Well we are back from our vacation, rested and ready to tackle the next endeavor. No that doesn't mean we've sold our house. As much as I'd like to say we have we are still in limbo - - - Argh!!! We hope to hear soon, of course, but we are done, exhausted and burnt out over this. We've never sold a house before and totally underestimated this process. So we will be patient for this offer to run its course - but after that we're done. Remodeling it is - not that this sounds much fun either ;)

But back to our vacation - it was great - good family time without distractions! I'm all caught up on laundry and now we've resettled into our daily routine.

Here are a few pictures.

Ahlyana and her Cousin Sienna, first day at the beach!

Ahlyana and her extended cousin, Briti (literally, I think they are like 4th cousins)

Briti is also from ISRC

Ahlyana (future biologists???) Loves clams, snails and frogs!

Dreydens future is so bright - he has to wear shades

(what a handsome man, not that a proud mommy may be a little bias)

Rainy day in the camper, this is life with the two of them. Ahly is so motherly, that the smothering is fairly constant. Dreyden is such a trooper with it, most of the time.

Finally, Dreyden has realized he LOVES ketchup!!

this and that

Well I've already not met my goal. Sure thought I'd be able to do one update a week and now it's been almost a month.
To my defense it's been beyond hectic. We are still in the midst of trying to sell our house. Actually it is considered sold, but the buyer is using a government loan and YIKES, what paperwork and ridiculous amount of inspections and mandates. I know these are suppose to help people get housing they may not have been able to afford otherwise, but my gosh it requires a lot from the sellers - especially when we both work and have two little kids. This last month has been nothing but cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning. Juggling of schedules to make sure we are out of the house when we have to be and there when they need us. I have to apologize, to all those super effecient Moms that work out of the house because I just find that there are days where this just isn't time to make a bed in the morning! Kudos to those that do :)
Anyway, it appears that we are closing on the 14th, so things will only get more hectic I'm sure. But first of all we are taking our annual vacation. We leave tomorrow for 10 days of camping. I know some of you are saying - 10 days!!!! But yes, 10 day of family time, no TV's! Just family, sun, hiking and lots of swimming. Unfortunately, everything with the house requires us to take the cell phone!!! (darn) This is typically so much fun - actually more of a reunion - it started at least 30- years ago with Aunts and Uncle, with all the kids. It has turned into about 25 families on my Dads side all getting together. A cool part of this is that my 3rd cousin and his wife have also adopted a little girl from ISRC - she is now seven - so her and Ahlyana have the best time together. This year we get to throw Dreyden into the mix, which will prove to be an adventure in and of itself - since he is a real go getter - seriously this boy isn't afraid of anything!
Oh yeah, one more thing, my husband decided that at 41 years of age he has to play softball like the young pups! Anyway, this last weekend he dove for a ball and has either broke or severly sprained his thumb! Of course he can't go see a Dr to find out! - what is it with men anyway????? We need to finish packing the camper and need to start packing up the house - the one armed-bandit isn't proving to helpful in this situation :) I feel terrible for him and it could be worse - 2 years ago he broke his leg. (Love ya Honey - but what timing)
So any way, it will be a while now before I post but I will try and get back at it as soon as I can! Happy remaining summer everyone.