This and That

Just two weeks ago, Jacob graduated Kindergarten. What a production that was! Complete with cap, gown, pomp and circumstance, the kids walked across the stage to receive their 'diplomas'. It was a really cute idea and we had a great day celebrating with Jacob and his classmates.

Then it was off to the beach for the weekend. We had such a great time. The kids love to visit the Aquarium, no matter how many times we have been there before so that was top on our agenda. We went to the beach as well, although the kids preferred the pool at the hotel - party poopers! Paul and I enjoyed a concert in the hotel courtyard from our balcony after the kids were asleep. It was so nice! He even went to the Tiki Bar and we sipped margaritas while we listened to the music - YUM!

Two more days until the Jankowski's family vacation. Sounds like a title for a comedy, doesn't it? Only time will tell if there are more laughs than tears as we brave the open road - with three little devils...I mean angels...in the back seat. Our plans are to visit as many family and friends as we can in the three weeks that Paul has been given time off work. We just pray that it works out that way:) I will try to keep this updated as we travel and let you know when we might be ringing your doorbells Look out PA and NY! The Jankowskis are coming!

Hi Ho the Dairy-O..A Camping We Will Go!

Oh yes, we had THAT much fun!
Paul and I had not been camping since fall of 2001. Needless to say, that experience and this one were different, although there were a few similarites. Let's compare.

SIMILARITIES:
~Both were church related excursions - so good friends were our company for each one.
~Fall 2001 started off with rain and Spring 2008 had rain the second morning.
~At both we ate, slept, and enjoyed great company.

DIFFERENCES:
~Fall 2001 we had no children - Spring 2008 we had THREE (a whole host of differences there!)
~Our first trip neither one knew how to start or maintain a fire - this time we were pyromaniacs!
~Paul and I had never been camping prior to Fall 2001 so everything was creepy, crawly, or covered in mud! This time, we really just enjoyed the experience and let the other stuff go! What a way to live:)
~Fall 2001, we were both at the mercy of nature and our friends for most everything. Spring 2008, being 'older and wiser' does have its advantages!

How about a few 'camp-isms' from my family to you?

Kazoo - the boat that you ride in on the lake..aka a canoe!
A Yak - the funny looking boat that only one person can ride in on the lake..a kayak (wow, alot of A and K there!)
Turdy - yes, a turtle...but this was the name that Chloe decided 'he' should adopt
Crappyfish - name that became of all fish caught when trying to explain what type of fish they were
Foyer/Mansion - ok, this one was from the adults but it refers to the huge tent with a screened porch area that we were blessed to be able to borrow from our wonderful friends - thanks Phillip family!

Ok, enough with the lists! If you hadn't guessed by now, we had an absolutely fab-u-lous time last weekend on our camping excursion. The weather was perfect, except for a short rainburst on Saturday morning. Even that was timed well, as we had all been up quite early (I'm talking 530-6am!) that day. So naptime it was for most all of us. How refreshing to have nothing to do but take a midmorning nap - I want more of that! The whole weekend was relaxing and stress free.

Having two adults and three kids in one tent wasn't something that Paul and I were excited about, but it was so much fun! Jacob and Chloe thought that sleeping in a tent was an adventure in the making. Even Jonah collapsed into giggles each night when he was laid down on an airmattress next to his brother and sister. Thanks to the generosity of friends, we had a tent fit for a royal family and loved it!

There were boating trips - a few that reminded us all of an accident waiting to happen, fishing dates that caught more seaweed than fish, playground and pool time, and food that was better than what I cook at home on a daily basis. We were spoiled rotten and it was a blast!