Ellen's shower

It has been a week since I last posted. We have had a lot going on around here and it finally feels like the dust may be settling. Ellen's shower went very well. She got some beautiful gifts. It was nice to have her around to hang out for a few days. Her cousins came down early from Pittsburgh to help set up and get things ready. They also provided some much needed comic relief! They are really going to be a blast at the beach when we head down for the wedding. Which I must say, we are really looking forward to the trip. Noreen and I have been in cahoots about what to take, eat, drink, etc.. Thank you Amy for sending me the photos from the shower!
The kids and I are going to try to make a journey to Charleston to see my dad and Ghaski. I can't wait to take Brady to Camden Park as it holds memories from when I was a little girl. My dad and grandfather used to take Paige and I there. We may also visit the Clay Science Center. Michael will not be able to join us as he can't take the time off of work right now. I really feel that this trip is needed. They haven't even seen Oliver since he was 5 days old! Are they in for a shock! It seems that family visits are too few and far between and when they do happen they are too short. Lives are just so busy. And summer is almost over. We had so many other plans for the summer and the weekends are just about all used up. I am still hoping to host a picnic at the camp for all of our families who would like to join us.
Brady has been in nature camp since last week, Dylan is there this week as well. I have bribed him to carry Brady's backpack to lunch and the pool. The payoff? Four new ringtones! I wanted to get some pictures of he and Brady but he barely even acknowledges me. It is too uncool to say hello to your aunt when your friends are around.
Only two more days and Lee and Jon board the plane that will take them to their daughter. It is surreal that they are actually going to get her! All the waiting and frustration that they have gone through has led to the most exciting few days of their life. Wow. Hopefully they will have Zoe in their arms by Monday, August 6th. As soon as she sends me picture with their new daughter, I will be sure to post them.
I took these photos of Oliver a couple of days ago. He was peering out the front door of my mother's house as I left him to join Brady at the pool for a few hours.