"i wanna wrestle!"

today i go pick up brad and peyton and take them home (they had dropped their car off at the dealership and were kind of stranded. so i walk into their house, and koen greets me by saying "aunt tenery why are you here?" which was almost instantly followed by "tenery, i wanna wrestle you!!" words cannot describe that wrestling match. ok, so maybe they can. for most of the time, i was on the floor while they climbed all over me (and by "they" i mean maddie, peyton, koen, and braden). oh and did i mention that they love to jump on your stomach and booty? and apparently they don't believe in water breaks because i never really got one. braden came and drank my water, claiming that he needed a drink. then, later, i was drinking lemonade, and he suddenly had this intense thirst for lemonade, so he finished that off as well. those kids have so much energy, i get pooped just thinking about it. but oh how i love those kids :)
so the parentals have been home for a week now. it seriously is kinda weird for me to have them back. that first night they got back, we all went to thelissa's to hang out, eat food, bond, you know--the usual. i'd be walking around and enjoying the splendor of the organized chaos that is the martineau family, and then i'd see my parents. don't get me wrong, it's fun having them back, but it's like my 2 worlds collided. it was weird. but definitely a good weird.
so on friday, the entire marty clan went up to the whiting homestead for some serious relaxation/bonding time. it was the first time we had all been together since bret went on his mission--over 3 years. it was so good to have everyone together. we didn't really have a schedule, but there were lots of things to do up there. it was so relaxing once we actually got there. it was a little rocky on the drive up, but without going into the nitty gritties, my belief in miracles and in suburbans has increased substantially. but all's well that ends well. some of my favorite moments--battle of the sexes, adult obstacle course, talent show, s'mores/roasted starburst, and the lady at church that was a spitting image of the mom on "that 70's show." and i'm using the term "spitting image" literally. needless to say, spending time with the fam is one of the best things you can do for yourself. seriously. this trip made me realize how blessed i am to be in such a great family. and how blessed my family is...we have had many near-tragedies, but have been spared. the most important thing this camping trip taught me is that everything happens for a reason. and it's important to acknowledge God's hand in everything that happens, good or bad. and that family is there for you, no matter what. isn't that just the greatest feeling?