Summer Lovin

I was listening to Frank Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me" and "Summer Wind" this morning. (Can I say how much I love Pandora Music!!!)  While we aren't flying on a jet plane, and a summer breeze may flow by in the twilight hours,  the blue skies and billowy clouds were calling for a mid-morning outdoor celebration.  So, we obliged with a bike ride to the park, which was perfect.  Minus the sidewalk construction and the humidity which hit fast and hard.  But, we pressed on, amidst the trickling sweat beads and sunscreen dripping in our eyes.

  I looked over and there was Austin, swinging from one bar to the other, like he had monkey genes.  I remember when he couldn't hang from one bar. 

Addy was enjoying her own climbing adventures, but kept coming back to the tire swing.

Sarah had to join her whenever she was on the swing.

The sisters make the perfect summer frame.

My heart would go pitter patter, whenever Sarah would "step" her foot into the open air to "pretend" like she was going to jump.  She's like that, you know.  Let's see how freaked out my mama can get.

 We topped off the day with outdoor dining for dinner.

Addy taught Sarah the fistbump handshake with a pizzaz ending.

Sometimes she'll be very demonstrative in telling you her opinion, in her toddler language.  I may not understand, but I know she means business!

A day isn't complete without some outdoor playset time, and capturing these simple moments of love.

Then, Andy took the kids on a walk around the neighborhood, and I stayed behind with my comforts.

Yes, I know what they say about Diet Coke, but some vices are hard to give up.  There's nothing like a good book and a drink, outside while the sun is saying goodnight.

 Having fun in the summer.  It doesn't get much better.

What's your perfect summer song?

Forty Years of Family, Food, and Fun

I come from a large family.  My father is one of eight, and we had many events growing up.   The usual Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, but, we also had New Year's Eve Game Night, summer cook-outs, hayrides... you name it, we got together.  As the grandkids grew older, got married, or moved away, Thanksgiving was considered a treasure.  The middle of Thanksgiving week begins the journey to our hometown, our mecca, our family.   This year marked the 40th Thanksgiving my grandparents have planned, cooked, and hosted.    40 years...that's a lot of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pies.  Forty years...

Before every meal, my grandfather ushers us out to the garage (heated) to form a circle, join hands, and give thanks for our meal, our family, and our health.  We are a circle joined together by family and faith.  A never-ending circle.  Over 45 attended this year's Thanksgiving and I think over 20 were missing:)

 This year, my cousin Nicholas read a passage from the Bible, Psalm 100.  He spoke clearly, loudly, and with authority.  Nicholas, and his sister Kelsey are another red thread in our story.  Six years ago, both were included in the 147 million orphans in the world.  My aunt and uncle followed the call to adopt two little children from another Eastern European country.  Six years ago, Nicholas and Kelsey found their forever family.  Six years ago, they joined our circle.  While they were only in the states a week or two before they met the clan, most likely over-whelming, they were met with open arms, unfailing love, and cherished for who they are.

 As Nicholas was reading, and I was looking around at our large circle of family, my heart and thoughts were on Sarah.  May this be the last Thanksgiving she is alone.  Lord willing, may this be the last Thanksgiving without her forever family.    Next year, she will join our circle of family that will never be unbroken.

The day continued with great food, fun games, laughter, shopping planning, and love.  Love for one another, celebrating the small moments (my cousin's 31 party that was not a birthday, but a bag party:(), skyping with those far away, ball games, and more.

 Forty years... a legacy of family, faith, and love. 

Elf Magic and the Buckeyes

 The seasonal Elves showed up in our home last evening.  Addyson wrote a letter to Santa so that her elf, Ellie, might return from the North Pole.  You'll see she even threw in a plea for her brother to receive an elf this year.  Last year, it sparked writing ideas beyond what I could imagine.  She would write letters to her elf, and her elf would write her back. 

 Austin received his elf and both were creating a scavenger hunt for their elves to go on.  After much deliberation and debate, they settled on hiding markers instead of candy!!!

We visited some friends for the Ohio State vs. Iowa game today.  It's always a great time at their home.  Over 30 children, plus parents attended, but the main event was half-time.  Trying to get a "group" photo was a challenge!!  No matter how many times I hit the shutter, another child appeared!!  The other highlight was our friend leading the kids in a Script Ohio march in the backyard!!  You'll notice the papparazzi in the background, getting their pictures and video!! 

Go Bucks!!!!  Family, friends, and fun...it doesn't get any better!!!!!!

The Annual Archer Back To School Campout 2010

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wordless Wednesday

Some Fun Pics!!!

Addy and Avery playing dress up and they both lost their 2 front teeth!

Austin and Ethan playing air hockey at McD's!

Nothing like playing Old Maid with Grandma!! I did hear that Addy and Austin need to work on their poker face:)

As a summer surprise, I called Addy's two best friends (Jordyn and Avery) to go see Marmaduke with us.  Austin's thrilled to tag along and play with his tag!!

Checking out what goodies are in their snack bags!!! Um, you forgot the popcorn:)

Peeking in to see the treasures!!!

We are trying to make the most of our last week of summer, and preparing for the crazy first two months of school!!