One Crazy Summer Part 2

August 3rd was a day we had been waiting for. Everything hinged on August 3rd. What would we be doing? Where would we be living? Would we be looking for another job or looking toward a November election? Where would the kids go to school? And on and on these questions went in my head...all the time. It is really hard to turn off the wondering and the worry about the future when everything seems so uncertain. It has been a big struggle for me this past year, but especially in recent months. Everyone says to trust God and be patient. I know that is what I am supposed to do but I guess I'm learning that I'm not very good at it.
So August 3rd came and went and the events of the day gave us some direction, but little clarification. We learned that the campaign was over and now we are faced with the daunting task of finding a good job in a bad economy. We are hopeful that something will come our way soon that will be fulfilling and enjoyable for Bob and will also meet the needs of our family. For now we search and pray and we keep learning how to be patient. That's August 3rd...but you want to hear about August 4th!
We all hit the road in Overbeek fashion and drove to my aunt's house in Iowa. It was the first time in a long time that I was not the only driver and we could stop for me to go to the bathroom...even if the kids were sleeping! Fabulous!
We spent a week basking in the sun at Lake Manawa. My aunt and uncle's house has it's own beach, a boat, a jet ski, kayaks....what more could you ask for? It was wonderful. Aunt Sue and Uncle John are amazing hosts. We ate awesome food and played lots of cards, which we hadn't done in a while. My parents were there as well as my dad's other sister and her husband and my grandma. It was great to see everyone! The kids got lots of attention. Josiah even convinced all the big guys to crawl under the table into his secret club! Bob and I got to sneak away for dinner and a movie and I also enjoyed some time with all the girls shopping at the Omaha farmers market. This was a great way to wrap up our crazy summer!
This is what you look like after one C-R-A-Z-Y summer!

An historic shot of my dad in the water! He doesn't even wear shorts so this was BIG!

Mom was feeling adventurous and wanted to ride the tube with me! She giggled the entire time!

The neighbor built this party island, it was awesome! The kids were jumping off the top and going down the slide. It even had a basketball hoop and built in radio. That is one cool dad.

Chloe and Aunt Sue snuggling on the boat.

The ladies of the lake...this is what we did to pass the hot afternoons

Uncle Leonard is a farmer with his very own John Deere tractors! That makes him very cool!

Hanging out in Josiah's secret club!



My mom, dad, Aunt Sue, Harry, Grandma, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Leonard. Uncle John is missing because he was busy driving his train.

Captain Josiah giving Uncle John a few pointers while driving the boat.

Classic Josiah face

Grammie and Abigail enjoying an evening tootle on the boat

Joshua brought me a lily, how sweet

All four kids got to kayak and loved it. We didn't think Chloe and Josiah would be able to manage the paddles but they did great!

Mama's boy

Joshua woke up one morning with this horrible growth on his nose...thankfully we were able to have it removed without any permanent damage to his handsome face. :)

Daddy and Joshua

Bob showing off!

Is there any question where he gets it from?

Lily pad hats are the new thing this season.

Chloe paddlin' along

Abigail is a pro!

Getting pulled in on the tube

Summer fun at it's best!