Travel mania continues...

We had such a meaningful time in South Carolina! I think this is the first time in a few years that we did not go because of the death of someone. It was a crazy packed trip, taking a day and a hlaf to get there and the same to get back. Our kids travel very well - no fighting, fussing, or complaining. We are very lucky. Now if they did not have a tv hooked up right in front of them playing the entire 15 hours of the car ride, it may all be a different story. I love the man/woman who invented portable tv/dvd players. Rick had a few meetings wit some churches who are planning mission trips up here to our church in New York this year. My excitement for that is a whole nother story!!! Then we had small pockets of time to see friends and former church members.
Our first night there had me giddy! My best friend turns 40 on Labor Day, so I had coordinated a surprise party for her. She had no ideas whatsoever. We pulled in form our 2 day journey, and I made a mad dash to get ready and out the door to pick Leigh up. I cannot tell you how blessed I was watching her face and feeling her joy at her friends surprising her. We made a point to spend a great deal of time with Rick's foster family. We had dinner with them almost every night which was a special thing for them and us. Usually, we see them briefly and are around for maybe one dinner. I feel as if time has put distance between me and them a little. The time with them this week seemed to bridge us back. The kids slept horribly, and of course, that means we did, too, but everything else was perfect!!!!
On Saturday, I am taking the kids to Ohio to stay with my brother and sister in law for a few days. Once we get back, we have less than a week before Abbie goes back to school. To say I am nervous for her is putting it mildly. She does not like change, so the adjustment will probably be a little rough. I am so thankful most pf her closer friends from last year are with her again. We went up to her school today to see her new classroom. Unfortunately, the teacher was not up there, but the class was put together and looked fun. Brooks will start the week after Abbie. I have a job interview on Wednesday, but I am not sure I am interested. I am interested in working and having an outlet plus a little extra money, though. We will see what happens. The job is at a one on one women's personal training studio.
Marathon training is trucking along. We ran 10.25 this week. I am sore but felt goods doing it. My training partner has lost 40 pounds so far, and I have lost zero. Yep, the doc is baffled. We changed my thyroid meds and are hoping something will happen. We shall see! Well, off to teach Boot Camp!

Summer Vaca

Well, I have finally uploaded pictures from my vacations! WooHoo!! First are the pics from our Family reunion that was canceled but rescheduled as a family trip. Makes sense, right? (: It was supposed to be a trip for about 50-60 family members, but with the oil spill, everyone backed out. So, my dad decided just our family would go.

Everyone but my brother and his wife were able to make it. The pool had a lazy river running around it and a water slide.

I think I liked the slide more than the kids. It was so good to have the cousins get a chance to play together and to get to see my sisters (and spouses of course) and parents. After everyone left the beach, the Julians headed to New Orleans for a little extra vacation. I think the highlight was Cafe DuMonde!
(Brooks chowing down on beignets)
Once back, we had to focus forward and pack for our move! My sister in law, Leah, came to help me pack up. Before that, I had only met her briefly at the wedding and then spent a little shared time with her one weekend. I was so blessed getting to spend one-on-one time with her. I am so glad we got to become friends! She is a sweet, unselfish, unassuming, fun gal!
Our last week there, we also had an outbreak of mice. Say what?!?!? It all started when Rick left a dirty car seat in the garage. Guess what it attracted? MICE! They found their way into the house. We thought we had one until our mouse trap caught 3 baby mice. We kept setting it and catching more. I was very happy to get out of there.
A week after moving in, I left my husband and kids to fend for themselves while one of my dearest friends and I met up in Toronto.

Both of our flights were canceled on the way, so we ended up getting there separately at 1 am. My luggage would not make it for 2 days. On the bright side, I got to buy a new outfit at Delta's expense. WooHoo! The coolest thing we did was eat at the CN Tower 360. It rotates around, so you can see all across and past Toronto. It was beautiful!!! Leigh ordered some weird food, so it was a fun experience.


This was cool too - world's smallest church. It seats 8 people. Pretty cool, huh?

Now I am back and getting settled in the house. School starts in 4 more weeks, so we are still trying to enjoy summer and milk it for all it's worth.