Summertime Is In The Air!

It seems that everyone is out and about. We are no exception. Nice weather = outside time, running around, and enjoying every moment!

This week just flew by. I kept thinking it was about time for a real post, but never had a moment to do so. Okay. So I have been on the computer, but I've been playing around with new actions in Photoshop Elements. I can't seem to get enough time behind the camera and on the computer editing them!

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I have also been spending a lot of my extra time working on plans for my Dad's surprise 70's Birthday and my brother's surprise 40th Birthday. We are throwing a combined party on July 5th. My dad thinks we are having a "family reunion" and my brother just thinks we are trying to surprise my Dad. My brother has actually been upset with my sisters and I. He thinks we have forgotten about him turning 40. In our family, we have celebrated the 40th for my sisters with a different surprise part. My eldest sisters' party was a 1950's theme with a sock hop. My second oldest sister, we had a surprise Wizard of Oz themed party. You can see, we like to go all out.

I was Glenda, in case you were wondering. ;)

We have had our share of conflicts, relationship struggles, unhealthy choices, and dysfunctions, but when we come together we can really have a good time. Here are a few other times where we have had some fun.

*All of my siblings and I went to Akron, Ohio and stayed at a hotel, went to a really nice restaurant for dinner, and then the next day drove to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The day of our stay in Akron we went to Quaker Square Mall. I could not find a link for the mall itself, but this is a link to hotel (wish we would have stayed there!!). Any-hoo, while we were at the Mall, we had fun doing this photo!

*And this photo was taken when the small town (around 5000 people) that we grew up in (and my hubby and I recently moved back to) had their bicentennial. We stayed at our "new" local Inn, attended a catered dessert and dance, and the next day attended all the festivities downtown. We even had the opportunity to view a movie about our town on the big screen at our old town theater. It was one of the greatest memories I've had with my siblings.

So now that their birthday's are upon us, I have sort of taken the reins to pull most of the party together. I have designed both of their invitations, booked the location, and spoken with my sibling about what our exact plans are. Now because I know that my brother does not read my blog, I can say that he is going to flip when he realizes how much we did not forget about him! We intend to throw him off when my oldest sister comes in, in two weeks for an event we are attending together. It just so happens that it's on his birthday. We hope to use her arrival as a deterrent for he and my dad both. Little do they know that she is keeping with her plans to still come during the "family reunion"on July 4th weekend. They are both going to flip out!! I really am beyond excited. I love when all of my siblings can come together. Growing up I was not around all of my siblings much. There several years between myself and each of them. So it was almost like growing up an only child. So as an adult, when we get together, I cherish every moment.

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Speaking of my family. While typing up this post I was called by my one sister who lives about 15 minutes from me. Our sister who lives in Indiana has been experiencing some health issues. Her Dr.'s are wanting to run several test to find exactly what is wrong. Before going through all the test, she wants some time away from their home. She and her husband purchased an old school several years ago and recently they have renovated part of it into their home. They have some wonderful plans for the building that they are working on while living there. All of that to say that there is a possibility that there is mold or something in the air she is breathing in that could be making her sick. So, my "local" sister called to see if I could help. It looks as though my sister will be trying to drive in this week and will be staying with us. Though I hate that she is going through this, I am excited to see her. I love when my sisters come home. And my sister from Florida that I mentioned earlier? She is coming in on the 14th and staying with us!! And during my Dad and brother's celebration weekend, my nephew and his wife and daughter (my sweet great-niece) will be staying with us!! I can't wait to hold this precious girl!

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This week we take Camden to register for school in August. I can't believe this little guy is going to school this year!

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Well, I had intended on posting more but it has taken me too long just to get this much out. And boy there were a lot more photos than I had intended. ;)

I hope ya'll have a WONDERFUL week! Until next time friends...TTFN