The food is now kept in the refrigerator

Today I am happy.

I am happy because I can now eat these things

without cutting, pealing or avoiding them all together.

I am currently practicing my new smile for an after picture...

Click here for a before picture

Oh to be a kid again

No responsibilities, no worries, no appointments, no tie downs, and minimal clothing.

You want to be a kid again?

I have found the place just for you - the fountain of youth.

AKA OBX

With the sunsets

and salt water

There is only time to waste doing whatever you want!

The Outer Banks of North Carolina where the bathroom is anywhere you want it to be

Where if you play your cards just right, you can be waited on hand and foot.

And eat until your tummy is just too full

We found if you walk far enough down the shore line

you can find a sweet spot for shell collecting.

Hanging with friends

and enjoying the heat.


This vacation will be hard to beat!

Oh to be a kid again.

Some things just never change.

Back From The Break

Nieces, nephews, and in-laws! Oh my!

So far my parents have 25 grandchildren and hopefully more to come.

p.s I love all my sibling in-laws!

11 girls

14 boys

We had such a great time at the reunion with family. This was Mike's 2nd time visiting Canada during the summer in the almost 7 years we have been together. We always go during Christmas or Thanksgiving when it is negative 35 degrees outside. Don't ask me why...

As a result, we were able to enjoy more outdoor activities with family other than sledding and ice fishing.

The days were warm, the nights were cool and I was "home".

And this is my family...

My beautiful grandmother is one of the greatest ladies I know!

Blake loves his great grandma and her treat pantry

My dad and his girls

Staying up late laughing and enjoying moments together make

these 2 girls my best friends.

My favorite part is seeing all the cousins enjoy each other.

I took so many pictures of them together - too many to share!

Here are a few.

Cousins are the greatest!

Blake and "Cousin Jared" were attached at the hip.

literally...

Two in the bed and the little one said "roll over"...

These 3 are the same age and had the greatest time together.

This was an early morning jump on the tramp before breakfast.

Grandpa taking the kids out to the pumpkin patch

Of course the favorite and most passed around was the

newest member of the family, my little sisters precious Amy

We had so much fun eating and laughing together

fishing, boating,

hiking and enjoying the beauty

that it was hard to leave and go back to the city.

But we did leave and hopefully not for long... maybe ;)

Madilyn seems to agree.