Conversation at 8 am

Noah: "Mom, I'm going to check my toads"
Me: "Ok Noah, put your shoes on" (the toads are in the flower bed)
Noah: "I'm going out now"
Me: "Ok"
Noah: "Joshua, I found my toad"
Joshua: "Noah, it's peeing"
Noah: laughing as only Noah can laugh "look, more pee"
Joshua: "Mom, Noah has to clean up toad pee"
Me: "ok, make sure and wash your hands"

Really, what else could I say? BOYS!!!!!

Night at the pond

I wish I would have taken my camera to the pond tonight. It was a great night with no bugs. Joshua and Noah both caught tiny painted turtles. Joshua's was about the size of a silver dollar and Noah's around the size of a half dollar. The catfish were in an eating mood as were the gold fish. We saw a group of 6 turtles at one time! I love having the pond and giving the boys a way to experience God's creations up close. Oh and we have Herons on the pond as well!! Our own little nature preserve.

Going Camping

We are going camping this weekend to Chain O'Lakes State Park. We are all extremely excited.

Here's my list to get done:

• pack 6 peoples clothes
• pack towels/swimsuits
• pack all toiletry items
• pack non-perishable food into boxes
• pack perishible food in coolers
• remember camera
• sweep out camper
• run water out of the water lines and refill holding tank
• fill cassette potti with new "de-stink" stuff
• restock camper with all needed supplies
• do laundry at home so it isn't waiting for me when we get home
• get life jackets for canoe/paddleboats
• sunscreen/bug spray (can never have enough bug spray)

Jon's responsiblities:

• cut firewood
• put canoe on top of truck

Boys responsiblities

• stay out of mommy's hair so she can get things done so we don't forget anything!

Hmmm..and camping is to be relaxing?? Actually it is and I can't wait to get there!!

Rainbows

I love rainbows. On our way back from Ed's last week, it rained hard and then the sun came out. I told the boys to start looking for the rainbow and lo and behold we saw it! Started out small and ended up being a complete rainbow. Of course the boys wanted to find the end to find the pot of gold.

Senior Chief Edward P. Richard retires from USN

We have had an exciting few weeks, but last Friday topped them all. Jon's best friend Ed, retired from the Navy after 22 years of service. We are thankful for the service Ed provided to our country and look forward to seeing how he will adjust to civilian life. The service for his retirement was filled with laughter, tears and ceremony. I think the most moving part was the "Old Glory" presentation where a flag was passed along all the ranks that Ed held while in the Navy. Unknown to us, Ed had a flag flown over the Pentagon and presented it to Jon during the ceremony. After the ceremony they had a cake reception with BLUE and YELLOW icing on it. I told the boys to walk carefully and to stay clear of all the sailors in their dress whites! I could just see them tripping with their cake and it going all over the Commander. But, no issues to report!! Enjoy the pictures of Ed's ceremony.

Ed receiving one of his many awards from his CommanderPart of the "Old Glory" ceremony

Ed receiving the flag at the end of the "Old Glory" ceremony

Ed presenting Jon's flag during the ceremonyJon and Ed with his flag and certificate. Ed makes Jon look short!

Vacation Bible School

Last week was VBS for our church. The boys had a good time. This is the last year for Matthew to be able to attend as a student. Next year, he'll be able to help--now that is a scary thought!

Matthew playing the part of a Pharisee

Timothy out of his comfort zone and away from mommy!!

Matthew and his friends dancing. Helped that there were cute girls in front of them

Joshua playing the role of Jesus

Noah and his buddy Andrew B

Timothy sitting still...I knew he could do it!!

We're getting our foundation worked on

The foundation under the kitchen needed replaced, so this past week, they've started on it. When Jon came home after the first day of them working on it, I told him to take the boys out to the pond as they were driving me nuts. He asked me why I didn't let them outside and I told him--umm because they will get in the dirt/mud from where the foundation was dug up. Jon assured me that no they wouldn't get muddy. You be the judge. Did they stay out of the mud??




Of course they didn't!!! They are boys and came in the house covered, and I mean covered in mud. You should have seen the tub when they were done with their showers. I had to take a shower just to get it all clean!!

More from the weekend with Ed

We went to a 4th of July cookout on the 5th. I didn't get to see the fireworks either evening since both Noah and Joshua decided to get sick each night. Timothy ready to jump off the diving board

He's off!!!

Joshua and Zac enjoying the pond

Ed brought a ton of fireworks, including ones that the kids could catch. Here they are waiting

All of the boys (and one girl, can't forget Alex) with their parachutes

We even did a little fishing

We took an afternoon and went fishing with the kids. Guess who caught the most fish?? Yep, ME!!!!! And I was using Timothy's little Scooby Doo fishing pole.

Noah showing off the fish that I caught, but he reeled in

Ed helping Dillon

Noah and one of his many bugs he found

Zac and one of his catches of the day

Noah and Alex, one of the few pictures I could get of them together

All the kids checking out a tiny frog Noah found

Alex showing the boys how it is done

Noah all smiles while waiting for a bite

Jon helping Dillon

Noah telling me "oh no, you aren't taking my picture with her!"

Zak finding a quite place to fish

Day at the lake

Ed stayed at the cottage over the 4th and we hung out with him. The canoe made quite a few trips that weekend. Can you believe no one tipped it over?

AAAHHHH, it's a seaweed monster

Timothy floating around in his fish

Dueling it out with noodles

Even Timothy gets into the action
Joshua using the force against Evan

All worn out!

Jon giving directions on where to go

They're off!!
Paddling away

Timothy wondering why he doesn't get to go in the canoe

Akron 4th of July Parade

Jon hates parades, I love parades, the boys love parades, so guess what we did on the 4th? Yep, went to a parade. Helped that Jon's friend Ed was in town and he also loves parades. I can get Jon to do fun things when Ed is in town. No pictures of Matthew as he was camping with one of his friends.

Isn't she cute?? This is Ed's daughter Alex. She is the lone girl in a group of boys.

Noah waiting for the parade to start

When will the candy get here?

The run for the candy

Can you believe that none of the balloons survived to after the parade

Jon waiting patiently for the parade. Well, maybe not.

Hey Noah, you have something coming out of your head!

Ed putting Joshua into torture since his shirt says British!

You mean I get candy??

Joshua and Noah waiting for the parade to start and asking every 30 seconds when it was going to start

What a great looking bunch of boys.