Summer Fun

I love Holidays! We should follow the Europeans' example and add some more. I'm sure there is plenty to celebrate if we really wanted to. Monday morning dawned, and our energetic patriotic song set the tone for the day. I volunteered to make our contribution to the ward picnic, and decided on apple pie. It took a little longer then expected, but it was well worth it as the heavenly aroma filled the car on the drive to Kent park. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, and plenty of desserts... what could possibly go wrong?

Around one o'clock we headed back home to grab a few things, then the girls got into Aunt Rene's car and the boy's went with Dad and we started the 1 1/2 hr. drive to Lancaster. Our car was pretty quiet... most of us dozed off or read. The contrast hit pretty hard when we finally entered the laser dome. Music, video games, and excited voices filled the air. I was slightly annoyed that this was what Daniel had picked to do for his birthday, but it really wasn't that bad. Cara, Laura, Mari and I played a few rounds of dance dance revolution, watched a laser show which was a lot like watching a screen saver, and finally played our first game of laser tag. Well, it's definitely not one of my talents, but it does get your adrenaline going... watching behind a barricade, waiting for the opportune moment to strike, getting hit in the back...

Tuesday nothing much happened, except that I finally decided on a combination of 2 patterns for my semi-formal dress that I'm making. I'm really picky, so I figured I should just make it myself exactly the way I want it and give up shopping. At the store I ran into Allie Stulpin, a girl who was in several of my classes in High School. It was great... we discussed our college lives, and life in general... we both agree it's so nice to know what we want to do. She's going to go into law, so she's majoring in history to prepare.

Thursday evening I attended my brother's piano recital. There were some very cute kids performing... two little boys especially. As they were playing they would always look over at their parents sitting in the audience and smile at the video camera. It was so funny I could barely keep from bursting out laughing... there were quiet chuckles throughout the whole room. Both of my brothers performed well; as the very last piece in the recital they did a duet on the organ which was really cool as well.

Friday was Anna day!!!! It was therefore pretty much amazing. For those of you who don't know, Anna is my best friend from high school although that is a very poor description. We did the whole day Anna style. We drove to Media, a quaint little town, and went where the wind took us, which ended up to be an Indian restaurant. To top it off we went to Rita's water ice... water ice, for those of you who haven't been to Philly, is like a slushy only more solid... I got a blendini, which is a mix of custard, chocolate water ice and oreos. MMMMMMMM!!!! I didn't realize how much I had missed it. We talked for hours catching up on everything. That evening Mom, Daniel, Laura and I went to see the musical Les Miserables at the walnut st. theater in Philadelphia. It was the first time I had ever seen it and it was amazing! I loved the actor who portrayed Jean Valjean, the main character. The whole plot is so compelling, so deep... what is the law? Is everything cut and dry? Can people truly change their hearts? What can be the impact of one small act? Where is the balance between justice and mercy? Whoever isn't familiar with the book needs to read it! I've only read an abridged version, but it is still amazing.

Saturday was just a general work day... chores, laundry, sweeping the garage etc.

That would bring you up to date!!! Love and miss you all!!!!!!!!!
Margaret