Happy Father's Day Dads!

Dad. Hero. Father. Friend. Strength. Loving. Relaxed. Foundation. Fun. Just a few words to describe my dad. What a special time it is to celebrate all that our father's have done for us. Saturday night we went over to my parents house after having quite an eventful morning, which I won't get into. Carrie made a yummy brisket and dessert, Grace made the potatoes, and mom covered everything in between. We had a fun, relaxing evening sitting around talking, playing games, and enjoying each others company. Some of the fondest memories I have with my dad include... And, please keep in mind, this is VERY few of MANY!

• Throwing around the Frisbee or paddle ball in the evenings at the beach
• Playing in the pool in the summers
• Fishing at the Brown's in Salisbury
• Going to Hershey Bear games
• Chewing bubble gum under the tree and telling dad about my week
• Sitting at the top of the neighborhood waiting for the bus to come
• Decorating birthday cakes for my dad
• Dancing at my wedding and crying like a baby!
• Having my dad tuck me (and Curious George) in at night
• Going to the Orioles baseball game with my two sisters and dad
• Dad reading Twas the Night Before Christmas every Christmas Eve
• Dad's hugs
• Date nights...rotating with Dad and Mom
• Pulling the weeds to surprise him
• Waiting at the top of the neighborhood with Carrie for dad to get home from work
• Going to Pine View Acres with the family
• Swimming far out into the ocean and getting toppled over by a wave (okay, it was far for me)
• Sunday trips down to Baltimore after church
• I could go on and on and on, but again, that's a few...

Love you Dad! And, Happy Father's Day to my brother-in-law Jeff who is soon to be a daddy also!

Last Day of School!

I'm like a little kid! I'm so excited that today is the last day of school! Woohoo! Matt certainly put in his hard work this school year, now it's time to have a relaxing summer break together! Well, he, of course, has his "honey do" list, but we'll still be able to enjoy summer break together. It's so nice having him home in the summer...he's such a great help around the house. Considering the summer months are my busiest, the schedule works out perfectly. Some of the things I'm looking forward to the most this summer are...

• Walking down to market
• Going out for ice cream at Pine View Acres and Carmen and David's, which by the way, has the BEST ice cream in the world
• Family summer vacation to White Face Lodge
• Walking down to Chestnut Street Cafe with Matt to do some work and read together
• Going to the park
• Throwing around the Frisbee in the evenings
• Gardening
• Long runs
• Swimming
• Going to the beach...duh!
• Picnics and cookouts with friends and family
• Grace's graduation party
• Planning for my niece of nephew, Baby Bierlein, to enter the world
  
• There are so many, but I just realized what time it is and I have to run... Until next time :)
  

Best Buddies

Mattias was back in Lancaster for a friend's wedding. He flew in on Thursday evening and we continued the tradition of taking a little drive, listening to great music, having great talks and sharing lots of laughs, and grabbing something to eat. Matt, Mattias, and I stayed up talking and Trevor (a high school friend and now my next door neighbor) stopped over to let us know that his little boy had been born the day before. It was an exciting day. Friday, Mattias and I went to Chestnut Street cafe...my favorite cafe in Lancaster. If you haven't been there yet, be sure to get there this summer! It's a great little place! We walked back home and Nick picked Mattias up for the wedding. Sunday, Matt, Renea, Mattias, and I packed a picnic and met Dan at Hamilton Park, threw around the Frisbee, football, and had a great time. We ordered a pizza and they delivered it right to the park. This was one of the best evenings ever! We all had such a great time. The rest of the week was filled with fun and great talks as always...visiting Water Street Rescue Mission, picnic with the Chesters clan, going to market, walking around town, and a little of anything and everything in between. I am so thankful for the friendship we share. While we're sad to see him go, I know we'll see each other again. Matt and I are looking forward to one day visiting him in Sweden.

Mattias and his American parents

My Swedish parents

Three buddies

Matt and Mattias cooking

Mattias and Renea