Grrrr!

We visited the local zoo with our Cub Scout group to do a Scavenger Hunt. We split into groups & tried to see which group could answer the most hunt questions correctly. It was a great way to visit the zoo - we saw more animals & learned more than any other trip. My boys normally don't enjoy the zoo very much, so this was a fun way to mix it up for them. They had a great time!

At the zoo trip, we signed Truman up to be a Tiger Cub for next year! He is so excited about being a "real" Scout now, instead of a tag-a-long. He's also excited, because his mom is going to be his den leader! Grrr... Go Tigers!

Michigan Weekend

We went to Paw Paw, MI on the weekend of June 11th-14th with our small group friends. One couple owns a lake cottage and invited the group up for the weekend. Three families were able to go. The timing of the trip worked out perfectly, because while we were in Michigan, the family that purchased our house moved in. Yep, before we moved out! When we arrived back home, we shared the house for one night, then closed on our new house the following day! Our trip was a MUCH NEEDED trip away from the stress of moving AGAIN.

We had a wonderful weekend - all five of us had a blast! We really enjoy the company of the families who went & enjoyed new experiences. It was everything a vacation is supposed to be (except it wasn't nearly long enough!). Thursday was a travel day. Friday, we spent the morning picking strawberries & playing on the playground.

Picking strawberries at a local strawberry farm:

Playing on the Kid's Kastle playground:

Friday afternoon, we braved the cold temperatures to enjoy all of the water activities that come with a lake. The cottage sits right on the lake, so the kids enjoyed swimming (in very cold water!) and everyone took turns on the jet skiis, tube and boat. (everyone but Natalie - who cracked a rib from the crazy, wild tube ride - OUCH!)

Marsha & I thought it was hysterical that Natalie got thrown off of the tube... right up until we realized that she was actually hurt! Yikes! One minute she was in the tube & the next - she was GONE! Natalie's daughter caught the moment on film...

Each evening after the kids went to bed, the adults enjoyed board & card games & lots of laughs!

On Saturday, it rained for most of the day, so we took a field trip to the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo. All of the kids thought this was especially fun - they have 8 rides that you can go on, along with all sorts of aviation history and real airplanes inside the buildings.

On Sunday, we stuck around with the hosts for another morning on the lake before we headed for home. We laughed & had more fun this weekend than any for a long time! We are so grateful to have good friends to spend time with and to the Paladino family for sharing their lovely cottage with us!

Moving

Hey all... we're in the middle of packing, painting, moving & going absolutely CRAZY around here. We've had complications with the whole phone/internet thing... so if you've tried to reach me & got a "disconnected" message - ignore it! Our phone # will be the same after the move.

I'm going a little nutty trying to keep 3 boys from fighting with each other & keeping 2 dogs entertained without a fenced-in yard. Along with no internet (I'm hijacking a neighbor's internet right now!), I'm a little insane. I'll be somewhat back to normal after the BIG MOVE on Saturday.

Until then...

Dirty Boys

Yesterday, we were sitting down taking a break from packing when Tommie looked outside to see big clouds of dirt. Yep, dirt! No, there was not a windstorm. The boys were grabbing handfuls of dirt and throwing it onto each other & up into the air. Truman had filled his sock with dirt and was swinging it around & hitting himself in the leg with it (releasing a giant plume of dust). As much as I don't want them playing in the dirt or making a huge mess, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a few photos. Unfortunately, the pics don't really show how much actual dirt was on their bodies & in their hair!! Let's just say that at bathtime, the water turned brown pretty quickly. Dirty boys...

Officially Homeless...

The official deposit receipt from all of our Craigslist & garage sale sales! I'm one happy lady!!

This afternoon at 4:00 p.m. - our house was officially SOLD! We don't close on our new house until June 15th, so we are not homeowners for the next 10 days. No mortgages!! Yippee!! We have until June 21st to get all of our junk out of this house (which is greatly reduced thanks to the above)... so if anyone enjoys packing - come on over! ha, ha

Small Group Cookout

We have absolutely adored our small group this year. We were so blessed to find the perfect group on the first try. We joined the group in September and have already made so many fond memories together. We are breaking for the summer (minus some fun, family activities), so we had a cookout to celebrate the completion of our year together. The family that hosted has a wonderful, wooded yard with a playset & zipline! The kids enjoyed the yard, along with water balloons & water guns. It was a relaxing evening for the adults, because the kids were so well entertained.

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)