Party in the Park!

Ever since we did Party in the Park the first year I always have my eyes out for when its happening again.  We went this year and even met up with Jane!  I don't think that she went out with all three kiddos solo before this so I was quite impressed!  Its a bit overwhelming because there are so many people there, a lot of schools and daycares and to be out with your newborn and two other littles?  Well done!






































We found a nice spot and got to hear a lot of great readers.  There was one that was particularly audience participation heavy, which Lucy loved!  For being our shy girl she was all about it.  I absolutely love that the kids love this and am looking forward to it again next year!  There was a fire truck that stopped by too and the kids couldn't get enough.  They got to get in it and were awarded honorary firemen hats and stickers.  They thought they were hot stuff!  :)  A lot of literal characters were walking around as well and they got a few pics taken with them.  It was awesome.

JVG

Lunch with Amy

There is nothing that makes me happier than being able to spend time with Amy.  However, this trip for her was under unfortunate circumstances.  Her grandpa hadn't been doing well but took a sharp turn for the worst, and even though she and Brian were planning on visiting in a few weeks they knew he wasn't going to make it that long. So, she booked a long weekend and came home to say her good-byes.  Unfortunately, along with an already stressful situation there is always the having to deal with your family... so it definitely wasn't a pleasant visit, but one that needed to happen.

I always feel a little selfish wanting to see her when she's home because I know there are lots of people who want too, but am never sorry for asking about it.  We have sort of started a tradition of meeting up at Noodles and Co by the airport and saying our good-byes.  This time we went to the viewing area to eat which was just fine.  I'm glad the kiddos got to see her too because she really is just so wonderful.








It was like a little appetizer because I knew she was going to be home soon!  And I was excited!

JVG

Memorial Day weekend

Per our usual tradition we went to Gracie's cottage to help with the dock and shore station.  Rumor had it the boat was fixed but the weather wasn't that great for it.  We took Justus this year since he was staying with us and he ended up helping with the shore station too... Joke was kinda on him because they didn't tell him that there was this huge murky drop off.  Well, he lost a sandal haha But I was just informed that his lost sandal washed back up on shore!  :)


































We had a good old time hanging out with the Ullrey's, as usual.  I love spending time with them and hearing stories and just being apart of their life.  The kiddos did great and they even played in the water, which I thought was pretty dang cold.  The weather was more like it usually is for us when we visit... kinda cold and rainy, but I prefer that over too hot!

can't wait to get back up there!

JVG

Final Symphonette Concert

Since moving, playing in KPhil, and having the winters be so dangerous I decided to not do symphonette.  The music isn't rewarding at all, although playing for the residents is... but its a lot of time and money and late nights.  I miss hanging out with my Dad every Wednesday but Mr. DeLille let me join in the last few rehearsals and then play in the final concert :)  It's a nice way to still stay connected to people but not have to make the commitment to play the same tunes over and over again.  As always, its nice sharing a stage with my Daddy-o.







JVG

Yes to the dress

Before Sarah's going away party I was able to join Quebra for a dress fitting, in which she picked out her wedding gown!!  She tried on a few dresses and she had been showing me some that she tried on earlier with her family.  I was very excited about the two dresses she narrowed it down too and even more thrilled that she picked one that she loved!  Things are starting to get real and exciting!  eek!  What a beautiful and stunning bride she will be :)

JVG

PS I am purposely not putting pics up just so everybody can be surprised :D :D

PC Baseball/softball

This year we were able to go to a few games to support and cheer on the Muffley kids.  Jordyn is a senior who will be playing in college next year and Josie made varsity after not trying out and having broken her leg and recovered with pins in it!  they are amazing athletes no doubt!  The kiddos really loved it because they are starting to get interested in this and its always nice to be able to go and support people you know.





























The very first game we went and watched Dude was saying how he really hoped that Jordyn would hit a homerun and then... he did!  Dude was so excited!  We didn't stay for the whole double header but we did end up getting some froyo afterward which totally made up for it (says the kids).  The baseball team didn't do as well overall as the softball team, but Jordyn did win the best baseball player in the Kalamazoo Area among other awards.  :)

JVG

Walk for water

As many of you know clean water is something near and dear to my heart.  The organization that I like to fundraise though is 20 Liters and every year they host a Walk For Water event.  This allows people to see what we are doing and it allows us to try and live a small part of what it would be like for many of those who have to walk for their water.  They had a lot of fun activities for the kiddos to do, like help put together an actual filter or try and push a bike that has a couple of Jerry Jugs on it and see how difficult it is up the hill.  We then walk a mile and a half carrying a jerry jug (they're about 44 lbs) or Lucy and I got suited up with a sack of potatoes that simulated what a lot of mothers go through having to carry their babies and the water.  I think it was really helpful for the kids to see that a lot of people in the world struggle with basic needs like clean water... and that they should be thankful for the simple things that they have.  They all did a very good job and completed the entire walk!  I was so proud of them!




































































We will most likely be doing this again next year :)  thank you 20Liters for all that you do and are doing already.

JVG