COUSIN CAMP AND FLORIDA TRIP:

Jake and I were in Florida last weekend and meanwhile the kids got to go to Mema and Papa's.  Zach and Brittney were on a trip at the same time and they needed someone to watch their youngest two (Kai and Riyah) so Linda (Mema) decided to call for a little backup (her sisters) and have "Cousin Camp."  Jett had been talking about said "Cousin Camp" for over a month and it did not disapoint!  

These are the official cousin camp photos:)

Linda's sister Leann is a kindergarten teacher and one of the most entertaining people I have ever met.  Here she is showing up at cousin camp with all of her luggage full of stuff for the kids to do over the weekend!

Throughout the weekend the kids had 4 full time camp counselors (Mema, Papa, Leann, and Launa) and many more part time counselors who stopped by throughout the weekend.

They played games:

Read stories:

Helped with meals:

Ate some great food:

Went to a garage sale where they each got to pick something out:

Took a walk to see a train caboose:

Played with the water table on the deck:

Got a little bit of rest:

Explored nature:

They also played musical instruments, sang songs, did the parachute game, and much much more.  It's safe to say that the counselors were exhausted!

It was great to know that the kids were so well taken care of and we didn't have to worry about a thing while we were gone.

We really enjoyed our trip.  Things had been a little hectic with work travel leading up to this trip and I felt so relaxed once we arrived in Florida.  It was a work conference for Jake but the class time was minimal so we really got to enjoy the resort that we stayed at.  

After spending the first day at the pool we had a formal event with the other chiropractors at the conference.  

The trip was filled with a lot of great food:

Daily trips to the beach:

An afternoon and evening with just the two of us at the pool and out to dinner:

It was so nice to have the time together to not only enjoy each other but to talk about our goals and future plans (something we rarely have time to talk about in our day to day life).  

And we felt lucky to return to a life that we love and kids who missed us.  Well, maybe only one of them missed us (Joss).  Jett probably wishes he was still at cousin camp.  It's crazy how much older Joss seemed after being away from her for 5 days.  She's talking so much more and just looks like a big girl!  I guess she IS going to be 2 in a couple of weeks.  

Until next time....

CHICAGO TRIP AND THE START OF SUMMER:

May was a great month!  A few weeks ago I went to Chicago with my 6 best friends from college.  We stayed in this adorable house in the Lakeview area. 

 It was the perfect weekend filled with lots of catching up, perfect 70 degree weather, walking everywhere, and fantastic food.  Most importantly, we were all together at the same time for the first time in 3 years.  I can't say enough wonderful things about this friends group.  We just pick up right where we leave off.  We appreciate our similarities and celebrate our differences.  We never have to wonder where we stand.  It's just easy!  And we appreciate it even more as we get older!  Cheers to 16 years of friendship!

Obviously you can only be friends with us if you have a jean jacket!

Meanwhile Jake was at home with the kids and they had a pretty great weekend too.  They went to Jake's cousin Taylor's graduation party.  Notice the little trains they are watching go around on the floor!

They also went to Josh and Marie's for an Akerson get together.  They had so much fun at the lake with their cousins!

Our niece Mady was playing volleyball in Lincoln a few weeks ago and we got to watch her.  She is a great player and we loved seeing her in action!

Jett wrapped up his first year of Sunday School.  He really enjoyed it but he's glad he gets to sit with us in church for a while now!

Memorial Weekend was another jam packed weekend.  It included a gathering at Pam and Ryan's new house, a few trips to our favorite bakery, and we went to the lake with Angela, Alex, and their family!

My mom took the kids overnight for my Birthday!  We seriously never get a babysitter unless it is for some type of event or for something specific.  This time we had no plans and it was the best thing ever.  We went on our first date with just the two of us in a really long time.  The next morning we woke up and did yoga, went out for brunch, and went on a walk.  We even got to do a little cleaning before the kids came home.  There is something about cleaning the house without the kids there that is so peaceful!

The kids had such a great time with my mom.  They went to church (not really sure how she handled that by herself), went to the pool, went to the park, and visited my grandma!

The kids have had some fun times in the sprinkler this week.  I love easy entertainment!

I could just stare at this picture all day!  She has her dad so wrapped around her finger!

And this little guy definitely has me wrapped around his!

Daycare was closed a few days this week and I've enjoyed having more time with the kids than usual.  Today we got to surprise Jake at work!  It's the little things in life:).