Leavin' On A Jet Plane...

Adios amigos! I am off to Nicaragua for the next 10 days. My bags are packed and I have said my goodbyes... the hardest one being to Addie. It's difficult explaining to a 3 year old that mommy is going to be gone for an extended period of time, but I have looked forward to this mission trip for months now. It's just hard to believe that it's finally here!

I am going with little or no expectations, in hopes that this allows me to take in each moment. Preparing for this trip has been a huge part of my healing process in dealing with the trials that presented themselves throughout this calendar year. I know for a fact that Nicaragua is where God intends me to be during this part of my journey with Christ. I leave tomorrow with a happy, spirited heart.

I can't wait to share all of my experiences with all of you when I return home. Please pray each day for our mission team... for our safety, our health, our faith, our families and our journeys.

Have a blessed day!
Angie

Addie's First Visit to the Teeth Doctor...

Monday morning Miss Thang had her first oral exam with Dr. Ryan and Miss Jodi. Miss Jodi ROCKED the exam room tour introducing Addie to all of her gadgets... Mr. Tickle, Mr. Thirsty, Mr. Sprinkle and her super duper Cavity Bug Catcher. Addie got an A+ for behavior and for healthy teeth. (I'll be honest, I was VERY proud of my little woman!) She loved her gift bag of goodies and carried it around with her all day.

Test Drive...

Evening At The "Fun House"

The Benders opened their new home up for the evening. Addie kept referring to it as the "fun house" because there were so many great things for the kiddos to be entertained with. Thanks Julie for putting on a fun cookout for all of us to get together to celebrate and catch up!

Cookout for the Duzan Twins...

Twins?!?! Really?!?! Doesn't Lisa look stinkin' FAB-U-LOUS!
The Gang
Brooklyn, Julie, Coy, Desiree, Addie, Angie, Mandy, Gina, Gracie, Lisa and Sophie

Happy Birthday... Just a Little Early

Auntie Kay-Kay surprised me with a bitty birthday cake, just for me in celebration of my upcoming 3rd birthday... she can't make it to my Fancy Nancy tea party in a couple of weeks. She got me a new Fancy Nancy sticker book and glitter puzzle... oh, la, la!

Museum Visit...

Tuesday, we spent the morning with the Warner girls at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. We haven't been in a few months and all of the construction and remodeling is complete... WOW! I was really impressed and the girls had a blast running around everywhere. Thanks again for the invite Amy... we're up for it anytime!

To The Zoo We Go...

Monday, Nana and Grampy joined us at the zoo. Addie was excited to give all of her guests a tour featuring her favorite Indy animal neighbors. It was a beautiful day to spend with family outside.

Mandy & Gracie Jane Visit...

Mandy and Gracie arrived Friday morning and stayed with us until Monday afternoon. I L-O-V-E it when my sister is home. I am thoroughly convinced they need to move back to Indiana! As you can tell we spent a good deal of time playing in the pool and using the new water table. Addie adores her Auntie Kay-Kay and little "Mu-Mu." It was so nice to have a weekend with my sister all to myself... selfish I know, but a very healthy indulgence! We enjoyed playing with the girls, staying up watching movies and talking endlessly.

Fun at Torch Lake (~Traverse City, MI)

Taking the Torch Lake oath to have fun with Papa Nick

We had a great Michigan get-away at the Hein's home on Torch Lake. It sure didn't feel like July, but we didn't let that stop our holiday weekend. We enjoyed boat rides, water gun fights, goofing around and nightly campfires... thank goodness no one felt the urge to sing around the open flame!

Happy Birthday America!!!

Here she is, Miss America!
Buddies supporting the red, white & blue
Have I mentioned that my mother isn't sane... it must be the rif-raffe she hangs out with!

A jolly holiday boat ride with Papa Nick