All Washed Up...

While the boys were playing on the lake, Aaron was having some water fun of his own at my parents house. He got 5 straight days of one-on-one attention from both my mom and dad, and even two of my brothers. He spent the days helping my brothers in the garage, going to a movie with my dad and even helping wash my mom's car. By the time I went to pick him up, he was in his glory and did not want to leave. I promised him that he could go there again for a week in the future when I go on another kidless vacation -- and hopefully it's in the near future for both our sakes!

Aaron helping Nana clean her car...

Scrub, scrub...

So clean it shines...

Lake Lovers...

While I was in DC, my little sister volunteered to watch Andrew and Austin and took them up north with her boyfriend to his family's cabin for a mini vacation of their own. They spent 3 days enjoying the gorgeous weather and playing on the water.

Austin ready go get on the boat...

Andrew bundled up before the going in the water...

Gang of kids...

Goofy faces...

My boating boys...

Andrew ready to go tubing...

Mark trying to teach Austin to water ski...

It's much easier to stand on dry land...

On to the boogie board...

My little ladies men...

Andrew with his big catch from fishing...

Austin casting his pole out hoping for a bite...

Canine chaperones exhausted from three L-O-N-G days...

Destination: Relaxation (Days 1 & 2)...

Thanks to my wonderful parents and sisters, I was able to sneak away all by myself for a 6 day vacation to visit one of my best friends in Washington DC. I was quite nervous about the getaway because I had never been away from my kids for more than 2 days! Also, I was flying to DC and had never been on a plane before in my life! However, since I knew it was probably a once in a lifetime trip (being a full time single mom of 4 doesn't allow me much freedom), I decided to face my fears and go for it!
I dropped the kids off at my mom's house last Saturday afternoon and headed to Detroit. Since I was flying out of Metro, my brother and sister-in-law graciously agreed to have me as an overnight guest, as well as be my ride to and from the airport so I didn't have to worry about paying for parking. Have I mentioned how blessed I am with a great family!? When I got to their house that evening, we ate dinner and watched some tv while catching up.

Quality "family time" with Kevin, Laurie and Savanna...

The next morning I was able to sleep in til 10am and woke up breakfast was ready and waiting... talk about a great way to start a vacation!! After filling up on pancakes, it was time to head to the airport.

Back seat silliness with my neice on the way to the airport...

They dropped me off outside my terminal with instructions on where to go and what to do. I was a little anxious going through security because of some of the horror stories I had heard, but I sailed right on through and headed to my gate to wait. When it was time to board, I nervously walked onto the plane, found my seat and took many deep breaths while I waited for the plane to start moving. 

The view out of my window seat waiting to push back from the gate...

During take-off, I was COMPLETELY FREAKING OUT! a little nervous, but had a great seat mate helping keep me calm. Once we were in the air, I felt much better and was even able enjoy the flight and snap a few pictures!

For being my very first flight, it was a very smooth and not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. Fear conquered! When I landed in Baltimore, Pam was already in the airport waiting for me. We grabbed my luggage and headed to her house.

My tour guide and partner in crime...

After dropping off my stuff and freshening up a bit, we went to a local pub for dinner. Afterwards, she showed me where she sings, the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 

We made our back to her house and pretty much called it a night since we knew the next day would be tiring with all the sightseeing we had planned. And I must've been tired from traveling, because I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow!

Happy Camper...

Last week, Andrew attended his very first week long, overnight camp sponsored through our church. He'd been waiting for 2 years to be old enough to go, and from the stories I heard once he came home, it was well worth the wait!

Andrew with his group and counselors...

His cabin for the week...

They had a ton of activities for the kids to do, which actually made me a little jealous I couldn't join him! They spent the majority of the days making rounds to each activity. And thankfully someone there snapped some amazing pictures of all the action (which really helped since all I gave Andrew was a disposable camera to capture the good times)!

Gaga pit...

Rock Wall...

Sand tunnels...

Blob...

They also had Sword Drills where they had to look up Bible verses...

Each night, they met in chapel for a church service complete with praise and worship, a message and even a few games. Such an awesome way to tune the kids in with the Lord!

 Service around the bonfire...

Praise and worship indoors ...

(Andrew is in the lower left hand corner of both pics)

By the time he got home on Saturday, he was exhausted! And not only was he able to make new friends and do activities he could have never imagined, but he also spent the week drawing closer to the Lord. He's already anxious to go next year :)

'Zoo' Much Birthday Fun...

For my mom's birthday, she wanted all of us to spend a day at the zoo with her since Mother's Day was such a success. We decided to head north and go to John Ball Zoo. It's not too far from my older sister's house and has completely different animals than Binder Park. It was a perfect day weather wise, and the animals were actually mobile and not just laying around.

Our crew (minus me)...

Eyeing a Bald Eagle...

Checking out the Chimps...

Alexis getting up close and personal...

Uncle Eric taking reign over Andrew and Austin...

The battling bears (they gave us quite a show!)...

Camel rides (compliments of Uncle E)...

Petting Zoo...

Austin, my little animal lover...

My nephew Finn loving on the goats...

Nana with her little princess...

Papa and his little monkeys...

Big bird cage...

Andrew feeding a bird...

Austin offering his goodies to a bird...

The boys and I petting stingrays and sharks...

Adult group shot in front of the shark pool (again, minus me)...

 The only think missing that any other zoo I have visited was a train ride. However, they did have this little wooden train that the kids had a blast climbing all over!

My mom with her grandboys...

After visiting all the animals, we went out to dinner a fantastic mexican restaurant. Thankfully the kids were worn out from walking around the zoo, so they were eager to sit still throughout our meal. They also had worked up great appetites as well! Afterwards, we headed over to my sister's house for a brief celebration with cake and ice cream. Happy Birthday, Mom!!!