will be able to take some pictures and post them on this site. We trust that you, and your family, will have a blessed time remembering the Savior's birth and fellowshipping together.

We have finished our fall convention travel for the 2008 season. This year we logged over 9,300 miles as we traveled through 19 states and Canada on three different trips. Our first trip took us to the Midwest, and we enjoyed the comfort of our new 5^th wheel trailer.

After a brief two weeks at home we headed out, without the trailer, to Toronto. On the way to Canada and after finishing our convention, we spent time in Niagara Falls. Years ago we spent a short time viewing the Falls during a visit in the rain. This year the weather was clear, although cool, and the view of the Falls was spectacular. We were able to see the Falls from both the US and Canadian vistas. It is truly a marvel of God’s creation.

From Niagara we headed to Kingsport, Tennessee to have a visit with a distribution company that we are endeavoring to work with in the homeschool market. From east Tennessee we headed to Dayton, Oho for another large Christian school convention. Then it was back home for less than a week before we hitched up the trailer to head for Dallas, Texas.

After the first two cold nights we ran into fairly nice weather. This was our third year traveling to Dallas and I had always wanted to visit the site of the John F. Kennedy assassination. But it wasn’t until late in our visit last year that I discovered that the location for that historic event was just a few blocks from our convention venue. This year we planned to slow down after the convention and visit the 6^th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. We highly recommend this very interesting museum.

The assassination shots were fired from the 6^th floor of what was known in 1963 as the Texas Book Depository. The museum today occupies the entire 6^th floor of that building. There are many photos on display that chronicle and explain the events leading up to, and surrounding, the life and death of President Kennedy. Probably the most fascinating aspect of the museum is that you can stand within a few feet of the window where Lee Harvey Oswald obviously propped his rifle to shoot the president. Also, you can look out the windows on the roadway at Dealey Plaza where the presidential motorcade passed the building.

From Dallas we drove back home at a little slower pace. This year we celebrated Thanksgiving dinner at a Cracker Barrel in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We are glad to have this opportunity to serve the Lord and see the country.

FALL CONVENTION TRIP -- 2008

On Sept. 23 we set out on our fall convention trip to exhibit at four Christian school conventions. The trip would log 3,992 miles on our truck and take us to ten states. During these conventions we estimate that we talked personally to over 400 Bible teachers and school administrators. Many of these were new contacts for our ministry and they represent possible expansion for Positive Action's outreach. We trust that many of these contacts will turn into new customers for the future. Here is Connie standing by the display and exhibit materials that we set up at each convention venue.
Our first convention was in Gatlinburg, TN, where our son-in-law Brian was one of the organizers. Actually, his dad Dr. Charles Walker (my longtime friend) was the convention chairman, but Brian had responsibilities which brought him frequently to our booth to check on us. We appreciated the personal touch from him and his colleague, Randy Scallions. Connie was able to also visit one of Kristy's workshops at this convention.

After the convention we were able to spend some time with Kristy and Brian in the beautiful Smokey Mountains area. Here we are enjoying a cookout at our campsite where we lived for several days.
After leaving Gatlinburg we headed for Nashville, TN to visit Donelson Christian Academy. This school is using two of our Positive Action studies in their Middle School. The interesting thing about this school is that they are using the books electronically -- on Dell tablet computers, rather than using printed books. We wanted to see firsthand how this program was working. If you are interested in a fuller explanation see my report at: http://carlsontravels.blogspot.com/.

Here is a view of the classroom demonstration that the school conducted for us. It was enlightening.
Then we turned north and headed to Indianapolis, IN. On a Tuesday night, before heading to South Bend for our next convention, we had a wonderful pasta dinner at Merrit & Donna Rector's house. Merrit was my close friend from college and seminary, and he cooked the marvelous dinner for us. Both Connie and I enjoyed visiting Merrit & Donna in their lovely home.
We exhibited at two convenitons in Indiana -- South Bend and Indianapolis. Between the two we spent a weekend in the Elkhart, IN area. Our purpose was to try to find a "soft" cover for our truck that could be used to protect display materials for transit when we are not towing the 5th wheel trailer.

The Lord led us to a truck supply dealer who was able to install the perfect cover for us. While at that truck store we met a man by the name of John Lenehan, from Woodstock, New Brunswick. John hauls RV trailers between the US and Canada for various dealers. He wanted to talk with us and told us that he was a recovering alcoholic. We were able to give him some good things to read and to pray with him. Pray for John!
After leaving Indiana we were able to see family in Illinois and Wisconsin. We stopped for a great lunch with my sister Cheryl Turbett, and her husband Dwight, in Rockford, IL. We were joined by niece Kari Tackeberry, and her delightful three kids. They suggested the Machine Shed, and we recommed it to you very highly. Great place to gather and eat.
From there we went on Madison for a weekend with Kirk, Chad and Jen. The weather was just beautiful and we took the opportunity to have a big cookout with brats and burgers in true Wisconsin style.
Following our time in Wisconsin the weather turned a little cooler as we headed north for our final convention in the Twin Cities. We spent an afternoon at the Stillwater (MN) Ford dealership getting our truck mirror repaired, and those folks were outstanding with their customer service. Then we were able to have dinner at Connie's brother's home. Greg and Becky hosted us, plus Judy and Wes Brask, for a delicious dinner at their warm and beautiful home in the northwoods.
The evening started with hors d'oeuvres around the "fire pit". It was a great evening.
During the time we were in the Cities we camped at 4th Baptist in Plymouth. Here is our trailer parked behind their Christian school building. This was the fourth location during our four week trip where we parked at a church or school. It makes things convenient, and is very economical.
After our profitable convention ended on Friday, Oct. 17, we dashed back to the trailer to prepare for a youth group reunion that we had planned for that evening to be held at 4th Baptist. You can read more about this historic "gathering" of the old 4th B youth group at: http://www.youbelong.net/theupwardway. Here is part of the group that gathered for the evening.We enjoyed seeing so many friends. Here is Connie with three of her high school youth group friends: Joan Kroehnert, Audrey Wykes and Bonnie Marcilliott. We do love the privilege that we have to minister across the country and to meet so many new friends at conventions, but then also connect with family and old friends along the way.

Happy 98th Birthday Aunt Midge -- Wow!

Cousin Carol Gunzel sent this wonderful picture of our hero -- Aunt Midge -- 98 years young!

Aunt Midge Gunzel, my mom's only sibling, is an amazing person. She is sharp, full of historical information, and has her venerable Norwegian humor. She just celebrated her 98th birthday with her kids (ya'll are still kids to me) and we have this great picture as a testimony to God's grace and Midge's perseverance.

Surrounding her are Joy (Davis), Jim, Marilyn (Anderson) and Carol. Cousin Dave was unable to join the celebration, because he is many miles away down in the southwest. Carol says, "...the little 2 year old licking her finger from the cake's icing. She'd stand there and poke her finger in the cake and look around to see who was watching her! That's Jim's granddaughter!" Looks like the cake was good.

Connie and I had the joy of visiting with Midge in February of 2006 and then a year later in February of 2007. We were very interested in her stories about her early days as a pioneer missionary to Mongolia in the mid 1930s. We have a copy of her interesting autobiography, with fascinating pictures, that tell the story of her trek to the Far East to become the bride of Uncle Stuart. God bless you Aunt Midge! You are an encouragement to all of us.

Labor Day Weekend Camping

Over Labor Day Weekend we took our Laredo to a nice campground right off I-95 at Selma, North Carolina. On Saturday we invited the Mincy family to drive out from their home in Clayton, about 15 miles away, to join us for a cookout. We had a great time hangin out together.

We grilled hot dogs and Wisconsin brats, and enjoyed the cloudy afternoon and the shade of the trailer awning. After the cookout ended the sun came out and the heat drove us inside to the air conditioned comfort of the trailer.

Inside we moved on to the activities of the day that included a rousing "Bingo" contest with priceless prizes. All the kids (including Sara and Dave) won prizes, and a good time was had by all! Then the day was topped off with old fashioned root beer floats. It was a great capstone to summer.
On Sunday Connie and I were able to attend Community Baptist Church in Clayton where Dave serves as Minister of Music. This vibrant church plant is a growing congregation meeting in a beautiful new public school. The church owns land adjacent to I-40 on the southeast edge of the burgeoning sprawl of Raleigh. We were very impressed with the ministry of this exciting church.

Chad & Jen Fishing

Recently Chad and Jen took a weekend camping and fishing trip to Devils Lake near Baraboo, Wisonsin. We loved these pictures that they sent us from that trip.

Three Cousins

At our family reunion last month we took a picture of the "Three Cousins" -- Dana, Kristy, and Alison. After returning home we found two earlier pictures from the preceeding decades.

First, is a wonderful shot of Grandpa Cutlan with his grandaughters from the 1980s. Grandma Cutlan noted on the back of this picture that it was "one of my favorites".

Then from the 1990s we have a wonderful shot of the three young ladies at a special time together.













Finally, it was fun to get this great picture at our Beach House on the Outer Banks, of our now three distinguished young women.

Family Reunion on The Outer Banks

We had a great reunion for the Carlson, Brask and Cutlan families over the 4th of July week at The Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina. The Outer Banks are the 200-mile long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, and this area is our favorite vacation spot along the East Coast.
Eighteen of us gathered, and that was everybody in our families except for Greg and Becky Cutlan. Greg had a last minute medical incident that made it wise for him to cancel their plans to come, but Nathan and Alison were able to join us for a great time.
It took several days for everyone to arrive, but on Tuesday night our Carlson family was complete and we took a walk on the Avalon Fishing Pier near our beach house. It was a beautiful night and here we are walking on the Pier. From left to right: Chad, Timmy (Kirk's N.C. friend), Connie, Jen, Kirk, Kristy (her head shows behind Kirk) and Brian.

By Wednesday night the whole gang had arrived and gathered at our 3-story beach house that was both roomy and accomdating. We had pizza, enjoyed fellowhip, and then headed for the outdoor drama, The Lost Colony, which is the historic portrayal of The English Roanoke Colony and the settlers who vanished without a trace from Roanoke Island in 1587.

The entire group came from eight states including as far west as Montana and Colorado, and then Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Virginia, New York and North Carolina. The group really enjoyed our place!
On Thursday part of our group (Dana & Jake Huffman, Chad & Jen Carlson, and Kristy & Brian Walker) headed for the open waters on an ocean fishing expedition. They brought about 12 fish back for supper that night at the Brask beach house.

Also during the week the group enjoyed biking, surfing and skim boarding, a trip to see wild mustang horses, a ferry ride to Ocracoke Island, a "Pirate" adventure ship, the Wright Bros. Memorial, beach time, fireworks on the 4th, hot tub at our place, a "Sharing Time" on Thursday night, plus lots of hanging out time on Brasks' deck overlooking the ocean. The girls even found time to do a "beading" session to create unique jewelry.
Our house had a rec room on the ground level complete with pool table, foosball table, TV, etc.
On Friday night, July 4th, we were able to secure a private room for a wonderful family seafood dinner. Here is the whole crowd enjoying the excellent cuisine at Mako Mikes. The evening was topped off with most of the group playing a challenging round of mini-golf, and then on to the Brasks' to watch fireworks from their third floor deck. A great capstone to the week!
Kristy has more pictures and commentary on her blog Life's a Stage at: http://www.tnwalker62.blogspot.com/

March Madness & The Carlson Crowd

For the second year in a row The Carlson Crowd has conducted a highly regarded contest during the NCAA Basketball Tournament. In 2007 Kirk won the first ever “Bragging Rights Traveling Trophy” award for picking the most correct victories among the 65 team NCAA tourney.

This year it was Mom Carlson who won the title. The winner of the annual contest wins the right to possess the “Bragging Rights Traveling Trophy” plaque for the year. This week the coveted plaque arrived via UPS from Kirk. Connie has proudly displayed the plaque in the family room for the year.

For the contest this year we used the Yahoo! Fantasy Sports Tournament Pick'em online format. This is a free online contest format that is completely automatic. All the scoring is done automatically after the actual teams in the tournament play each game. Each family member is able to log on to the contest web page to check his or her progress and post comments. It is a fun event for us every year and we look forward to the Carlson Crowd March Madness contest with eager anticipation.

This report was filed by The Commish!

Carlson Family RVing History

Last weekend we picked up our new 5th Wheel trailer. It was an interesting experience! The trailer is beautiful, comfortable and amazingly hi-tech with lots of cutting edge features. Still, camping is camping and we had a typical adventure over the three days of learning the ropes on the Keystone Laredo 265RL.

The day we did our orientation was like a beautiful summer day – although it was still March. We stayed in the campground at the RV dealership for several days to test everything out, and the day we left was a mini-nightmare. It was cold, rainy and we had a dozy of a time hooking up to leave. From that we both caught colds that resulted in laryngitis later in the week. Such is the camping lifestyle. Not always perfect, pretty, or universally enjoyable. But still, we love it!

All of this brought me back to our Carlson family history with trailering down through the years. Our first experience was when we borrowed Roy and Bev Hodge’s tent trailer in the summer of 1969. Kristy was just two, and we took her to Chattanooga and the Smokey Mountains for her first visit. I remember a cold, rainy and leaky night in the Smokies.

Then in 1972 we bought a Bethany Teepee trailer that we took to the Black Hills, Wyoming and Colorado. Again there were memorable experiences of cold nights in the Rocky Mountains and Kirk’s resulting trip to the hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In a few years we moved up to a fixed wall 16 ft. Shasta travel trailer that we dragged all the way to California. Later we acquired a 19 ft. Corsair that had our first bathroom and shower.

From 1978 to 2002 we were out of trailering, except for onetime in the 80’s when we rented a large pop-up camper that we took to Michigan and Indiana. Here are some pictures that remember our “traveling trailers” over the years.