Rochester

We are blessed to have amazing families and great friends! We recently spent Labor Day weekend with our "practically family" friends, the Howells. The kids always play "orphanage" when we're together . . . hmmmmm . . . wonder what that really means - and they made a movie of themselves.  We all look forward to the director's cut of that one.  The Howell's trampoline was also a huge hit and if we weren't eating or sleeping, there was a good chance the kids were jumping.  We enjoyed a trip Ellison Park where we canoed, kayaked, and played at the playground.  

Next up was the Seneca Zoo.  Lots of fun there as the animals were especially entertaining that afternoon.  I had tears running down my cheeks laughing at the baboons.  There was also a playground there with a huge "spider web" for the kids to climb on.  

Spiders!

Darin and Sarah playing that "try to push me over" game - who knows what it's really called?

Matthew and James

Sunday we enjoyed church and then went to Palmyra.  We took a short tour and then went to the Sacred Grove and Hill Cumorah.  I'm not sure how sacred the grove was feeling as the kids, in spite of our best efforts, went running down the paths and singing at the top of their lungs, but it was a good experience nevertheless.  

The Sacred Grove Shot (Oh, those silly boys):

Here are some contemplative pictures at the Hill Cumorah.  (You may notice Matthew's conspicuous absence from the contemplative photos . . . that is because he was rolling down the Hill Cumorah squealing and giggling rather than contemplating anything!  Ahh, me, what's a mom to do?)

Quiet Contemplation:

Darin and John got a couple of good workouts in over the weekend and even managed to squeeze in a game of tennis before we left Monday morning.  Heather and I enjoyed lots of good conversation and laughter together.  We are so grateful for them, and look forward to many more years of friendship to come!