Volleyball

 A little college volleyabll action for the girls to watch and learn. Then off to our season opener! Our coach was gone so I was asked to step in and help. While we did not win I think the girls had a good time and are really aware of what they need to work on now in practise. It was fun to be a part of the team! proud of the girls and the effort they put forth. Looking forward to many matches to come. It will be fun to see how much they grow over the next 7 weeks!

getting ready for the game, minus one who will join us next weekend!

Sass-A-Fras

Brie was gone a few days and our home was very quiet. We all missed her dearly and were quite happy to get her back home! ( a big thanks to the family who kept her! we sure appreciate it!! I hope she was enjoyable for you!! Brie had a great time and enjoyed her time!) Anyway, Gabriellie is our sass a fras! she is one with many faces!! here are a few for your entertainment!

van

 I was in a hail storm in June and it has taken until August for the shop to have an opening to fix it. I got a call after they had the van 4 days and I went in. No work had been done yet, they had found an additional $2500 worth of damage and it was borderline to being totaled, uggg! In the end they are fixing it and we will have it back hopefully by weeks end. In the meantime I have this Yukon XL to drive, talk about a horse! It is a very large vehicle, but one we are enjoying. (mind you I have not filled it with gas yet so I am sure that will alter my opinion about it slightly). Next family vacation we are going to certainly look into the rental of this type of vehicle, very roomy!! If this became a permanent vehicle we would have to do some serious garage rearrangement as this does not fit easily!

water

the trending thing to do right now is the ALS ice water bucket challenge. Our family was challenged and it was a very warm day, so we did our challenge, put it out there on Facebook and then since people were already wet they enjoyed some sprinkler fun. I am not sure how many more of these HOT August days we have left but I want to remember this heat in December when our green grass has turned into white snow. I will take mowing grass and sprinklers over scooping and snow any day!!

back to school

 3 at one school, how is that even possible. Where did the last 6 years go?? it really seems like just yesterday Makayla started at this school and here we are sending the boy to kindergarten! crazy. While the kids are sad to give up sleeping in days and the relaxing days of summer they are excited to return to school and reunite with their friends!

 PJ started kindergarten this year, no tears and not really any fears. He sat down like a champ, began coloring and without looking up said "bye mom!" and that was it. I asked if he was ok, he said "yep,  bye!" okay so much for the nervousness that I anticipated! way to go PJ!
We are one week in and he has had a great week and is looking forward to week 2!

 Maggie was already busy coloring when we arrived for her picture. She politely looked up, smiled for her picture and then promptly said "bye mom!" I got the hint, wished her a teacher and good day and that was it. 2nd grade has big plans for you Maggie Jean and I know you can handle everything it has in store for you!!

Okay so Makayla is in 5th grade, apparently not many moms take pictures of their 5th graders, except me! The teacher had already begun class when I appeared at the door, Makayla was in the back of the room. The kind teacher waved me in and said "oh come right in!!". Makayla was about 10 shades of red, poor thing, but guess what I got my picture! she is always such a good sport!! 5th grade is going to throw some challenges your way sweetheart but stay true to who you are and you will do just fine!

At 815am on Monday morning I was headed out of the school, photos taken and no tears in my eyes! Success!!

Adventureland

A trip to Adventureland via a Christmas gift from Granny and Pop. It was final family break before the school routine becomes the normal.  The kids had a blast as we knew they would! Brie did not join us last time, that did not stop her! No man, she was the first to always say yes about a ride and typically requested to sit in the front! she was too small for most of the roller coasters but she certainly would have done them otherwise!Maggie made it to all the roller coasters and Makayla played shy, steering clear of the unknown. PJ too was not sure about a lot of the rides, however the ones he did do were each his favorites! I think the group decided after the 6th ride that the long ride was the best one in the park. We will have to go back and do the water part another time as the day just flew by and I had to work the next day. 

A double thumbs up GRANNY and POP!! THANK YOU THANK YOU for the bottoms of our tummies!! we each had a great time! Thanks again!! love and hugs to each of you!!

babysitter fun

 The kids had a great summer filled with many memories from tie dying to making fruit pizza to countless days outside hunting for the best butterflies or caterpillars.  Many walks and talks were done and many adventures were had. The four kids bonded like no summer past. While they are still siblings and have their frustrations they all are always on the look out for each other. School will be starting soon and these guys are going to miss each other.

capturing a few photos from afar, unnoticed by those being photographed truly are some of the best!

So for now we will say good bye summer vacation, thank you for all the wonderful memories and we look forward to summer 2015 and what it will have to offer!! A special THANK YOU to all who made our kids' summer memories so special. There are many who contributed to these and we appreciate each of you!