So happy together

Today marks 41 years of wedded bliss for my mom and dad!  I think I can speak for both Tim and Kasie and Aaron and I when I say that their marriage is a source of inspiration.  Marriage is not an easy task and to have made it successfully through 41 years together is quite an accomplishment.  We are so proud of you and continue to admire the commitment you've made to each other through the help of Christ.

He stills looks at her adoringly :)

So happy together...

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!  We love you so much :)

Just the 10 of us

Heidi truly is an amazing photographer!  We were so blessed to be able to have her take pictures for an early birthday present for mom. If she can make the 10 of us on my side of the fam look presentable, you know she's good :)

Austin's giving me quite the look in this picture.

I'm trying to decide between the top one and this one for an enlargement.  What do you think?

Ace and his "mini me's".

At least they pretend to love me every now and then!

Thanks Heidi for capturing the family for us!  We love the pictures :)  She's responsible for the ones on the blog header too ~ she's a rock star.

Farewell

It's that time to say a fond farewell to...

the daily scent of sunscreen scrapbooking   morning walks with the neighbor puppies the aquatic center  leisurely reading lunches with my boys $1 movies in the afternoon lounging all morning no set bedtimes Freedom no alarm clock  natural sunlight The lazy river not wearing make-up  being carefree 

Good-bye summer ~ I will miss you!

Woo Hoo!

This guy, MY hubby, is a rock star!

Why you ask?  Let me tell you.  He just passed his Series 24 exam!  YEAH!  (insert whoops and hollers here - go ahead and kick your leg up and do a cheer if you must) 

He's been diligently studying and was motivated to pass this 4 hour, 150 question exam (about financial things that do not make any sense to me) that he has been referring to as "the widow maker".  I don't know about you, but to me it doesn't sound pleasant.  He kept telling us that NO ONE passes it the first time.  I think he was exaggerating because I knew all along that he would pass.  There truly was no doubt in my mind but apparently there was in his!  I was so proud and excited when he called and told me he "over studied" :)  

What does that all mean?  Hmmm...it would just be easier for you to ask the superstar himself!

Home Sweet Home

There's no place like home :)

Austin and Carter are home from camp and so excited to be here! (Ace and I are quite tickled they are home too!)  They have been gone from the house for almost two weeks straight with RAGBRAI and then church camp.  They have had two amazingly fun weeks, but they are exhausted and a bit stinky. When Austin walked in he said, "Ah, it smells like home.  I've missed that!"  This mama's heart is so happy :)

I love my boys!

Movers and Shakers

As if RAGBRAI wasn't enough action for the boys, they have now headed off to Riverside Bible Camp for the week.  It was a fast and furious day of unpacking, laundry and repacking on Sunday to get the boys ready to go.  They were nervous and excited all at the same time.

Carter went to Riverside last year for a three day introductory camp and absolutely loved it.  He wanted to go for the full week this year, and Austin wanted to join him. They were torn as to whether or not they wanted to be in the same cabin. They insisted that they wouldn't tell anyone they were brothers if they did indeed end up together.  Shhh...don't tell them, but mom and dad requested they be in the same cabin to alleviate our anxiety a little bit!

  

They made me promise to take only one picture once we got to camp because they didn't want to be embarrassed by their mother.  Apparently it starts already...mom is no longer cool in public settings :(  This was supposed to be the only one of them I could take on their bunk, but I did manage to get one more with their counselor, Trevor.

I sure hope Trevor is rested up and ready for this week because there were 10 boys in their cabin all rip roaring ready to go.

Pulling away from camp, I wasn't sure whether to celebrate or cry, so I did both!  I have never been away from both of my boys for this long unless they were with family, so it's going to be an interesting week.  I have a feeling with as much as I have going on, it's going to go quick though.