A Slice of heaven...

Last week, over the course of a few texts, Phil and I recognized a glimpse of heaven in our boys eyes.  Jacob, the day after his birthday, was able to go to baseball practice, then head to his coach's house to watch the All Star game with his team.  We sent an ice cream cake for his birthday and they played catch outside as much as they watched the game.  I text Phil to see how he was doing and his response was "...I think this is what heaven will be like for him." Even though the stress of making sure Jacob feels good about his efforts on the field can be tough, we are so grateful for Jacob's experience with great coaches and team mates of the Vipers this year.

A few days later while at cub camp, I requested a status report on Benjamin.  Phil's two texts were, "Benji is playing cricket!!!" and "Now he's a face painted aborigine practicing his fishing cast while sipping a fresca..."  Yep, another slice of heaven please.

Phil's question to me was "What's your definition of heaven?"  And I think I have figured it out.  We had a fun weekend being with Phil's family at a reunion.  It was very enlightening to see his dad with his siblings.  Heaven.  They love being together and take a personal interest in each others families.

 We had a wonderful time down south.  We stayed at Pinewoods Resort and got to meet a bunch of fun cousins, aunts, uncles we don't see very often.  The kids loved playing in the outdoors, our little trip to Cedar Breaks and the wildflowers, baseball games, archery and yummy food.

 (We won't mention that Ben threw up in that lovely loft.  Ugh!)

 

 

 

 Love these boys...

 

 and the wildflowers!

Even Natalie got in on the action.

 Go Micah!!

So I think Phil's dad is on the right track.  I think that the most important thing about heaven will be family.  I love hanging out with my boys and Phil...especially when no cooking or dishes are involved for me!!!  It was a great weekend.  I also think I have figured out that my favorite place to be in the whole world is sitting on my parents' front porch on cool evenings with my own siblings and spouses, parents and watching the kids play in the front yard (all content and leaving us to chat!!)  Like Norm, I love being with my parents, siblings, their spouses and our kids.  I am convinced that's what heaven will feel like: Free from cares and worries, enjoying family, in a beautiful place.  (I also promised Jake there would probably be baseball and running too!)  Here's to a little more of that heaven on earth!

Junk in the trunk

I knew we are starting to outgrow our house, but I didn't realize how much I have been using the van as a new addition. After getting in and out of the trunk several times for Jacob's baseball games in the rain today, I realized it might be time to rearrange, or heaven forbid, take something out.  Here's what I found:

• 19 old water bottles (really?)
• 2 tennis racquets and 2 cans of balls for Wednesday Tennis Night (our attempt at spending time with each other usually ends in entertaining the boys or breaking up fights, but I maintain it is a good idea!)
• 3 Pickle ball paddles for above mentioned Tennis night
• 1 childs camping chair (where was the adult one when I needed it!)
• 3 blankets
• a towel
• One first aid kit (which has come in handy)
• 2 baseball bags with bats, mitts, balls, helmets etc.
• 3 more mitts
• 1 box to be returned to amazon
• 1 jacket (not my size when I needed one today!)
•  A lap desk 

Tell me I'm not the only one!

Summer Fun!

Including playing baseball daily around here (I LOVE my daily game of catch with Jake!), summer has gotten off to a great start.  One of our favorite things so far was having our cousins Max and Brayden come stay with us.  I seem to have forgotten to get the camera out, but we enjoyed the dinosaur museum, a walk to go get shaved ice, playing, playing and playing, tasting Uncle Phil's juice creations,

 and camping in the living room.  These cousins are our best buddies and we loved having them around!

Saleswoman at the door:  "Hi I am selling insect treatments.  We get rid of spiders, ants, wasps..."
Benjamin, running from outside towards the front door: "MOM!!  I THINK I JUST GOT STUNG BY A WASP!"
Me:  "No, I think we're just fine. Thanks for stopping by!"
Poor Ben.  His whole nose and both eyes were swollen for a few days. 

 After scoring with our Father's day gift, (above mentioned Juicer which Phil has used every day.  I am a horrible gift giver and this is a huge success for me!) we thought we'd try another fun kitchen contraption and got Phil Yo-nanas for his birthday.  This machine turns bananas and other fruit into "ice cream".  The verdict is still out, but tonight's bananas and nutella were pretty darn good!!

 Saturday was one of the boys' favorite days of the year: going out on the boat with our neighbors!  They love it and as you can see from our smiles, a good time was had by all!  (Apparently I can't keep my eyes open when I am being whipped around the back of a boat!)  It was a beautiful day!

 

 

 

 

So far, so good.  For better or worse, only two more months of summer to go.