Counting on our Cousins

This past week was Dad's annual nursing home conference in Chicago. Mom was the lucky one who got to go with him this year and enjoy the peace and quiet in the hotel room the whole time! Just kidding- the real deal was a remodel project that began that week at their hotel which meant demolition daily. But thanks to all of her great kids, she's used to lots of noise, so it didn't bother her much and she was still able to get lots done :) --- but maybe we should just let her do her own post!

All of us kids spent the week in Princeville - or if you're Kenan - 'Principal'. Lily and Kenan spent the time at Grandpa and Grandma's (there's no place like home except Grandpa's house! :)). The rest of us spent our time at Herrmann's and participated in all kinds of memorable experiences!

We love playing our instruments together ... or at least I do. Elise usually joins us too which makes two violins, two guitars, and a mandolin - the Cousins Concert :)

lots of memories stirred in with those pancakes :)

 Laura and I spent Wednesday morning making sugar cookies while Todd and Marcus picked up the remains of a mini tornado and the younger kids wet their pants in the creek :)

Thursday we had out work cut out for us at Pleasant Prairie Nursery - but don't worry, it was fun work! We did lots of labeling and arranging for Herrmann's annual plant sale (btw: there's still time to check it out! ;)).

Wow!! He's actually working! just kidding, Marcus :)

all ready for the sale that began on Friday



CRAZY cousin time! :)


We met Mom and Dad at a play put on by the Washington Homeschool Group - they did a fabulous job!! We really didn't want it to end! After the play we went back to Princeville and  spent the day on Saturday cleaning out Grandma B.'s garage. It just so happened that it was garage sale weekend in Princeville and we seriously had to put up a 'Not a Sale' sign because so many people stopped and asked if it was a garage sale!

We hit the Midwest Gospel Sing on our way home, which was a really great way to worship! When we finally made it home, we crashed - literally. (and yes, Stollers beat us the next morning - without their parents even.) It was a great week but we were glad to be back together this week as family once again! Thanks again, Herrmann's and Grandma and Grandpa! We look forward to it every year! -Faith