Shore time at "Miss Jane's"

We made it to Indiana safely and are now in the process of getting settled in our new home and community.  It sure takes time!  There's a lot that I plan to share about this new place, but first I have some New Jersey memories to add.

In mid-July, went out to the shore one last time before our big move.  This time, we stayed over night.  Two nights!  We stayed with "Miss Jane" and loved all of the extra quality time that we got to spend with her and a few other families from our church.

This trip was probably our most relaxed time at the beach.  It was the first time that we could sit in a beach chair and watch the kids play in the water.  They didn't go out far - just enjoyed the waves crashing up against them.  

And of course, there was some digging in the sand.








This was the view from one of the guest room at Jane's house.  They overlook the bay and it is so peaceful. 


The next day, we spent a good chunk of time at the Conyers' home.  One big highlight for the kids was going for a ride in "Mr. Charlie's" boat. 



It even has a little kitchen and bathroom. 




Andy tried a paddle board for the first time. 








And there was some fishing.


Graydon was feeling a little upset.  He really wanted to catch a fish that he could take home for a pet.


They did manage to find a little hermit crab.  But we didn't keep him.   






The next morning, Andy and Bella went to the beach to watch the sunrise. 









Later in the day, we all went back to search for some seashells. 


Here are the kids with 'Miss Jane'.  They sure do love her. 






And one of all of us together.



We had such a wonderful time at the shore and with Jane, we were all feeling a little sad when the trip came to an end.  But, we are already looking forward to another visit next summer!

Wisconsin: Round Three: Verona!

The day following the wedding, our travels took us to the Kilps home in Verona.

Curtis enjoyed another birthday celebration.




The kids played with their cousins rats - and now they want one. 


Graydon and Curtis shared a bed.  One morning, we found them like this.  Curtis totally took over Graydon's pillow. 


Graydon loved his snuggle time with Papa.  They also took some adorable photos together at the photo booth from Mary and Andy's wedding. 


Andy and I ducked out for a bit for a little date at Culver's.


The original three.


How goofy they are.  ;)


Laura and Tim are about to move into a new house.  This is the park that is right across the street.














We toured a local brewery. 






Cream soda for the kids!




Dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings!  The kids all got their own booth, which gave the grown-ups some nice chat time together.  Win-Win!


On our final day in town, we met up with the Golacksons, who are currently back in the states on furlough.  Andy and Josh got to connect the previous week on their road trip, but this time our whole families could spend some time together, which was so nice. 


They have six and we have three. 


It's a little tricky to get that many kids all looking in one direction.  This was pretty close. 


Lily Golackson took this one of us. 


Loved getting to see them!

We headed back to NJ the next morning and stopped for the night in Ohio.  This was also the Fourth of July.  It was kind of a bummer that that had to be a travel day, but that's just the way it worked out this year.  After swimming in the hotel pool, we watched some fireworks on TV.  Bella took some photos of those with her iPod.  Hopefully they will be able to see the real thing next year!


We arrived back in New Jersey on Saturday evening and are now three weeks away from our move date.  Lots of packing to do!  This blog is probably going to be very quiet for the rest of the month.  Our next update will come from Indiana!