Kid centered weekend

I would have blogged last night but I was EXHAUSTED!  On Friday night Jay had two friends spend the night - hence the picture above of Aaron and Reece.  The boys had a really good time.  On Saturday night the Ausili's came out and Faith and Curtis spent the night.  All the kids had a ball but I have to admit I was exhausted by Sunday afternoon.  I love all these kids and enjoyed seeing them and spending time with them, I was just washed out by Sunday.  Ha!  Even my boys were cranky and Jay can run on nothing.  He's like a machine, just like his dad.  Nick, however, needs more sleep and can't quite run like Mike and Jay.  We all rested up and now were preparing for the next round - 4th of July!  Wo-hoo.

 My favorite kiddos before church on Sunday morning.  They had to get a quick bike ride in before church, of course.

A sunday afternoon paddle boat ride.  It wasn't quite what Jenny and I had envisioned.  By this time the kids were tired and probably a little annoyed with each other which doesn't happen very often but I could tell they were all just beat!  Plus the weather wasn't great so it was kind of a downer.

The joys of summer

 This is what I love about summer - relaxing, enjoying the boys and doing things spur of the moment.  Last night Jay's friend, K., came over for Yes another paddle boat ride.  My in-laws must be thrilled because they bought us that paddle boat years ago and we are finally using it.

Here's a picture of Jay, his friend, Reece and Nick in their "man cave" in the woods.  They built a fire and roasted hot dogs - totally on the spur of the moment.  I love being able to say Yes to these things.  

It's all good

 As June comes to an end I have to say wow what a great summer we've had so far.  We really haven't even done anything that exciting but it's been the first summer we've had since I started working from home 3 summers ago that things just fell into place.  It's true what they say - the 3rd time really is the charm.  First off our schedule this year is leaps and bounds better.  I tried to improve on it every summer and again this summer I finally got it right.  There are still some things I will improve upon next summer but things have fallen into place much better this go around.  Jay has been involved in several camps, all of which he has really enjoyed.  As you can see from the picture above the boys and I cleaned the paddle boat and boy have we used it!  Mike isn't working like a maniac (like last summer).  Things are much less stressful this summer and I'm enjoying it.

Nick loves to paint!  Right now his project is making posters for his 4 wheeler for the 4th of July parade.  He's been a painting wizard lately!!

TN Girls Weekend

 This weekend I tagged along with Jenny to TN.  Faith had been in TN with Jenny's parents since Memorial day so Jenny and I packed our bags and headed out late Thursday afternoon for the 8.5 hour drive.  The picture above is of the trail we hiked.  We hiked 4.5 miles with Jenny's dad, Wayne.  Wayne is 67 and he smoked Jenny and I on the trail.

 Jenny and I.  I have to say this past weekend was the most relaxed I have felt in years.  I feel guilty writing that since my husband and children weren't along but it truly was.  I would stay up late, sleep in late and when I got up the morning I'd make myself a cup of coffee and head to the front porch swing.  Jenny's parents are so very hospitable.  Turns out they have head guests coming and going, except for four days, since the first of March.

 Jenny and her dad, Wayne.  You can't tell it because Jenny has her sunglasses on but they look just alike.

                                                          The best 40 year old hiker I know!

 Here is the waterfall we hiked to.  It was beautiful and so calming.  We all sat on a lot to admire it.

 The bat cave - kid you not.  When you were standing in front of the grates it felt like air conditioning coming up from the cave.

Thank you, Jenny!  You said I was doing you the favor by keeping you company on the long drive but you actually did me the favor.  I am refreshed, relaxed and ready to start my week.  You are truly the greatest friend anyone could ask for.  Here's to our new choca's!  Ha!

Fun times with 2nd cousins

 My cousin Cora came to visit yesterday and the kids really enjoyed it.  I posted the picture above of Lauren and Mike because I hope one day we can laugh about it but right now it's not so funny.  Lauren and Luke are afraid of Copper.  This is Mike trying to talk to Lauren and show her that Copper wouldn't hurt a fly.  She sees a bug and gets so nervous she pees!  Lauren and Luke may never learn to love Copper but I hope they grow to tolerate her.

2nd cousins, Kylee and Jay.  We have really enjoyed the paddle boat lately and the kids sure did last night.

Carter and Nick.  They were quite the duo.  They are only a year apart in age and love the same things: water, four wheeling and the outdoors.

                               The four ya-hoos!  I just love summer and seeing my kids outside playing.

Until next year, Cora.  We sure enjoyed seeing you and your kids and spending time with you!!

Happy Father's Day

We had such a nice Father's Day.  We went to church and then went to Kim's for a cook out.  The sun came out and we enjoyed our time together as a family. This little guy was all smiles!

                                                        Me and my sweet nephew, Luke.

 The dads.  John (my father in law), Mike and the boys.  What a crew.  Thanks Mike for being such a wonderful husband and father.  We appreciate you always being our Mr. Fix It.

                              The rest of the crew.  My brother in law, Craig with his dad, Glenn.

Church camp, round 2

Today Nick had all day church camp!  He loved it.  I took this picture of him after he got home.  His shirt says "God is Good."  And what you can't see from this picture is the blue of his shirt makes his eyes a piercing blue color - just beautiful!  Nick is dog tired these days.  He's had a lot going on.  He was a bear this morning to get out of bed so I was a little worried about camp today but he loved it!  I knew it would turn out okay when we showed up and Nick noticed his entire small group was all boys and his group leader was a male......Nick's response, "Sweet, my group is all boys."  And he was off, not even a wave goodbye.