Amundsons

Best way to get home from Nana's house is through Canada.  It isn't shorter, but you get to see a couple things on the way that Ohio just doesn't have, like this giant waterfall.  Who knew this was here?  Growing up near Niagara I went multiple times a summer or whenever company from out of town came to visit, but I have NEVER done it at sunrise.  AMAZING.  Hands down greatest experience at the falls ever.  No crowds, no traffic, nothing but God's absolutely amazing handwork.  I am never going back after 6am again.  Claire likes water, any way that she can get it.  And Tim Hortons...  While in Canada we went camping, canoeing, hiking, hockey... ok no hockey.  Lots to see in Canada.  See what she is pointing at?  That is right!  That is exactly what you think it is... (I don't know what it is).  I grew up on this camp treat, which works 1 out of the...

No more day camp, we are into full on for realz' camp.  As in 3 days and 2 nights of complete umbilical cord separation.  Someone was nervous, scared, and not sure if they were going to  make it through the night... it was not Charlotte.  She had a blast and I have the feeling this is the beginning of a long career camper.   Here is her list of favorite things  about camp: FOB (Flat On Back)- rest time Cabin Friends! Saturn (water raft on the lake) Every single meal Arts and Crafts

Jake and I have a little hobby that we are quickly becoming addicting.   He likes to scuba dive, and I like to watch him in his scuba suit.   Hee Hee...   Actually, I love to go scuba diving as well.  Particularly with him, due to my forementioned hobby.  When we were in Mexico we knew that we had to hit the Cenotes.   These are inland caves on the coast that are flooded with both fresh and salt water, creating a world that is completely unbelievable. First, you take a trek into the jungle and then enter the cave.  Here is Jake.   Except when you get to the cave, it is flooded.  This is the point when your God-given sense of fight or flight kicks in and you say to yourself, "well... that doesn't look safe, I believe I will turn around, and head toward that other place, you know, ANY OTHER place where there is air." OR You can do what we did, strap on some scuba gear and experience another what you have never see...

"Passengers should always fit his or her own mask before helping children, the disabled, or persons requiring assistance." Heard this my entire adult life, and always chuckle at its absurdity.  Before kids, I knew that I would love them to the extent that I would give my life.  So, why in the world in the event of an airplane plunging into the depths of the icy ocean, would I not put the air masks on their sweet faces first.  After kids, I not only realized I love them to the extent that I would give my life, but would also go through any torturous act of maiming, burning, or Braveheart-like act if my kids need it.  Without blinking... oh, that one too!  I would never blink again if my Claire needed me to.  Passengers should always fit his or her own mask before helping children, the disabled, or persons requiring assistance."   I struggled every time I would hear the sweet sticky voice of the airline stewardess tell me to put my mask on prior...

For our Anniversary this year we did something I have wanted to do for a long time.   We had one of Jacob's photo student's Andie Rea and her husband Garrett take OUR pictures.  No kids, just us.  They blew us away when we got them back.  There are so many that I loved, but I tired to pick 10 and these were my favorites.  Plus bonus to having such cool people take your pictures is that we also got to eat dinner with them.  And then it was dark enough to get some more really cool shots.  Oh yeah... and we may have also gotten some Ted Drews, you know... just for the shot.

Guess what we have been reading this summer?

Our new big event with summer was the Greenville Clipper's Swim Team.   Charlotte isn't crazy about sports where... well lets just say she isn't crazy about a lot of contact.  So things like soccer, basketball, or even softball (there is a chance of sliding into someone) are just not her thing.  And I'm ok with that, but I learned so much through competition and sports that I hate to think that she might not experience that.  So Swim Team seemed like the perfect opportunity, unless you are doing something seriously wrong there isn't a lot of contact.    

When the mad-hatters dance...

Yep, they pretty much rock!