Where to start?

It's been another busy month for everyone. I can't believe September 2009 is almost done. Where did the time go?

We had a great time camping with my parents. The kids loved it. It was my first experience with a private campground and I was amazed at how clean it was. The owners worked very hard and it showed. We will definitely be back.

The girls are loving gymnastics and the drive isn't bad. Their teacher seems very friendly and works well with the children. Anna did a somersault Friday morning on our bed. I don't know if it was by accident or if she has mastered the skill. Troy told me that he did a somersault the other day and it was hard. I've tried to help the girls flip their legs over, but never have tried to do one as an adult. Don't know if I could :)

The house is very quiet and empty this morning. Just Molly and myself. Troy spent the night at church with the youth group. The kids are spending their second night at Aunt Nikki's. It feels very wierd to be home alone. Nikki is meeting us at church with the kids. I can only imagine her weekend, with 5 kids under 7.

Brandan had an awesome football game Friday night. I was so nervous near the end. It was a fight. The flying dutchmen won by a touchdown and are still undeafeted. It looks like we will be going to playoff games in November.

Yesterday we saw my Uncle Mike and said goodbye. It was not an easy trip to make, but am glad we did it. I did get some time to spend one on one with my cousins, Mike Jr and Amber. They both are incredibly strong for enduring such a hellish time. I can only imagine what the last 21 months has been like for the whole family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and Aunt Clara.

Keep my dad's family in your thoughts the next couple of weeks, please. It is going to be very difficult for a lot of individuals.

Jenn

Is it time to go, yet

Good morning. I've been sick this week. Not fun. But I find it funny that I'm the only one up. I've been up since 5, just waiting. Waiting for everyone (including Troy to get up). It's Friday. . . holiday weekend. . . and we're going camping. We weren't planning on this trip. My parents purchased a pop up camper last Saturday and wanted to go away this weekend. Mom found that private campground about 30 minutes from here. We were both surprised that they had two sites available for us and our dogs/kids. We can't check in until 4 pm.

The later check in time is fine. I've still have to finish laundry, pack everyone, turn on the fridge in the camper, cut up the fruits and veggies. I'm just excited that it is the weekend and I'm ready to go.

My girlfriend, Kim, had good news. Another cancer free yearly exam :) YEAH!

The official new year of homeschool started this week. The girls are enjoying themselves and I think we've finally found a good flow. I call them kindergartners, even though they wouldn't meet the cut off if enrolled in a public school. On Fridays we go to the library and pick out books to read for the following week.

Anna just came upstairs. It's after 7 am and I'd love a cup of coffee.

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend.

Jenn

Newaygo Camping Trip

It was a hot one this weekend. We went camping at Newaygo State Park. The wooded campsite did provide some shade.

The kids enjoyed themselves. Our first official camping trip was in June at the same park. What a difference two months and several camping trips later. The kids were so much more relaxed and happy. They have the routine down. We still have trouble sleeping the first night, but it is better than before.

I came up with a way to give baths which helped this time. Newaygo State Park is all rustic. No showers, no flushing bathrooms, no electricity. I heated up some water and gave them a quick wipe down Friday and Saturday. The kids love to dig in the dirt and by the end of the day, it shows. But they are having fun, so I don't mind.

We managed to get in two days of school. We are only one week behind and should make it up this week. My goal is to have the girls in the next level by January 1st. We should finish up just before Christmas and have a Christmas break. Troy is taking off the week between Christmas and New Years. The girls and I will pick up after the 1st of January. I've been researching a spanish program and believe I may have found one. Calico Spanish seems pretty reasonable and requires minimal spanish. I'm going to do some more research and saving for this program. Down the road, I'd love Rosetta Stone, but that is not for us right now.

Here are some photos from Newaygo:







Today is a work day and I've played for the last two hours. TIme to get moving on the new day. We have school, Abby our babysitter, lunch, and then a playdate. Somewhere, I have to get payroll in. I did get a small headstart last night. That should help.

Hope everyone has a great week. Thanks for stopping by.

Jenn

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my father's birthday. I know he reads my blog. . . So HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD. We can't wait to see you on Saturday. Love ya.

Now that business is done.

The Cooper had his first painting experience. He loved it. Here are the photos:








We went to the Bywater family reunion this past weekend. We had a great time and will post those pictures tomorrow.

Troy is looking at my Hungry Girl new coookbook. I'm going run now.

Thanks for stopping by.

Jenn