Fireman's Jamboree '08

The benefits of living in a "village" are numerous. Although there are people around, things are quiet. Most neighbors are friendly and concerned, and your children are relatively safe. Things are quite relaxed, and quite redneck. Anyway, I don't mind a bit. Each year the Fire Dept. has a Jamboree to raise money (they are a volunteer dept.). Since I want to minimize the chances of my house burning to the ground b/4 the volunteers arrive, we patronize the Jamboree. We spend a little money, and the kids have lots of fun. This year lots of friends were there for the parade and subsequent events. Greg and Adam placed in the top 6 teams in the Cornhole Tournament. Unfortunately, they weren't able to clinch the top spot and win $100 - but they are not giving up - by next summer we will probably be travelling to every jamboree within a 150 mile radius to enter the tournaments. :)Hope you enjoyed the pics!
By the way, Ryan and Evan were able to ride in a cop car in the parade. They were hyped.

4th of July

Our July 4th celebration has become a little more precious in the last few years. Even though we don't "go all out", we love just being at home. For many years we had campmeeting over the holiday. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about church and everything, but it was a bummer missing the 4th! This year we hung out, grilled, and went to our local (Lima) 4th spectacular. We met up with the Estes families and had lots of fun. I forgot my camera, but you can mosy on over to Valerie's blog for pics.

Happy Birthday Greg!

On June 28th Greg celebrated his 34th birthday. Although we were in Frankfort, we were still able to have a little fun. After some good food at Applebee's, Greg exited the restaraunt only to be pasted with silly string by the kids, along with Uncle Adam and Aunt Valerie. They had also decorated the van in his honor...
Back at the camper, we had cheesecake, coffee, and gifts.
I don't often brag on my husband via the blog, but I thank God often that He brought Greg into my life. He is a wonderful husband, and an incredible father to our kids.
God knew what I needed...someone who is stable and committed, not a huge risk-taker (security is big to me!), a willing hand around the house, a hands-on dad to our kids (especially boys who need that interaction), and I could go on and on. Thanks, Greg, for being an unselfish, loving companion! Hope your birthday was a great one!

Misc Camp Pics

Evan has a tradition...every year he rides to camp with papa in the truck. They haul the camper, and Evan enjoys being with his papa. This year we discovered part of the reason...Ryan said, "Evan always rides with papa 'cause he knows he'll get anything he wants!" One of Evan's favorites is ice cream, especially chocolate milkshakes from McD's. When he's with the rest of his siblings he usually doesn't have the option of getting "the big one" but when he's with papa, well, anything is possible!

Enjoying the banquet...

A few of the interesting creatures we took with us to youth camp...
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Sweetness...



One of Franfort's parks...

Playing Catch-Up

After being away from the blog world for so long, I find it difficult to know where to begin! Father's Day weekend was special. Valerie and Adam flew in on Friday night, and Greg and I picked them up in Detroit after meeting Greg's parents in Dundee to retrieve the boys. Eric, Megan, and Olivia also came in on Friday, and we had a wonderful time together Saturday and Sunday. There were two baby dedications on Sunday at church. Valerie, Dad, and I sang "We Will Serve The Lord" (thanks to the Collingsworths for the great track!), and my brother preached a masterpiece of a sermon centered around the father of the prodigal son. Mom and Dad also celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary on Father's Day. With Megan due to give us another niece in July, we knew this might be our only chance to be together for some time. These pics are random...hope you enjoy!