We’ve had a fun and busy summer so far! Eden has been taking ballet and gymnastics classes and Andy has been taking a gymnastics class. There have been a lot of trips to the park, time spent in the sprinkler and visits to the zoo. We’ve loved time with the Keipers, Carey and many others!

Our first adventure of the summer was to go ride on Thomas the train. Andy LOVES all vehicles and is particularly fond of Thomas and Friends. Thomas came to Connersville, IN, so we went there, too! It was a very hot day, but the kids liked all of the activities that were available before the train ride and they had a great time on the train. They still announce loudly and proudly that they RODE on Thomas, anytime someone mentions that useful engine!

We had a very fun weekend visiting the Cooks in Evansville several weeks ago. It seems like not long ago that it was just the four of us but this trip we totaled six kids ages 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 5 months! The kids had a lot of fun together and we loved watching them play and entertain each other. We went swimming, visited, saw Madagascar 3 and laughed a lot. It was a wonderful time with wonderful friends and the suburban was a very sad place on the drive home.

Heidi has been home this summer, which has been really fun, and she got to experience a wild road trip with us when we all went to Cleveland to visit Uncle Colin. We went to the beach, to the market, to the swimming pool, to church, and ruined the quiet atmosphere at a lovely Indian restaurant. We definitely wore Colin out! It was great to have Heidi in the car with us (although she might disagree… :-)) and Ben and I decided we never want to travel without her again!

Most recently we went to a fabulous state park outside of Columbus, OH for a Smiley reunion. It was great to see everyone and the kids loved having so many playmates! Ben and I were really on vacation! There was always someone else eager to do a potty run or change a diaper (go figure!) and the “lodge” where we stayed was really nice. We got to go on a boat ride and grilled out near a playground, as well as spent a lot of time at the pool.

And to top off our summer, we bought a house! We’re looking forward to moving to the Brownsburg area at the beginning of September. Ben is anxious to cut his commute in half and we will all be glad for a shorter trip to church. But, we’re very sad to leave Deda and Papa, and it’s going to be quite an adjustment to handle the three kids on our own! We’ve been spoiled by having all of their help and have loved being with them. We’re so thankful that they’ve let us invade their home for the last nine months.

With lots of traveling and time with family and friends, we are enjoying our summer and hope that you are as well!