RELAXATION!

Calm time at the beach - Free

Laughing Until it hurts- Free

Dinner and lunches - $100

Coffee House Breakfast with no rush and calm conversation - $20

Fun Boutique Hotel - $100 each

New Outfits - $:) - Courtesy of our awesome husbands, We had an envelope of fun to open!!! THANK YOU!!!!

Getting some Christmas Shopping Done- Exciting!

Uninterrupted time with my friend- Priceless

Jamie and I journeyed "up north" for some beach time, sunshine, shopping and relaxation! We couldn't be more pleased with our trip. We had uninterrupted time to visit with no shortage of talking! After shopping and laughing until it hurt we went to veg. at the beach....NICE! Had an evening on the town with little purses, quality conversation and a calm meal! Of course shopped some more and laughed again !!

It was a wonderful mini vacation full of great times! It is always enjoyable to come home to be with our hubbys and kiddos! A special time for special friends! I am so thankful and already looking forward to next year!

Jamie also tells the story of the fun......

So my friend Kim and I enjoyed our annual girls only trip last week. Each year we try to get away - just the two of us - for some quality friend time. As our families have grown we have realized just how important this time is. Kim and I are both busy mommy's and while we DO spend a lot of time together it is sometimes hard to get an entire conversation in with all of our children buzzing around us. Don't get us wrong - we wouldn't change it for the world - but again, quality time together is important. On top of that we both have amazing husbands that also understand how much we put into raising our families...and are more than willing to give us a little time to "recharge our batteries" so to speak.Soooo...we headed to a nearby lake town for some rest and relaxation. We drove up leisurely (no potty breaks)...we meandered through some quaint little shops (no reminders "not to touch anything")...we enjoyed lunch (no highchairs or kiddie menus, in fact we sat at the bar). Afterwards we made our way to the beach. And what did we do there?A whooooole lotta NOTHIN'. And it was heaven.Late that afternoon we checked into our little spa suite (very cool) and leisurely got ready for dinner (no bedtimes to worry about). We lingered over dinner...enjoyed some wine...and a lot of great laughs.We hit a bar, enjoyed a cocktail, and mingled with some of the "locals" (was that Kim doing the bunny hop??!)....fun times.When we got home we sat in bed like two little school girls talking and giggling. The next day we spent a good hour at a local coffee shop. Sometimes it's amazing to me the amount of world problems that can be conquered with a good friend over a cup of coffee...or tea. After solving allll world issues we headed back out for some more shopping (does that surprise anyone) and then we headed home to our families.[Image]I feel so blessed that I have wonderful friends that love me, encourage me, and laugh with me. Thanks Kim for an awesome time....looking forward to next year already. posted by The Blissfully Happy Housewife...

Everybody Dance Now!

Tessa sure is a people-person. She has a way of socializing with others and her enthusiasm is contagious! We had the joy of visiting with family friends while at an RV rally. Kevin has know Bill, Mary, Arnie, and Phyllis for many years. It is fun to hear the stories of Kevin at a young age. They got a kick out of Tess and her dancing, she invited them to join. They did not miss a beat. She had them up and going on a couple evenings. They all said how much they enjoyed the time with us (especially Tessa and Ella). Kids sure have a way to bring out the energy in all of us. It was a good time had by all, the laughs were endless!

Downtown with the Girls

When it comes to downtown areas of different cities, each one has its own character. I love to visit New York, Chicago, Las Vegas.... There is also many things I love about downtown Indianapolis. It probably comes down to one thing, it is the city I grew up near and I am comfortable there and I know my way around really well. Of course there are the other great things about it....the canal, the shopping, the Colts and well, the Spaghetti Factory.

My family likes to go there to eat, but not like I do. I am a pasta girl (no carb-free for me!) and they serve a pasta and cheese dish that is my favorite out to eat meal! So, while visiting family and friends...I went there Friday with friends and Saturday Mom and Dad took me and the girls! I was thrilled! Kevin wasn't a bit surprised that I indulged twice in two days!

The girls liked downtown as always. There little eyes are looking all over at the many differences from home in the country! Tessa enjoyed herself but you could tell she was truly people watching! It is always nice to get a taste of Urban life, but return to the stillness of the country. We are never afraid to venture out!

The importance of K & K Time

Kevin and I had the joy of going to dinner with our friends that now live in California. We were in Louisville for a work trip and they were visiting family. It worked out great to visit and reconnect with them. We enjoyed a great Irish Dinner out and had some fun conversations. Kevin and I stopped by a great little restaurant after dinner and had some time to relax and chat. I just love my Hubby! I love the times we share with our Girls and I love the times we share just as K&K. It was fun to get ready to go out to dinner calmly and dress up a little bit for my dear hubby! I feel that we have been so blessed to stay connected and not let the busy of life take us away from each other. It is fun to laugh together and to have some uninterrupted conversations. Most of all we can also discuss the joys that we share as a family....we sure love our little darlings!! It seems like so many years away when we will be empy nesters... The years are passing so quickly....We try to savor each moment! But when that time comes, we want to be sure that we are still connected and can then enjoy that chapter....Each stage a new adventure and a blessing!

Fantastic Friend Time

It is no question that I look forward to getting together with Ali, Angie and Susan at our annual reunions. We try to get together a couple times a year for some simple enjoyment and catching up! It is such a special friendship that we all share! The moment we see one another it is as if no time has passed, True Friends in every since of the word! Some things I know for sure about the girls from "C-18"

• Our friendship has and will stand the test of time and miles!
• We know how to laugh until we cry!
• The year we turn "40"...while far away...we are going on a trip...what fun it will be!
• We have some wonderful and adorable little ones
• We had a hard time figuring out the last time one of us wasn't expecting....going on #11
• Memories are abundant, and so are the laughs
• Blessings....Friends, Husbands, Children, Parents....so blessed
• They are in the process of forming a minivan fan club...one is holding out
• We love to go out to eat, and close a place down....we didn't know Starbucks ever closed!
• Time flies when you are having fun.
• The Spaghetti Factory knows where to sit us, and we know what each other will order
• We are there for one another in all the Good and the Tough times of life
• Most of all.....We will be friends forever, we've been through too much to not be!

Each year we get at least one more little one to sit still!

Hootin' and Hollerin'

We had company this week....Being a house full of girls + Daddy Kevin, we aren't so used to a house full of boys, well we had one. We had 5 extra "Boys" over for some fishing and singing. It was a hoot to to watch it all "go down". Tess and Ella kept up with them, just fine. The noise level was raised to a new level, and most of all the kids had a great time! We won't mention who was wearing the high heels while they were up on stage....it was not Tessa this time :)

Surprisingly, Tess did the best with the worm issue by the pond as you can see in the photo. Daddy was so proud of his "Little Country Girl!"

Fun Summer Times!

Camping Recap!

There were many joys of our camping journey! I feel that being able to take the girls camping is a great opportunity for all of us! It worked out well to mix some of Kevin's work with some play for us all...we are thankful for our trip to New York. The little darlings did great on the flight out with me, and also did excellent on the RV trip home. It was the time in between that was most memorable. We played, got dirty...real dirty, ate more snacks then ever allowed at home (breaking some rules while vacationing is a must!), and the girls had there first "Slumber party", and we had time together! Evening showers were a must! We are already looking forward to next year.

Here are some photos of the fun!

And Here Comes Tessa around Turn 2...

Tessa had the adventure of her first bike race. She was burning up the pavement on the 90 degree day! The kiddos had fun and Tess was thrilled with her "coin", medal! We were all cheering for her and for Tony during his race as well! It was interesting to watch the kiddos as they were getting their numbers on their bikes.

Tessa said that it "was really fun but I wanted it to be longer".

In touch with the fine arts of singing and crafting!

At the RV rally there are so many opportunities for the kids to have fun! It is always interesting to watch them interact with new friends and kids their age. Each morning there is kids craft time, and Tess loves arts and crafts, so she is all about it! Luckily the little darlings and (Mommy too!) have been sleeping in. Craft time is at 10:00 and just a short walk away. They have been getting up around 9:00 so it has worked out just great.

Tessa has made....a handprint in plaster, a door hanger, sunglasses, foam bear, and a bug magnet! She is so proud of her work and loves to explain how she made it. As I mentioned, I always hearing her tell about her experiences from her perspective, and with so much detail. She was telling Grandma Sherry about it today and Ella was just sitting and watching her sister's every word and every move. It is no wonder she tries to do everything her sister does. I never get enough of just watching them together.

Just the other evening we were in the rally building and they were up on stage. We were with some friends finishing up dinner. They were "Hamming" it up. Tess was singing, dancing and talking to the audience. It was quite a sight, no stage fright with her! They are having SO much fun!

Fourth of July

It was a festive and fun 4th of July. While camping we enjoyed the day. The morning started off with a memorial service in honor of Larry at the Starcraft Camping Club rally. Many of the member of the camping club have know Larry & Sherry for many years. It was so special to hear them speak so highly of him. When it was my turn to speak the girls had to come up and be by Mommy, they were hanging on me. Everyone got a smile out of watching them....PaPa's girls!

We then relaxed quite a bit for the 4th, the girls had a great time playing and enjoying the beautiful day that we had! In my mind, the joys of this holiday is relaxing and enjoying summer! We did enjoy it together!!

The Fabulous Falls

The girls have left the country! Yes, Our Girls went to Canada. We went to visit Niagara Falls. It is one of those sights that you just have to see to appreciate the beauty of God's creation! The falls are an overload for the senses....the sound of the water, the feel of the mist, the smell of rain, and most of all the sight of the beautiful falls. Tess was amazed by the vastness of the waterfalls, and I was as well. We enjoyed walking around, having lunch "falls side" and taking it all in. I am thankful for the opportunity to travel as a family and to enjoy days like these....Together!!

Lessons from Daddy

I couldn't help but take some photos of the Tessa first guitar lesson. I am fond of the both the student and teacher! She looks up to Daddy and thinks it is really great that he plays the guitar. She loves to try to play her "Tar". During these pictures they were practicing "Hes got the whole World in His hands". She was singing along and trying to strum. She already has more ability then her Mommy! I hope that they keep it up and for Ella as well! One of the many sweet sounds of the house.