Here are some pictures of the kids falling asleep in front of the TV(Caedmon hadn't taken a nap that day and so it didn't take long for him that afternoon)...pitiful isn't it? I feel like a guilty parent even posting these. Yes that is what I resorted to for a short time while Kevin was gone. I don't let them watch much TV at all, but I needed some quiet time..!! 
My mom convinced us to spend the night and the kids were very excited about sleeping at Grandmas. Kevin's flight was supposed to come in on Friday evening at 6:15...more delays because of weather. I was so disappointed and bummed because he was still in Iowa when I talked to him at 9:00 pm and there was a chance he would not make it home until the morning. We had a very full day planned on Saturday and this would have really messed up the day. God did answer my prayers and at 3 am on Saturday morning he finally crawled into bed with me...very tired to say the least. When he woke up on Saturday morning he talked about how he really needed to mow and I agreed saying that it's really getting tall...chuckling to myself all along. He was pretty surprised and very thankful when he saw the freshly mowed grass. Thanks again, Dad!
Caedmon had his final soccer game on Saturday morning with an awards ceremony and picnic. 
After lunch we went home for naps and when the kids woke up they were dropped off at Grandma & Grandpas. AHHHHHHH! We were in desperate need of a date and what an AWESOME time we had! The past week has been a bit stressful with Kevin being gone and all the study time he has needed for his CLU course. His test is next Monday (the final one of eight...YEAH!), so another difficult week lies ahead and on top of that another business trip to Chicago this time on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday...like I said we were in desperate need of a date.We went to a beautiful park with a rose garden and took pictures for our anniversary coming up. So much fun! Here is a sample. 
There are a lot more to come! There was a wedding at the park that day and it was so fun to get a peek. We had dinner downtown at Tuscani's Pizza then went to Jefferson Pointe Mall and saw another wedding party taking pictures in the courtyard. I found a formal dress at Old Navy for $2.99. Lovin' that price! We also used a discount coupon for ice cream at the Cold Stone Creamery. We watched Narnia after that which was free with a gift certificate we had. Loved the movie! There are so many parallels to the Bible and I was really encouraged and inspired after watching it.
And on Sunday we attended a first birthday party for our sweet little nephew, Lincoln. So hard to believe that the little man is one already. He was the little guy I requested prayer for several months ago about a cyst growing on the back of his head. He had surgery to remove it and is doing great.
I don't think I've ever seen a one-year-old dig into a cake as much as he did. And as you can see our son was helping too.
Notice my sons hand again getting a big scoop of frosting.
It was nice to be at the park for the party...a hot day, but the river helped everyone cool off a bit.
My lovely sister-in-laws...Sarah & Krista (who just found out she is having a BOY at the end of October!).
This picture was taken at my Grandfather's funeral a week and a half ago. This is the whole family except for four people...I think. There are twenty-four grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. 
Siblings
It was such a special time to be there by ourselves...so peaceful and full of wonderful memories. It was certainly a different feeling driving up the hill this time. but as I walked around the property shooting pictures of the kids, all the memories came flooding back.
I have played many hours on this swing set as a little girl. 
I have ran, skipped, rolled down, mowed, picked raspberries, eaten watermelon, laid in the sun, played kickball and caught lightning bugs on this beautiful grassy hill.
I have driven up this driveway many times with extreme excitement after a long trip in the car. 
Stepping inside the house was probably the hardest part. I washed and dried lots of dishes in this sink right next to my grandma. She taught me to wash the glasses first.
One last picture before going to Grandpa's funeral.
Ashley and I are blog sisters and I love keeping up with what's going on with their family. They just bought a new home and it was such a treat to finally see it in person. 
The kids enjoyed playing with Sam and we loved catching up with Ashley and Dan. Thanks again for such an awesome time and wonderful hospitality! It's your turn to come see us now. :)
After the game, we helped them find a new tire then grilled out for lunch at our house. Grandpa Jerry helped my hubby put up a new clothesline which I am SUPER excited about. The cheap one we bought a few years ago just didn't do the job and with the injury it incurred from my husband running into with the tractor...it was time to replace the thing. 
Caedmon has been asking to roast hotdogs and marshmallows for awhile, so that is what we did that evening...one of our favorite summer family acitivities. 
On Sunday, we grabbed a bucket of KFC and had a picnic at Lawton Park with my parents after church.
We walked over to Headwaters Park and the kids found the famous fountain.
We forgot their bathing suits...oh well.
Needless to say, they were soaked by the time we dragged them away. So much fun! 
And on Monday, more water fun while mommy and daddy worked outside moving a dog kennel and trimming crabapple trees.
Since then, we've been going back to Pokagon each year for Mother's Day. Sometimes having a picnic at the park and other times eating the special Mother's Day Brunch in the restaurant. I love it there! Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for the idea...they've been going for years as well. This year we ate at the restaurant and had their immaculate Mother's Day brunch buffet since the weather was rainy outside. 
My sister (seven months pregnant with baby Emmi), my mom & me.
This day was also my niece Lexi's 10th birthday. After lunch, we had a little birthday party for her in the hotel lobby. Lexi is such a sweetheart and I love her excitement and energy. She always has a beautiful smile on her face and just adores our children...we adore her too!
This cool kid just got his drivers license last week!
The rain certainly didn't put a damper on our day. Kevin drove my mom and I over to the Outlet Mall right down the road and let us shop while he and my Dad watched the kids. Thanks honey! You're the greatest! 
Here are more gifts from the kids.
And from my sweet husband...a purse, some bath & body stuff and a foot rub when we got home.