Friends, it was a good weekend indeed.

This pas weekend, was really one of the best weekends we have had in a long time. 

Perhaps it was because Caleb was not there, so there were no tantrums, throwing food, changing diapers, or alarm clock. 

Perhaps, because we weren't thinking about all of our work responsibilities. 

Perhaps because we were surrounded by Lake Michigan. 

Perhaps because we went to Mackinac Island, biked around the island, ate ice cream and had fun with 30 of  our friends. 

Perhaps it was because it was the wedding a dear friend, with an amazing love story. 

Perhaps it was because I was the wedding photographer...and well, let's be honest, taking pictures is so life giving to me, albiet, stressful at times. 

Whatever the reason, we had a blast!!! 

Here are some pictures from Mackinac Island. 

Hey look!  I made it into a picture. This is a rare occasion! 

We went hiking to Arch Rock with some friends. HUGE hills friends, HUGE hills. This is Brendan, Jon's college roommate and close friend..... 

And because Caleb was not with us, I had to take pictures of someone's kid! Meet Breslin (his daddy is Brendan). 

No cars on the island! You can only get around via bike, foot or horse:) 

We made it all the way to Arch Rock!! 

I love this family! Good friends! 

Just a street view

Soon, I will post some wedding pics:) 

It's Summer Time!

We are loving summer. 

It has been great already. Busy, perhaps more busy than the school year, but so good. 

We have put in a patio in the back yard, Jon built a swing set, I did a lot of planting, and want to continue to beautify my yard. My front yard is still a miserable disgrace, but the back is turning into a place of refuge. Still have few more projects that I want to do. 

We have been playing in the sandbox, taking walks, and having outside fun. 

Caleb and I took a trip to Pittsburgh, for the Regional Staff Conference for InterVarsity. 

We have been having parties and bbq's.  

Our house has been messy and sandy. Mmmmm. Not sure why? 

We have to bathe Caleb CONSTANTLY! No one told me summer time + 2 year old boy = 12 baths a day. Seriously. GROSS! 

And....we are working on potty training. And by "We are working" I mean I am trying to coax, bride, plead, at whatever cost to get him to start potty training. IT IS NOT WORKING. I'll save this for another blog post. 

Still to come this summer: 

-Seeing family from California 

-more weekends at the lake 

-Fundraising and planning for InterVarsity 

-possible foster child in our house 

-lots of photography business 

Also, and exciting weekend ahead: 

-We are heading to Mackinac for a friend's wedding. I get to be the photographer, we get to go to Mackinac and have a weekend without Caleb.I can't wait! Pictures overload, beware!

From THAT to THIS- swingset edition

I am hoping that this series will give you a before an after peek the projects we are working on. This past weekend, my lovely hubs put together a swingset for Caleb. It was hot, he was tired, and it took A L L weekend. But it looks great, and Caleb loves it. 

Please excuse my lack of editing these photos. I kind of feel naked, but I am up to my knees in things that need to get done, and editing swing set photos didn't make the cut. 

FROM THAT...

TO THIS!

I am going to miss this.

Life is about to get really busy. Doesn't fall do that? I love it!! I love busy, I love the excitement, but, a BIG BUT....I am going to miss my lazy days on the lake......

 When he gets stressed, I am going to picture him chilled out like this!

 Best thing ever! Dock the boat in the middle of the lake, hook the rafts together (with cooler in the middle) you could be out there all day!!!

 Jon's first time on the tube...didn't last long, Jalissa pushed him off:) Good thing he had the life jacket on

Because today feels like summer is almost over

HOT

How are you keeping cool during this midwest heat wave? We brought Gramma in for a few days and hit the pool!

Oh Yes I did!

This week, Jon and I were a part of the 5 day club in one of the neighborhoods of our town. It was a great experience! Each day we had games, snacks, songs and a Bible story. It was great to build relationships with the kids and their moms (my favorite:)) I can't wait to do it next year and to build on the foundation! Enjoy!

Guess what I did today?

I was supposed to drop off the boy I babysit for at "pretty school" (pre-school) for his class field trip,

but...we were late.....really late. So late that we missed the caravan to the farm.

I managed to get a set of bad directions and drove around trying to find a farm (I was willing to stop at any farm and walk up on it and ask if we could pet their animals)

WE FOUND IT!!! SUCCESS!!! His class was there, and we were all re-united!

Caleb did not sleep all day. I am pretty sure it was because he was utterly fascinated by his buddy.

I babysat 2 pre-schoolers, planted some plants, watched a friend plant some of my plants, made lunches, cleaned the house, snuggled with my baby, 2 meetings at church and....

finished Week2Day2 of the Couch-2-5K running program!

I need a massage.

I will, I will, I will.

I will accomplish these summer time goals, I will.


*Work on raising $30,000. ( I work for a non-profit and raise my own budget each year.)

*Lose 30lbs.

*Successfully finish the Couch to 5K Running plan

*Finish Caleb's nursery

*Re-organize my office

*Make my yard look like....planting, weeding....

*Scrapbook

*Be involved in church

*Lead a women's Bible Study

*Pursue a plan to open a coffee shop

*Work on my photography

*Spend lots of time cuddling with my baby boy

*Spend time with friends

*Paint the laundry room

*Spend time at the lake

*Daily spend time with God

What will you be doing this summer?

Sneak Peak

Can you guess what we did this weekend? You have 24 hours to send your best guesses! Simply guess in the comment section!