Sunshine and Summer are here...AND almost gone!
So, remember when we had no snow or cold weather this winter?
Yahhhhhhhhhhhh.....summer has come with a vengeance because winter did not pick up the slack. I am sure many of you have experienced the over 100 degree temps this summer already. In Michigan, I can say that we have not had it as bad as other Midwest states.
Let me back up, however, and talk about OUR summer so far. In a word: insane!
School finished on June 7th and it was surreal as last year's last day of school. It took a day or two for us to realize that school was done! We wasted no time though, getting on with our summer festivities. The 8th-9th was Bri's wedding which Caleb played in. It was a fantastic weekend to see friends and goof around.
**I apologize for the white sweater ruining my pretty dress. I had a "car decorating" accident and leaned onto wet window paint. :) We didn't want the bride and groom to know.**
After that wedding was the Baravian Fest Parade in Frankenmuth. Always a nice way to kick off the summer. We also celebrated my sister in law, Rachel's, 30th birthday. It was a killer day and with lots of good times.
We later that month went camping at Metamora-Hadley State Park, just
south of Lapeer. While we were camping, Caleb and I left for a day and a
half to attend the Michigan District Convention. We got to see
President Harrison and hear some other awesome leaders give a Bible
study. We were all honored with President Harrison's banjo
performance. While we were away the one evening at Convention, our
friend Casey (and her husband, Jon, who were camping with us) had her
water break and had their baby that night! Talk about an exciting camping
trip.
Right after camping we took a LONG road trip with the ultimate destination being Nebraska. We did, however, stop at many places. First, it was my dear friend, Erin's, wedding to David. Fabulous day and great time with my girlfriends. Then, we girls drove to Bethany's baby shower the next day. Also lovely celebrating another friend. :) After that, we left Michigan for Perrysburg, OH to spend time with the Mugges (the man who walked me down the aisle). I love spending time there, relaxing in the pool, eating amazing food, and learning much through meaningful conversations.
After Ohio, we traveled to Iowa to visit the Barkleys in Clinton. It is so refreshing to spend time with friends again through laughter, food, and stories.
After Iowa, we eventually made it to Nebraska where we celebrated my mother in law's birthday and the birthday of my cousin-in-law's fiance. (Make that connection!) We also went to Caleb's grandma's side family reunion and celebrated Papa's 85th birthday. It was hot but enjoyable to see the whole family there together. We even went golfing one afternoon and played a 7 person scramble. It was a riot.
After our Nebraska trip, we then took a one way flight down to Texas to
help our friends, Jake and Jess, move back from their vicarage church to
Ft. Wayne. We were inundated with EVERYTHING Texas. They really don't
mess around there and I will never doubt how Texans feel. They make
the Spanish pride look tame!
After Texas, we came back to Michigan and happy to relax...for a little bit. My momma came to visit for a few days and then we celebrated our 2nd anniversary. Caleb surprised me with a day trip to Ludington. It was so sweet and thoughtful. We had lunch, saw my Lil Grams, picked blueberries, ate fresh fish, went and walked along the beach, and had ice cream at the House of Flavors. Best date ever. :)
Even after all this traveling, we STILL had one more for the Summer 2012 books. :) Caleb's friend Jacob was getting married in Illinois and he was playing in the wedding. So, a couple days after our anniversary, we packed a rental car and road tripped to Normal, IL. The wedding was lovely and the bride and groom were radiant. After the wedding we stopped in Grand Rapids because I was running the Color Run the next day. We met with my girlfriend, Kelsey, and spent some more time with the newlyweds, Erin & Dave Wagner and her sister and husband, Kari and Chris. The Color Run was a blast and I look forward to doing again next year. :)
So, I appreciate y'all sticking through this incredibly long post. We are now calmed down and glad to be home and in our own beds. However, our excitement will be building again because we have been house hunting through our random times at home...and put an offer on a house that we really liked.
The best news is that our offer was ACCEPTED! We are going to be homeowners! We close, pending a house inspection and loan application, on August 31st. We are beyond thrilled and I can honestly say, I literally did "pull up my big girl panties" and agree to buy a home. It was a tough decision for me as buying a home is terrifying and yet, freeing at the same time. We covet prayers for the next couple weeks as we prepare to move. Also, please pray that inspection goes well and that our loan is processed in a timely manner. (Maybe I can get a kitty now!)
Blessings to you all! Soon I will have school things to talk about. ;P How summer has flown!
