Had Me a Blast

Many, many thanks to everyone who heard and answered my plea for prayers in June. I am pleased to announce that we had a lovely summer.

In addition to two fantastic trips, we also...

wore our Slytherin scarfs to Harry Potter 7.2 in 95 degree heat...

turned villainous at work and kidnapped a coworker...

met up with some very dear friends...

re-discovered our inner hippies...

and, for some reason, made a ridiculous amount of cupcakes.

(Loooooove these panda bears!)

(Jacob's interpretation of the sorting hat and deathly hallows.)

We also survived a very old, moldy, bug-infested, disgusting apartment (no pictures of THAT, thank heavens). And Jacob completed his master's degree and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. You know, minor detail. :)

It's been a good summer.

Something Mighty Fishy

Welcome to the newest member of our home, Calico Jack, who has been with us for just over a week! I'm already a huge fan. I've taken at least fifty pictures of him. But I won't bore you with them. I understand if you're not fish-obsessed like me.

In other news, Tuppence a Bag may undergo some reconstruction in the next few weeks, including a title change. Just thought I'd warn you.

I Always Want To Be With My Own Family

Jacob and I were fortunate to spend the end of July with my favorite people in the whole world.

It's tough for me to live so far away from my family. I always treasure the rare moments I get to spend with them. And when that moment occurs at the family reunion, Orrville 2011, you can be sure the week will be full of funtastic memories!

We always rent cabins at some Virginia state park. This year we went to Claytor Lake, by Blacksburg. It was such a delight.

We had this beautiful view of the lake from our cabin,

and a dock to relax on.

We spent a lot of time at the beach,

went cycling,

went kayaking,

visited one of the few shot towers still standing,

were merciless towards the pinata,

made a lot of bubbles, big and small,

played a lot of soccer,

and not quite enough volleyball for my taste,

and participated in Granny's Famous Last Night Glow Stick Parade!

But mostly, I spent every day so grateful to be with these people,

and these people,

and these people,

and these people,

and these people,

and these people.

There's really nothing like family.

Granny and Poppy, thank you for another great reunion! Can't wait to see everyone again.

(And thank you, Jen, for the great pictures!)