Goodbye's

These are only a few of the memories from good-bye get-togethers in Florida. There were several I missed with the camera, but they are good memories nonetheless.

We made good friends in Florida ~ friendships I hope we continue over the miles. I wrote once about all the churches I've been a part of and how many friends I know all over the States and even parts of the world. So many good, sincere people who live faithful lives. And now the Sunshine State is one of those places filled with good memories and blessings. I can look back over the 5 years we were there and see God working in our lives and see how we've grown as a family and individually. Harrison was born, Elizabeth was baptized, our homeschool journey really took off during those years, half our married life took place, both of our vehicles came from Florida......
With the way the world works, I know I'll meet up with some of these people or have connections through them at future times. It's always fun.

So goodbye to the Sunshine and hello to the Lone Star where there is still plenty of sunshine. We'll all meet again.

While Mom was Gone...

The kids spent lots of time with Dad while Jonathan and I were in Washington. There were several visits to McDonalds, I hear.

Elizabeth was at camp for a week. She LOVES camp ~ plans for it all year long.

Trip to "Mom's Home State"

Everytime someone asked Jonathan where he and I were headed, he would tell them, "My mom's home state." And so we were.  Headed to Washington for a family reunion.  His birthday was the day after we left, so the flight attendants gave him a little birthday celebration on the plane complete with a toilet paper cake.

Tonya my sister also had cupcakes for Jonathan's birthday.  The neighbor kids continually hang around her house, so they enjoyed the treats as well.

Jordan was into playdough while were there.  He makes things out of playdogh the way Jonathan makes things out of Legos.

And here is Jonathan making things out of Legos.

Cory, Tonya, I and the boys drove 5 hours from Seattle to Spokane for the family reunion.  Awesome time talking with my siblings on the drive. There was a lot of talking, playing cards, bounce house and other fun stuff for the kids, pictures to peruse, etc. at the reunion.  It had been a long time since we'd had a reunion with so many people able to attend.  I believe 100 was the number of people who came.  Grandma and those who helped did a great job.

Jennifer is a close friend of mine who I met at McDonald's when we worked there as teens. I liked her so much I wanted to keep her in the family, so she married my cousin.  Or maybe she liked us so much she couldn't resist joining the family.  :-)  She's one of the pregnant gals.  My grandma has 7 children, 26 grandchildren, and 18 or so great-grandchildren with three more on the way.  Her offspring's gifting is procreation.

Here's the other pregnant gal, Alicia. She's acting dramatic. Her brother in Virginia couldn't make it because of his baby being on the way.

Tonya is making grasshopper catching jars.

Jonathan and Joshua.

I didn't get a lot of pictures.  A piece on my camera broke right before we left. But the iPad sufficed for a few grainy pics. I was so glad to make the reunion.  I love talking to my cousins and siblings.  I love seeing the different groups going off to swim in the lake or play volleyball or stay up till 5 playing Risk (really, guys?). I love getting to know all those young cousins who are grown up now.  My heart is grateful.

Jonathan's Pool Party

I know it's nice to have a summer birthday because then you can celebrate around the beach or the pool. (Elizabeth always laments the fact that her birthday is in December for this reason ~ she'd love a pool party.) But it was sweaty hot!!

Nonetheless, we suffered through for our dear son who will turn 8 next week when he and I are in WA for a family reunion. He got lots of Lego gifts (they know him so well!). And Dad got him a watch and a set of 4 walkie talkies.

Despite the heat, it's very nice to have an entertaining activity that takes up a lot of time. You also don't have a messy house to clean up afterward.

Just Some Pictures That Haven't Been Posted Yet

At the pool (yes, Elizabeth made her own mermaid tail).

In the rain.

At the beach.

Fourth of July

Our church had another wonderful fourth of July celebration this year. It was HOT. But we stayed all the way through the fireworks. The kids had quick baths when we got home and went right to sleep. I was a little more sane since Harrison is now 2 instead of 1. Funny how getting more sleep helps your sanity. Yay for sanity. And thus I enjoyed it more this year.

Aupa's Turkey Gifts

Aupa sent lots of turkey-related items from two (?) turkeys he caught or shot or whatever he did to release them of their feathers. They are beautiful ~ I can't wait to hang the fan.

Jonathan put together the airplane Aupa set up for him out of turkey feathers. He painted it up like he wanted (I think he was going for a camouflage look). Then we hot-glued the feathers into the appropriate holes. It has some get-up-and-go. Super cool, Aupa!