Scrapfest III

The email is sent out usually by Diane (my most organized of friends) inquiring if we're on for this year. Dates start flying, and miraculously we find a date that works for me and my friends Shannon and Diane to gather for a weekend of scapbooking. (Is that a word?) We gather in Richland (or once here) for a weekend of scrapbooking, cookie eating, and visiting. We stay up until the wee hours of the morning (this year it was 3am on Friday night, 1 am on Saturday night) and work on the kids' scrapbooks, talk about life, share tips and ideas, laugh and have a great time.

The time with friends is so much fun, and honestly I can't even remember the last time I've had a break that long from the kids! I haven't ever been away from Kaitlin over night (this was my first time) and so I was a little sad when leaving her. But I was so excited when I arrived and had a full weekend of girl time. Shannon had family obligations so we missed her for the second half, but were glad she could be there with us as long as she was.

The boys stayed at Grammie and Grandpa's house and had a fantastic time (as usual). They got to see Jupiter (am I remembering right?) and its 3 moons on Grandpa's telescope. They swam at the park, built Legos and had a really fun time. I was so happy to see them on Sunday and start our trip back home where we got to see our newly painted house (photo to come this week!) and be reunited with Dan and Kaitlin. I had my camera in the front seat of the car and caught this sweet reunion between Kaitlin and the boys.

She gave both of them nice hugs and check out that dirty little thing! Do you think she had fun or what?! Dan spent the weekend working in the yard and Kaitlin had a BALL playing in every little muddy area she could find! (Thankfully, I did lay out "outside clothes" before I left and Dan dutifully followed through with dresssing her in them. Thank you, honey). The heat and the adventure wore her out and each day she took a 3 hour nap for Dan!! He got a lot of work done and the 2 of them had a great time. A great weekend was had by all.

(Diane and Shannon if you're wondering where the photo is of the 3 of us...it's on my hard drive. I'm ashamed to admit I'm too vain to post it on the WWW. It was that bad. Not that the one on the top is much better...will my hair EVER grow out? :) Ugh. However, Diane my dear, you are gorgeous.)

Thanks friends, for taking the time to get together. Thanks Mom, for letting us crash your house! And thanks to Dan and Grammie/Grandpa for happily having time with the kids. I so appreciate it!!!