If it has 3 leaves.....

LET IT BE!!!!  In what may be the dumbest move I had made in a while, I decided to clear out an overgrown area in our yard.  I worked a little and was about to go in when I remembered there was a plant growing up in the fence by the shed.  I proceeded to cut it with the trimmers and pull it out of the fence.  The result:  not good.  Quoting the Indiana Jones movie:   I chose.........poorly!  2 days later this was the result.

Now aside from the fact that I don't have an ounce of makeup on....it's a scary photo. :)  It's on my neck, face, ear....you name it.  The swollen area under my eye is actually 10 times better in this photo than when I woke up.  I went to the doctor and got a steriod shot on Tuesday.  It did nothing.  I called back in and they wrote up a perscription for Prednisone, so we'll see how that works.  What's worse is that Dusty was out there with me and he's extremelly sensitive to the stuff.  He's in worse shape than I am.  We're both on the steriods.  Hopefully it clears up soon.  We're compensating for our misery by eating ice cream.  So when this clears up, we may both need to go on a crash diet.

Weekend Party

Spent the weekend in Illinois celebrating Dusty's parents 50th wedding anniversary.  Had a great time with family.  It also happened to rain almost the entire time of the party, but we were in a building at the park so it was OK.  Turned the park into a swamp, but everyone had a good time visiting.

Golden

I know, not a lot of blogging lately.  First of all, we've been lazy this summer so far.  Aaron is away this week at youth camp and Rachel and I have occupied our time by swimming, renting movies, and generally taking it easy.  And second, I've also been a bit preoccupied with party planning.  Dusty's parents, Larry and Leona, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this weekend.  We off to party on Friday evening.  This is a big deal and must be celebrated! :)  It's becoming harder and harder to find a couple that has been married that long.  They are a wonderful example of the importance of marriage and family.  They are the best in-laws in the world and I'm proud to be their daughter-in-law.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Mmmmm....Bazbeaux

Spent a lovely evening out without the kids tonight.  Started off with some pizza from Bazbeaux.  I know I've said Dimaggio's in Flora is my favorite pizza joint, but this one is giving it a run for its money.  No kids means we get to have more toppings than just pepperoni! :)

Me and my "Pirate of the Convertible" look.

After driving around the circle and walking for a bit around the canal we found a spot in White River Park and watched the sun go down.

Had a great time with my favorite guy! :)

And if you want to know what Aaron has been doing this week.....CLICK HERE



Backyard Fun

This evening was spent enjoying the outdoors in the backyard.  Hayden was here to hang out with Rachel.  Before their backyard adventures however we had a solid hour of dancing and jumping around to "We Will Rock You" and "Cotton Eyed Joe"......a...solid....hour!

Then it was out to the backyard for some fun.

Had to grab this shot quick...

...because this was a couple seconds later.

Lightening bug time

A a few moon shots to round out the evening.

Jazz in the park

Occasionally we like to expose the kids to a bit of culture.  Or at least a little more than can be found by watching "Man vs. Food" on the Travel Channel.  Tonight we headed out to the park for the first concert in the Brownsburg Summer Concert series.  Up tonight:  Indy Jazz Orchestra.

Then there was this guy (who I assume was from the newspaper) packing all his gear.  Dusty's question when he saw this:  "What's the point of the telephoto lens if you're standing right at the stage anyway?"  Maybe it make for good definition on the nose hairs. :)

Rachel took the opportunity to do a little  a LOT of dancing.

And the look on Aaron's face when I told him to go dance with his sister.  Actually Aaron said he had a good time....his favorite - the drummer.  Go figure.

And Dusty - Mr. Perfection and Excellence - appreciates listening to good musicians.  So everyone was happy.  Especially since we ended up at Dairy Queen after it was over.

Splashin'

I took Rachel and her friend Chloe to Avon today to try out the new splash pad at the park.  Perfect place to spend a warm afternoon.  The splash pad and playground are right next to each other.  That means I can sit in the shade and keep an eye on everyone.  Follow it up with 49 cent ice cream cones from McDonald's and you have a good time.

And now for a little fun.  This is a shot of the toys Chloe brought to play with:  a dinosaur, a naked Disney princess doll, and a Chuck Norris action figure.  What a combo!  We could play "Caption This Photo", but I'm sure that could head off in a direction that would not be good. :)



Camping adventures

Just got back from spending 2 nights camping out at McCormick's Creek state park with the Painter & Bohrer crews.  We all had a great time and I only managed to inflict 2 minor injuries on myself.  One because I was acting goofy and the other because I should carry a flashlight with me at night. McCormick's creek has a nice waterfall and the kids love playing in the creek.  Waterfall = photo op. :)  Besides the creek there was also smores, hikes, dirt, swimming at the pool, sparklers, dirt, cards, dirt, cake, and more dirt...an all-around good time.