Greetings from the beautiful city of Columbus, Ohio! Madison, Nathanael, Renna, and I are here for Fine Arts.
Monday, July 21st
VBS underway. This year I was part of the kitchen crew. I literally think I've now done every job through the years except for crafts.
Maddy and I met Miss Kandie for a quick brush-up on her solo.
Tuesday, July 22nd
I dropped the boys off at VBS. Nathanael and Trevor were part of the praise team, singing and doing the motions. They
loved it! Morning practice:
Gabby joined us for the week and had a great time, too.
The decorations were the best ever!!! Even the hallways were covered with fun detail.
As soon as the kids got started, Madison and I left. We picked up Kayla and took off for Boston. The girls flew from Logan to Buffalo, NY for a 5 day dance intensive camp, S.H.I.P. They were excited to fly and actually disappointed that their direct flight was only a little over an hour.
From there, Renna and I continued down to Providence to visit Sadie and the rest of the family. I tried to pick my favorite picture, but I just think the series is too cute!!!
Then Renna let me have a turn. She's so, so tiny and slept the whole time!
Renna had to try out her old car seat. She's grown just a little.
Wednesday, July 23rd
Madison is sitting in the front row on the far left.
Thursday, July 24th
After VBS, cousins came up to swim.
We went to the Jeremy Camp concert at church. I was blown away by his opener, Moriah Peters. She's and her 3 girl band are rockstars! Also, I loved her testimony of saving her first kiss for her wedding day.
Jeremy was great, though loud and bright in my opinion. I must be getting old! His music was solid but he also preached quite a bit in between songs. Pertinent, timely, powerful words. He knows his Bible.
Friday, June 25th
VBS finale.
We had our friend, Jay, and his family over for dinner. It was a beautiful night for dinner on the back deck.
After they left, I began the daunting task of packing for 2 weeks. Meg was also packing for a week. About 10pm, she texted me to ask how it was going. I got her text as I was taking an extended break, lying in the middle of my mess with my phone in my hand, stalling by checking Facebook. I sent this picture and she proceeded to rub it in my face that she was nearly done and even baking!
Saturday, July 26th
I finished packing while the kids...
Nathanael, Renna, and I hit the road. I needed to pick up Madison in Buffalo, so I took advantage and planned a night with Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Lee.
Our first pit-stop selfie:
I was so, so excited! Excited to see them, excited to be at their home, excited for Nathanael to get the experience. They are the bomb dot com. They have been a source of unconditional, lavish love. They were rockstars to us when we were little. No matter what was going on in our family, they were a constant. I'm sure they don't fully understand the roll they (still) play in my life.
Boyd Haven
We soon ventured out for a walk around the neighborhood to see the covered bridge and to see the damage that a recent tornado had left.
They taught Nathanael about 'Pooh sticks' off the bridge :)
Then it was back to the house where Aunt Bonnie put out a feast for us.
Bubbles!
Aunt Bonnie's entire house belongs in a magazine. Every room is just amazing, full of detail. This was my room, complete with a mint and fresh flowers.
We ended the night with a campfire, s'mores, and priceless conversation. Renna snuggled and fell asleep on me and Nathanael chatted and chatted, probably happy for a chance to be the only focus of attention.
Sunday, July 27th
Dad, on a midwest adventure of his own, emailed me a picture of the hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin I was born at.
In New York, the guys got up early to go fishing. They waited out a thunderstorm and caught nothin' but still had a good time.
When they got back, Aunt Bonnie did what she does best.
Then it was back on the road, destination Buffalo. On our way out of town I snapped a pic of the 5th horse and buggy we spotted.
I was so excited to get to Madison. She leaves a huge hole while she's gone. She's such nurturer, helper, and important part of our family. We all missed her terribly. This is the dorm she stayed in at the University at Buffalo.
We went to see the ending showcase. Her age group did the ballet and hip-hop portions. It was particularly fun watching her hip-hop since she doesn't normally take it.
Here is the ballet video. She starts on the left, wearing a purple leotard.
Here is the hip-hop video. She's wearing gray sweat pants.
She (from her tip toes) introduced the older girls' dance.
She had a phenomenal week--fun with Kayla and old and new friends, incredible dance instruction, and an overall great camp experience.
Back at home, Colombo took C4 and dropped him at The Hartford Project. Lisa took Trevor and Rocco for a little cousin time at my mom's since Bethany was in town.
The '09 Club- such a sweet pictures of these precious dudes.
