Dinner with my Roomies!

It is both fun and funny how our dear friends just know us so well! After a play date at the park with our kiddos, went home to refresh and then met at Ali's house. Ali's hubby Chad took our annual photo...then we headed to the Spaghetti Factory.  They seated us near our "usual" table, we are so predictable. We could have ordered for each other, there is such comfort when the four of us get together. 

We had some special chat time, an opportunity to catch up....it was all inclusive, we shared smiles, tears, laughs and most of all moments of reconnecting.  The blessing of our friendship is amazing, it has seen us through so much in our lives, we are there for each other, sincerely through all of life's journeys..... I love spending the day with these girls, I wish we could do so more often. Knowing that regardless of the passing of time, we always seem to pick right back where we left off is special and comforting.

We laugh until we cry, that is good stuff!  

Kiddos! Reunion at the Park

 It was Reunion day at the park with my dear friends Ali, Angie, and Susan!  They are my college roommates, but further more dear friends.  They are such a blessing, and even though we can't get together as often as we like, it is as if no time has passed, treasured friendships! One way to indicate for sure that time is passing it looking at our kiddos!  Eleven of them between the four of us!....Number 12 is coming in November!....

We met for play and lunch at the park just by Franklin College.  It was a hot day, but we all truly enjoyed ourselves and we were sure to share some stories, laughs and smiles!  Such a blessing to be together once again, and to have healthy and fun-loving kiddos! 

 This evening the four of us will go out to dinner....looking forward to it!

Beachin' It...

Sharing some smiles in the South Haven Sunshine! 

 Thanks to some sunshine and some special husbands, Jamie and I were able to spend a couple carefree days in South Haven and Saugutuck.  We really looked forward to it and it was a fabulous time!  We laughed until it hurt, took our time, shopped, relaxed at the beach, had leisurely cocktails and dinner, and then, laughed until it hurt some more! Among all this fun, we met some "interesting" people, bought some Christmas gifts, snuck in some ice cream, and read quote signs and greeting cards until our hearts were content.
I am so thankful for our friendship and our conversations.  It is wonderful to be able to take some time away and just chat, basically unstoppably. A true blessing to have friends where we can be ourselves, laugh and have memories of the times together....

Kevin sent us with some "Mad Money and Money For Dinner" Always taking care of us!

Thank you Hubby XOXO....

 Toes in the warm sand....seriously, So Fun!

Fan of the Fair

Everyone in the family knows that I am a big fan of the 4-H Fair.  The animal barns are my favorite and I get such a kick out of watching the girls see the animals.  Kevin, Mom, Tessa, Ella, and I spent an evening at the fair. Yes, it was hot....But Yes, the animals were adorable, the haystack supper was delicious, and the girls enjoyed a few "kiddie rides".  Tessa rode the ferris wheel and she loved it, the excitement in her eyes from the movement in her tummy was priceless! 

Fun Times at the Fair with The Family!

Splish Splash, Sweet Swim Time

It was a super afternoon of swimming at our friends house!  Eva, Jaden, Tessa and Ella turned into fish! The kiddos played so well and the time in the pool was fabulous. Jamie and I had to pause and look at how much swimming time has changed over the years.  The kiddos needs us less and it is so fun to watch them having a ball.  It is also much more relaxing! 

They played hard and then had to relax before some bike riding!  The girls and I joined them for a tasty cookout, THANK YOU friends!  It was hard for the day to end. Ella especially did not want to leave, it took some serious effort to get her in the car....what a moment! 

Happy Days of Summer with our Spectacular Friends!

Girls Time!

What do you get when you add 2 E's + 2 T's = FUN! It was a great equation!  My friend Erin brought her girls Taylor and Ella over for a playdate and lunch.  It was a hoot to see them all playing together...such girls! We played outside a while but the indoors was the best situation for such a humid day!  Tessa and Ella loved having them over, they made great playmates!  They put on some good "performances" for us. There was a 0 out of 4 ratio of shyness in this group of fun loving girls!  ....why does summer have to go so quickly? "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!"

Mountain Inspiration, Lace em up, go!

I had a plan....and it worked! I have always enjoyed running.  I have missed it over the last couple years, and honestly my bad back was keeping me from it. So, I thought while we were in Oregon, I would gradually try to pick it up again, and see how I felt.....FABULOUS!  The joy I get out of running is the thinking time and the opportunity to push myself for just a little more distance each day.  I am so glad that it worked out!  Having the mountains to look at each morning while I ran certainly helped.  I have started and I am going to keep with it. My first challenge has already hit. It has been 90 degrees plus since we have returned. The treadmill is just not quite the same, it will cool off soon.  I love personal goals and this is my current one. God has given me strength and I want to start being better to my body.  I want our girls to have a healthy Mommy and I want to be a positive example to them. I hope the runs continue to go well, day by day, step by step!

Fun with Popsey and Gramma...Welcome Home Mom!

Out and About in Bend

It was a busy and enjoyable week all wrapped into one last week in Oregon.  We were really thankful for beautiful weather, a busy RV show, safe travels, and some fun evenings in Bend, Oregon.  It was fun to go out and about in the town and experience some new places. Cooking out a couple nights was relaxing. We checked out the Blacksmith, 900 Wall and Bend Burger.  Kevin enjoyed his porkchop the most, Matt's meal....was the best overall, and I have a fabulous drink "Crazy Blue"....

Breedlove guitar is based in Bend.  Kevin's favorite guitar is his Breedlove Guitar.  He was able to stop by one afternoon.  Garth, who signed his guitar at inpsection was there.  He was excited to be able to visit there and to have his guitar from one of our favorite towns!  Kevin, Matt and I went to a street concert one evening and heard Midnight Hour, great band!  Then we went to Breedlove for a guitar concert the first band, lacked some pep. But, we enjoyed Friday's Child who played second. Great evenings and to think that it was cool at night, as we return to 98 degree humid weather. 

The three amigos had a good time in Bend, Oregon.  We all missed having Jamie along with us. A big shot out to Matt for letting me tag along on his journey home.  Kevin surprised me and booked a flight home so I could see the girls faster than driving.  Matt and I were traveling buddies on the flights back home. It worked out well!  He and Jamie are dear friends to us....thank you for dinner and a fun journey home.  Thank you Kevin and Matt for getting me home in hours instead of days!

Oregon was great! Kevin and I missed the girls, and couldn't wait to see them!  We enjoyed our time together....special memories! 



Roll On Highway!

Kevin and Kim time. We were off work at RV Rally in Oregon. Kevin is the driving master.  We made it to Cheyenne, Wyoming on Day One. Then, pulled in to Oregon late on day 2.  We had some quality K&K time along the way.  We also were able to enjoy the beauty of God's creation as we traveled across: Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and then into Oregon.  We were able to enjoy an afternoon and night on the town in Bend, Oregon. By far one of our favorite places to visit!  Great shops, boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants.

We enjoyed our time in Bend....and then made a return trip later in the week. Pictures to come on that later. We miss Tessa and Ella very much! Thank you Grandma and Popsey!!