Michigan...

Well summer is nearly over and that means that baby girl #3 will be arriving before we know it. Therefore, I figured I better play catch up on the blog before it never happens. I'm not sure we've ever had quite a full summer as this, but we have managed quite well considering all the travels we've done with two small kiddos, one pregnant mama, and one sleep-deprived daddy. In the midst of all of our travels to speak and raise support for Hungary we were able to take a week vacation (our first real vacation since our honeymoon 6 years ago...) to Michigan. I grew up going to Stony Lake, MI every summer and my dream was to take Viktor (and the girls) there to share in the fun. My parents were able to rent the same cottage that we stayed in most of the years we vacationed there and so the last week of June we literally unplugged (with no cell service or internet on the lake) for a week. It was a great week filled with a lot of quiet, relaxing, reading, playing, swimming, eating, etc. I read two books during the week, which is HUGE! I never have time to sit and read for pleasure and I loved every minute of it.

We had our own little beach out front of the cottage and Emily and Viktor spent many hours building sand castles.

The first night we were there Viktor and my mom spent a long while blowing up all the rafts for the week. Viktor finished long before my mom and even got a little nap in while waiting on her to finish.

Gabriella LOVED watching all of the boats go by. Every time she would hear an engine coming she would stop what she was doing (whether we were inside or out) and wave to the boats passing by. She now does it at home anytime she hears a car or airplane. ha

Loving the sand!

Going on a boat ride.

One day it was pretty chilly and rainy so we went to a petting farm nearby. Pop and Mimi being silly in the big chair...

Gabi LOVED feeding the animals...Emily, not so much.

This was my view every day from the couch...lovely.

The cool thing about Stony Lake is that it is attached to Lake Michigan by a small little river and is only about 3 miles from our cottage by car. We spent many afternoons playing at the big beach.

One morning we went to Silver Lake to the dunes. Gabi and I stayed behind and walked through some beautiful neighborhoods while everyone else went on the dune ride. Em loved it!

A quick stop at the lighthouse on the way back from Silver Lake.

So peaceful!

Our cottage...

You can float down the little river from Stony Lake into Lake Michigan...they all planned to go but after a rocky start Emily decided she would rather meet up with the others at the other end.

After 45 minutes they finally made their way to the end!

A trip to Pentwater for icecream.

The girls strolling along...

I didn't know this, but apparently swans are very aggressive. Stony Lake has had several swan families take over and they literally stroll up and down the shoreline like they own the place. They are actually known to attack people so we had to keep an eye on the girls whenever they would come around. They are beautiful though!

When we first found out that Emily was a girl (via Ultrasound) Viktor was a bit shocked and didn't know what to do or say. After almost 20 minutes of not speaking his first question was, "I can still take her fishing, can't I?" I assured him he could still take his daughter fishing and here is the proof...she LOVED it!

On Friday our friends (who own the cottages in which we've stayed over the years) came down and took us boating. Besides the annoying life jackets, the girls had a blast.

Two thumbs up!

She loved the wind!

Lily pad flowers from the lake in honor of our sweet little Lily.  :)

Too tired for a clever title.... :)

We have been busy!! I know, I know...who hasn't been busy!?! But, seriously, two weeks ago we spent our first full weekend home since February. Phew! We have been traveling and though tiring at times, it has been good! We have been blessed with two great little travelers who seem to not be phased with packing up every weekend and staying in a new place each time. They have adapted far better than I could've ever imagined...thankful for those who pray for us!!! We are heading out on a 10 day adventure tomorrow, will be home for less than 2 weeks and will head out again on another 10 day adventure! This week we will be visiting some friends in IN before heading to Michigan for a family vacation with my parents. We are looking forward to some time away to rest. At the end of the week we get to head to a church in MI to share. The pastor was a missionary in Hungary when Viktor was in high school. It will be great for them to catch up! Emily just finished two weeks of swim lessons and we are hoping this will be a good start to all the swimming we will hopefully get to do next week! We appreciate your prayers as we hit the road, yet again!

Here are just some random pictures since my last post...with a few updates. :)

Emily enjoys taking care of our newly planted flowers and her little sister is not far behind! Side note...Emily wasn't much of a climber, Gabi on the other hand LOVES to climb and has no fear. She is such a little go-getter!

My sweet big girl ready for some time in the water!

I seriously LOVE how well these two play together. It has been one of the sweetest relationships to watch develop. I pray they continue to be best buds.

We spent Memorial Day Wknd in New Carlisle, IN. We were able to visit some good friends and speak in a church that supports us. We also got to take a side trip to the area zoo. Gabi loved the peacock!

Getting ready to hike up the big tower.

Emily and Dan coming down from the tower. We were working on her "I U" cheer!

Another example of how my girls are so different. Emily would never get this close to a horse. Gabi loves animals. This might change, however, since right after this picture was taken the horse bit her finger pretty hard. :) This is also the girl that will pick up bugs that are crawling around outside and bring them to me. ha. Love her.

Enjoying some bonding time!

The zoo was across the street from Lake Michigan (one of my all-time favorite places). We couldn't resist a little beach time even though it was cloudy and cool.

Steph and Em tossing rocks into the lake.

We were all a little tuckered out.

Some of the church got together for a cookout while we were there and so we got to enjoy some extra time with them. Earlier in the day, Roglenda (pictured below) had asked Emily what kind of cookies she likes. Emily said she liked icing and sprinkles. After dinner that night Roglenda surprised Emily (and the rest of the kiddos) with these fun cookies. So thoughtful!!

The weekend after Memorial Day we spent in Bloomington visiting sweet friends. We also celebrated Gabriella's baby dedication at our "home" church. I love the next two pictures. The first clearly shows how much Gabi did not want John to hold her during the prayer. She was SO upset. Viktor finally leaned in and they all hugged. She finally gave in and grabbed a hold of Viktor's nose while resting her head on John's shoulder (see pic below). It was a sweet moment.

We got home from Btown Sunday evening to have my parents arrive for a short visit. They were vacationing in GA and stopped for a few days on their way back home. Gabi finally got her 1st birthday present from them...a stylin' pink car! She LOVES it and the girls spent most of the day playing in it! Here she is "helping" daddy put it together.

 

A little princess dance party...a frequent event around this house. Can't wait to add another little girl!

Helping me prepare breakfast. :)

I can't believe I captured this moment on camera, but so thankful I did. These girls are just so sweet. My heart melts.

And now I am officially exhausted after packing and preparing for our trip all day!  I'm heading to bed...wishing my body (at 26 weeks pregnant) could allow me to sleep this peacefully!!