Catching up!

Well, I think it's a fine time to mention that we spent a week or so in Ohio visiting family. We had such a great time. Hubby was able to spend some much needed "man time" completing projects/repairs on the family farm. The 'ole corn crib has been out of commission for many years, but it's a structure that is held close to my hubby's heart. He just can't bare to see it falling down. So, he, his Dad and his brother spent two days making some necessary restructuring so that hopefully, it will continue to stand. Girls, you should have seen/heard the three of them.

"Well, if we bang at this board, it will shift the whole thing this way."
"Ok, try banging on this board. Ok, did anything move?"
"I think we're gonna need ten inch bolts so that this board will hold this board to this board."
"Do you think ten inch bolts will do it?"

Wish I had thought to take some pictures!

I have to give gold stars, where gold stars are deserved, though. The three of them spent hours in 90+ degree heat. And my father-in-law says the corn crib has not looked this good in years!

Other happenings:

*I was able to have a girls night out with a friend who I rarely get to see. We visited this wonderful little restaurant in a nearby town. We ordered a tray of unique cheeses. So good! I love just about any kind of cheese so this was a real treat for me!

*My hubby took me out to the lunch at the local cafe. So delicious!! And it was nice to spend time with my hubby and eat without two active children in the background, throwing food and whining. A hot meal is rare for me.

*Spent Sunday morning at the local Baptist church. This is the same church that my Hubby attended growing up. Such a sweet little church family. I've come to know so many of them, so it's always nice to catch up.

*Visited the local coffee bar with sis-in-law. We were supposed to be blogging -- but we actually spent most of time catching up. It's so nice to have a great sis-in-law that you can do that with, you know!

*Oh and I guess the big news is that I got a new car. Well, not actually brand new, but new to me. It's a 2004 Honda Pilot EX. I've been flip flopping between taking the plunge and getting a minivan. Or savoring my last years in a small SUV, knowing full well that the minivan is inevitable. So, thank you so much to Hubby for allowing me to get the car that I really wanted. I know it wasn't the most economical decision, but you wrapped your arms around the idea and supported me. I really do love it!

*I enjoyed two games of volleyball with my nieces, nephews and my mother in law. And I'll have to say,mom, you really held your own on the volleyball court. Way to go mom! It was girls against boys. And although us girls were out numbered, we beat 'em bad. Not that I'm bragging or anything! (he!he!he!)

*Go here and here to my sis in law's blog and you can see some pics of the cousins. I had never noticed how much Maddy1 and Bantam 2 favor. Check it out!

Here are some pics of my own:


This is Maddy1 with her cousins from Kansas.


This is Grandma reading to the girls.


This is a picture of all of the cousins. The three girls in the matching blue dresses are the cousins from Kansas. My two are there out front. Maddy1 is in the yellow dress and Baby Lulu is in the green dress. The other six are the cousins from Illinois.

To my sis in law in Kansas, I didn't forget about you. I promise to scoot over your way soon. We really enjoyed seeing you all too and can't wait til we can do it again.