A very busy week!

Wow- last week was busy.  Monday morning we got up very early to head to Holiday World.  We had a lot of fun!  The kids were super excited about going.

Josh took Christian and Jeremiah to ride some of the smaller rides in the morning, while I took the older 3 to ride some roller coasters.  Then we met in the water park, (FUN! it was over 100 degrees Monday) 

Tuesday we recovered.  Tuesday was also Abigail's 9th birthday! 

Having your birthday near the 4th allows for lots of celebration.  Friday she had a friend sleep over, and I took them to the movies and Steak n Shake.  Tuesday we had ice cream and she opened some of her gifts.  Wednesday we had a small family party (for Christian and Abigail) Christians birthday is on July 5th! 

I made a fresh strawberry cake with Abigail's help.  I found a great recipe that didn't call for strawberry jello.  I have made strawberry cake in the past, but the strawberries tend to sink to the bottom.  This one was perfect!  The cake is for Abigail and Christian.  Don't mind the feminine color and decoration.  It's difficult to make strawberry frosting that isn't pink,  and decorating with pureed strawberries is no easy task.  This was the best I could do!

Happy 5th birthday Christian!  He had to 'celebrate' his 5th birthday with a 12 hour van ride to New York.  That is okay though, because he opened his gifts on the 4th- and when we got to grandma and grandpa Pattingtons they had a birthday party set up for Christian and Abigail!

At around hour 7 in the vehicle, I decided to sit in the middle of the two younger boys in the very back seat to read to them.  I was tired of the fighting.  They did pretty well...but there is only so much a person can take when squished in the back seat like a sardine.  After reading we started playing with the phone.  I drew a little picture of myself in the back seat.  I think I was beginning to go a little insane.  I'm better now.

We arrived! Elijah and Isaac with Great grandpa & grandma Pattington.  It's always nice to visit with them.

Jeremiah and Christian with Andrea, Josh's cousin. 

Time for Uno.  Better keep Jeremiah away!

Josh's grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, so their church had a party for them.

Hillsboro Baptist Church. Josh's grandpa has been the pastor here for 30+ years.  A little country church. 

We went to visit Uncle Earl and Aunt Linda.  They have a small farm.  The boys are about to chase some chickens.

Poor chickens...










Jeremiah liked the dog the best.

We fed some horses.  They had mesh masks over their eyes to keep the flies out.  Good idea.

Afterwards, we went boating and on a picnic.  I didn't dare take any pictures on the boat in fear that one of the children would fly off while I was snapping my picture.  They had lots of fun!  Earl parked the boat in the middle of the lake and the kids jumped off the boat- a lot!  I don't think they would have gotten tired of  doing that!

There are a few ice cream places within walking distance of Josh's grandparents.  The kids really like the idea of having an ice cream shop they can walk to! 

Now it's time for the long drive home.  Jeremiah and big doggy were all tired out!