Our first hurricane

Hurricane Irene swept through our state Saturday night and Sunday. We didn't have church Sunday, since the governor wanted only emergency vehicles on the road. (Apparently, that includes the news media!) It was very rainy and windy--it came in bands. It would settle down for a bit, and then pick up. The wind wasn't unlike a thunderstorm wind, only it lasted for 24 hours. We were very fortunate that only branches from the trees fell--nothing large and nothing on the house. We also thought we were going to make it through the storm with our power. However, it went out 10 p.m. on Sunday night, after the hurricane was basically past, but some wind still lingered. We were some of the fortunate ones, because our power came back on last night. So, we were only without power for 24 hours. So many are still without power, and they've been told it could be a week before their power is restored. One day was enough of an experience for me, especially since we have no water without power!

The clean-up crew

We spent Monday morning picking up the many sticks that fell from the trees. The boys thought it was a great game.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Paul!

Eating "red" cake.

"I blow it, Daddy!"

Paul turned two years old on Sunday. Hard to believe it's already been two years since we brought him home! But, he also seems so big lately. He's been talking up a storm. The other day while lying in the grass, he said, "I lay down. I see clouds in the sky." He can count to ten, and he can actually identify a few letters. He's started "reading" stories--helping us finish the endings of sentences in familiar books. (The ones he makes us read over and over.) Paul loves playing with cars and trucks, and playing outside. Really, he loves anything Benjamin is doing. He takes his cue from his big brother on most things--what to say, how to act, what to play. He most certainly has own opinion on how some things should be, though.

We had a fun day celebrating Paul's birthday. We went to church in the morning, of course, then came home for lunch and naps. (Really, Paul was the only one who slept.) Then we went to the beach, and out to a seafood place for supper. Paul loved his birthday cake, but wasn't much into his presents. Benjamin brought enough excitement for both of them, and "helped" with the gifts and cards. The last year he'll be able to do that, I'm sure.

I will never get it...

Day in and day out, it is "Play baseball!" It's the first thing we have to do at the park. If we happen to forget the bat and ball, it's still pretend baseball at the park. If it's a rainy day, "pretend baseball" in the house. Really? You never get bored with this game? Oh, well, I may not get it, but I really don't mind my gig as pitcher for now. (Jonathan, however, most definitely, gets it. I'm pretty sure he could also play baseball all day long.)

Playground Fun

This summer Benjamin has become daring at the playground and on our swing set at home. He is constantly asking me, "Do you think this is dangerous, Mom? Does this make you nervous?" I think he is secretly delighted when I say, "yes." It makes me think of books I've read about men and boys--"Wild at Heart" and "Raising Boys." It's how God made boys--to be daring and take chances. Fortunately, right now, it's nothing more daring than climbing a little high at the playground!

Ears

Paul has this thing with ears. Whenever he has his pacifier in, he wants to hold onto someone's ear, whether it's his own or another person's ear nearby. We all think it's funny and a little strange, until you delve into his history...his dad, grandma, and two uncles all had an ear thing too. Maybe it's genetic?

Destination #1--Iowa

The boys and I began our 2 1/2 week summer travels in Iowa at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We had a great time hanging out, playing with the numerous toys in the basement, swimming several different places, visiting parks, playing baseball, going shopping, and hearing Midwest thunderstorms nearly every night! We got to visit with Jessica and Andy (sorry, no pictures!) before they moved to Indiana, and see Aunt Marilyn and Jacob, who drove from Illinois to play baseball--I mean, see us.

Cousin Jacob as pitcher

Jacob and Aunt Marilyn

Playing cars and trucks with Grandpa

Visiting Backbone State Park...wading, and surprise, surprise--throwing rocks in the water. Jessica asked how long they could keep up the rock throwing. "Longer than we could stand here," I replied.

Grandma playing Legos with Benjamin

Destination #2--North Dakota

We drove from Iowa to North Dakota with Grandpa and Grandma, picking up Dad on the way--in the Minneapolis airport. We all gathered at Jonathan and Sarah's new home, so that we could be there for Jonathan's ordination and installation.

Down time on the couch

This one's for Dad! =)

Aunt Becky and James, hanging out at the park

Teaching the younger cousins all about baseball.

All the family that gathered for the Ordination

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids, minus Bo, who was too young to travel. (He stayed home with his dad.)

Form of torture?

No, just trying to get a shot with all of the cousins!

Destination #3--Colorado

The third stop we made in our summer travels was Colorado. We spent the majority of the time in the mountains in Brekenridge. We stayed in a "cabin" that had 5 bedrooms, all with private baths. We figured the house slept close to 30 people. More than enough room for our two families to spread out.

Baby Bo, 5 weeks old--all smiles!

Being silly with bowls, er...hats?

Paul was so sweet with Bo! He gave him lots of kisses, but was very gentle with him. The best was when he would try and feel Bo's ear. (His ear fetish coming out again!)

I loved all of the beautiful wildflowers! Rachel and I also managed to find some raspberries. Most of them weren't ripe yet, however.

This lake was only a short hike up the mountains from our cabin.

I couldn't get over the lingering snow piles--in August!

Gondola ride up the mountian

This is how we roll

One of the all-time favorite outside activities for the summer.