Summer Vacation

Part I

First stop: St. Louis, MO.

This was more of a one night pit-stop. Michael took Andrew to his first major league game.




Second stop: Louisville, KY.

We stayed a few days with my big (and only) brother and his family. I have pitifully few pictures to show from our stay, but we had a great time visiting the water park by the river, the zoo, and hanging out with them at their lovely new home. My kids always love seeing their cousin. And, our boys really bonded with Uncle Brian on this trip. Thanks for having us!

At the zoo with my sister-in-law and niece trying to entice the lorikeets.

One decided the flower in Sarah's hair would be a good landing spot.

Before we left Louisville, we got to see the one and only J & J at the seminary where Josh is studying. More importantly, we got to meet Josh and Jaclyn's brand new baby girl and their foster son. Tulsa is just not the same without you guys!

Sarah waited a whole long year to put her arms around Jaclyn.

Daddy-O Josh still has the touch with our kids.

Andrew could not wait to "pet" the baby and sing her "pretty lullabies."

Third and final stop: A small town north of Indianapolis, IN.


This was a little slice of Heaven, folks. Chilly mornings, warm days, rhubarb, great friends, quiet town, six kids under one roof all getting along..... We miss you all. Sure wish the road was shorter between us!

Lolly pops for breakfast.

Michael and Nathan with the 20 month old Samuels.

My sweet and beautiful friend Katie.

The Samuels

Babies together, middles together, eldest together. This is pretty much how they played the whole time. They were all like peas and carrots. Well, the Samuels might have been more like bumper cars.

Part II

We were home just long enough for me to vacuum up a week's worth of dog hair, spend the 4th with family, and celebrate Sarah's 6th birthday on the 5th. After that, we headed about an hour east of the city to a lake home for a few days, compliments of a really sweet church family. They graciously offered us the use of it.


Michael and the kids did a little fishing.




We did a lot of hammock lounging.

Sarah's friend A came with us the first day.

We did a little boating.

Navigating with Captain Bradley.

Poor baby kept tipping over in his life jacket.

Andrew out with Michael

Sarah out with me.

Then they were brave enough to ride together.

They did a lot of playing.



Rosie did a little swimming.




And, of course, we did a little snoozing.

Sleeping in the awesome sleeping loft.

The ride home.