JULY

A month to remember

"We're ready for take-off"... Lily and Silas looking like pilots in the backseat as they listen to one of many movies on our roadtrip to the Midwest. They did a great job on this 21 hour drive that we decided to drive straight through.

Our visit started in Columbus, Indiana where we enjoyed 2 weeks with Pete's family. Silas is helping Grandpa catch some fish.

Lily having fun with Grandma.
Celebrating the 4th of July with some sparklers.
We loved hanging out with Ben (Pete's bro.) and his wife Jess and son Jonas. Here we are on a refreshing hike in Brown County. We went on the hike after we ate a delicious breakfast at the Hob Nob, an all time favorite spot for us when we visit Indiana.

Silas enjoying the ride on Daddy's back.

Lily and Silas both LOVED hanging with their cousins. Here's Lily with Jonas.

Since the kids never get to go to their cousin's b-day parties, we had one big birthday party for everyone. Here they are blowing out the candles on their cupcakes.

The main activity for the birthday party was playing with this ball sprinkler. Fun times!

We all spent an afternoon at Aunt Jess's house playing in their BIG backyard.

Lily and Silas standing with Ada, Allie, and Lucy Glaser (Pete's sister Jamie's kids).

One evening the grandparents babysat the kids and the siblings went out on the town. We found that Columbus has some fun night spots. We ate dinner at a restaurant where there was wonderful live music. Can anyone recognize who the musicians are?? Ben and Jess Newell... they ROCK!

Ahhhhhh..... I love my Newell sisters! Here I am with Jamie when we said goodbye at Wheaton College campus where she was joining her husband Josh for a conference. We sure had fun with Aunt Jamie!

After we dropped Aunt Jamie off, we drove on to Sycamore, IL where we spent 2 more weeks. Lily continues to love anything that moves. Here she is showing off her frog that she caught in the backyard.

Having fun in the driveway at 541 Lincolnshire Dr..... this will be the last time to visit 541.

We enjoyed the county fairs in the Midwest: one in Columbus, IN and another one in St. Charles, IL. The kids loved seeing all the farm animals. There was a great petting zoo at the IL fair.

Lily's favorite was this little chicken. She was ready to take it home with her.

This was garage sale #2 , only 6 days after garage sale #1 at 541 Lincolnshire. Mom and Dad sold their house in Sycamore the week before we got there so we spent the time getting it cleared out for the new owner.

After a week of clearing out the Sycamore house we were ready for a break, so we accepted the Floits offer to visit them up at Washington Island, WI. What a wonderful few days we had with them (Ron and Mary, Ingrid, and Gretchen and her husband, Mike and 2 boys). We loved relaxing at the beach, touring around the Island, enjoying the sunsets, watching the boats go by, and visiting with our dear friends.

Lil and Silas loved hanging out with Miles Minard, Gretchen's oldest son. They were very sad to say goodbye when we left.

Enjoying an island sunset right outside the Floit's back door.

Saying goodbye.... until next time. Love you guys!

Playing ping pong one last time in the garage at 541 Lincolnshire. This was a favorite pastime growing up.

And one last picture taken in front of the house. Mom, Dad, Ron and I with our 7 kids. It was an emotional 2 weeks, as we realized it would be the very last time to be in the house we loved.
God sure did bless us big time in that home and we are so thankful for all of the awesome memories we have from there. I am especially thankful to mom and dad for giving me such an incredible childhood. The words that come to mind when I think of growing up in that house are: good memories(from the day I came home from the hospital after being born to the day I got married), home, consistency, safety, warmth, love, acceptance, rest, welcome, familiarty, always there, dependable and fun. I'm going to miss that place a whole, whole lot, but as my mom reminded me, heaven is my true home and I will look forward to the day when I spend eternity there with Jesus.

Time to go back to Austin after being away for a month. Our road trip home was a little more leisurely and we stopped in Tulsa, Oklahoma to visit their zoo. It just happened to be the one day out of the year when admission is free.

WOW.... what a GREAT trip!!.... fun memories of our times with family and we also got to see many, many friends who we love so much. Thank you everyone who made the effort to see us and spend time with us. We loved every minute of our time with each of you!!!!!!!!!!! Now it's your turn to come and see us in Austin. You are always welcome.