Freedom 7-8-08

Kind of.

We had a WHIRLWIND of a week, but a wonderful one nonetheless. Jonathan had last week off, although he ended up watching the kids for at least some of his time off (all day Tuesday) so I could study for the 3 hour final I had on Wednesday. I finished up about 6pm Wednesday evening with my killer class, but didn't really feel the stress relief because Angela and Tom and the kids (Jon's sister) were rolling in around 4am that morning. Thankfully, my mom came on Wednesday to watch the kids while I studied and took my exam (which I did really well on...yeah!) and she also cleaned all of my floors and the bathrooms as well as the garage. Yes, she is indeed the Energizer Bunny and the Best Mom in the World. Did I mention that she also found time that day to take the kids to the park? She saved us. I stayed up that night cleaning the rest of the house and heard Ang and Tom come in around 4:15am.

We had a wonderful time with our family! Thursday we went to Saugatuck and walked around the town, got ice cream, played at the park and went to the sand dunes. We also ate hot subs outside on the cute little street. Fun times! Friday the entire family came over and we all went to the beach and cooked out at the beach. We were there the entire day. That night everyone came back here and we had a bonfire, made smores, and did some fireworks. Landon loved fireworks last year, this year is just plain crazy about them. He had one of the most fun nights of his life that night, I think. Saturday we took Will and Landon go-carting and to the park. Sunday was a birthday party for Will at Amy's house. We were there all day, and then came home at 7 to give the kids a bath and went to watch fireworks over Lake Michigan with my parents and sister. It was the most gorgeous night ever. the fireworks were absolutely awesome and despite being tired, my kids had a blast. They both got light up swords (compliments of Grandma) and ran around and played until fireworks when Landon sat mesmerized and Noah, although scared a bit, just sat in my lap and cuddled as he stared at the light show. It was a beautiful, beautiful end to an absolutely awesome weekend.

I will leave you with pictures of our weekend. It is definitely the best way to describe the fun that we had. Jon and I leave on Thursday to go spend a few days alone together. I am so excited to get away. We are going to Niagara Falls. Anyone ever been there? Any recommendations on things we should do or avoid? After this little trip, life should (hopefully) slow down a bit. I love being busy and having fun, but that last class took it out of me and I am ready to just enjoy some down time. Hope you all had an awesome week. I missed catching up on your lives!