Last few weeks

Whew has time been flying. We have been busier than EVER around here. I honestly think things will slow down for awhile - which will be a nice break.

Last I wrote we were heading to Missouri. We met in Bloomington for a Father's Day lunch with Darren's dad, his family and my mom and sisters. It was a very nice lunch. Father's Day last year was the last time that they saw Mike so we all wanted to be together. Also this year we found out that Richard (Darren's Dad) has cancer. As I get older I realize the importance of spending good quality family time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. Darren's dad has an amazing attitude. He said he isn't going to let this cancer thing slow him down. And it sure hasn't! We are prying for him!

After our lunch we headed to Missouri. We took Kristy and Tori along with us. We stopped at a hotel right outside of St. Louis and swam, hung out and ate dinner. We also watched lots of High School Musical! In the morning we headed to St. Louis. We went to mass at the St. Louis Basilica downtown. It was a beautiful mass - both Kristy and I were in tears!

Then we met up with my sister Becky, her husband and kids at the St. Louis arch. We took the tour up to the top together. Tori and I were a bit scared but we made it up and back safe and sound! It was a terribly HOT day so we skipped the zoo and headed to Becky's - not without a stop to get fireworks! We enjoyed a lovely dinner at her house and hung out in the air conditioning!

On Monday we headed to Rolla to a bead store to get beads, a cool toy and book store, and a picnic lunch. We went to a park that was the best park I have been to. There were play structures galore! However... it was so hot my kids were melting and wanting to go to the air!

The next day Kristy, Becky and I went for a "girls" lunch at this cute little winery down the road. We then bought some wine and headed to another winery. We enjoyed our "girl" time with girl conversation! I love having those moments together where we can just sit and visit.

After lunch we packed for the beach. The Meramec River runs near their house - so we drove to a "beach" spot and we played in the water. It has a slow current but just enough to pull you down the river. The kids created this "obstacle course" where they would walk you up river and then you would get in the water and float down river avoiding certain obstacles along the way. The bigger kids did that for hours while the littles dug in the sand and caught minnows! Leon set off fireworks that night... it was a beautiful day!

Wednesday (like the hottest day of the year so far!) we headed to Six Flags! We met my friends Leigh and Kim and their kids. Kristy took Tori and Meaghan and they rode tons of rides. I didn't know that Meaghan liked roller coasters so much! She rode the real scary ones I would never try! We did the waterpark too - which was very refreshing after all that time in the sun! We closed the park down and drove home VERY late. It was a terrific trip and one I hope to repeat again soon! I loved going with family and friends - the diverse age group made it fun for everyone.

We recuperated and did laundry before heading to Cub Scout camp! I took the two boys this year to Adventure Camp. It is a camp where you spend part of a week camping out and doing all sorts of activities. We had such a fun time. I love just hanging with the boys and being outdoors. I took Nate and his friend Zach Snipe hunting. I had forgotten all about how fun Snipe hunting was! Memories we will have forever!

We got home Wednesday afternoon and I think took Nate and we headed to Lizzy's (in Peoria) to get my girls. Connor wasn't feeling well so I left him at home to rest. I missed my girls lots and couldn't wait to see them! We had birthday party for Shannon the same night - I cannot believe she is 10!! We then headed home to get ready for everyone to come down for 4th of July!

My sister and I ended up setting up our tents a night earlier so I let Meaghan and a friend camp out there. The next day us girls went shopping in Monticello and the boys played golf. Lots of the little shops were closed for the holiday... bummer. We ended up going to the toy store and cupcake place - Yum! That night Darren grilled out and we enjoyed the campfire.

4th of July morning it started raining at 5:30am and it didn't quit! Darn... the rain cancelled the fireworks and most everyone went home, tired and crabby. I was so upset that our holiday was ruined. We did go to the Early American Museum so that Connor should off his Pig Collection. He was so excited that family came to see HIS collection! That night we hung out again at the campground and had a relaxing evening. I felt bad though because Grandpa Richard wasn't feeling well that night- I think his Chemotherapy finally kicked in (or maybe it was just my cooking!)... poor thing... but what a trooper - out camping and everything!!

On Sunday we enjoyed the beautiful day and went to LOW to watch the fireworks.

As I look back on these past crazy weeks I am thanful for the life I have. We got to visit and be with each other and with family and to me that is what is important. My kids got to be with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. And I know that none of us are perfect and we all get on each others nerves but I am thankful God gave me the family I have. I pray that we can always be there for one another for many more years to come.