Road Trip

Our weekend got off to a rocky start

But we eventually made it to Kansas 

and had a good time with the fam.  

boys...

Sweet 15

We are currently number 15 on the waiting list!  I still have no idea when we can expect a referral, but to give you an idea of our timeline, we have been on the list since January 2010.  And at that time we were number 76.  So we're truckin' right along.
Also, as you may have noticed, we've added a few things to the sidebar of this blog.  Fundraiser things. Just Love Coffee is one of them.  It's simple, really. You order some coffee, we get some of the proceeds.  They are a super cool company who's mission is to help orphans and adoptive families.  Check em out.  Also, there is just a plain 'ol simple PayPal button, where you can give directly to our adoption fund.  Easy peasy.
Now, I hate asking for money.  And thankfully we have saved most of the money on our own so we don't need to ask for much.   And at this time I'm not even gonna ask.  But be forewarned.  There will be a time (as soon as we get a referral) when we will be kicking this fundraiser business into high gear.  So until then prayers for a speedy and smooth process are greatly appreciated.  But of course, we'll take any money any time you feel like donating.  ;)

First days and birthdays

Second grade.  Geez, I’m old. 

 

This is what Ryder was doing before I forced him to pose for his First Day pictures.  It’s 7:30am, mind you. 

My baby headed off to kindergarten today.   Walked right in.  Didn’t need me.  Didn’t miss me.  Apparently I cramp his style. 

    

It’s also Ryder’s 8th birthday.  But he’s not too excited about turning 8 yet.  We won’t have his party for a few weeks.  He wanted to wait until after school had started, presumably to make some more friends.  Which means he could invite more friends.  Which means  more presents.  He’s a genius. 

 

(a double wave, for Aunt B)

This boy...

has always been afraid of water.   He never liked bath time when he was little.  He was deathly afraid of being splashed and getting water in his eyes.  Every swimming lesson  has always ended in tears and frustration.  The boy would not even put his mouth in the water to blow bubbles.  Last year he started to enjoy going to the pool, but mostly just hung out on the steps, never getting more than up to his shoulders wet. 
Well, I am happy to report that as of last week – thanks to our trip to Table Rock - his fear has been conquered.  He is now a cliff jumper…

and VERY proud of himself.

Last week

Ok, so technically it was the week before last.  We spent a few days up in South Haven, as we like to do every year around the 4th of July.  This year Jeff's sister Joanna and her girls were there too, so Ryd and Gav got to play with their cousins that were visiting from Salt Lake.   A good time was had by all.  We went on the dune rides, fished, hot tubbed, played at the beach and ate our weight in freshly picked Michigan blueberries.  We also went to the children's museum that was hosting the Grossology exhibit.  Who doesn't like to learn about gross bodily functions? Here are a few pics of our adventure.  

Summa Time

School is almost out (finally) and I have been pondering what to do with two rambunctious boys this summer.  I wish they were more like me; sleep in till 10am, watch Martha, Oprah, Ellen and GH, bake scones, go to thrift stores and garage sales, paint fingernails, etc.  Oh, life would be so easy then.  But no.  They like to get up at first light, make noise, fight, get dirty, touch bugs, not brush their teeth, and all kinds of other gross stuff.  So in order for me to keep my sanity, we have devised a list.   A list of all the fun things we want to do this summer.  We totally stole this idea, but I think it will really help me us to get off the couch and enjoy summer vacation - minus the bug touching.  Here is the list we have come up with so far:

I think Gavin had the most original idea.  He asked me if I had been everywhere in our house.  Uh.  Duh.  Of course I have. "Yes, baby.  I've been everywhere in our house.  …Well actually, I don't think I've been  in the attic."   "Let's go to the attic this summer!" he exclaims.  So this afternoon we made his dreams come true.  Up the ladder he went to visit the attic.  Which  I am sure is full of gross bugs.