T. Swift

The mommies got away for an evening to see Taylor Swift.  My only regret is that I didn't take Elizabeth.  However, I assured her that Taylor would make another album and would tour again and I would take her next time!  

Grant's First Day of School

Grant started at yet another new pre-school!  Trying to keep things fresh for this boy so he stays interested!! He of course chose pop-tarts for breakfast  - just like his sister!!

She was quick to point out that the sign was upside down!

He cried at drop-off for the first week.  Breaks my heart every time! I finally told him if he didn't cry all week I would take him to DQ on Friday.  Guess what? No tears all week!! He is highly motivated by food!  I decided that this bribe was worth it for all parties involved.  He knows a few boys in his class and is now really enjoying.  Hopefully it will be a great year!!

Elizabeth's First Day of School

We have a First Grader!

They get to choose their breakfast...Pop-Tarts, every time Pop-Tarts.  I would make these kids anything and they always choose Pop-Tarts!

Ready for the first day!

Descending the bus, scarf is off and a big smile! 

A few days later, having an after school apple 

And now she is trying to dress herself repurposing a scarf.  This mini-skirt may be a bit too mini!

Another outfit with a scarf - this time owls! 

A few weeks in we all rode our bikes to school! 

Elizabeth's Birthday (7!)

This is what we call a "non-party" year.  Meaning we don't invite anyone over for a big party, we just do stuff as a family to make the birthday child feel special.  This year Elizabeth got her ears pierced for her birthday.  She requested a cookies and cream cake, which she helped me decorate and wanted to go to The Busy Corner for lunch.  We told her she wasn't getting pie because of the birthday cake we would be having later and she wanted to go, so of course we went! She had steak and mushrooms (still her favorite) for dinner and a little swimming with a new mermaid tail! It's hard to believe she is 7 already, but then again some days she acts like she is 13, so I guess I will take 7 for now!

I'm not sure what this secret was, but it was a sweet moment that I captured!

Yes the birthday banner caught on fire (oops!) 

Cake on the cupcake birthday plate, complete with mint ice cream and Ima's hot fudge sauce!

The annual birthday quiz...

1) WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Elizabeth (this was a cuter question when they were 2!)

2) HOW OLD ARE YOU? 7

3) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? Purple

4) WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND? Elle

5) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? A Vet

6) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? Dolphin Tale

7) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? Brady Bunch

8) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? My Name

9) WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? Mommy & Daddy

10) WHAT MAKES YOU SAD? When Daddy yells at me

11) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Steak

12) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG? Fight Song (Rachel Platten)

13) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GAME TO PLAY? Life

14) WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT? I liked them all!

Summer Bucket List...check, check, check!!!

I asked the kids when school got out all of the things that they wanted to do this summer.  Here was the list that we made and imagine a check mark next to all but one!

-Family Bike Ride (we accomplished this a few times!)
-Plant a Vegetable Garden (tomatoes, peppers, basil)
-Visit Every Washington Park
-Eat at Lou's Drive In (we did this more than once too!)
-Go Camping (this was slightly revised to camping in the back yard)
-Bowling
-Swimming (plenty of that!)
-Watch a Movie
-Have a Sleep-over
-Play in the Sprinklers
-Watch Fireworks
-Paint Pottery
-Lemonade Stand
-Summer Reading Program (started, didn't finish...oops)
-Make Popsicles (thanks Aunt Sandy!)
-Paint (somebody really likes her art)
-Roast Marshmallows
-Visit Caterpillar Visitors Center (we now have a season pass)
-Picnic by the Fountain
-Nature Scavenger Hunt
-Bicycle Safety Town
-Glen Oak Zoo
-Wildlife Prairie Park
-Go Fishing (thanks Uncle Brian!)
-Make Sno-cones
-Children's Museum

Unchecked:
-Take the Train to Chicago (in all fairness we did this last year, and we thought we might try this in the fall)
-Go See Daddy's Office (the kids are very sad about this one...security wouldn't let them in)

Pictures from the summer:

Who doesn't love some DQ?!

Sure have the Arctic Rush too - it's summer!

Summer makes us so sleepy!

At the zoo

Also at the zoo

Lunch at the square - apparently we did this the same day as the zoo, given the same clothes!

My first attempt at a pineapple upside down cake for Brandon's birthday.  It was good, but not as good as his Mom's.  

Thank you Auntie Amber for "Fart Around the World" book - we shall treasure it always! 

Night time pool party and camp out with friends

I snuggled with Grant AKA The Barnacle (as in he sticks right next to you, even if you roll over, or try to roll over!) 

Ice Cream bars after a summer swim.  Don't worry Auggie wasn't left out.  She gets to have Frosty Paws, frozen dog treats! 

How cute is he?! 

Auggie and Grant and early morning cuddles

Washington night at the Chiefs game 

He had a hard time staying awake for the fireworks after the game 

A family bike ride to a park - double check!

Mommy and Daddy's summer bucket list...more fire nights! 

Summer still makes us sleepy! 

And Grant took golf lessons. Nice form!

Play House

Play House

Lazy pajama day

Family camp out with Daddy and Auggie

Washington and Metamora alumni game