Cousin Time!

Chris had time off Conference weekend, so we decided to spend it in Indianapolis with the Runyans. Emily and Jaron had the same idea, so we all got together. The girls were so happy to spend time with Spencer and Mikey. Here they are on the swing with Mikey. We had a wonderful time together and really enjoyed the sessions of conference.

The Devil Whale

Cameron and his band, The Devil Whale, came to Cincinnati on tour! Matt Hopper, a friend of the band's was also touring with them. Mom and Dad Runyan came into Cincinnati for the show. We got a sitter for the girls as they were playing late at night. A friend of ours, Adnan Mir, joined us for the show. We all got ice cream from Graeter's before the show, and had a nice time spending time with Cameron. After the show, Cameron and Matt Hopper stayed with us. The next morning, the band joined us for a huge breakfast. Thanks for stopping in Cincinnati boys!

No Power!

A huge windstorm blew through Cincinnati, compliments of Hurricane Ike. Due to the storm, 90% of Cincinnati lost power on Sunday. We were in that 90%. In fact, we ended up being without power for 7 days! Yikes. Chris was in North Carolina doing an away acting internship. Double yikes! The girls and I enjoyed ourselves by setting up a tent in the living room, listening to our shortwave radio, using flashlights and candles, and eating food from our food storage. Here we are having a picnic dinner inside. As the schools were without power, the girls did not have school for three days. (So fun!) We stayed at home for a few nights, and then moved into the Simpson's spare bedroom for the remainder of our blackout. It was really nice to be with close friends with power while Chris was gone and we had none. The Lord was truly looking out for us in Chris's absence. From the experience we learned that we are actually pretty well prepared. We need to be better about rotating flashlight batteries, and keeping more gas in the car, but that is about it.
Here is a picture of one of our light sources, matches, batteries, and our shortwave radio. We were amazed at how quiet things were around the house at night without appliances plugged in. Even with the lights and the T.V. off, your appliances like your fridge and computer make a low hum. Also, with no street lights on in the street and no night lights on in the house, the was really dark. Just a little too dark and too quiet for us. Thanks again Simpsons for allowing us to camp out for a few days!

First Day of Kindergarten!

My baby is in Kindergarten! When did she get to be so grown up? For some reason, it makes a little more sense when the older child grows up and does new things in life. Now my little Rachael is in Kindergarten and I have a bit more time on my hands. (That's a little bit nice...) I have been looking forward to this day with mixed feelings for a while. I am so going to miss having a little one at home, but I also know that growing up is so fun and exciting. After her first day of school, Rachael declared that it was "The best day EVER!". That eased my sad and lonely mama heart. She had gym on her second day of school. When asked how that day was, she declared that it was "The best day of my life!" Since she has said that, I have decided that I cannot be sad about her growing up. She is having too much fun.

First Day of 2nd Grade!

Morgan's first day of school was August 19th. She is now officially a 2nd Grader. Wow! When did she get to be so grown up? Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for supplying the cool new school clothes and shoes!

Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! Chris was off, and some of his Sunday meetings were canceled, so he actually got to sleep in. (That was a rare and unusual gift indeed!) The girls and I made him breakfast in bed (French Toast), and gave him some beautiful art work and some small gifts. (Two ties. Boring yes, but also essential at both church and the clinic.) We had a nice Father's Day together, and finished it out with FHE and Raspberry Pie. (Thank you Nana for the amazing recipe!)

Goodbye Diaz Family, We'll Miss You!

Our good friends Beth and Jon Diaz moved this week. Jon came here for Law School, and just graduated last month. (Hooray for them!) They had three sweet boys, who my girls loved. We went to play one last time and I was able to help Beth do some of the pre-move cleaning. From the left we have Tommy (3), Rachael, Jake (5), Baby Ben, and Morgan. We will miss the Diaz Fam, but are happy for them in their new move/adventure.