Summer beckons

Summer is technically, officially not here yet, but the activities are in full swing. Although we have been getting bucket loads of rain, we have still managed to squeeze in some super fun activites.

We took the boys camping a couple nights and hit up the nearest small town pool. Max & I camped 1 night while the big boys camped 2. Max is still new at the whole camping thing so sharing a tent with his two big brothers was just too exciting-not much sleep. And, Stephen & I's blow up mattress had a slow leak so we ended up on the hard ground, yes, ground by 11:00. pm. It was hot and there were lots of noises and the ground was digging into my side. Normally, I am quite the camper. I love it. Love being in nature. But this time, 18 wks pregnant, it just wasn't working out. I woke up, well I should say finally just got up at 5:40 am and informed Stephen-who was already awake with Will preparing to set off for fishing-that I was sorry but that Max and I would be sleeping at home tonight. (We're only a 15 min. drive from this state park). Stephen understood. I was a little disappointed in myself but then remembered that I have a pretty good track record at being the "happy camper." So, me, Itty Bitty (baby), and Max slept soundly and snuggly in our cool, soft beds. :)

"Sittn' on the dock of the bay"

The "Boys" Fishing time

Max & Momma in the rowboat. Max started singing "Row row row your boat" when Stephen started rowing.

Ed & Will

We had our very own private little dock that led right up to our campsite.

At the pool: Max didn't let go of that ball the whole time-unless he was shooting a basket.

Ed & Will-great big bros, fantastic helpers, studs. :)

The pool house is sooo vintage-love it-hope they never change it.

Vintage tin pool sign.

16 wks!

I am 16 wks pregnant! Our baby is due Nov. 14th and we are soo excited to welcome our new little one.

We feel extremely blessed, humbled and still somewhat shocked. Although we had been planning this for quite some time, it took us almost 2 years to conceive. Talk about a lesson in perseverance and patience, faith and character building! After visiting a fertility dr. 8 m0nths ago, I got some answers and we became more hopeful. I learned to trust God in this matter and to realize that this Was going to happen-when He wanted it to!

Max is excited and curious about the "baby in mommy's tummy." He keeps asking what "her" name is. No, we do not know if its a boy or girl & don't think we will find out either!
My sister, Mindy, just had her precious baby girl on our mom's b-day! We got to share a little time being pregnant together and how wonderful it will be to have 4 cousins so close together! Christmas at Gma Lila's & Gpa 'Mutache's will be full, fun and frazzled with a 3 and 2 yr. old, 6 mo. old and a 1 mo. old!

Baby is about 4 1/2 inches and weighs 2 3/4 ounces. Fine lanugo hair covers baby's head fingernails are formed. Legs are longer than arms and both are moving. Baby may suck its thumb.

Me: fatigue, heartburn, upset stomach, sciatic nerve pain, food "issues", clumsiness, forgetfullness, emotional, (pass the tissues please), itchy skin, frequent & annoying urination. Just to name a few.. Best part- I have just begun to feel movement, slight "fluttering"! :)

Neighborhood snapshots & more

As most of you know, we live in the country. I am pretty proud of this fact. We may not live in the grandest, fanciest of homes, but our surroundings are beautiful and our neighbors are salt of the earth people. Every day I am grateful for the scenery and for our little "retreat" nestled in the trees. I love that Max is getting to be a "country" boy and loving all of God's creatures. We recently put up a bird feeder & enjoy getting to watch goldfinch, cardinals, blue birds and some we can't quite figure out. We have grown used to the commute to grocery store, UofI campus, drs., resaurants, shopping, whatever. If we desperately need something, like milk or bread, tp... pop....chocolate..the BP is 3 min. up the road on the highway. You can even rent "yurself" a video there. What do you like about your neighborhood & your home? There is nothing like being able to go home and feel so relaxed, comfortable, yourself; surrounded by the things that you love and make you happy.

Max andMr. Toad

This old school house is just down the road. We walk there all the time.

Emma and Summer-mother & daughter

Honery boy-with dinosaur squirty-a new fave.

Huh? I wasn't suppose to pick this one mama?

Neighbors who graciously watch Max on occasion.

A sweet grandma lives here. She was an Avon rep back in the day. Boy would I love to see her vintage jewerly.

These fun folks just brought us farm fresh eggs and fresh garden grown asparagus.

Hey Bessy!

MARCO ISLAND

The entire Peters clan ventured to Marco Island, Fl for a little spring break fun in the sun! We had a splendid time lounging poolside, catchin' waves, collecting seashells and just hanging out together. This trip was something Rich and Elaine had wanted to do for the family for a while. The trip was in honor of Rich's 70th birthday. What a great present... to all of us! Thank you so much Gma Elaine and Gpa Richard for the unforgettable memories.

Max's first airplane ride. He was a little unsure at first!

Now he's smiling. Making friends with the lady and her little dog behind us

In the rental car headed to the beach. Almost there!

First steps on the beach. He was soo excited.

Ginormous jelly fish washed up on shore. Eww. Felt like a hardened gummy bear

Washed up starfish, he was still alive and squiggling around

Max like throwing the seashells back into the ocean.

Lucky cousins, Hannah, Ben, Will, Ed, Max

Aahh. Rockn' the day away. Max, Hannah, Gpa

Me,standing in the tropical foliage.

Looking for seashells wasn't hard, there were tons. Finding the best one on the other hand

Cheesy. her her

This pic made me think of a hurricane. It only rained one morning.

Odd looking bird. God is funny.

Me and Jen by the pool

Stinky, sunkissed boys. Max, Ed, Ben, Will

Oh Lord. Our family photo attempt

The Peters clan (Max hiding behind my head.)

Headed to dinner one evening

Gotta have a palm tree pick. Just gotta.

Balcony view

Bye Bye Marco