a cup full of sweetness

: been thinking about this lately :

my dad

I absolutely adore my dad. Dad was my first hero. Then Chris came along and I knew my life was complete because the two best men in the world were my closest family. :) Dad has poured himself out for his family, friends, and church family. He loves not only the lovable but also the unlovable. He is 100% a servant. It doesn't matter if his body aches and he only got 4 hours of sleep last night, he will get up and help you move across town or shovel your driveway or pray with you at the hospital. Dad loves to get a good deal, and he has tried to teach us kids to be good stewards of money, but don't refuse to be crazy once in a blue moon. ;) Dad is one of the most generous people I know. He gives and doesn't expect return. "It's all God's" is his attitude. He loves Scripture, preaching, studying God's Word, ministering. It's his favorite. Dad is very faithful. He taught us to always go to church - there's never a question of whether or not we'll go this Sunday. He showed us right priorities. He has loved Mom, and that is one of the most important things a dad can do for his kids. He has always been someone I can go to to just talk things through without drama. He quietly, compassionately listens and then gives godly, wise advice. I love laughing with Dad. :) Oh my word, the times we have choked and wheezed over something only the two of us found funny! I also love the drives we've had where we're both discussing a hot topic of interest to both of us, and our voices get louder and louder as we talk at the same time, fully agreeing, until we stop, too tired to go on. :P Dad has taken us on some pretty awesome trips that turned into some of the best memories. Dad communicates - he can hardly help it! - but it sure helps things go smoothly. Dad, I love you SO much. Thank you for being a good example of our heavenly Father by being the best earthly father anyone could have! :) 

All of us. :)

{Life's Little Joys Photography}

Sky, Car Show, and Sparklers

Yesterday was our "day of rest." :P We have been going going going this past week, and were one tired bunch! We mostly just hung around the house playing Blurt, Battleship, and Mille Bornes, Ella made a pie, I taught a few students, and the kids painted their plastic sea animals. It was nice. :) 

We had thunderstorm warnings in the late afternoon, but nothing came of it except for the awesome, weird clouds. We got a few pics.

After dinner I took them to the weekly car show in downtown Plainfield. Will was pretty much in heaven. ;)

Chris got home from work pretty late, but we still had time for sparklers and pop-its.

Apparently Ella likes sparklers very much, for as soon as she got one in her hand, she tore around the yard giggling and yelling and turning and twisting, and finally fell down and lay there laughing. :P

The Shedd Aquarium + Lake Michigan

Yesterday was our last big activity day. :) We went to the Shedd Aquarium. It was a free day, so I expected gobs of lines, but thankfully we got in just at the perfect time, and had to wait less than 10 minutes. It was so fun to see Will's excitement, especially. His eyes couldn't get any bigger. lol

I almost didn't see this frog. :P

They really enjoyed the 4-D theater. (We watched a portion of Planet Earth's penguin documentary.) Will jumped about 3 feet up and forwards when the pole hit him in the back. He sat up, shot a look at Chris and yelled, "Who poked me?!" :D

He seriously took pictures of everything. :)

Oh you know. Just almost falling into Lake Michigan. :P 

just too much happiness :)

I am so thankful Chris has a Facebook account on which I can stalk the world without it stalking me. I also can see sneak-peek pics I'd never see anywhere else. I found these two pictures from Meredith's wedding, and now I am just DY.ING. to see more!!! She had a super talented photographer named Laura (Life's Little Joys Photography). Hooray for the awesome job!

Meredith and Josh, I really couldn't be more happy for you guys. I love you and wish you the happiest life together ever! Come visit us sometime. ;)

Medieval Times

After Navy Pier, we went to Medieval Times! (I told you. Crazy ambitious.)

Navy Pier

After the museum, we got crazy ambitious and decided to go to Navy Pier as well. We went on the Seadog speed boat tour and the Ferris Wheel.