we're alive

We DO still exist. Since I last blogged:

• We had my sister, Traci and her family, my dad and brother, all here for the National Spelling Bee. Way to go, Talmage!
• I got to go to Quantico (military training grounds) and visit the FBI Academy for Teagan's graduation from a Youth Leadership Camp. I've discovered first-hand just how awesome my nephews are.
  
• Mom and Dad Pete came out for the 4th of July for a week. We made some SERIOUS memories camping in Shenandoah, touring the Luray Caverns and celebrating the 4th under umbrellas for hours. Good times. We LOVED having them out to visit.
  
• Caroline had a night terror while camping that was freaky. She also held her breath and passed out once this week (this makes it her 2nd time). She's ruined our camera, scribbled with marker all over her church clothes, had a tantrum that lasted 30+ minutes while we were a mile underground (with no escape route)--basically entered the 2's a little early. She can often be found wearing Rachel's underwear over her clothes and any pair of shoes she spots...she is completely enamored with shoes.
  
• Seth and Eliza have mastered the new Indiana Jones Lego Game, with the help of Aunt Janyse. They've also been extra busy with swim team and basketball camp, along with a lot of bickering. ;) Summer just wouldn't be the same without sibling rivalry.
  
• Rachel has registered for kindergarten, made countless friends while waiting for swim practice and has shown persistence as she keeps trying to convince us to cut her hair short. We haven't folded yet...
• James and I are here, too. Just carting the kids around and making time for softball too. Of late, we've gotten a babysitter for the games so that we can find time to still have date nights.