Leaving in the morning tomorrow for our anniversary trip to Amish Country! I'm very excited to get away and spend some (quiet) time together. I"m also nervous and sad about leaving the kids. I know it'll be good for us, and I need this break, but it's still scary to leave your babies!

Last week was a busy one! Saturday night we came home from the lake and got ready for Sunday. Sunday was Esther's baby dedication followed by the church picnic. Mom stayed to visit awhile and then I did some major trimming of all of our bushes. Monday Gary had church meetings, Tuesday was a run to Sam's Club and then my Bible Study. Wednesday, I woke up with poison ivy. :( That night we traveled to calling hours for the father of our friend Tom. This was a very emotional time for all of us. We took the kids which was difficult, but also a good learning opportunity for Tyler. He didn't ask many questions, and since he didn't know the gentleman, it was not something he dwelled on. It was good practice at traveling, sitting quietly, and then traveling home. They did a very good job of behaving and I was very proud of them all! I"m thankful they were so helpful to allow us to go and support Toma nd Connie and Mary Jane. We had a bit of car trouble, but arrived home safely thanks to a very generous good samaratin and his car expert friend! Thursday came with another evening meeting for Gary keeping him away from home. I"m drawing a blank on what we did Friday. Saturday morning Gary helped some friends of ours move (I stayed home with the kids) and then we tackled more yard work. All week I've worked on cleaning and other organization projects so I continued with that. And playing with the kids of course. :) Sunday we had church, then the planning meeting was here at our house. It was so fun! I love that the kids can go upstairs and I know they aren't breaking other people's things and we can eat and talk in relative peace. I think we're getting settled enough to finally start having people over regularly. :) That afternoon we napped and then headed over to the Haywood's for an Open House/Pool Party/Birthday party. THe kids had a blast in the pool with Pops and Daddy and playing with Marta of course. She and Tyler are still the best of friends! Caleb and Esther seem to have bonded as well. :) Monday we got our grocery shopping done and hair cuts, and last night we had the Haywoods/Miranda's over for dinner and for the kids to play. Us ladies went to Bible Study and Gary watched our three kids and Marta. From the sounds of it they were really good, and he had fun. I am really enjoying this study we are doing and I"m excited about it. {Annointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of the Life of David}

Today I"m finishing up getting the house relatively "in order" for the grandparents to come stay with the kids while we go away. I need to pack too! :)