Visitors!!

My college roommate and her family came down for a visit this weekend. I haven't seen her in over 3 years and I am so thankful they made the trip down to visit! We are excited to be living closer to each other and are planning many more gatherings. They joined us for Mother's day weekend and we all had a blast. The kids got along so well and we were able to just hang out.

A little Illinois sunset the night before our visitors arrived

the weather was perfect when they arrived so we all walked down to the playground to get some of the kids energy out. These girls decided on a sunglasses fashion show. Check out their style;)

These two are the same age (only 2 months apart) and were fast friends! They loved hanging out together, as you can see in this picture. I love the joy on their faces!

Colleen and me…I have missed her!

 John reading stories to the kids. It seems that Colleens kids love books as much as our kids do. so we spent a lot of time this weekend reading to the kids…even Alley joined in and read the younger ones some books

Mother's day snuggles with my girls

the older kids before church

the whole gang out for a mothers day lunch of cheeseburgers and fries…so thankful Colleen and family love the same things we do!!

After our visitors left, Andy and the girls took me shooting. Our annual Mother's Day shooting took on a whole different level here in Illinois…man was it more difficult to just go in and shoot, but we prevailed and it was fun!

I am so thankful I get to be a mommy to my three beautiful girls! I love it

Illinois Half Marathon and our 11th Anniversary!

I ran my 4th half marathon this weekend. Whew, I am glad its over. We didn't get any pictures because it was so cold, pouring rain and very windy. BUT I survived and actually had a PR!! Oh the joys of running in Illinois! Andy did make me jump out of the car and get a picture right as we were leaving.

I can barely move in this picture. Thankfully I had Andy bring extra clothes and we were able to warm up in his office, but I still was so cold and wet. Here is my "I can't feel my face or anything on my body and I and still freezing" smile. DONE!

We also celebrated our 11th anniversary today! Woot-woot! I am so thankful I am married to this man. He loves me and serves me so well. He is an incredibly hard worker, giving, kind and generous. I love how he stretches me and teaches me how to put others first as well as how to show others God's love. He is definitely my better half! Thank you for asking me to be your bride:)

We celebrated by eating donuts, chipotle, shopping at Home Depot and going to a Beer, Bourbon and Bacon festival. Then we ended the night with ice cream…he knows me so well:)!