Summer Nights

Summer is coming to a close. Before the all the craziness of school starts for me and a new rotation begins for Drew, we decided to take Sunday evening and spend some quality time together. One of our favorite things that we like to do in the summer is play tennis. Drew is much better than I am, but I have to say, last night I had at least shown some improvement since the previous time we had played! As the sun was setting we put on our game faces and headed out in the Jeep to play a couple matches of tennis. Of course, Porter came along. He enjoyed himself so much as he had ample opportunities to retrieve tennis balls! After our game we headed to do another of our favorite summer events: eat ice cream! We enjoyed a cool treat and enjoyed the remainder of the evening. As I will head back to work tomorrow, I will miss the freedom of the simple, wonderful summer nights!

POLO

For over a month, Drew has been talking about attending a Polo match in a nearby city. So, to celebrate his birthday, this past weekend we rounded up some great friends, some coolers full of food, and went for an evening outing! We weren't sure what to expect, as none of us had ever attended such an event, but we were quite satisfied by the end of the evening. What a neat atmosphere it was: picnic blankets, food, people dressed up both young and old. Polo surprised me at what an intense game it can be. If we got the opportunity, I know we'd love to go again!

IRONMAN

I have always admired my husband’s strong will, determination, and vast amount of strength that he puts into almost everything he does. Well, last weekend, I was able to observe that in a physical setting, and to watch it was amazing.
Last weekend Drew and I traveled to Benton Harbor, MI so that he could participate in his first triathlon event: and Ironman 70.3. When we first arrived in Michigan, we met up with Jake and Deb. Drew and Jake attended Taylor University together, which made training for marathons, including the Boston Marathon, much more convenient and enjoyable. Now however, these two friends can only use phone calls to encourage one another and hold one another accountable to their training schedules. So how though, they did it.
The Ironman took place on Saturday morning. I tell you, my husband is not a morning person, but he sure was out of bed quick that morning! I don’t believe any of us slept due to how nervous and excited we were. Jake finally got Drew out of the door by 5:00 a.m. and they were off. The fan crew, Vic, Vicki, Jakes two brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Gates, Deb and I all met up with them a few hours later as we waited on the shore of Lake Michigan for them to complete the first leg of their race. It’s awesome to see how they challenge and encourage one another. The anticipation grew as they grew closer to the finish line and we could finally pick out which swimming cap they were (it wasn’t too hard, for they were one of the few ones that we not wearing wet suits). They ran out of the water and up to the transition station with smiles on their faces. As they prepared for the biking portion, we were able to catch a few words with them and could tell they were still nervous, but excited and also glad that first part was finished.
During the biking and running events, we drove our car around to encourage them and cheer them on. Shaking our cow bells, blowing our horns, making human tunnels and shouting with loud voices definitely made us the most enthusiastic cheering squad! Amazingly, 6 hours and 33 seconds later, they crossed the finish line! We were so proud of them!
Throughout the entire event, I was amazed at Drew’s strength and determination. As we processed the experience when we drove home the next day, he stated how it was hard, but he was so happy that he did it and that he didn’t quit, even at the moments that he really wanted to. He also commented how he couldn’t have completed the race without Jake and how it wouldn’t have been as much fun without him. With these conclusions, it led us to praising God for giving Drew the abilities to do something so challenging and for giving him the friend to experience it with.
Some might wonder… What’s up next for Drew? Well, I asked him that very question. His reply: “I want to now do a full Ironman, and I want to qualify for the event in Hawaii.” There is no doubt in my mind, that if God continues to bless him with a strong will and great determination, and a friend that challenges him, that someday he will do just that.

A Summer Trip

At one point this summer, I was blessed to travel back to Southern Illinois for a few days. I had such an amazing trip spending time with family and seeing friends. My time there is always short and jammed packed, but so much fun! One of my favorite ways to spend time at home is taking care of my baby nephew Logan. He's crawling now and is getting so big! I love him more and more each time I'm with him and it's always so hard to leave when I have to say good-bye. I soak up time with him, getting every possible chance that I can. While at home I also enjoyed good talks with dad, and I enjoyed time with mom as we got pedicures and went out to lunch. My sister and I even snagged some one-on-one time to just get to sit and talk. We can't remember the last time we had done that so for us, it was time well spent and much needed! She's such a beautiful woman and I admire her simplicity about life. She and Joe just finished building a new home and I was able to enjoy experiencing it. I love my family so much, and no matter what we do, I love spending time with them. I can't wait for mom and dad to come visit for my birthday!

During my trip I was also able to see, Steph, who is a wonderful old friend. This girl and I have been friends since we were kids, and we don't keep in touch like we wish we could, but we always pick up where we left off! I was able to have dinner with her and her husband and see how they go together so well. I enjoyed getting to know Dave, as he seemed to fit right into my family, even though he had really never met them! We had great laughs, good talks, and a lot of fun just being together. She even willingly tagged along for my hair cut, b/c I always need her stylish ideas and loving support! Since being back it makes me miss hanging out with Steph so much, but like we said, "someday".....

Wedding planning is in the air for one of my best friends, Renee. Living in VA has made my Matron of Honor duties a little more challenging, but that's why I'm happy we both have Verizon and can talk as many hours as needed...for free! I was able to see her try on beautiful wedding dresses, and I was able to try on bridesmaid dresses. The wedding is 10 months away...so let the fun begin! My trip also led me to a few short visits with college friends too. Although these visits were brief, I cherish them so much for I miss having these girls in my life every day. Dana and Steve were able to stop by for a wonderful late night visit and Beth graciously met me at the airport to dry my tears from leaving and hang out with me for the few hours I had before heading back to VA. I was blessed to see both of those friends and cherish every moment I get with them.

My heart is just filled at home in ways that it can't be here in VA. I mean, it's the place you grew up with everyone around that you know...it just does something good for my soul and there's no place like it; however, as much as I love being home there is one person that it was missing, which is the reason I was able to get on a plane and come back to VA. I'm sure you can guess who that one person was=Drew.