Pitch The Tent

Last weekend marked our Annual Sibling Camping Trip and it was a huge success.  The boys were in outdoor heaven with swimming, boating, BB gun shooting, s'more making and everything else wonderful that comes with the great outdoors.  And Sutton enjoyed making her first appearance on the camping trip by sunning, sleeping in my arms and eating dinner by the fire.

We had awesome weather, which was a relief since it was supposed to storm pretty much the entire time, however the mosquitoes were out with a vengeance.  We all were eaten alive while laden with repellent   In fact I am still waking up in the middle of the night itching and the boys looked like they had chicken pox for 3 days.  But, hey that's what comes with camping!

Chris chose to enjoy one more year of the baby stage and lovingly escorted Sutton home for the night - what a sweet husband I have!  They met us at Bob Evan's the next morning for our traditional after camping meal of pancakes and hot chocolate.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Sutton's 1st boat ride, she really did enjoy it!

Shayden, Quinton and I tubing with Uncle Luke, Claire and June.

S'more Face.

The Hard Core Campers (you know the ones who stay overnight).

Headlamps ROCK.

On one final note, remember 2 years ago when I did this and really had wished I packed a bottle of wine so I could have slept better - well update on that front.  This year I did partake in wine and it didn't help a lick with the sleeping....just thought you should know.

Family Vaca 2013

Well its a little late but we have been BUSY....so here is our blog post on Family Vaca this year.  Once again, it did not disappoint.  We had an AWESOME time on Lake Michigan with a house filled to the brim = 35 people to be exact!

We had heard how wonderful Lake Michigan was and we are inundated with media advertising for "Pure Michigan" but to be truly honest I never thought I would be so impressed with our surroundings.  The small towns along the lake are awesome, the beach is beautiful and has the most perfect sand for little ones, and the water is unbelievably clear while also being calm and fully enjoyable.  No rough waves, no non-swimmable days, etc. that you might find on the coasts.  It hit me one day when I was wading 15 feet from the beach with Sutton on my hip, tossing a frisbee to Chris in the water and watching Shayden and Quinton playing between us - this has never been possible in the ocean = We Have Found The Perfect Spot!!!

Our week was filled with large meals, precious moments with our nieces  nephews and children and picture perfect evenings under Pure Michigan sunsets.  Here are few pictorial highlights from the trip.

Checking out the Marina and a local coffee spot.

Chris (his scruff) and Sutton enjoying the water.

Look Mom, a dead fish.

Lakeside Lunches.

The Cousins - 18 and counting.

And what's vaca without a swimsuit shot...the Fam.

And now, for the highlight reel....family activity night, The Harlem Shake.

Quinton is 3

Our little man has turned 3.  I am in a bit of denial on this one, just looking at that cute little face I can almost convince myself it didn't happen and that he is still 2.  But then he so efficiently reminds me, "Mom, I'm 3 now, I'm a big boy".  Oh yes, that's right buddy, and you are the sweetest little 3 year old ever!

We celebrated twice for this occasion as we were on family vacation with my family just before the big day and then with Chris' on his actual birthday.  

Quinton, we love you so much and are so proud of the boy you are becoming.  While you are stubborn and hard headed you also have the sweetest most sensitive little heart.  You are the cuddler of the family and I love that you always choose me each night to snuggle with (no offense Daddy).  You have changed so much over the last year!  Your vocabulary is awesome and you are amazing me all the time with what you pick up.  I can't wait to see what this year holds.

All our love,

Mommy and Daddy

Mix, Pour, Find a Cure

This past weekend was National lemonade days for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.  In 2000 a little girl named Alex was diagnosed with Cancer and she and her brothers held their first Lemonade stand to raise money for kids with Cancer.  As of this year they, along with thousands of other kids around the country, have donated over 60 million to Cancer research and the care of children and their families struggling with Cancer.

We were introduced to Alex through a book her parents wrote after her passing to help other children understand her story.  A few weeks ago Shayden and I were reading it and I started to talk to him about how we could get involved, what he could do to make an impact and help other children.  It took about .1 seconds for him to decide we were DEFINITELY doing a lemonade stand and how could we get started!

So this past weekend we held our first lemonade stand along with 1,350 other stands across the nation.  And let me tell you, it was a total success.  My heart was literally bursting with joy to watch my little ones so eager to serve everyone that came.  Shayden and Quinton were a great team dumping ice and filling up cups.  While Quinton and Sutton were forced to take afternoon naps, Shayden stood strong by the stand the entire time and didn't allow a single cup to be served by anyone but him or Quinton.  He was gracious, kind and fully engaged...it was awesome!

Our goal was to raise $100, a small but mighty amount.  We were blown away by all our family, friends and neighbors who generously gave and have brought our total to over $500.  Shayden was thrilled and wanted to know if we could drive it to a hospital right away!  

Thank you to everyone who shared in this event with us.  Not only did you give to a great cause but you instilled community, faith and the heart of service into my children and I am forever grateful.  

 

Mixing up our lemonade

 

Our first customer - stopped on his 8 mile run

 

Team Testa

 

One very proud little boy

To learn more visit AlexsLemonade.org