The Dragon and the Knight

How is it that a great aunt who lives over a thousand miles away and has never met Anthony knows him so well? Today he was excited to find a GIANT rectangle box with his name on it waiting for us by the front door. The treasures inside made this new four year old excited to be creative and play as well as get hurt. (Yes, get hurt. He REALLY wants to try out his new pickle bandages!) His only complaint about the surprise gifts? Why didn't she send a sword too? Got to love the mind of a little boy! He's now convinced me to forgo a nap, build the castle that she sent as well as spend the rest of the afternoon playing in the living room. Sounds good to me, Birthday Boy!
Thank you, Gretch, for making our day!

Our Special Moon

Tonight on our way home from the fish park Anthony noticed the moon and was totally in awe of it. (The pictures really don't do justice to how beautiful it truly was.) He asked me to stop the wagon so we could spend time looking at it. He then made the cutest remark.

Momma, God must have known that we needed a really beautiful moon to look at tonight so he made a special one for us.

Lately there have been many challenging moments in every day. However, there are always moments of love, happiness and joy too. It's when I hear comments like this and see his sweet smile that I know every moment - good and bad - is completely worth it.

Clara and Sam

After a weekend of visiting with friends, Rachel, Clara and Samuel came down for three days. While Rach was off at a conference the four of us were playing, having fun and enjoying these last few days of summer. It was great to be able to spend more time with these two that I love dearly and don't get to see nearly enough.

Beavers Reunite

Eleven years ago I made the best switch in my college career. I packed up my belongings and moved into Century Apartments with my new roommates, Molly and Rachel. My last year and a half at BSU were filled with laughter, fun and plenty of "wild and crazy" moments. I already knew how to study, get good grades and work hard. These two wonderful women taught me how to have fun, lighten up and really just enjoy life each and every day. I love them dearly and am thankful they are still an important part of my life even though life has us going in different directions and proximity keeps us from visiting more often.
Last weekend we met up in Grand Rapids to give our kids an opportunity to play (and enjoy the local fair) and spend time together as adults. As always, it was a relaxing, fun and laughter-filled time together. (The only scary part is when Hammy the Hamster escaped with some help from a little one and I had to endure a night of worry. Hamsters totally freak me out. I know it's a bit crazy to be scared of a little animal, but I have a serious phobia of hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, ferrets, birds or any other pet that isn't a dog or cat. Luckily, I survived the night and Hammy was found and put back in his cage the next day. Whew!) We enjoyed many games of cribbage, listening to the hubbies sing karaoke, laughing uncontrollably at our awesome prank on Jeremy and I even survived a run with the ladies Saturday morning! Hopefully we'll be able to do it all again soon.

The former roomies and our cutie patooties.

Going to the fair with friends is definitely more fun for A!

There is no substitute for amazing friends.

Sand Lake Weekend

As I type this post there are officially ten days left before workshop days begin and eighteen days before the start of another school year. Summertime is definitely winding down. We've had a busy summer enjoying lots of time with family and friends. This past weekend Mark and I were grateful to spend a few days with friends up at the Feierabend cabin soaking in these last days of summer. As always we had a great time of relaxation, laughing, and spending time with some wonderful individuals.

April and I made an Amaretto run Saturday night to Gosh Dam Place.

Follew DRHSers: Anyone recognize Ben who graduated in 94?
I felt bad because clearly I should have known this helpful bartender who hooked us up with a bucket of sour, but I had no clue.

The crew eating one of the many great meals.

The girls

Saturday night was the highlight with drinks, stories, Catch Phrase, great dancing and the entertainment of Tracy and her friend Margarita. Luckily I'm sparing you the "out take" pictures, aka Tonja dancing up a storm, that will NEVER make this blog!
Thanks for the fun everyone!

Incognito

Life is about having some fun!

Uncle Airwick

Yesterday we lucked out! Uncle Airwick took the day off so he could spend time with A & A. We met out at mom and dad's to play, eat and check out the gardens then we went swimming at Moose Lake and, finally, visited a cemetery. (I know the last part sounds a bit morbid, but I always like "visiting" Grandma J when I can.) We all had a fun time and it was a great way to end our week of being up north.