Playful Fourth of July

All four kids are away doing wonderfully fabulous things right now. The really amazing part is that all four are away at the same time for a spell. For the first time in 22 years we slept in our house without a single child home. Weird! I checked my phone frequently out of habit to check in with the kids only to remember I could simply sit back and enjoy Jay's company. It helps knowing they are each really glad to be where they are and it helps that Jay likes to have fun!

We hit a new record over the Fourth of July weekend by spending 4 nights in a row at the farm. We kicked off our vacation by seeing John on campus before spending a very productive day cleaning the porches and outside furniture. It was a two day job, but so worth it as the space is now welcoming and comfortable. The wildflowers are in full bloom and a constant delight. We ended our vacation with Jay's brother and friends spending 2 days at the farm with us. I'm so glad we finally had warm sunny weather! Unfortunately, we also had LOADS of mosquitoes that accompanied them ATVing and shooting a variety of LOUD guns. Oh, and shooting off LOUD errant fireworks, too!

JOHN AND HIS NEW TURTLE FRIEND

UNCLE MIKE & KATIE

Those smiles on Uncle Mike's & Katie's faces (on their recent trip out West) we saw a lot of this weekend! They obviously love their time together. It was warming to see Uncle Mike so happy and we were so glad to meet this special friend.

With our free day off farm, Jay and I enjoyed driving along Lake Michigan's towns from the Dunes to New Buffalo. We didn't find the antique stores we assumed we would pass along the way, but we did see some beautiful and carefully crafted homes on the lakefront. At a festive, fun beach restaurant we were able to eat rooftop overlooking the harbor in a much appreciated sun kissed spot. It was a happy carefree day. Aren't those amazingly precious and rare? I loved it!

VACATION PLAY DAY

 Unfortunately, I couldn't stay at the farm this week as intended as our 2nd car needs a new transmission and is in the shop. While initially I was disappointed, it also gets me off the hook weeding in the mosquito infested garden. My plants will just have to keep growing & carry on!

JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH NETTING!

Much love to you, dear ones. We remember you fondly and wish you happy days this summer.