Feed My Starving Children Packing

 Graham & Kristy, Blake & I, Allison & Kevin

At the beginning of the school year we recruited our neighbors and headed out to a Feed My Starving Children packing.  We'd gone to a benefit in the spring with our friends Trevor and Jackie and we learned a lot about the organization and how much it does to help children all around the world get meaningful, nutrious meals.  We knew we wanted to do "something" and although it was only about 2 hours of our time, it felt good knowing that we helped make some meals for children that don't have enough food to eat.  It is truly unimaginable considering where we live.  It is definitely something we'll go back and do again, especially when the boys are big enough to join us.

Napa Valley & Sonoma, California

Arriving in San Fran (Alcatraz is behind us)-I was surprised at how cool the weather was, about 60 degrees which seemed cold since we had just left the 90s!A cool view from one of the steep streetsThe Golden Gate BridgeOur B & B in Napa-The Candlelight Inn, what an amazing place!This was waiting for us in our room, Liz had called ahead!Our quaint roomThe entry way of the B & B, it was beautifulOur breakfast area, we had 2 absolutely delicious meals hereThe awesome poolHeaded out for dinner on our first nightOur 1st winery on our limo tour ended up being our favorite

Liz & I in the limoThe vinesThe vines at Robert MondaviWe rented bikes in Sonoma and did our own winery tour

After a few wineries!Our last night

For our 10th Anniversary we celebrated with our good friends Kris & Liz by heading out to California for a few days. The trip was "kid free" and such an amazing time away, just what an anniversary trip should be! The pictures sum up most of the vacation, a great time was had by all of us!

Summer Fun & Accomplishments

So with tomorrow being my last official day of summer, I figured I should post a variety of pictures from all of the fun we had the second half of summer!

Backyard pool fun-Payton, Chase, Hope & Pike
Casey & Chase crashed on the couch

At the Kane County Cougars game during the National Anthem, what patriotic little boys we have! We had a great time with the neighborhood crew as well as the Dolans.

On the field

Petting Jake the Wonder Dog!

Chase running around the bases (in the Bears jersey)

Luke & Blake

Rain Forest Cafe with all of our friends from Cathy's house

Another big rain storm left our backyard flooded for hours. The boys had a FANTASTIC time playing in the rain water although afterward they went straight to the tub! It still amazes me how deep the water gets in our backyards.

"Surfing" on our sandbox cover

Lukie

Blake & Luke fell asleep one night before bed time on the couch together

Another successful garden, our zucchini's were enormous!

Chase attended a summer "Sports Camp" for one week from 9-12 each day. The kids learned all about baseball, soccer and basketball. Chase and Payton had a great time together.

Our kitchen cabinets before...

And after...Blake and his mom surprised me by painting our cabinets for my birthday while we were away on vacation. I love the new look, it was just the update the kitchen needed without breaking the bank. We can't wait to put knobs on the doors!

My project over the summer was to turn Luke's room into a "big boy bedroom". In the end, this is how it ended up. I think that he really likes his Toy Story room.

Chase's T-Ball

Receiving his trophy & hand-shake from "Coach"

This summer was our family's first t-ball experience. After lots of laughs at the beginning of the season, the boys ended up learning a lot, getting a better understanding of the game and had a great time (even during the really hot games!) Coach Dad had a great time too!