Grandma's Birthday

Our town...

I just wanted to quickly say that we live in the absolutely coolest town ever. It truly is a paradise (defined by breathtaking scenery, no humidity, and no bugs). But the cheap entertainment around here really beats all. I took the family out for a rare dining out experience (I love to cook and my husband prefers to eat in) and we spent $8 for ALL 4 of us to eat our fill. Mind you, I didn't say $8 each, I said $8 TOTAL! We have this great little hole in the wall Chinese food place where everything on the menu is $1.49 and it's great food (no MSG). Plus, we have a $1 theater (yes, the movies are old but we don't care) that on Tuesdays sell all tickets for 50 cents. The four of us can see an older movie for $2. If I wasn't married and a man, I'd take all my dates out on Tuesdays and do that deal. With prices like those, we can buy a popcorn and soda.

I love my town!

The Name Game

We are still not inspired. Granted, we only have about 2 months to come up with a fantastic name for our baby and we just can't seem to get it together.

• Dreese (a Dutch name with spelling changed--it should be Dries)
• Elias
• Micaiah (kind of like Michael or Micha)
• Francis (Hubby likes this one because of Francis Shaffer--it's a no go for sure)

Any GOOD suggestions? Keep them coming!

8 Months and Counting...

We're Going on a Moose Hunt...

As of this very Labor Day weekend, I have a new found respect for all those who accomplish the fine art of landscape and wildlife photography. I will admit that I'm decently good at getting cute photos of the kids. They may not always be smiling but they're usually full of the natural character of my children. However, I diligently tried (we had 83 pictures total) to get a GOOD picture of a moose this weekend. The one above was the very best of the bunch and it's overexposed. My husband is actually a fabulous photographer. The photos he took on safari in Africa several years back attest to that fact. But we just got a new digital camera and we're having a hard time making it work with the old telephoto lens. Something to do with aperture. Anyway, I think I'll buy a postcard.

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We did have a great time with our friends and with nature. I miss the potty and a warm shower when we go camping but it really is worth the filth to have such fun with the kids. Bug is an incredible camper. He doesn't complain and can poop with a great squat. That is no small feat for a 30 year old let alone my little 4 year old! In one day he walked 1.6 miles to a lake and Peanut walked 1.2 of those same miles (Papa carried her a bit of the way downhill). They both have this great "I can do it myself" attitude and just love camping. We have the best kids ever!

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And we saw 7 moose!