Mini Road Trip

Yesterday Jeremy was off due to the Fourth landing on a Sunday. We decided to take a little road trip and test out our mini van. After breakfast we packed easily in the van and headed up to South Bend for half the day. On the way up the kids watched "Cars" on the DVD screen. We went to the Potawatomi Zoo and then picked up Jeremy's Gram (95) for a fun lunch at McDonald's. The zoo had a few animals we don't have at the Fort Wayne one (Bison, Alpaca, White Tiger, Prairie dogs.) Unlike on past zoo trips Aaron rode in the stroller and Sammie was the one walking around everywhere. We enjoyed our time but were ready to leave after seeing all the animals. the kids were hot and hungry.
We picked up Gram and the kids both turned on their charm! Aaron was excited about sitting next to Gram and telling her about cars. Sammie was Gram's new best friend once she started feeding her french fries.
We headed home around 1:30 and the kids slept most of the way home. It was so hot when we got home we took a quick dip in my parents pool to cool off before calling it quits for the day.

Fourth of July

Happy 4th from the Fort Wayne Vance's!

Today was a nice day. We had a relaxing morning then after naps headed to my parents house for swimming and a cookout. It was hot and humid most of the day but towards evening a nice breeze entered the picture and it felt great to sit outside and visit while watching the kids swim and play in the sandbox. I think Sammie dumped half the sand in the sandbox on herself!

Aaron's shirt had fire works on them so all day every time he heard one he would say"Firecracker just like on my shirt!"

Haircuts and Putt Putt

Thursday Samantha got her first haircut. She did really well and sat in my lap the whole 5 minutes it took to trim it! When I tried to get her picture that night she would not sit still until she situated herself in this puzzle box then looked up at me and said "Cheese!" Too funny!Samantha, Bri, Korban, Aaron and Miranda

This morning we met Jeremy's brother's and family at putt putt for some golf fun then lunch at
Rick and Suzy's later. It was beautiful weather and everyone had a good time. I got two hole in ones but stunk up the rest of the round. Lunch was fun as well. The kids ate quickly then enjoyed jumping on the trampoline and playing catch with their cousins. A good start to a long weekend!

Great Weekend

We had a fun busy weekend! It all started on Friday night after having pizza at my parents house. Jeremy and I took a trip to see a van we might like. It turned out to be exactly what we were looking for! Right car right price! We traded in Jeremy's Taurus and surprised the kids with our new used van (2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette).

Saturday morning we took a little trip in the car in which the kids didn't want to get out. Aaron is very proud of "his" van.

We had friends come in from Mishawaka around 3 and we headed for the zoo. It was fun and hot. We enjoyed dinner at the Olive Garden and a game of Euchre before they headed home. I don't remember who won the game which probably meant the boys did. Their 2 kids were great with Sammie and Aaron. Samantha loved the attention Elizabeth (9) gave her along with two stuffed puppy dogs she wouldn't put down.

Sunday morning we took a long family bike ride. We rode probably about 10 miles. The kids did great and enjoyed pointing out the birds, barns and muddy river. We were hot and hungry when we got back so we headed to the Cracker Barrel for a great lunch. I highly recommend the chicken pineapple salad!

After naps Aaron helped Jeremy wash the car. He took his job very seriously.

We ended the night playing with toys and flying Buzz and Woody around the house (It was priceless watching the kids run around the house with Jeremy with their dolls.)

It was a great weekend!

Playdate

Yesterday we headed out into the country (Grabil) for a play date at Rachel's house. Rain threatened the whole time but we still got a chance to run around outside and feed some horses next door. Sammie enjoyed watching and pointing at them but Aaron went right up and fed them carrots. He was sad when all the carrots were gone. It was a nice time had by all.

After the kids went to bed Jeremy and I got Dairy Queen (me I got the Fudge Temptation Waffle Bowl Sundae and Jeremy got his usual m&m blizzard.) We enjoyed our treat then turned out the lights and watched as a storm rolled in. I love summer storms, especially when I'm inside!

Daddy's Little Helper

Samantha helped Jeremy mow the lawn last night. She stopped long enough to strike a few poses!

Yesterday I went to another doc appointment and everything seems well with baby! Aaron asked if the baby would come to his birthday party. Aww! I told him mommy wouldn't be ready by then. It was a hot day outside so the kids and I spent a little time outside then would cool off in our nicely air conditioned house.

Below are some more pics from Father's Day at my parents house.

Sammie and Papa

Aaron and Brandon showing off what they learned at swimming lessons

Fathers Day Weekend

This has been a fun weekend! Yesterday we took my dad out to breakfast and then all went to their house to swim for awhile. In the afternoon Jeremy and I brought Aaron to his first movie at the theatre (Toy Story 3)! He loved it. Besides having to sit through 21 minutes of previews it was great. I think Aaron ate over half our medium popcorn! He was so excited and played Toy Story the rest of the night when we got home.

Today was a nice relaxing morning. We went to putt putt and had a blast. Aaron loves getting the ball in the hole. Sammie was content to walk around with her putter and ball and even tried to swing a couple of times. Jeremy beat me as usual but I won $20 when he bet me I couldn't make 2 putts(: Victory in and of itself. We ate lunch outside and will head to my parents for more swimming and a cookout tonight.

Aaron helped me make a cheese cake for Jeremy, his favorite!

Happy Father's Day Jeremy. I couldn't ask for a better daddy for our kids!