Memorial Day flashback!

2018 // 2015

Camping with the Ran family

We had a fun (AND RAINY!!) weekend camping with Seth's parents and Matt, Erin, and the kids. We went to Black Moshannon State Park near State College because they had quaint little cabins side-by-side, and it ended up being SO perfect! The cabins had little kitchens, beds, electricity, heat, and covered porches. We normally tent camp but since May can be a little finicky, we opted for cabins, and boy, was I glad! Aren't they so cute???

The first day, it was dry when we arrived, so Carter got right to work starting the fire. He used his Trail Life skills and his survival bracelet to get the fire going! 

While it did rain off and on over the weekend, it really didn't damper things too much. With three cabins side-by-side, we had three covered porches. We also had Matt and Erin's awesome EZ-up canopy and camping stove under the porch, so we could cook and eat while staying dry. We also packed lots of board games and things for the kids to do inside the cabins if necessary. 

On Saturday, the forecast cleared up enough for us to take a 2-mile hike. It was a little humid and damp but it was good to get out and get some exercise while it wasn't raining. We tried fishing a little but didn't catch (or see!) a thing. 

We planned on staying through lunch on Sunday, but by the time we got up and had breakfast, it was POURING so we opted to finish packing up and head out. I think it's safe to say that the kids had a great time and were exhausted. I always love their post-camping crashes. HA! 

Happy 8th, Carter!

8. years. old. It's hard to believe because I'm pretty sure it was just yesterday I was arguing with a resident about whether or not I was "actually" in labor. This little boy brings immense joy to our family and I am so thankful that the Lord entrusted him to us. His love language is cinnamon rolls so we started off the day appropriately. He opened his gifts, which included a new Catan game (much! excitement!).

His choice of activity for the day was bowling, which was fun for our family to do. We also gave him the option to pick the dinner location and he picked....where else?!? ISAAC'S! His fav! (This cracks me up so much...he's like an old man there, getting pickles and salad.)

Then the next Saturday, we headed out for his "birthday party" which was a day out at Hersheypark with three friends. Boy did we have fun (and boy were we tired!). Five kids 8 and under sure keeps you on your toes. The day was mostly nice but we got hit with some serious downpours throughout the afternoon. That just made it more fun according to the guys. :) We had pizza, played lots of games, rode many rides with NO lines due to the aforementioned rain, and closed out the park. 

We love you so much, Carter! You are growing up to be such an empathetic, kind, happy son and friend. You bring so much joy to everyone you meet.

Mother's Day!

Mother's Day was great. As always, my requests are quite simple: food I don't make and perhaps a nap. HA! Since it is always a Sunday, I don't really get to sleep in that much because of church. But I did get to a little bit. The kids and Seth made breakfast and gave me my presents. A salon gift card for nails, coffee, cards, flowers, and a beautiful necklace Carter made me. 

We went to church and then headed to Willow Valley for brunch. We got married there back when it was the original Willow Valley. Now, even though we still call it that, it is really in the Hilton family of brands now. I was so excited to go because I have literally not been there for years. It was a little disappointing though, which was sad. The service was terrible and it was just so-so, food wise. But I'm thankful for a husband who made a reservation and took me there because he knew I'd been really wanting to go. 

After we got home, I took a nap, of course. Other than that it was a nice, relaxing day with my loves...and my two greatest treasures as a mom. Love them!