News Flash: Nate is Getting Married Tomorrow!!

Yep, that's right.

In case you are a crappy blog follower (like myself) and missed the entry where I announced my older brother's engagement in February... HE IS GETTING MARRIED!!

Yes, you'd be correct if you just did the math and realized this has been a very short four month engagement. Impressed that they pulled it together that fast??

If not, you should be. I am!

Nate and Liz will tie the knot in Charlevoix, MI tomorrow June 25th, 6 p.m. (crap.. that time might be wrong... I should probably find that out soon:).

This week has been full of lots of excitement as we all anticipate the big day!

Nate and Liz chose to plan a small destination wedding which consists of basically a few friends, and the couple's immediate family. Probably a wise move because it's already been a crazy busy week just trying to meet everyone and get the last few things together.

For anyone not present that would love to participate in praying for our family the next two days... pray it stops raining, that everyone can enjoy this time, and that the Lord will be glorified through such a great occasion.

I am so proud of my older brother and I feel blessed to be a part of it all!

The following picture was taken by Liz's little girl Lael... turns out a smart three year old can actually use a digital camera. I know it's a bit blurry, but I can't help but be impressed haha...

Please note: Lael not only took the picture like a pro in form, but also in stance. Despite her much shorter height, she would bend down for for each picture she took (as I'm sure she's seen others do to her:). 

I Know I'm PMSing When I Loose My Tolerance For Tourists.

What? TMI???

Okay, okay chill out. This isn't about pms, or any other female health issue. It's more about why people are ridiculous in tourists towns, and sometimes I just CAN'T handle it any longer!

Just yesterday, for example,

- It took me 15 minutes to drive a very short distance because I was stuck behind a tour bus.

- I almost got killed by an umbrella pole that landed about an inch from my head... someone left it up while he/she went swimming and the wind blew it about ten feet... right to me. A police officer happened to be walking by and began to lecture me about it until he realized that I wasn't the idiot who owned the thing.

- I tried to quickly pick up a T Shirt for my little brother.  The walk to the store however was painfully slow as I was consistently restrained by the ever-so-slow moving people who couldn't seem to see anyone but themselves with their large flotation devices in tow.

- I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things (where you'd think I'd be safe right??), and the group in front of me in line proceeded to ask about pineapple wine for at least ten minutes. The cashier seemed amused (I probably would too if that was my job... not her fault), so she described the places it was made, how it was made, called the wine guy in the store to bring samples, and on and on and on.

Okay so listen, I know this makes me sound like a total jerk (and I probably am). Just because I get to live in paradise doesn't mean I can act like it's no big deal to other people. I get it, I do!! But where can we draw the line? I've only lived here for a few months and it already makes me nuts.

My conclusion:

I think every visitor should have to carry around a common sense reminder card with things like, "Be aware of others", "Watch where you are going", "Keep it moving", "Don't ask stupid questions", etc. Sort of like introduction to Kindergarden guidelines. And perhaps some professional hall monitor-like people should be hired to roam the roads and malls. Not like cops, that's a bit harsh. Just people with $10 and $15 dollar tickets to hand out perhaps.

.... K I'm done complaining about this. For now.

"Camp Katie"

Much to the surprise of many, I imagine, this title is not in regards to a new, and ridiculously strenuous fitness or nutrition-based program.

In case you missed this from my previous blogs... I am a professional nanny here in Hawaii.

"Professional" because I am in fact over the age of 13 and have a college degree.

Okay, I'm not really professional, per se. But that's what I tell myself:)

Anywho, I currently work for a family with three children: a six-year-old girl, and twin seven-year-old boys. Sound like a lot of kids close in age?? Why yes, yes it is. I sorta feel like I have little ducks following me around sometimes.

Ducks with lots of questions and comments and energy, that is.

Though the job has brought a good deal of challenge with it, I have learned a lot and am really beginning to develop a love for the little people (again, kids, not munchkins).

Last week was their first week of summer break. As it turned out, their camps and summer school sessions hadn't started yet, so we all got to hang out for the ENTIRE week.

Not a complaint, as I'm thankful for the hours... but consecutive days of long hours with kids was pretty exhausting.

The kids coined the term 'Camp Katie' to describe the days they stay home with me. They likely call it this because I schedule out activities to fill the entire day... so that I don't go crazy:)

Here are just a few fun pictures of our week filled with a museum, an aquarium, the zoo, hiking, and of course Chuck-E-Cheese (NOT my choice... it was a rainy day!!!).

Ha... I told her to hold his hand. 

Learning to tree climb... a crucial skill at this age. 

The entries that followed are hilarious:) 

New favorite craft... VERY time-consuming. 

We let the boys hike ahead a bit. Quality girl time:)

Chuck-E-Cheese is a rip off. Fact.

Never fails to creep me out. 

Shave Ice, of course. 

Anyway, that's "Camp Katie". Always an adventure:)