My license plates are out of place.

Yes, we're here. We successfully made, what according to MapQuest is a 9 hour drive to Castaway Club (near Detroit Lakes, MN) from St. Joseph, MO, in just under 11 hours. I'd say that's not bad considering there's a two year old in our back seat.

Memorial Day weekend was a chance to catch up with college friends at a family lake house on Table Rock Lake. All of us have kids ranging from 3 years to 9 months. If you're familiar with child development you're aware that none of those ages have yet grasped the art of sharing. Hopefully they'll become great friends over the years, just like their parents have. We bought a coast-guard approved life-jacket so we could take Rory on her first boat ride. She was a little timid swimming in the lake. For some reason she felt more secure in my arms rather than in Brad's. Perhaps my pregnant belly makes me look more bouyant. :) (Pictures of our lake adventures will come later...they're on another computer.)

Got home Monday afteroon...did laundry...left our home again by 9 am the next morning. We spent the night in St. Joe with Brad's mom, Gay, while he helped set up her new computer. Rory is a big fan of her "MeeMaw," and was constantly calling for her attention as a playmate. I think Gay has more energy than I do. Wednesday morning was the official departure of the Andersons from Missouri. For the next month, Minnesota is our home.

I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive last night after we unpacked and Rory was tucked in bed. Right now we're three of very few people on the property as Brad has arrived early to get some work done before all other staff arrive. I kind of feel at a loss for my place here at Castaway. I mean I know my primary job is to keep Rory alive and entertained, and to be an encourager and getaway for Brad as he's dumped into a 24/7 job for the next month, but still...I'm in need of a schedule. I also need some other people to arrive so I can begin making friends. I kind of feel like a kid on the first day of school..."Will I like these people?" "Will they like me?" Oh goodness, I know there's people who love me in Missouri. :)

I'm also excited for what awaits us this month. Last night Brad and I sat on a deck just outside our cabin and watched the sunset over the lake. It was beautiful...and Brad's idea I might add. This is our home for the month, and our amazing views, and our carefully landscaped yards, and yummy meals that I don't have to cook. Rory will get to play at the beach each day, and take walks with her mommy. I'm sure I'll meet amazing people who will encourage me to love Jesus more deeply just by watching them love Him. I plan on reading some books since there are no televisions, and hopefully I'll get Rory's 2nd year scrapbook pages finished. If nothing else there's always the sheets. When Brad and I got into bed last night I commented, "The sheets are really nice. They're better than the ones we have at home."