Todd's a junior, Adam's Freshman Orientation, Daniel and the Dunes

Well Todd left on Wednesday morning to go back to school. I can't believe he's already a junior in college. I'm just simply not old enough to have a son that old! I've been caught in a time warp somewhere. I'm 29 and have a 20 year old. Actually, though, I'm happy to be my age because hopefully along the way I've gained some experience and wisdom - but seriously, when did I get to be 41?

Todd (Sr) and I went to freshman orientation/dedication at Huntington Friday night for Adam. It was a neat service. The worship time was awesome, and then everybody said prayers for everybody else (students, parents, staff) and then it was time to say our goodbyes. Since Adam's already been there for two weeks because of soccer, it wasn't as hard to say goodbye, besides we'll get to see him at soccer games fairly frequently. Speaking of soccer, he's had two games and scored two goals. One game was a friendly alumni match, and the other was a scrimmage against Defiance College. Their first season game is Saturday, Aug. 30 (Adam's 19th birthday). As part of the freshman "initiation," the freshman are not allowed to shave their moustache until a freshman scores in a season game. They are all hoping someone scores on Saturday because none of them are too thrilled with their cheesy looking upper lips.

Yesterday, Daniel, Todd (Sr) and I took Darcy and went to the Indiana Dunes State Park. The water was beautiful and we were able to hike quite a bit. We played in the water for a while and just enjoyed a day away. It helped to get out of the house for a while. I'm just not quite adjusted to having so few at home. I've gotten really good at freezing half of the meals that I cook. Todd says I need to quit cooking as much, but I haven't been able to do it yet. It always looks like it's not enough, so for now anyway, the freezer is filling up with quick and easy frozen meals. That's a good thing too!

Preview

I thought I'd give you just a preview of what's to come... I'm working on putting together a slide show of some of Adam's pictures from Kenya, but I thought I'd give you just a preview of one of my favorite ones. If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you'll get a closer view. Apparently the giraffe REALLY liked Adam!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Weekend Fun

Well... Todd (Sr) and Daniel headed off to Huntington and the Little Turtle Campground at Edward Rousch Lake for a weekend of guy stuff - camping, hiking, fishing, being one with nature :), etc. They had a great time. I'd show you pictures if I could, but there aren't any, so just insert your favorite camping pictures/memories here.

Todd (Jr) and I stayed home and had some time to hang out together which was fun. We made a trip to Logans Steakhouse (our favorite) and did a little shopping on Friday night.

Saturday Todd and I and Rachel headed to Huntington and picked up Todd (Sr) and Daniel at the campground and went to watch Adam don his Huntington jersey for the first time for the team versus alumni game. The team won 2-1, and Adam scored the first goal of his college career. We had a great time!

After the game we along with Josh (Adam's roommate) and family helped move the rest of the guys's stuff into their dorm room. It's a brand new dorm, not even completely finished yet. They've got it configured for maximum leisure space complete with a small couch, and it looks like home. (We left before all the stuff was put away, but at least the beds were made.)

After we unloaded the stuff, we headed off to Don Rafael's Mexican Restaurant for a wonderful meal. I envision many more trips there after soccer games. I have three words for you - Arroz con Pollo. I didn't get it, but Daniel did, and Todd, and Adam, and Tyler (Josh's brother), and I wish I did! Next time...

After dinner, we dropped the guys and Rachel off at the dorm. Rachel and Adam hung out for the evening and then he brought her home, so we got to see him at home for a few minutes too. Then we dropped Todd (Sr) and Daniel off at their campground, and Todd and I headed back home. We ended up watching the Obama/McCain question/answer time with Rick Warren, which I'm glad we did because it was a great forum to compare and contrast the two candidates (and confirm what I already knew).

Sunday, the guys came back and we had some family time, went walking on the River Greenway in Bluffton (3+ miles) and ate at my favorite (fast food) place - Wendy's. For some reason, I am hooked on Wendy's these days and can usually talk the family into it once a week or so.

And so, Sunday marked the end of summer vacation for Daniel... and us... Here he is eating his breakfast before school Monday morning. His first day of fifth grade went well. We're off to a good start!

Summer ReWind

Here I go again... I have such big plans for keeping this thing updated, and then life happens, and happens, and happens. So, in an effort to keep this from being novel length, I will hit a few highlights of the past few weeks...

Todd did come back from Myrtle Beach and had a wonderful time with Ashley and her family. It was the dream vacation that we didn't take this year (or last year, for that matter)...

Adam was home from Kenya for a few weeks and left yesterday for college. My heart hurts... but more on that to come.

Daniel came home from came and had a wonderful first experience, and yes, indeed, did feel a little more grown up upon his return. This is the last week of summer vacation, and he starts school next Monday. Where did July go???

Here are some of my favorite summer memories, complete with pictures...

Here comes Adam... Back in the U.S. of A!

In lieu of vacation this summer, we had a family fun weekend complete with eating out at some of our favorite places, bowling at Crazy Pinz, watching Prince Caspian at the $1 (and I really mean $1 theater), and arcade games where Adam won an Ipod Shuffle (knock-off) which works like a charm and is great for running. It was a lot of fun. Josiah got to go with us one of the days and Rachel the other.

When we weren't out having a totally fun family time, here's how the guys spent some of their time at home...

What is it, you might ask?? Think back...no farther back... a little more...Are you in the 90's yet? From the original Sega - Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. I used to like to play those games with them when I actually had a chance at winning once in a while. And now, the competition is just too stiff, and I'm happy to be the photographer, or if I do play, comic relief. Win-win for me...

Summer has gone by way too fast...