Kentucky Trip

Ok, so I've been lazy.  We returned from our trip to Kentucky on Monday, but I haven't been the least bit interested in blogging about it.  Probably because once we got home, we jumped straight into work again.  And boy is there a lot to get done before I go on maternity leave in October. 

We were thrilled that Lee & Candace Nordine welcomed their sweet, baby girl, Ana Christina while we were in Kentucky.  We were even able to make an unexpected visit to the hospital.

Matt and his parents doing what we love to do: eat.

Visiting Kentucky wouldn't be the same if we didn't play some cornhole. 

Aunt Sarah enjoying some time with Annelise.

Me, taking my turn at cornhole, which is much harder to play when you're top heavy!  And for all of you wanting to see the baby belly, well there's no missing it.

 

Sarah and Mom playing cornhole.

 

Sarah's husband, Willie, laughing at something.  He's good at that!

Cousin Mia or "Mima" as Annelise likes to call her.

 

Playing outside at Nana's.

Nanny and Paw Paw with Annelise, before we left for home.

What a fun trip!

Off We Go

Its time for another trip, really?  Seems like we're on the open roads a lot this summer.  This time, we'll be headed to Kentucky to visit Matt's family and hopefully see some friends.  I was thinking an afternoon playdate at a local park would be nice so that some of us moms could catch up.  Any suggestions?  The last time I lived in Kentucky, I wasn't exactly a kid-toting, park loving mama, so nothing fab comes to mind.  I was thinking we could meet sometime after lunch, but before afternoon naps.  Can't wait to see some of you!

More Irresistible Wedding Pictures

The bride and Annelise.  Annelise adores her!  When they left for their honeymoon, she cried.

Twin sister Sarah caught the bouquet and her boyfriend Jasper caught the garder.

Sisters times 3.

I think I've got ups for a pregnant lady.

Mother and bride.

Wedding Weekend

My little sister Leah got married Saturday.  It was a beautiful, simple ceremony with family and friends.  Needless to say, after a week of preparing, decorating the church Friday, rehearsal and dinner and the whole event day on Saturday, we're pretty exhausted.  I sometimes forget I'm pregnant, which might be why I'm feeling so under the weather.  In the works today, laundry. That's it.  Oh and enjoying my sweet baby.  

Think Again

For those of you that commented on my last post that I don't look pregnant, maybe you'd like to retract your statement after this picture. 

Ha!  I'm just very selective on which photos I post.  Its just not as glamorous the second time around.

Vacation in Pictures

Dance-a-holic

No Agua

We don't have water at our house today.  Surprised: no.  Unprepared: yes.  We were given notice last week that due to the construction happening on a nearby street, our water would be shut off from 9 am - 4 pm today.  I had good intentions...getting ready before then and out of the house. But here I sit, having to use the restroom (as most pregnant women at my stage do) wondering how I will wash the dirty clothes in my basement, the dirty dishes in my sink, the dirty hands and feet leftover from playing outside last night and so on.  

I think a few baby wipes and some good smelling lotion should take care of most of that...minus the having to use the restroom bit, but I think Target can help there.

Off we go, somewhere, to get things done, away from our waterless home.

Wedding IKEA Bridal Shower...I need a nap!

Yup, that title sums up our weekend.  Friday we drove two hours east for my cousin Juleen's wedding.  This is the best picture I got of the newlyweds.  They were hard to catch. 

Me and my handsome hubby!  I love him.

Annelise cut a rug on the dance floor.  She was having a blast!

After the wedding, our family decided to drive all that way would be pointless without a trip to IKEA.  So, we spent the night at the Hyatt Place (very nice and affordable) and gave IKEA a run for its money the next day.  Our big purchase was a new dining room table and chairs - only $99.  Sorry, no photo.  I'm too lazy right now.

And to top the weekend off, today was my sister Leah's bridal shower.  She is getting married July 11th.  What fun we had!

Leah with her beautiful - and very yummy cake.  Can anyone say white chocolate mousse filling?  Yeah, I know you're salivating.

We three sisters.  Leah on the left, Me (7 months pregnant in the middle - thanks mom for cutting off the belly) and Sarah on the right.  Some say we could be triplets.  I think sisters is fine.

Keeping Cool

I'm reading 90 degrees outside today and 77 inside.  With no air conditioning to keep us cool - minus a small window unit in our bedroom - I'd reckon that's pretty good!  This typically bright and cheery girl always wants sunlight coming in.  But much of this week has been spent in the dark.  And for good reason.  Opening the shades just allows too much heat to creep its way into our small home.  Being 25 weeks pregnant, I can't seem to wear light enough clothing.  There's a fine line between modesty and comfort when you're this big.  And I tend to lean towards the modesty side of thing.  I did splurge a week or so ago and purchased a new maternity bathing suit. It was well worth it.  I've already worn it 6 times and plan to tally up a lot more in the coming weeks.

By the way, for those of you Luter family members that are attending Juleen's wedding this weekend, we will be there!  We're making a weekend out of it, staying at a local hotel and visiting IKEA the next day.  Excitement.

And next weekend, for the Fourth of July, we will be enjoying some time with the Bartlett family in Lake City.  This 'family cottage' of sorts - which happens to be my Uncle's home - will be our home for four beautiful days.  Well, we'll be sharing it with 25 other people, but who's counting?

Stay cool today.  I'm hoping to get the sprinkler out later and kill two birds with one stone: water our ugly grass and my daughter.

The Aftermath

This is 32nd Street in Holland post-flooding.  One of the busiest streets in town!  Many Hollanders are still pumping water out of their basements, renting dumpsters to trash personal effects that were ruined and getting their cars repaired.  I heard yesterday that my sister's van is 20th in line for water damage.  Yikes!  Please say a prayer for those that have been affected by the flooding we experienced last weekend.  We are so grateful to be in a dry house.

Father's Day Fun

I'm still getting used to the fact that we actually have a camera - a good one - that works!  I was totally brain dead yesterday and forgot to take pictures of the Father's Day celebrations. Although, I managed to capture a few at the beginning and end of the day.

Matt started the morning with a surprise breakfast (from Annelise of course) waiting for him in his regular devotion spot.  

Annelise gave him this picture, matted in a beautiful leather frame.  Kudos to my sister for taking such a stellar shot - and thanks to Picnik.com for the editing!  Memories like this will be cherished forever.

 

We spent the afternoon at my parents' house, enjoying the company of family and their pool. It was nearly 90 degrees yesterday, with enough humidity to choke a horse, so we spent a good 4 hours at the pool, most of it in the water.  I could hardly get Annelise out when it was time to go!

We much enjoyed our day with family, relaxing in God's beautiful creation.  Which leaves me on a Monday morning at 9 am ready for the weekend to start all over again!

Storms

Our little town made the national weather news this weekend.  By the looks of today, you wouldn't know that last night was the worst storm we've experienced in years.  Lightning, thunder, rain, flooded streets, streets closed, power outages.  Several of our friends have flooded basements - some with up to 4 feet!  We were fortunate, even with 7.5 inches of rain in 24 hours, to have a minor sprinkle in the basement.  Praise God!  

My sister Leah got stranded last night in waist high water in her new minivan.  We will find out today if the vehicle is salvageable.  She just got it as a gift on Wednesday!  Pray that the engine just needs to dry out.

Now, to help the others clean up!