Response to Travel Tag

Hello! Today I would like to respond to Render's tag about this summer and about the desire for future travel.

Our family really enjoyed our trip to Minnesota and Chicago. Typically our family vacations are go, go, GO vacations where we see a bunch of national parks, tons of museums, etc. and wear ourselves out with fun. This year was different. This year we spent five days at a lake in Minnesota doing nothing. We just enjoyed nature, the cool weather, the incredible food at the lodge, doing a cool Smaug puzzle, and hanging out. My younger daughter, now known on the blogosphere as Kendall, enjoyed playing shuffleboard with Dad and reading in the hammock. We saw Aunt with Books in Chicago and had a great visit with her. We usually only get to see her at Christmas.

Where would I like to go in the future?

Mr. B and I are actually on a quest to visit all 50 states! We both have only one state left -- can you guess what it is? (drumroll please -- West Virginia!) Yes, we have been to Hawaii and Alaska but NOT West Virginia! Next summer we plan to take a trip to Washington, DC and we can include West Virginia with that.

Other places on my wish list include: St. Petersburg, Russia (they have an awesome art museum there called The Hermitage); Ireland; Scotland (Mr. B has been there but the rest of us have not -- he says they have lots of red headed people there!); and Scandinavia, especially Norway (I would love to see some fijords). I know that Kendall wants to visit Russia since she is Russian by birth and she does not remember living there.

Thanks for reading, and happy travels!

Where is Bonnie Today?

If you are wondering where Bonnie is today, I will tell you. She has been kidnapped! Yes, I say, kidnapped!

The senior girls from her school have abducted the freshmen girls today for a big day of FUN! And it was totally a SURPRISE. Bonnie was absolutely clueless! The freshmen were blindfolded and their hands were tied behind their backs. The seniors wore black and were masked!

The girls are going over to someone's house to hang out and maybe swim. Then they will eat dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and not be home until late! Maybe Bonnie can post some pics of the actual abduction.

Mariel is spending the night with us. She and Bonnie will have to get up at 6 a.m. in the morning to go to volleyball practice. I think they may be tired from all of the excitement. Bonnie can give you some more info tomorrow afternoon!

Enjoy your day!

Response to What to Buy Tag

What would I like to buy this summer? (my response to Will's tag)

If I had the money, I would like to buy a white Honda Odyssey minivan. I realize that minivans are not "cool" but practicality rules when you are a mom (if my kids were grown, I'd like to get a Toyota Prius or Honda Civic hybrid -- I really do prefer smaller cars). In fact, my first car was a Ford (Found On the Road Dead, or Fix Or Repair Daily) Pinto and my second car was a Civic.

Also, I would like to remodel the upstairs bathroom with new floors, sinks, cabinets, paint and wallpaper. Well, I can always dream on!

What have I actually bought this summer? School clothes for the kids, school supplies for the kids, books, a CD or two, and of course groceries. Not very exciting. My newest book, which I am reading now, is Life of Pi and my newest CD is the new one by Third Day (it is being shipped to me by Christian Book Distributors even now and I look forward to enjoying it soon).

Have a blessed day!

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, Aunt-with-Books!!!!

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Aunt, happy birthday to you!

I'm sorry I can't be there for your 40th birthday! I still remember how great it was that you flew all the way to Houston for my surprise 40th birthday (and, boy, was I truly surprised!)

You are the best aunt ever, aunt with books! Every Christmas you make a homemade, from scratch, gingerbread house with the girls. You designed it, baked it, and helped them decorate!

You are also an awesome baker - fresh plum cardamon bread, chocolate truffles, the most delicious homemade brownies, fruit tarts, and so much more!

Over the years, you have helped us in so many ways-- you even helped move us into our house! You lifted and unpacked boxes, and you helped with home updates and repairs. You are a very handy gal!

When Bonnie was very small, you designed a wooden rocking horse for her and made it yourself using power tools. It is a precious and beautiful gift that we still treasure, and always will.

You have more books than anyone we know, and you have helped inspire your nieces to love reading.

It's a good thing that the Chicago area doesn't have earthquakes, or your love of books could be deadly!

*Bonnie steals Mom's laptop*

Happy birthday, Aunt With Books!!!

*streamers and confetti pop out; Celtic music begins playing*

I hope you have a really good b-day. Go out and buy more books {but don't go too crazy ;) }. I hope you know how much you mean to us. Your sense of humor {alhough sarcastic} and your prodigious vocabulary make you a pretty unique, awesome person. It's always fun to talk to you, especially about books. I hope this post has made you smile. :D Happy birthday, Aunt M. God Bless!

~ Bonnie

Younger niece says: "We had a great time with you this summer, and I can't wait to see you at Christmas! Happy birthday!"

HAVE A GREAT DAY -- WE LOVE YOU!