Faith Family of Five

Thursday, July 19, 2012

more MN memories!

Another MN visit come and gone but more memories have been created and are tucked away in that "MN compartment" of our minds. Both Andy and I keep saying it's a little surreal to be back in our own house, sleeping in our own bed, trying to find our summer groove (to what's left of summer that is) after being away for almost 6 weeks. No matter where you take a vacation, there always seems to be a bit of a va-cay slump and it takes a while before you find that routine again. I'll admit that it's also realizing how fast summer is slipping away and taking advantage of warm summer days, slurping up drippy popsicles, and sitting on the porch in the evening hours with magazines in hand will soon be gone. Or should I say 'replaced' until it comes around again next year. I won't rush it. Just enjoy it while it's here.

Our last week or so in MN proved to be a fun one as we continued to soak up more time with family and friends! (I have pictures from another camera that contain photos of a class reunion, pics with the Gramps & Gran, my cousin Em's grad. open house, other fam., etc. but can't seem to find the cord anywhere, so those might show up in another posting at some point...just a fair warning. ;) )

Who knew inner-tubes could be so much fun?! Some serious laughter with these things....

Sisters!!! No, for real...the pink sisters and the blue sisters. ;) LOVE these girls!!!!

Hayloft fun with Auntie Karla!

Carson and Warren--wrestling with uncle Keith!

Farm Fishing!!

Austin----Carson----Warren

my mini-man

Father and Son (Keith & Warren)

Ruth helping take Warren's fish off the line

Snail Lake with friends!!

love my Sara and Sarah! ;)

Waconia!!

love my girls!! (Kayla--KJ--Megan)

Jeff...there's a reason these are made for kids....hahaha! :)

uncle Jim and Mason

Nick, Andy, and Jim looking on....

Megs and Mason!

KJ and Jordan!! :)

Look at these handsome boys!!! Anderson's and Mulvihill's...watch out world! :)

Back at the farm.....

Mason and Grandpa moments :)

my hottie-hubby rakin' :)

lunch break--mom and I took the guys lunch...little moments like this I love!

Austin riding bareback with Anna!

Cowboy Carson!

homemade ice cream!!

one of my favorite pictures of the summer!

Mason with uncle Keith on the blue tractor :)

Grandma with her oldest and youngest grandchild!!

I am not one for good-byes, never have been. I'm more of a 'see ya later' kind of gal. I won't hide the fact that tears fell as I turned the wheel onto 35W South and eventually to I-80 West, but no matter what way the wheel turns now or in the future, this earth is not my home. These tears are temporary. We are beyond thankful for the chance to get away each summer for weeks at a time (thanks to family and friends who watch over our house/yard/etc!), to develop and grow those MN relationships, to sortof "check out" as a family of five. It draws us closer...I mean, 25+ hours in a van together across the country would do that to ya...and as we "check back in" to reality, we are still "us", just striving to live a simple life of faith.

stopping at Echo Canyon on our way home

Friday, July 6, 2012

MN photo fest!

We have survived the "flood of the century", sending our eldest to Bible camp, the MN sweatfest, as well as some fantastic lightening shows done only in Minnesota's finest fashion. It's been quite the va-cay so far and we still have some days to go!!

The following photo-spread should bring you up to speed as to what we have been up to since our anniversary trip to the northland.

The Butler wedding!!

Anderson's and Mulvihills

KJ and Amy--truly love this gal!! :)

Sam and Jennica--They're married!!

KJ with the gorgeous bride!

Mall of America!

Andy sitting with Carson--Austin is in the seat behind with hands in the air!

Carson and Mason

Austin and mommy on the swings

Mason riding the train :)

Jumping on the tramp at Jim and Karla's!

Kendra & Megs--love this girl!

Park!

Staying cool while the temps climb near 100....(and eventually get there!)

Taking Austin to Grindstone Lake Bible Camp!!

This was a little surreal for me as I spent my summer days as a camper and eventually counselor at this very camp--it truly was my summer home growing up! And as a few of us "past counselors" reminisced as we picked up our children after 4 days, it really was like coming 'home'. It was a little odd going to the "boys side" to make my son's bed when the only other time I dared enter those cabins was to make sure they were clean after a week's worth of ~~stinky~~ maturing young men who had taken up residence there those past 6 days. ;) To think that my boys will now have some of the similiar memories that I have, experience the camp in all it's glory like I did, and hopefully have those treasured "camp friends" throughout their lifetime is pretty unique and special. Austin had a great week and like I figured, pretty much lived in the lake daily. :) I can hardly wait to see what pictures he captured with that disposable camera and hear the stories and thought-process behind each snapshot. He's already looking forward to next year!