Bonfire (minus the fire...)

Well, the boys had another bonfire on the calendar for the end of July.  Unfortunately, the drought has gotten so bad that we had to cancel the 'fire' portion of the evening.  However, the kids were all amenable and spent the evening playing Ultimate Frisbee, chowing down on Bellacino's and then watching the opening ceremony of the summer Olympics.  All in all, a pretty terrific evening.  Hoping the drought is improved before their next gathering (start of the school year).

Matthew and Anna

Clockwise from left - Katie, Megan, Melina, Nils, Jonathan, Joey, Mia and Gigi

Jackson, Adrian and Arayna

watching the opening ceremony of the summer Olympics

Mia, Jackson, Katie and Gigi

Adrian, Jackson and Melina

Last day of tennis

This summer has really flown by.  Hard to believe that Thursday was the last day of tennis for both boys.  They each had a great summer.  It seemed fitting to celebrate the end of a successful season with a party at Pizza Hut!  Luckily, we hit the restaurant a little after the lunchtime rush so, hopefully, they weren't too overwhelmed.  Everyone had a great time, including me and Marvin.   :)  This sure is a terrific group of kids.

after Jonathan's last match

Joey, Aaron, Jackson and Adrian

Joey, Aaron, Jackson and Adrian  :)

Betsy, Matt and Deb

Debbie and Kristina

Kristina and Marvin

Ryan and Jean - two terrific instructors!

Corey and Miriam

Last week we enjoyed a visit with our dear friends, Corey and Miriam, and their lovely children.  What a true joy to see this dear couple and their family and remember back through all the years to when we first met them.  They were Sophomore's at Truman and Miriam and her sister, Katharine, were beloved babysitters for our boys.

Katharine, Jonathan, Miriam and Jackson years ago...

These two girls were such an important part of our family during those years - and we joyfully welcomed Corey when he began courting 'our' Miriam.  :)  Sure enough, Corey and Miriam fell in love right before our eyes and were eventually married.  As a matter of fact, the playset in our backyard played a pivotal role in their engagement, as Corey took Miriam on a 'scavenger hunt' through memorable places in their lives the night he proposed to her.  (we were honored to be a 'part' of it and still to this day remember peeking out the back window when Corey brought her out to pop the question!)   :D

Marvin, Jerry and Corey building the playset back in 2001.

Marvin, Jerry and Corey (with a little helper on the ladder!) building the playset back in 2001

Corey and Miriam - early 2000's

Perhaps then, you can imagine our joy at seeing all that they have become - and imagining all that is yet to come - for this very special family.  We don't get to see them nearly often enough, but when we do have a chance to catch up, we pick right up where we left off, and it is cherished time.  

Corey (holding Ava), Miriam, Laura, Marvin, Jonathan, Luke, Isaiah and Abby

:)  Corey, Miriam (holding Ava), Jackson, Jonathan, Isaiah, Luke and Abby

Corey and Miriam and their lovely family with our boys.

Marvin introducing Abby to Governor

Luke, Abby, Governor and Marvin

Corey has gone from being our boys favorite buddy to being an incredible Dad to his own kids.  How fun to watch.  They even brought their own Boffer swords!

Corey made boffer swords for his kids and himself.

ready for a boffer battle!

Corey testing out the shield...   

Abby has a pretty good hit!   :)

And dear Miriam, always so gentle and loving with our boys, is an amazing Mom.

Miriam and Ava

  

We so enjoyed our time with them and look forward to the next visit.  

Jonathan, Corey and Jackson

So cute!  Isaiah taking on Jackson in a boffer battle!   :)

Isaiah has quite a swing!   :)

Mama and Daddy's impromptu trip

In case there was any doubt, I think Mama and Daddy are going to do just fine with this whole retirement thing.  They called up here early one morning to say they had decided to go to Mountain View, Arkansas to the Ozark Folk Center - spur of the moment!  :)  They scurried around and were able to leave with the Jayco that very afternoon, arriving at the center the following day.  They were even able to meet up with Mama's sister, Aleta, and her husband for a few days.  What a great idea - and proof that they are adjusting to having 'their own schedule' pretty darn well.   :)

getting ready to head out

saying good-bye

on their way!

at the campground next to the Ozark Folk Heritage Center

They found an old gas pump just like the one that used to be at Grandpa's General Store in Lentner.

Visiting cousin Jeff at his 'retreat' in northern Arkansas

view of Jeff's place