I don't have any fancy schmancy photos to add . . . at the moment . . . but here's what we've been up to (in a nutshell).
Anna will be getting braces soon! Spacers go in on Aug. 27th and braces on Sept. 3rd.
Daila is going to a formal pre-school and doing well. We all started school on Aug. 13th.
I am teacing 4th grade for a few months while the teacher is on maternity leave.
We went to the Magic House on Aug. 12th as a family. It was Ben's first time. We all had a blast and I'm glad we could do it together. The girls earned free tickets for that night through the St. Louis County Library summer reading club. (I also have read a ton of fabulous books over the summer. It's been fun.)
We have spent a couple of weekends down in Sullivan to spend time with the family; especially my sister Paula and 4 of her kids (who live in California but drove out for a visit).
Ben surprised me with a weekend alone together. He arranged babysitting for the girls at Grandma Hamblin's house and we drove to Branson. We raced Go Carts, waited in traffic, went shopping at flea markets, watched some hilarious girls practicing on their mopeds they had just rented, waited in traffic, shopped at the outlet stores, waited in traffic, soaked in redneck crafts (like a whole line of jewelry made out of Confederate flag beads), watched Harry Potter, ate at Olive Garden for free (funny story), and stayed at the same hotel we originally stayed in on our first trip to Branson as newlyweds 10 years ago. All in all it was a very relaxing and enjoyable trip. We were so laid back and easy-going the whole time. No deadlines, no responsibilities. We didn't even mind the traffic. :) We just kicked back and enjoyed each other's company. Oh and the new Branson Landing is beautiful. That was a fun walk. I think I can post a picture of the awsome fountain there.
Well that's about it. We've been incredibly busy and away from home a lot. So I've got to get off this computer and clean up the house. But we've managed to squeeze in all sorts of fun things all summer long. But . . . guess it's back to work now. ;-)
All right, you caught me. Vampires aren't real. The last one isn't even very famous. He's my dad. He may not be a vampire, but he sure does get blood frequently. And he says he feels much better once he's had some. He's been going through quite a bit of blood lately. (His own blood is not doing the job, you see.) It's worrisome but . . . 
. . . at least he's not a scary vampire. :) Here's to good health Dad!!
