Sum, Sum, SUMMERTIME!!!!

This was the moon, the first night of "summer vacation"!  The kids thought it was trying to look like the sun so that they could stay up ALL night! LOL!!  It was pretty though!

Our summer officially started last Thrusday at 1:00 and it's been a busy blur ever since!  The kids are determined to cram as much summer FUN into every day as humanly possible!  Colby actually came in the other morning and said, "Man mom, I don't know what happened to me."  All because he slept until 7:30!!!  LOL!  Which is like sleeping until 2 in the afternoon for a "normal" person because he's usually up before 6!!!  Guess all the fun was starting to take it's toll!  Thankfully they've all adjusted to "sleeping in" until 7:15 or so!

In less than a week, we've already been to the zoo, had several playdates, consumed tubs of ice cream, 2 watermelons, gone to the lake, and even taken our first "mini-vacation". Whew! I'd better pace myself if I'm going to keep up with them! All I can say is THANK GOODNESS for COFFEE!!!   Speaking of coffee, check out this super cute coffee cup one of my sweet, sweet friends got me!  I love it!  It's pink AND animal print!  My two favorite "colors"!

I think it's hilarious!  And yes, if I'm up and functioning early enough to enjoy coffee, than you should be impressed!  LOL!!!  I'm so kidding!

So, here are some hi-lights of our first week of summer!

Colby "playing" with the tiki torches while we were enjoying a nice night out on the patio.  What is it about kids and playing with fire???

This past weekend we packed up the truck and headed back to Lubbock for a little "mini vacation"!  It was SO wonderful to get back for a visit and spend time with our dear friends!  The Ripple family hosted us, and if they ever needed a "side business", I'm convinced they could run a 5 star bed and breakfast!  They really know how to make you feel special and spoiled!!! 

As fast as we are adjusting to our new home here in Abilene, going back to Lubbock felt like putting on my favorite set of pjs... absolute comfort!  We had a girls night on Friday and went to see Sex and the City 2.  Something that was NOT comfortable were the new shoes I chose to wear for the occasion.  But oh are they super cute (and high!). LOL!

I think Carrie Bradshaw would be proud! LOL!  Ok, I'll admit, I had kicked them off just as the movie was starting, but in my defense I'd had them on all through going to drinks before hand, AND the previews!!!

Saturday morning the daddies went golfing.  After they got home, they were "supposed" to be in the backyard watching the kids.  Looks like they're doing a great job of supervising don't you think!?!?  LOL!

Saturday night, the Ripples' hosted a BBQ for a few of our close friends!  It was such a treat to see some of the most special people we are blessed to call friends!

Enjoying some food and good conversation!

Me & the girls!  Some of the most amazing ladies I've ever known!

And the guys fell right back in to playing poker -- just like "old times".

Before we left the Karnei and Ripple kids put on various "shows" for us for some entertainment.

Colby & Megan put on a talent show!

Hannah & Madeline put on a fashion show!

And Chloe and Owen are just too cute to leave out!

We headed home on Sunday afternoon, and enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing day at the lake on Monday with some of our new friends.  Funny, this reminds me of a song we used to sing in brownies...

"Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold!"

So true!  One of the benefits of moving all the time is that we get the opportunity to meet LOTS of wonderful people along the way!  However, the bittersweet part is always saying goodbye.  Times like these I'm so thankful for e-mail, phones, blogs and even facebook!  They really help you still stay connected.