How's this for catching up?

at 08/19/09 10:18PM
Kathryn's Birthday

Was almost 2 months ago, yes, but I couldn't resist posting these photos of some really fun times spent with some really great friends.

Uncle Adam reminding us that yes indeed, Kate is turning 4. But let's not forget, "I'll be 5 on my next birthday. Mom, is it time for my next birthday yet? Because I already know what I want."
The rainbow cake was so.much.fun. If you've ever thought about doing one before, just do it! It was easier and cuter than I ever dreamed it would be. And what a surprise to cut into!
How sad that I did not get one photo of Gramma and Grampa - our gracious hosts for the week. We always have the best time ever, and can't wait to be back!
Posted by Picasa


The Cousin's Came to Visit

Austin and Zeb came for a visit and brought their guitar and mandolin. They joined with Brad for a little "pick 'n grin" session. They sounded great together playing good 'ol "Rocky Top". Wish we lived closer so they could practice up a little. Believe it or not, bluegrass is one of my favorites.

Livie dancing with PawPaw...
Once Josh got there they broke out Guitar Hero
Things went downhill from there...
Posted by Picasa



Trip to MI

Brad's boss lent us his guest house in Michigan for the weekend of our anniversary. It was the first time we had really gotten away since kids, and it was marvelous. Really, marvelous. We loved just being free to do what we wanted when we wanted without worrying about naps or bedtime, and being able to eat junk food for breakfast or lunch if we wanted ;). We had landed with several gift cards to various places, so our first stop was to a super nice outdoor mall on our way up. We went to all of the stores we had gift cards to, and ended up with $200 worth of merchandise for $15 out of pocket - and all kinds of new clothes for our trip :). It was a blast!

Then we headed to Shipshewanna, IN for the day on Friday. It is Amish/Mennonite country, with lots of delightful shops and wonderful eating places. The people were so friendly, and the kids were so cute with their bowl cuts and "plain" attire. We stumbled upon one of the greatest fabric stores, that Brad basically had to drag me out of. We also did the Menno-Hof museum which was most informative, and a buggy ride.

Then we headed up to Diamond Lake that evening to sleep in our cottage. The view was amazing, and so many of the houses surrounding the lake were multi-million dollar homes. It was just like something out of a magazine. Saturday morning it rained, so we took the opportunity to go and see a movie - something we both love, but don't get the chance to do very often with the kiddos. By Saturday afternoon it had cleared off, so we headed back to the lake to do a little jet-skiing. Wow. Neither of us had done that since the we went with Adam and Rosie 5 years ago. It was even better than we remembered - even if I couldn't sit directly down on my rear end the next morning in worship (do I need to say that Brad was driving??)

That evening we drove to South Haven to eat at a nice restaurant and watch the sun set on Lake Michigan. It was the perfect anniversary weekend. I can't believe how fast 7 years has gone!


(This wasn't from our trip ;). Brad took this picture yesterday after I watered the flowers and I thought it turned out so cool I just needed to post it :)
Posted by Picasa

In about the middle of all of this, they came and stayed for a week, and we had a BLAST, but I have 1 lonely picture to show for it. Thankfully, Jess took lots of photos ;). Now let's all rally to get them up here!!!
  • crazy_mama
    LOVE this post! That cake is ADORABLE! I love it. I bet everyone went crazy over it. So cute. You guys are such a sweet family. Thanks for sharing all the pictures.
    by crazy_mama at 08/20/09 7:37AM
  • whipsmile
    The MI trip looks and sounded like a great time. Glad you got to do that. :-)
    by whipsmile at 08/20/09 8:13AM
  • kenna_drew
    That rainbow cake looks really cool!
    by kenna_drew at 08/20/09 9:44AM
  • wifelet
    Your hair is really long! :)
    by wifelet at 08/20/09 10:04AM
  • simon_says
    I've never seen a rainbow cake before. That turned out really cool!
    by simon_says at 08/20/09 10:08AM
  • kerrielee
    Well you made my day with that post, i have a huge smile on my face,although it does make us miss you more.What a beautiful place for an anniversary trip,how nice.Daryl and I will be celebrating 18 years in a few weeks,cannot believe that.I love the pic of the Daisy Brad took,really beautiful.The girls are just as beautiful as ever.LUL!!
    by kerrielee at 08/20/09 10:37AM
  • meditationis
    The fabric shops in Shipshewena (or however it is spelled) are supposed to be just awesome. My mom goes up there with some lady friends every year or so. They also take a trip to Ohio and visit a similar area ... with similar irresistible craft and fabric stores. :-)
    by meditationis at 08/20/09 12:23PM
  • DessertDiva
    Oooh, I love the cake! And your anniversary trip looks like so much fun! I can imagine how you feel, only not. I mean, I don't have 3 kids but the thought of a weekend away with my husband sounds good anytime! You guys have been busy! Those pictures of you and Brad are really great. Ok my comment is way too choppy...you wouldn't know that I got 9 total hours of sleep last night.
    by DessertDiva at 08/20/09 12:50PM
  • lala
    Can't believe you have a four year old. Time flys. Blair will be four next month and I'm dreading it! =(
    That cake is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you come up with that yourself? I've been trying to think of something creative for Blair's party...maybe I'll try that.
    Happy Anniversary! Looks like a fun trip!
    by lala at 08/20/09 4:11PM
  • amandochka
    Yeah...we pick and grin every week. Ya'll should definitely come and see us. It would be lots of fun!
    by amandochka at 08/20/09 4:21PM
  • nillabarr
    I would really LOVE to do an anniversary trip with DH soon! Maybe next year! I LOVE that cake! It is sooooo yummy looking... and SO pretty!
    by nillabarr at 08/20/09 10:40PM
  • boromom
    Tell Brad HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Know you and the girls will make it a special one. :-)
    by boromom at 08/21/09 1:10PM
  • littlelamb
    That cake is awesome!!! I've never seen that or heard of it. My girls would just flip! I think Charlotte needs that when she turns 4. :)
    by littlelamb at 08/23/09 11:17PM
  • lindseymarie
    Oh, it all sounds so wonderful! Love that cake! You're vacation sounds like a dream one!
    by lindseymarie at 08/24/09 10:06AM
  • mjintexas
    Aw, Micah, you look so pretty! And I WANT THAT CAKE!! :)
    by mjintexas at 08/25/09 1:22PM
  • dressednyella
    What great pictures! I think you get prettier every time I see you! :) I've never heard of a rainbow cake. What a COOL idea! I'm totally going to do that sometime for Annalise. I had to do a double take of the picture with the sailboat. It was so beautiful, it looked like a painting. Glad y'all are doing well!
    by dressednyella at 08/25/09 10:30PM
  • engineer4elek
    Those were great pictures.
    by engineer4elek at 08/27/09 12:03PM
  • deputyheadmistress
    great pics- sounds like a wonderful trip.
    by deputyheadmistress at 08/28/09 9:01AM
  • angiebrewer
    Your hair is so long - I love it! I can't believe how big your girls have gotten. Why is it that we haven't seen you in over a year now? I feel horrible about that. I really do miss you. I wish I was coming up for Emily's birthday party next weekend. We are definitely going to plan to see you guys the next time we come up. Tell Brad we said hello.
    by angiebrewer at 09/18/09 12:50PM
  • happinessisthelord
    thanks for the info! you're safe... it's nov 13th! hope it's work for you guys. i'm going to send out an email of some dresses i have available (hannah thought you might be interested) in the next couple wks. how have you all been? hated not getting to chat when you were here; i had to rush out to work.
    by happinessisthelord at 09/28/09 8:10PM