Lately...

I have way too much to get done to justify sitting at the computer playing on the blog. But it's been so long since I've updated it, and I'm afraid people will give up on reading or even checking in on The Coke Connection. I thought I'd give a "quick" update.

We just returned from a 8 day trip to Illinois for Jeremy's oldest brother's wedding. Jeremy was a groomsman, Anna was the flower girl, Isaac was the ring bearer (even though he didn't bear any rings...just a "slippery pillow"), and Ryley and Josiah were candle lighters. I sat on the pew wearing the supportive and somewhat emotional mom-face. They were all just amazingly cute and I was so proud. I loved it when, for a moment during the ceremony at communion time, they all came and sat with me. Then everyone in the church knew those amazing people belonged to me. The highlight of the entire trip, according to Anna, was when she and Daddy got to dance together at the wedding reception. As there were photographers everywhere taking tons of pictures, I didn't snap any. I couldn't focus the camera anyway, because of the tears blurring my vision and mascara. I WILL be ordering some from the pros, though. It was such an emotional and beautiful thing.

To celebrate the birthdays this year, Grandma and Grandpa Coke took us to Six Flags Great America, close to Chicago. As it turned out, the day we went the park was closed to a private event. That event happened to be Homeschool Day, so we were treated to non-existent lines at the rides, a great atmosphere, and a discounted ticket price! All my kiddos went on real roller coasters and although we all felt queasy on and off all day, no one got sick. Jeremy and I even went on the Super Drop, where we rode 277 ft. straight up and were held there for what seemed like forever, then we free fell all the way down. I think the adrenaline is still coursing through my veins. The grandkids have amazing pull, as they were able to convince Gma and Gpa to go on lots of rides with them. Jeremy's younger brother Jon was also able to go. Ryley and Josiah enjoyed going on the crazy rides with him.We were so thankful to be able to spend a good amount of time with Jeremy's Uncle Mike, Aunt Linda, and cousin Marissa. In the picture below are, l to r, Linda, new sister-in-law Megan, and Marissa.We also spent some time with my grandparents. The kids lit up the faces of folks at the nursing home where Gpa Jacobson lives. Gma and I spent time going through pictures, doing a bit of shopping, going out for a "ladies lunch" with Anna and Mom Coke, and taking Gma through her first ever automatic car wash.

And somehow, in the middle of the trip to the apple orchard, visits with relatives, an afternoon of swimming, and all the rest, the brothers were able to carve out some "down-time" and play video games together.

Now, I better get back to work. We have decided to rent out our house for the time being, and we have people lined up to move in Nov. 1st. All we have to do now is get our property ready for us, pack up the house we've lived in for 10 years, and move out!