Coney Island

On Henry's actual birthday, we took a family trip with my parents to Coney Island.

Henry kept saying, "I am having so much fun but it doesn't feel like my birthday!" 

EVERY ride goes around or makes your stomach drop. One by one all of us adults turned white! :)

It took me about 3 days to feel like I wasn't spinning anymore!!

Lilly was a little dare devil.  She went on every ride many times!! 

She even loved the little roller coaster!!

My dad was the one acting crazy on the Merry Go Round!!

Birthday Boy!

Yeah! What  a fun birthday to spend with Henry!!

 

*We left the park about 8:20 and by 9 our van broke down in West Cincinnati. Not the best place to be after dark!  It was pretty scary a few times, Pete going off with a stranger to get fluid, being stuck across from a casino,  lost with no good map, and the only phone with GPS had no battery.

 Pete's dad came to get some of us and the rest went with the tow truck, the kids and I got home at 12:30 AM, Pete at 1:30AM and my parents after 2AM!!  Whew! A long night!!

The kids did really well through the whole situation and even though they were exhausted, they handled it all well.  Pete also did a great job in a scary and crazy situation.  I am thankful for the Lord watching over us and knowing that while we were praying for safety we were in the hands of the Lord no matter what happened.  That knowledge provided so much comfort.

7

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY to my dear Henry today!!!!!!

 



 

He has taught me much about love, grace, mercy, goodness and how richly we are blessed by God.

I am thankful the Lord has allowed us the great task of raising this boy.

I love you Henry!!

Maryland

Last week we took a trip over to Maryland to see our friends.

Our friendship with them is so special, one of a kind.

They have 4 kids that match up with our 4 kids in ages exactly.

And everyone has paired off and become the best of friends.

We saw them just under a year ago, but when we got back together, it was like a day hadn't passed.

There was very little sleep.  The kids just wanted to soak up every minute with each other.



 

The 5 year olds.

Pool time!!!!

LOTS of Legos!

Night time trampoline fun!

Campfire in the backyard.

At the Chesapeake Bay.

 

It was so great to see Ben back together with his best friend. 

He sobbed when we pulled out of their driveway to come back home. 

Heartbreaking to see your son missing a relationship so much. :( 

 



 

Local crab for dinner.



 

Don't feel bad for Lilly because 

she is the 1 girl among 7 boys.

She can hold her own and her little friend, Tucker, stands up for her and takes care of her well.

The blessings of our friendship with this family are too great to count.

 

 

On our last night there, the kids were determined to have an all nighter.

I think they made it 1 hour. . .  



*and we are still working on a way to get them to move back. . . 

Lately . . .

I started painting the doors and trim upstairs.

 

Peter made pizza for dinner!  It was the best homemade pizza we have ever had in our house!

He probably wishes he didn't make it so good. . . now it is ALWAYS his job.

My mom took the kids to a arcade/laser tag/bounce house.

You put money on a card to play the video games.

Shortly after this picture was taken, my mom spotted Henry talking to one of the workers and then minutes later playing more video games.  She knew he was out of money on his card and asked him how he got more.  He said he asked the lady who worked there to put more money on his card!!

Only Henry could sweet talk someone into giving him money for video games!!

 

Pete and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary on the 22nd.

My mom took the kids overnight and we just enjoyed the quiet!

 

 

Peter is getting together with 2 of his friends to work on something called Aquaponics.

They are trying to develop a fish tank/vegetable garden that can be used without electricity.

After they figure it all out they hope to take it to Mexico and eventually Africa.

 

We are so thankful that our friends have asked Peter to be a part of this!

What an opportunity to learn so many practical things!   Not only are we suppose to share the gospel with others, but tend to their physical needs as well.

Here is a little more about their 1st day of work on the project.

 

 My sister made me bracelets for my birthday.

Love them!!

 

And the rest of my family & Pete all chipped in together to get me a porch swing!

It is WONDERFUL!!!!!

 

 I am helping Pete with an upcoming local Art Show.

He is painting like crazy and I am working on the marketing. :)

 

 An end to another great week of summer!!



Birthday

On my birthday, my husband made breakfast for the kids, we sent Peter off to a friends and the rest of us loaded up to go on a hike.  However, when we go to the hiking trail it was pouring rain. So we sat in the van and watched America's Funniest Videos on Pete's phone. :)

The rain didn't last long and we enjoyed a nice long hike.

Then we met the rest of my family at my mom's for a little birthday celebration.



(my sisters & I)

It was a truly wonderful day!!!  Couldn't of asked for anything more than celebrating with my family!!

Best Summer Ever.

I have gotten asked a lot lately how my summer is going.

 

It has honestly been the best summer I have had in a VERY long time. Like before kids long.

 

I think it is the first summer I haven't been so run down that I could just sit and enjoy the kids.

 

My kids are older so that helps a ton! No more babies to chase after!

 

But I also think I have finally learned to sit down.

Rest.

Relax.

 

Our days don't have to be busy to be good.

  

I have gotten a lot of house projects done but I don't feel ruled by them.

If they don't get done, they will still be there next summer.  :)

And remembering how far we have come. . .

BEFORE:

THIS SUMMER:

 

 helps quite a bit!!
 

Pete has been SUPER busy and I feel like my slow pace has helped him to find rest when he finally comes in at the wee hours of the night from his studio.

(His latest finished painting. A commissioned piece for a 2 star General in the Air Force.) 

 

 I really don't have a ton of pictures to document our summer days.

(Lilly and her friend)

 

Just sitting reading, playing with clay, riding scooters & bikes and of course, going to the pool.

(Ben went fishing with my dad and caught this HUGE catfish!)

 

I have been doing my annual summer canning.  It is hard work but I am learning to enjoy it. Like the benefits of working hard now and enjoying the yummy stores on cold winter days to come.

 

 

I am treasuring this summer of rest the Lord has blessed me with this year!