Do we know how to pick 'em?

...or do we know how to pick 'em?

Day 1: We pulled up Saturday evening and the clouds were looming overhead in preparation for rain. My mom, dad, and brothers were out at the conference grounds, and we thought it would be a fun family week to camp as it has been at least ten years since my last adventure.

After a short walk, the sky opened and buckets of water started drenching us. Our enthusiasm got the better of us, however, and we decided to go exploring anyway- finding the candy store, pool, playground, beach, tennis courts, basketball- lots of fun things to do when the rain cleared. Walking back to the campsite, the general concensus was that camping is just not camping without a fire- rain or not. Sitting under an umbrella (all of us now soaked clear through), we pulled out the starter wood and sticks to roast marshmellows, smores, hot dogs, etc. Isn't camping so much fun?

Day 2: Sleep did not go well last night. Josh, Jamie, Kayden, two dogs, lightening, thunder, and a plastic sheet on a full size bed led to lots of looking at the ceiling hoping for sleep to come. Ready to face a new day of God's nature, we set off to the showers and came out to...more rain.

Day 3: Raining again. Supposed to clear up soon. Might as well go home until it stops.

Day 4-5: Woke up to rain. Drive back to Grand Haven in the hopes it will be a nice day only to find the worse thunderstorm of the season on the horizon. Thinking it is better to be at home than in a trailer park in case of tornado, head home. In the rain.

Day 6: Officially the worst week for camping ever. Cursing the trailer, the fire, even the little spotted dog that runs by dripping wet. Trailer accomodations are tight, and we are all crabby. And wet.

Day 7: End of camping. You guessed it....more rain. Ended camping as we began. Sitting in the rain by the campfire.

Day 8: The rain finally clears... just as the trailer pulls out of the park.

Could possibly have ruined camping for me for life. My dad said that this was one way to make his single week of vacation feel like two.

Yes, it's true....

We are so thrilled. Over a year of trying, the ups and downs of infertility, wondering if it is ever going to happen. Many of you know the emotions well.

We found out a while ago, but I wanted to hear a little heartbeat and see the heart pumping before we shared. We are not that far along (about 7 weeks), but I know there have been so many prayers on our behalf, and honestly it has been such a long time coming I could not wait to share! I remember the first time spilling our struggles of infertiltiy in the coffee shop with you gals, feeling so supported and encouraged.

We are so thankful that God has blessed us, and stand amazed at the miracle of new life. Seriously, how can someone NOT believe in God after having a baby?

Please keep this little Baby Birdie in your prayers, and I also have one more request: I still have a few friends dealing with infertility. This kind of news comes hard; it always did for me. Please pray that they will have the same results we do!

A few more pictures from vacation:

Fig???

We NEED some of these hoops for our pool. Okay, need is a little strong, but they were fun.

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When Josh and I were first married, we bought a little white dog named Tia. She was our baby until we had Kayden, and we used to take her for long walks every night to the University of Redlands. Situated in the heart of the city, with the mountains as a backdrop and palm-tree lined streets, it has always been an idyllic setting for walking and talking.

On the back side of the campus, there is a street called "Fraternity Row", which always brought me back to college days. College students milling about, playing on the large central lush lawn between classes, studying on a park bench, eating luch with fellow students gives me a fondness and nostalia for days past at GVSU. The entire time we were in Redlands, we wanted to walk through the campus and we finally got the chance on Sunday.

The fountains by the cafeteria area

This one is for Josh- the basketball courts

The stage for graduation

If you see me sporting my new gift proudly- a Bulldog sweatshirt from the University of Redlands (thanks, Hale family)- you will know why. I love this university.

I would say it is nice to be home, but I am kicking myself for horrible time management. I promise things too quickly and then I cannot get them finished without rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off. Sigh.

Missed all my bloggers though:-)!

These photos were taken tonight. Kimberly-- a long time resident of Redlands and also co-founder of the
Kimberly Clark corporation (toilet paper and paper towels, etc)--gave 40 acres of land plus their house as a gift to the city when the last family member died. It was made into a community park, an "under the stars" theater, and the house is used for museum purposes. Since land space is at a premium out here, it is one of the few places that still has old trees, cobblestone pathways, coy ponds mixed with fountains and marble statues, enchanted gardens...some parts actually remind me of the Secret Garden.

It was always one of my favorite places to go, so we walked the trails tonight and looked over the city high atop Kimberly Crest.

The other is a picture of my other favorite historical house...I always thought it had a lot of character and would be fun to tour:-)