Taking advantage of summertime freebies!

We have been taking advantage of the summer time freebies in our area. A few days ago we went bowling with friends at the lanes around the corner from our house...it was a nice break from swimming and the game was free. We just had to pay a minimal fee for shoe rental...the kids were a riot. Especially Odesco, L, and Mercy who had never been before!
Two Thursday mornings now we have taken advantage of the free breakfasts at Chick-Fil-A. The kind worker even offered to bring water to my gang sitting at the picnic table outside...it doesn't get any better than that! Check out your local franchise--I do believe it is a corporate promotion and it goes on each Thursday morning from 6:30-10:30 am.
Oh and make sure you visit your local Staples between today and Saturday...I walked in last evening with 5 of the kiddos and received 12 bottles of Elmer's glue for free!! (2 per person) no other purchase necessary. The best part is our Staples is in the same parking lot as our grocery store so it was not out of the way at all. Can you tell I just love a bargain?!
Daddy and P and many of our friends are away for 4 days at youth camp having a wonderful time in worship, teaching , and just plain fun! This is P's second year and next summer C will be joining him...sigh ~Where have the years gone?? While it is bittersweet to see them growing up so fast, I am so grateful for these parent inclusive events which not only draw our youth closer to the Lord but draw the hearts of youth closer to their parents. How blessed we are to be at this church!
We are keeping busy with playdates, sleepovers, household organizing, and errand running. Tonight C is sleeping over a friend's house...L was not a happy camper that his other big brother was leaving and made C promise to call him before bed. Faithful to his word , C called and spoke to each of his little siblings. Thank you Lord for another glimpse of growing friendships as our days lately have been punctuated with 'opportunities' galore. I confess that my heart is growing weary of the sibling issues--especially in Daddy's absence, and I thank God for another glimpse of His hand at work!
Love,
MamaB

Another freebie enjoyed right in our very own backyard! Our neighbors generously gave us this outdoor set which is in beautiful condition. We put it to use right away before Daddy and P took off for youth camp and if it weren't for the nasty mosquitoes, we'd be eating out there daily!!

The boys' lane! It was worth it just to watch L do his 'victory dance' each time the ball finally made it down the lane. Then he immediately went over to see the score on the overhead computer display. He actually was ahead for quite a few frames. We did use the bumpers and even the big boys will admit it helped their game as well!

Luke doing his victory jig!

G and Mercy with their girlfriends in the next lane over :) Aren't they a beautiful bunch?!

While Daddy and P are away, a surprise visit to the famous local custard stand helped pass the time and filled 5 bellies before bedtime.

Today after the kids enjoyed their free breakfast, we saw the Chick-Fil-A cow as we were piling into the van...'he' was unenthusiastically lumbering through the parking to the side of the road to advertise with sign in hand (I can't even fathom how hot he must have been!!) . I asked if he would pose for a picture...he graciously obliged so everyone scampered back out of the van for this Kodak moment :)