Enjoying Summer

To start the summer off right our family spent some good pool time together. We also had a giant two story water slide. It was a lot of fun to spend time with the family. The girls were pretty afraid of the slide, considering it was pretty steep and quick. But after a wet towel was put under them to slow them down they had a good time. Since Derek wasn't able to be here, Bryce's awesome uncle Ty stepped in and took him down quite a few times and he loved it!

Bryce's Birthday

I can't believe that my little boy is already one. This past year has flown by and so much has changed, including him! I don't know if it is because I have more children or just life in general, but it sure seems that he has grown the fastest and I long for him to be a baby just a bit longer. His birthday was pretty low key with family for cake and ice cream. Making his cake was fun since I can't use frosting with his milk allergy. For his first party I made cupcakes and frosted them, forgetting to save one to frost with cool whip instead. His cupcake ended up pretty darn ugly since I had to slice off the top, put on cool whip and then watch it sink in to the cupcake... oh it was not cute. But, Bryce LOVED it! He downed it by the time I had taken three pictures. Bryce is definitely giving me a whole new experience. He eats like a champ and constantly. I blame it on boyhood. He did the same thing the next night when he had his little caterpillar cake, much better the cupcake. He continues to be the happiest little boy and can make anyone smile. He giggles constantly. For his birthday he got some new clothes (this boy is on a far more normal growth pattern than his older sisters, 18M clothes already), trucks and a basketball hoop. I may just have a basketball player on my hands. He immediately knew what to do and spends much of his day throwing that ball in the hoop. When he isn't chasing his basketball down he loves to push trucks and especially likes the ones that make sounds. Can I just say he is ALL BOY! So funny. He also loved playing on the slip and slide with his cousins to celebrate. We love this little guy.

Adjusting

Well, we have sort of officially moved? The kids and I are here in our long term vacation at my mother's house. Derek left yesterday and is back to the grind, which hopefully grinds very quickly into nothing:) It still seems unreal and not knowing when Derek will be here, where we will go and lacking a permanent home makes it all seem like summer vacation. I realize how much I haven't said or done, as my mind continues to convince itself of our return. I am grateful I get to come back and drive with Derek, so I can see so many faces one more time. I am glad to know I will see many again. I am blessed with so many friends that I know will keep in touch. I am horrible at good-byes; I am so glad that it is mostly see-you-later instead. While I realize there are some I won't see, I am so grateful for all I have been blessed to know and spend time with. I want to call and chat with so many, but fittingly I have spent many days now without a phone as my handsome little man has broke it cleanly in half. Man, I love that kid.

Valley Forge

While Derek's family was here for graduation we were able to visit a few sights and finally get out to Valley Forge. It was a great trip and such a reminder of all the blessings we have been given in our time. What a sacrifice so many have made for the liberties we have. There are so many good things in this world and country, despite the sad choices we have seen in our day. I am truly grateful to live and worship in this country and enjoy so much. I am glad we were able to spend some good time with Derek's family while they were here too!

Derek Graduates!!

We got to celebrate the culmination of all of Derek's 21 years of school. After 13 years in grade school, 4 in undergrad and 4 more to top it off in graduate school, he can finally see the light! While the celebration is a little early while he has a few things to take care of, we are so proud of all that he has accomplished. He has and does work so hard every day and we are excited for all the new adventures that will come. We couldn't be more proud!

One last girls' trip to NYC!

While my family was in town for Derek's graduation, my mom, grandmother, aunt and I were able to take one last trip to NY. We enjoyed Broadway and saw Wicked, which was awesome. We barely made it in time, thanks to my lovely time planning, but it all turned out great and we were able to see the show. Then we ate at the MARS restaurant, not bad, but nothing special. I am so grateful I was able to spend time with my family and see the big apple one last time.

Senior Picnic

Each year our group of friends gets together and has a picnic to enjoy each other a last time before everyone starts to leave. This year was our turn. It was bitter sweet to think we had done it three years before and that this would be our last. We have such a great group of people so near by. We have truly enjoyed Philadelphia. Many weren't able to make it this year, but we still had a good turn out, if the picture gives any indication of how many friends we are lucky to have.