camping

Before this weekend Drew and I hadn't been camping since our big excursion out west two years ago...and that is just too long! We really enjoy it, especially with friends. So this past weekend we headed out to John Bryan State Park with most members of the band I'm a part of (and spouses). We had PERFECT weather...just chilly enough to really enjoy huddling around the fire. And, it was our first overnight away from Jonas. He had a blast with his buddy, Beck, and Beck's grandparents, and we loved the relaxing time with friends.

Jody and I, showing off our 18-layer blanket-mattress. So comfy! Our husbands might reconsider sharing a tent with us after the uncontrollable giggling fits.

Being weird. Drew was standing on a hill, so this is him, being enormous.

Justin and his multipurpose camping cup

Oh my...we ate WELL. Food just tastes better over an open fire.

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hiking weather

We are loving this beautiful fall-like weather. This past Sunday we took full advantage of it and spent the day hiking...one of my favorite things to do! And Jonas loved it just as much.

Fueling up

Jonas is an excellent hiker.
If only he wasn't so interested in the rocks that he forgets to keep going.

Love this backpack. Love this little boy.

What tops off a great hike? A yummy cake, of course.

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proud sister

I'm a proud sister. Very cool things are happening in my family!

My younger brother, Jeremy, is finishing up his Sports Management degree at Indiana University (Go Hoosiers), and would love to coach when he is done with school. He's getting an early start, and this fall he is the Assistant Wide Receiver coach for an area high school in Bloomington, IN.
He's the tall guy, second from the left in the coaching section.

My younger sister, Stephanie, just started her second year of teaching in Indiana. She's teaching middle school math...I know...crazy. She's an excellent teacher. And I love taking her shopping with me to figure out the best deals...she's ridiculously faster at the math than I am. I'd post her latest school pic, but she's not really into passing around her picture anymore :)

I'm wondering when we got so old??

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buy our stuff

Garage sale-ing is an adventure. Sometimes you hit the jackpot and find a great deal on something you don't really need must have. Other times those little goodies are few and far between. This past week our house church attempted to have one of our own, solely filled with great finds for a steal, of course. After three days of bartering, sitting, and corralling three toddlers, we actually sold quite a bit and raised some money for a friend! I really enjoyed having some neighbors stop by, some of which I'd never met. And one miraculous morning, all three little guys actually napped at the same time, which gave us girls time to sit and chat.

By far, my favorite thing was having those customers who were ecstatic to find something they could really use. A really nice man bought Drew's old drafting table for gift for his wife. An older woman who takes care of her husband full-time was so happy to find some of our jewelry. And then there was the little boy who found a small trinket and excitedly said to his mom, "This is beauutiful!!"

Filled to the edge...and beyond

A good idea in theory. Lots of tears here.

Me, Tricia, and Jody - hard at work

It's so neat to see how God is working in our house church. We are learning how to live life together. And how to sell our junk together :)

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schroeder family reunion

What a fun group. We spent a long weekend in southern Indiana with 20ish family members (Drew's mom's side), ages ranging from 7 weeks to 83 years. Grandma and Grandpa Clemens were excellent hosts! We swam, ate, rode bikes, played cards, ate, napped, played with the babies, and ate again. It was a really great time. We do miss our families, but we're thankful we can take weekend trips to spend time with them. We can't wait to see you again soon!

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