A Few Things...

Hi there! Long time no blog!

Here are few things on my mind today.

~The last day of school was a few weeks ago and we've been enjoying the lazy days of summer. It's nice to not have to wake up with the alarm every morning. We do what we want, when we want to! Ha! 

~We haven't been completely lazy this summer. Last week, Stella and Madelyn had VBS at a church in our area. They had a great time! The church volunteers were so welcoming and energetic. Sadly, our own church isn't having VBS this year due to lack of volunteers. I'm now faced with the decision to stay at the church I've called my own my entire life or venture out and find one that focuses a little more on children (the future). It's not easy and I am praying I make the right choice.

~Recently, our neighborhood has had some new families move in adding lots more kids to our block. Several have girls around Stella's age and she loves it! For years, she felt left out because the big girls had friends close by and they didn't exactly want their kid sister hanging around with them. Seeing these little girls playing "mommy" to their "babies" in my backyard makes me smile. #juststaylittle

~This weekend we are packing up the mini van and heading to Myrtle Beach for a week. I am so excited to get away and actually spend some time with the family. Especially my workaholic hubby whom lately I've only been able to see while he sleeps. The girls have been counting down the days since we came back from vacation last year! Now if only I could get motivated to pack. 

That's all I have to say for now. I guess I can't put off packing forever!

Happy Thursday!

Bubbles

Warm and sunny days are finally upon us and we couldn't be happier! Spending evenings on the front porch with my girls and even a few extra neighborhood kids is pretty much perfect. Sometimes they toss a ball around, draw with sidewalk chalk, or blow bubbles. Because guys, you are never too old for bubbles!

I recently bought a big bubble wand and solution for my girls. I have never seen bubbles so big and the solution really makes them last a long time. I'm telling you, this thing is AWESOME! Bubble making has become a nightly thing and bonus...squeaky clean kiddos!

We are all so happy that summer is right around the corner and I am looking forward to many more bubble filled days to come. 

Happy Friday! 

*This post contains affiliate links

Our Weekend in Maryland

This winter has been a tough one. Although, for the most part, our weather has been unseasonably warm and we haven't really had much snow. However, we have had one sickness after the other and have been cooped up a lot! This past weekend, we finally got to get away and recharge a little.

A few months back, I got a message from my cousins who were planning a surprise anniversary for my aunt and uncle. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary! Their anniversary fell on the weekend of their annual trip to Maryland to watch my cousin, Erik, participate in the Deep Creek Dunk. It's a polar plunge to raise money for the Maryland Special Olympics. The plan was to rent a house for the weekend and hopefully surprise the couple!

Surprise!

When we arrived Friday the weather was beautiful! With sunshine and temps in the 70s, it was perfect!

There is just nothing better than having a house full of aunts, uncles, and cousins! Because we don't all live close to one another, getting us all together is the best. We did miss a few that were not able to make it. :(   

Friday night, we enjoyed this gorgeous view and the last of the warm weather.

Saturday was dunk day! We awoke to a cold rain and lots of wind. Still, warm by dunk standards because usually the lake is frozen over this time of year.

During the dunk, we stood in the cold wind and pouring rain. Immediately after, the rain stopped and the sun came out again. It was crazy!

Saturday evening was a surprise vow renewal ceremony officiated by my cousin, Courtney. It was beautiful!

This was truly the best weekend we have had in a long time! I was honored to be part of my Uncle Rod and Aunt Pam's special day and being surrounded by family is always a good time. Can't wait to do it again soon!