Mini Vacation

We haven't decided yet if we are going to take a family vacation this year. I know it's the middle of July.  I know school will start soon and I will be back to work. It's one of those things that is on the list that we mean to do but we just don't.

So I decided to take the kids up to the lake.  My mom's brothers' each have a place on Lake Erie near Port Clinton, OH and they were kind enough to let us borrow their places for a week. My mom, Kellie all 3 kids and I loaded up and drove up there to spend 4 days.  It was a lot of fun in its own way and I think we made a lot of memories.

The Point at Vista Villa. The beach is beautiful and private.

Funny face time waiting for supper

Come take a picture with mommy.

Dalton wanted to take a picture of us. Not bad for 4 years old.

We saw this poster at the mall and Spencer wanted a picture with him. At least he didn't ask to bring it home!!

A really yummy blackberry iced tea from Ruby Tuesday's

Just to prove I was the grill master all week

Dinner Time

This is how we get to the beach

Spencer and his seaweed

We went out to breakfast as the famous PJ's pancake house 

This is how Viv plays on the beach. In the wagon with her kitchen set. Oh and don't forget the snack!

The boys made a new friend Jack.  What a sweet kid to play with them. Even gave them Army men to play with and then told the boys they could have them.

Me and my favorite beach blanket baby

My crew

And no trip to the lake is complete without a trip to Andy's. Andy's is the local ice cream shop. It's literally across the street from where we stay and always a fun time. Oh and the serving sizes are CRAZY!

Good to the LAST drop

Viv & MawMaw

My mom, Viv, Dalton, Spencer & Kellie. I love my life!

Happy Birthday Vivian

On June 18 we celebrated our sweet baby girl's 2nd b-day! Her birth was one I will never forget and neither will my best friend who was with me or my husband who was NOT!

Here is my sweet princess in the hospital

My princess in her tutu & birthday shirt. The shirt says "I'm 2!"

We had everyone over for a cook out and this is Viv guarding her food.

Me and my birthday girl

This was the hit of the party. I found this at a used kids' clothing and toy story for $15. It's a baby changing, feeding, washing station. And she loves it!

Digging in!

Happy Birthday Vivian!  May you always remember that God made you exactly the way He planned.  You are beautiful in His eyes and He loves you no matter what. And all of those apply to me too.  Your sweet spirit and love for others shows and your feisty nature makes you such a character.  We love you Princess!

Scotland

Every now and then an opportunity comes along and you HAVE to take it. Well that opportunity came to me this year in the form of a good friend's husband. She lives in Scotland and we have talked for years about getting together. We originally talked about her coming here for a long girls' weekend. Then we talked about our families going to Disney together. Then out of the blue Keith asked me to come there. So we worked out dates and sorted out things here and I home and before I knew it I was on a plane to Scotland.  Did I mention I went ALONE?! Do you know how exciting that is for a stay at home mommy of 3 little kids? I had never flown by myself so this was a big deal. I flew from Fort Wayne to Chicago O'Hare. Had a 3 hr lay over and then got on a BIG BIRD to fly to London.  Here are some pictures! It was a magical time. I can't wait to go back. Scotland feels like home it's some amazing!  And of course the people are just out of this world nice!  I never once felt scared or threatened.  I could done a tour of the country by myself and never felt scared. I walked several places alone in Glasgow and felt completely comfortable.  It was an amazing time.

There's my Big Bird

The YUMMY supper on the plane

got my own tv

There is my UK sister & me

Jackie & Kathie. They (and their husbands) each drove up from different parts of England just see me! Well I know Vicky had some thing to do with it too but it was cool to meet them!

One of my favorite moments. I LOVED the kilts and these guys were out playing bagpipes. I wanted to look under the skirts SO bad. =)

My amazingly giant latte!

This is from McDonalds. They also had a cadbury creme egg flurry. oh yum

My first pint in Scotland

This is where we had our dinner. Very lovely place!

The gorgeous girls! Jackie, myself, Kathie, Vicky & Louise.

Here are the boys. James, Ryan, Keith & Dave

A couple of the boys decided to have a glass of brandy. So Kathie & I wanted a sip.  Oh my word you could have breathed fire after one sip.  That was Ming!

Vicky's gorgeous daughter Milly

Keith fixed us a proper roast dinner.  And it was delicious!

Glasgow

Apparently this guy always has a cone on his head. No matter how many times they take it down it always comes back.

Edinburgh train station

Amazing stairs in Edinburgh

beautiful church

Edinburgh Castle

In the castle over looking Edinburgh

This is how big my butt got from eating all the amazing food

Louise & me

These most AMAZING lemon cake. I think I ate this piece in about 10 sec.

Train ride home

Bye Bye Glasgow

And when I got home these were waiting for me along with a clean house. I have the best friends and most amazing husband in the whole world! To let his wife travel half way around the world alone to meet someone she had never met before. I owe you big time J!  I love you!