Back Porch Makeover!

August 2009
 
I went away for the weekend in July for a personal retreat. When I arrived home Jeremy had a huge surprise waiting for me. He had began refinishing the back porch! Crazy guy! He was not able to finish it that weekend, but we got it done a few weeks later! Isn't it beautiful?! The only thing I helped to pick out was the ceiling fan! I am blessed to have such a thoughtful, creative, hardworking husband!

Little Mommy

August 2009
One night I came in to check on Lane and Ava before heading to bed and this is what I found...
 

Our 8th Anniversary!

September 1, 2009
 
This year we celebrated our 8th anniversary with a weekend away in Jim Thorpe. It was a wonderful and relaxing time. We stayed just off the beaten path at a place called Hill Home Forge! It was perfect. The owners were wonderful and she made us excellent breakfasts! Our highlights of the weekend were relaxing at the forge, dinner at "Flow", a trip into No. 9 coal mine, a tour of the Asa Packer mansion, and milling around the little town nestled in the mountains. It was perfect!
 

April's 30th Birthday!

 
August 8, 2009
Who would have ever thought that I would turn 30?! Kinda strange feeling! I had a great birthday. The kids had some cup cakes and sang to me. In the evening "the girls" (Kendra, Amy and Denise) came and picked me up for my surprise. They took me to Coffee Company for an Italian soda, some encouragement and gifts and then took me to my final birthday destination. Jeremy threw a party for me at Nissley Vineyard for one of their concerts on the lawn. It was a blast! Thanks hon! Thank you to eveyone who helped with the "evil plan". On Sunday the girls took me out to the Melting Pot. That was great! I have always wanted to go there. I had a wonderful birthday weekend... and being 30 isn't really so bad... weird, but not bad!

Dutch Wonderland with "The Gang"

 

August 5, 2009
We had season passes to Dutch Wonderland this year thanks to my Dad and Christine! It was very fun to get to spend the day there with our dear friends the Herr's, the Teaman's, and the Knutsen's! We were there from open to close and the kids were having a ball. What a treasure to be able to make such fun memories together as families!

Rawlinsville Campmeeting

 

August 3, 2009
This year Lane and Ava were able to spend the night at Rawlinsville Camp Meeting for the first time! This was a very special thing for me, because I have always loved "Camp". My Nan and Pop have a cabin there and they love to host their grandchildren and now their great grandchildren. Thanks Nan and Pop!

Ocean City 2009

 

July 25 - August 1, 2009. We had a wonderful week at the beach this summer aside from one major bummer... Mom broke her shoulder in a little biking accident! (Fortunately, her shoulder is healing well!)

We beached it most days. All in all the weather was gorgeous. Lane boogie boarded for the first time! We made castles in the sand, dug holes (with Poppy's help), "swam" in the shallow water, jumped little waves, and we adults got to sit on our bums at least some. Ava and Lane had a hard time with gagging at the beach and boardwalk because of the smells and sand. Ava even barfed a couple of times because of it. I wonder how many years that will continue for?? Jeremy, Lane, Ava and I went to the beach one evening. We enjoyed dinner at Mac and Manco's and then flew Lane's kite and ran around on the beach.

We boardwalked it, too. The kids did lots of rides at wonderland pier. The balloon ride was this years favorite! We shopped at Air Circus and watched their competitions. We ate plenty of boardwalk treats like Johnson's Popcorn and Kohr Bros.

Back at the house the biggest festivity was playing Wii thanks to Uncle Jesse and Aunt Melanie. Lane kicked butt in bowling! We had meals together and played games. The kids enjoyed spending so much time with Grammy and Poppy, their Aunts and Uncles and cousin Gabe. One morning Grammy and Poppy took all three grandkids out for a surry ride. Our family also hit Asbury Street on family day. Lane and Ava got their faces painted, we shopped and watched a couple of entertainment acts. Lane and Ava were such a great age this year, and it made for a really delightful time! It was a really special time for Lane, Ava and Gabe to make memories together and such a joy to behold the bond that they share. Praise the Lord for the gift of sweet memories with family!