The Best Summer Ever...

Well, the summer isn't over yet, but we were all talking the other night and agreed that this has been the best summer we've ever had. Sure, there have been some definite low points, but God has worked them all for good and his glory. While we had the trip of a lifetime last year to St. John (something at least one of references almost every day - no kidding), this entire summer has been WICKED, CRAZY, OFF THE CHARTS amazing!

We started off with a trip to Disney World in May. We left the day school got out, and while we were all disappointed and sad to make the trip without Gram, who had planned all year to go with us but due to a recent diagnosis and major trouble with rheumatoid arthritis had to forgo the adventure, we journeyed on for her sake and had a blast. This was the kids' second trip to Disney, but they were at a MUCH better age this time. They loved it. The highlight for Jeff and I was seeing them stretch themselves and try new things... fast rides, fire works, you name it. It was truly an incredible trip. Matthew's autism diagnosis earns us a "guest assistance pass" which is basically a fast pass for every ride... words can't express what a blessing that isA! We rode all of our favorite rides countless times. We all agree on what those are: Soarin, Test Track, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. Maddie watched her first fireworks show EVER here, and ended up seeing three big shows all together.

Following that trip, we had four weeks at home where the kids did VBS at the Church of the Apostles, which they both LOVED. I served on the snack team, which also turned out to be a blast! We were able to spend some great time with our dear friends that moved to Columbus... Maddie and Sara enjoyed VBS together and were able to have a sleepover during the week. After that, Maddie did a week of tennis camp with the same instructor I take lessons from, then she was supposed to do art camp and softball camp at Wesleyan, but they were the same week and she came down with a dreadful virus on Tuesday of that week and missed the remainder of the camps. She had a blast on Monday and Tuesday though! The following week was spend packing for our MONTH LONG trip to Fort Myers Beach!

Fort Myers has been absolutely incredible. Just being "away" for a month is unfathomable. We have enjoyed every second together... we play games every day, go to the pool, usually the beach as well... we take bike rides, occasional jogs, and Jeff and I play tennis. We've taken some awesome excursions, exploring nearby areas such as Marco Island, Sanibel and Captiva islands. We rode bikes through Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve (nicknamed by Jeff as "tamelife" presever because we saw NOTHING wild, (other than some really pretty birds), LOL). We've taken a jet ski dolphin tour during which we saw a manatee followed by at least 20 dolphins. We were all in awe, and Maddie kept yelling from the backseat of our jet ski, "This is the BEST DAY EVER!!!". It was truly amazing. At several points, the dolphins were only a few feet from our jet ski. Our guide had the personality of a rock, but we had an amazing time looking and riding. Matthew and Maddie both enjoyed going really fast on the jet skis. :-)

Toda we drove down to the Everglades and took an airboat tour. WOW - did I underestimate THAT! We had a BLAST! We saw two huge alligators, a manatee (at the dock before we left), and our captain let each of us have a chance to drive - including making the boat turn fast and go up on it's side! It was such a thrill!!!!!

Another highlight was spending some time with a special friend. My college roommate lives in Florida and she drove down and spend a few nights with us. We had fun playing games, making homemade icecream and hanging out. Speaking of games, Maddie has become quite the rummy player on this trip! All of us have enjoyed UNO Flash, Mexican Train and Old Maid... we even throw some Wii games in from time to time!

The best news of the summer came this week, though, when I learned that my amazing mom has finally gotten some relief from the incomprehensible pain she has been in lately. Her doctor finally agreed to start her on shots for her rheumatoid, and the effect was almost immediate. Praise the Lord!

I will add more as I think of things and as more adventures happen, but this is a start to recording the many blessings of this summer.......