Summer in Indiana

Late Thursday evening of last week, the kids and I arrived safely to my parents' in Indiana.  It's been quite the summer, filled with celebrations, vacations, and random parties.  We're having a blast.  The kids are at an age that it's easier to travel, and they are enjoying the actitivies more than Randy and me.  It also helps that I'm only working part-time, and I have more free time than ever before to spend with the kids.

It's almost impossible to get everybody in the family in one place at the same time, but we succeeded.  Yesterday, my cousins wife and family photographer, Donna Grass, was able to capture a lovely family portrait.  Of course the weather didn't totally cooperate, but we managed and I think the pictures are fantastic.        

Our "professional family portrait" with both kids.  My hair doesn't like humidity, but everyone else looks like a million dollars!  

Friday was to be a "work day" in preparation for Lindsey's open house.  Well, it turned out to be a "work day", but not the kind of work we had anticipated.  My parents can't seem to catch a break.  Last month their home was burglarized, fortunately they were apprehended, but my mom and dad are still dealing with lingering annoyances.  So when Friday's thunderstorm and 90 mph winds came through Morgan (and a bit of recent bad luck), an old maple tree next to their home didn't stand a chance.  The branches fell on my car, but luckily the trunk of the tree landed away from my car and the house.    

Thank goodness for the help of family! Within hours, the tree had been chopped, wood was stored, and the drive way was once again clear.  Cousin Eric and Uncle Frank on the chain saw, Nate on Grandpa Walter's tractor, and Dad and Randy hauling wood. 

Saturday was Lindsey's open house and a day full of fun, food, and family time.  Too bad I didn't capture a picture of our graduate. Sorry Linds :(

Today I spent my 30th birthday with my mom, my aunt, my cousins, and the kids at a water park in town.  Before the kids went down for bed, we enjoyed my favorite dessert of all, DQ ice cream cake!  If the next 30 years are as blessed as the last 30 have been, then I welcome them with open arms.  Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes, gifts, and kind words...they are much appreciated!

All tuckered out.   

The kids are continuing to grow up right before our eyes. Each day, they say and do something new. Helaina LOVES the water. Today, we shared a double inner tube and we rode the "adult" water slides together. They were fast and fun and she was beaming with pride at the end of every slide.

Zachary turned 14 months old a few weeks ago and ever since, he's been chatting up a storm. He went from saying "mama" and "dada" to over 15 or 20 words in just a matter of days.  His smile melts our hearts all. day. long.  He flirts with every girl he sees, and ALL the ladies love him.  He hugs and kisses and dances in our arms till we can't carry him anymore, but he also has an adventurous, independent, and stubborn streak in him.  He's just perfect in every way.  Truly Blessed!