Staying with Gram and Krampa

The girls are staying with Krampa and Gram for a few more days this week.  Today, Krampa took them fishing in his boat for the day.  Sylvia caught this big ol' bass--3 pounds and 15 inches long!  And, between the 3 of them they caught over 150 fish today!

They're having a good time, and we've heard reports of a trip to the Quiet Corner Tea Room, shopping at Glenbrook Mall, and lots of fun.  They LOVE their time with Gram and Krampa!

Little but Lots

While the kids and I were on our way home from Indiana today, Jeremy took the day off work to help with the Little But Lots service project.

He was part of the original group that brought the project to McLean County in 2009, and has helped each year since.  They collect gently used school supplies from area schools and redistribute them to area children's charities.

Checking out the "inventory" before sorting...

Jeremy now has 4 years experience combining bottles of glue.

Sorting crayons is always the most time-consuming part of the day.

I'm sure the organizations that receive these supplies must be blessed and enjoy using them.

On a Rainy Monday

Aunt Erin and Uncle Travis gave Sylvia a fun gift for her birthday that she was able to redeem today--a pedicure!  Aunt Erin took Sylvia (and me) to Fort Wayne this morning for some fun.

First, we drove through at McD's and Sylvia got a chocolate chip frappe!

Then we picked up a cute new pair of flip-flops for Sylvia at WalMart, so she wouldn't mess up her fresh pedi.  I decided to join in the fun, hoping I will do better at keeping up with my pedis on my own this summer if I start with a good one.

Sylvia was very quiet during the massage and pampering, but seemed to enjoy it.

Thank you, Aunt Erin!  A perfect gift for our girly-girl!

I've always thought Sylvia has the cutest toes.  And, the polish she chose is so spring and summery and so HER.  

I got a fancy design.  It was cool to watch the guy paint it on so quickly and effortlessly.

When we got back to Gram's, Annah asked if I would give her a pedicure.  She didn't get all the washing, massaging, and extra pampering, but she was pleased with the outcome.

It was a rainy day, so no playing outside.  The kids helped Gram bake cookies this afternoon though--chocolate chocolate chip and peanut butter chocolate chip.

This evening we got to hang out and just visit for a while. 

 

I treasure this family time!

Sunny Sunday

This afternoon the Crabill family gathered at Grandma's house for a big lunch.  For the first time in several years, the volleyball net was set up in the yard.  When I was growing up, it seemed like the entire Crabill family (except me) spent the warm-weather gatherings playing volleyball.  I always wished I could play, but was too afraid.  I was afraid of the ball, afraid of messing up, afraid of being laughed and teased.  I always thought they were all fabulous players, and that I couldn't possibly join the game.  

Some of them were/are pretty good, but today I wanted Sylvia to feel comfortable joining in.  She loves volleyball, but doesn't know a lot of the extended family.  So, I told her I would play if she would!  I realized a few things: 

1) My family is very gracious and welcomes anyone at any level who wants to play.  It's just for fun with them!  

2) Not all of them are fabulous players, and the best ones are the most encouraging anyway!

3) Sylvia is pretty good!  She scored the first game-winning point!

4) If I pay attention and actually try, I can actually hit the ball!

5) It was worth it, and I wish I hadn't waited 30 years to try.

It has been chilly the past several days--in the 60's during the day and 30's at night.  But, my dad cranked the pool heater up and got the water to 89 degrees so the kids could swim.  They got in for about 45 minutes tonight as it was getting dark and had a ball.  Yay for the first swim of the summer!  Thanks, Krampa!

Big #1 Birthday Bash for the Boys

What an awesome day!!  The twins (my brother's and sis-in-law's) turned 1 this week, and today Trav and Erin threw a huge, fabulous party to celebrate them and the fact that they made it through the first year!  That's definitely worth celebrating!!

A big bounce house was rented for the party, which kept the 18 children in attendance occupied for hours.  Travis and Erin had just a few minutes to get in with their kids before guests started arriving.  

Travis and Erin provided a lovely meal.

And the cake was so adorable...

Bryce and Grayson were the most adorable digging into their smash cakes!  

Happy birthday, sweet boys!!!!!

It was the most perfect, gorgeous day anyone could ask for when throwing a party--about 65 and sunny and still. 

 42 friends and family attended the party, and most of us didn't think about the fact that we were getting sunburned until it was over.  

We all had a WONDERFUL time!

Later in the day, Travis gave rides on his 4-wheeler.  Caeden and Sylvia took turns and both LOVED it!!  Okay, I went too, and enjoyed seeing (and smelling sweet blossoms!) a bit of the farm in the spring!