I'm back . . . and leaving again! :)

It's Sunday night and I AM WIRED.  2 reasons:  #1. I took a nap today (1 1/2 hours--amazing!)  #2.  We leave for Florida on Thursday!!!!  

Nate and I and our friends, the Ransons (the Stouts will be traveling with us in spirit--we will miss you guys!!!!) are leaving Thursday for a quick vacation to Marco Island, Florida!  Several months ago, we all got our heads together and decided to take a mini-vacation in October to kind of "spice up" the Fall season.  Thanks to the Stouts, we get to stay in a beautiful home that has a pool and plenty of room for all of us!  Here's to DOING NOTHING and hopefully getting some sun in late October! :)  

Our trip to Missouri was GREAT!  I'm so thankful that my sister and I could travel together and keep each other awake and entertained on a LONG 10 hour drive!   The kids did GREAT and I learned a lot about potty stops, loading the car with snacks, and the INTENSE NEED for DVD players on the back of each headrest.  I will be asking for this for Christmas at some point, I think. :) 

Here are some pics of our trip!  

Nate's parents, Jill and Nolan, and Nate's brother, Tim, with his girlfriend, Nikki-- so good to see you all!  Thanks for hanging out on Thursday evening!  

My sweet friend, Shoemake (her last name--she has a first name--this is just what I've always called her).  So good to see you, girl!  I'm so proud of you and blessed to be your friend!

My other dear friend, Brittany--we've been friends since high school!  We go WAY BACK!  So good to see you, friend!  

This is JB, my college roommate and dear friend.  So good to see you and I can't wait to hear about your AMAZING time in S. Africa!  

Jayce playing cars with Pop.  Aren't they the two cutest people you've every seen? :)

"Ta-da!"  Here's the gang--getting ready to shop 'till we drop (or until nap time)! :)  Don't know why I'm squatting, like I'm super tall and needing to "fit" into the picture--hilarious.

No, Jayce isn't praying (although he's super cute when he does that, too).  We were playing cars, and I told him he had to close his eyes while I hid his car.  I guess it takes a LOT of work for a 2 yr. old to close his eyes--it was HILARIOUS!!!

Nana and her grandkids! 

Halle is so grown-up!  She's beautiful! 

Go, go Lightning McQueen!  (I pretty much have the Cars movie memorized, in case you're needing a line or something) :)

Papa with his sweet grandkids!  

Duke and Tank--Nikki's sweet pups!  In case you're wondering, Tank is the itty-bitty one.  What a great name, huh?  :)

Hope you all have a wonderful week!  We're coming up on 20 weeks Tuesday!!!!  Maybe only 10 more???  Any predictions???