Adventure #3: "The Joy of Doing Nothing!"

One of my favorite movie quotes is from "Eat, Pray, Love" where Julia Roberts is in Italy talking about "dolce far niente", the "joy of doing nothing." This is something I can totally relate to!! Now that we're back from the "running around" part of our vacation, I can now enjoy the part that is the most special for me - just being home! It's the letting things settle back to "normal", whatever that is, that really puts the big sappy grin on my face! I love not being sleepy during the day, I love being awake to fix my family 3 square meals a day (plus dessert) and I love just sitting at the table with my husband for an hour or two, talking and sipping coffee together and not having to BE somewhere. (And they all really like it, too!) :-)

I've enjoyed trying some new recipes, thanks to the inspiration I always receive after being back in Missouri for a visit! It is the home of the master chefs and bakers, you know.... I'm in the process of researching different ice cream makers, which is my next little investment, and I need one that will do justice to Carlene's homemade ice cream recipe! Any suggestions?! Leaning toward Cuisinart- it's groovy!

I've dawdled around, baked banana bread, done lots of laundry, read THREE books (amazing, I know!) caught a movie with the kids, splashed around in the pool, put down new hall runners and rugs (since my hubby had the carpets cleaned while we were gone!) awakened almost every morning WITHOUT the help of an alarm clock, and have almost found myself thinking, "I might be bored." a couple of times. (Bite your tongue, Woman...)

The little Smiths had a swim meet on Wednesday, and let me just say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Absolutely hilarious and endearing and beloved to see your children trying their hardest at something and then being delighted in themselves with their efforts. So proud of them!! Ya'shar had one 15 minute long "moment" of panic during warm up when EVERYone was in the pool and his lane was crowded and he remembered they were in deep water. He did great tho! (Thanks, Coach Cassandra, for the pep talk!!)

I love the picture of Coach Hannah with all our kids!! She jumped off her bike on her way out so she could take a picture with us!! She has truly made such a great and positive impact on our family and we are so grateful!

Adventure #1: Family Reunion!!

The girls and I flew to Missouri to meet up with family and friends a couple weeks ago! SOME of my family (like all my brothers!) decided to surprise me! What fun it was to see everyone again. (This was only the first of many surprises to come...)

We stayed with Uncle Carl and Aunt Doris (best hosts ever!!) The girls' heads must've been about to explode on a regular basis - so many firsts and fun new things that they've never done! Here's a list: fireflies, sparklers, fishing, a real midwest thunderstorm, gardening, learning Dutch Blitz (MY favorite card game from childhood!) playing with cousins EVERYday, first sleepover, first taste of homemade icecream - the list goes on and on!!

I can't thank everyone enough for all their kindness and generosity. Yes, I know we're family, but it's a lot of work feeding us and having us all running around your house for a week!

I tried to post some of my favorite pictures from the last couple weeks, but there are too many!!! I will put ALL of them on facebook for those of you who want to see them all - there are some pretty hilarious ones!

Thank you, Lord for the blessing of family!!

Playing the Tourists!!!

Had to take a trip to Hannibal while we were there and visit the good ole Mississippi! We took a boat up and down the river and tried not to melt in the 96 degree heat!!

Reg and Spoon!! (aka Regina and Sonna: Godsends!)

On Wednesday before we left for Florida, the girls and I met up with Sonna and Regina, two of my favorite memories of nursing school! :) We played a lot of ping pong when we were supposed to be studying, laughed until 3:00 am on many MANY nights, and still managed to get degrees! I love and miss you guys! David, thanks for letting the ortho nurse sign your cast! :)

Mini-Reunion: Blessing-Rieman Class of '96!!!

On our way to the airport in St. Louis we stopped off to see my college roomie and dear friend Sara!! Angie was there too - what a great surprise!!!!! So many fun and great memories with these girls.... How did we ever make it through nursing school?! Lots of tears, laughter and prayer! I enjoyed seeing you guys again SO much, I wish we lived closer.... Love you! Between the 3 of us, we had TEN kids taking over the play room downstairs!! Busy moms, unite!!

Adventure #2: Florida!!

After a wonderfully relaxing week of spending time with family and friends in Missouri, the girls and mom and I set off to have some beach time in Fort Lauderdale! We enjoyed lazy days by the pool and on the beach followed by evening strolls through the Galleria for food and shopping in the evenings. Boy was it HOT!!! If I look a little pink, well, I shoulda went straight for the SPF 100 instead of starting out at 50.... Lesson learned!!