[talk: I Was Away - Were You?]

I came home, beyond excited to read all of the "BIG GIVE" tales - to find that only one had left a comment. I spent the night wondering why no one wanted to be a part of it - and to be honest, I felt a little silly *blush*. I mean, was I on my own on this one? Was I foolish to think that maybe a blog could be inspirational *laughing*?? Well - maybe people DID care, and DID do things but just didn't let me know ... or maybe it was bad timing with the long weekend and all. I hope so. But whatever the case, your stories were missed *smile*.

Our little family joined my husband's immediate & extended family on a weekend away to a nearby town-on-the-lake. It took us almost 5 hours to get there - and it should've only taken just over an hour. The highway was a parking lot because a portion of it was closed due to flooding. It was a good thing we didn't wait to eat at our destination - but it was tricky keeping the boys entertained for that long while crawling along.

The boys both killed themselves laughing at the "rhyming game" we played.

Siah SCREAMED until we let him out after 4hrs - and let him drive. Shhhh ... don't tell *grin*.

We stayed at a motel and the boys were so excited to be only a block from the beach. The weather was ok - not great, but not as bad as it could've been. And the most important thing for us - they SLEPT WELL *grin*. Isn't that what makes or breaks a vacation??

So - my husband's folks were there, his Zios & Zias (uncles and aunts) and cousins ... and their kids too. At times it was difficult to figure out where people were as we didn't all stay at the same place. But the town was small enough and we did try and have our dinners together.

We kinda overtook the balcony of the motel - but we put it to good use. Lots of food, laughter and just plain ol' noise *grin*!

So our days were spent at the beach - playing catch or building sand castles. I took my camera, of course, and tried to capture the essence of the holiday with my Nikon. It never does the experience justice, or maybe I'm just not that good at it yet, but here are a few shots of the hundreds I took.

But before I put those up, I just wanted to mention that it was my parent's 40th Anniversary this past weekend and how proud I am that their commitment to each other will be such a wonderful legacy for our family. Obviously, broken marriages have their stories and validations, but in the same way we support them, I think it is only fitting to celebrate those who's marriages have stood the test of time. We love you Mom & Dad. Congratulations.

OH. And my brother ... it was his bday as well and he's out of the hospital - all is well after his surgery - and he ate his piece of DQ Ice Cream Cake just nicely at his family celebration last night. *grin*. Happy bday, big brother.

Ok ... the rest of the pics. I'm off to make blueberry-lemonade popsicles for the boys with my Vitamix. Have a great one!!

the boys after a good night's sleep.

Tias sawing logs.

Siah notices the dirt on his hands. But not on his pants.

Papa and Tias going to get ice cream ...

Play "catch" with the cousins. Siah wanted to join in ...

Making a sand castle.

Siah running as FAST as he can ...

Tias.

Having supper with the family ...

building a castle .... again.

making lines in the sand.

we think he's pretty cute.

Siah and his tracks. I mean, truck.