Summer: The time we wish would last forever

...like watching an Uncle gut fish,

...like watching giant bugs join the picnic,

...like trying to cast off with a beast following you,

...like horribly dirty feet, bandaid adhesive around a few dozen wounds and a juicebox,

...like fishing for the first time and loving it,

...like looking for the "Chubacabra",

...like singing Christmas carols?! around the fire,

...like sneaking away with the big boys to play poker(!),

...like chillin' at a lake

...like 1,2,3, jumping from the pier,

...and jumping and jumping and jumping again,

...like running around undressed, with one stolen skate and Daddys helmet,

...like having a bunch of new friends over all at once to create barbie clothes,

...like playing videogames for hours on end

...like playing loud games and running to and from each activity,

...like having a cousin over to play any old time,

...like swimming in Grandmas pool without a lifejacket. Sadly it has to end but there is always something new around the corner, even if it includes snow. We have been so blessed with healthy bodies, friends and family and the most beautiful State to enjoy all summer. We really wish it would never end!

 

creating a winning team is all about attitude

Thanks to 2 families that I love who have also moved into new, but less than 100%"move-in" dream homes, I have examples of how to make the best of the worst. Instead of being excited about the cool treasures the previous owners left behind for us I was focusing on the truckloads of garbage and dirt to be taken care of. I now can see that half of a broken truck in the yard is truly a blessing(and so is the dear husband who hooked up the wiring and lights in 100*weather on pavement) because "look free dummy", no, sometimes Jack Handy quotes just pop out of me, sorry, "look free trailer!"Just what we needed. Seriously. This was the 2nd load of trash before D. took the boxes to recycle. Speaking of Handy.

So, Uncle D and Aunt D, I would love to see your eagle crests beat out this sweet 70"s light switch, although we are tied with the wood panel junk as walls.

Our downstairs bathroom is a nightmare and gives us all the creeps. Telling myself "It's okay" over and over. Is it preventing the breakdown or a symptom that a breakdown has already begun? Not sure.

Now that the house is livable the next challenge has begun. School. Every year N. has a major anxiety meltdown and refuses to attend school. Starting at a new school was sure to cause an even bigger issue. Check his smile out at back to school night though:looks happy. Surprise. He likes the idea that he wont have to wear a uniform(like the previous plan to attend daddy's charter that fizzled out) and that he isn't in middle school, so no lockers to be stuffed into and recess is still allowed.

We knew Z. could bloom in any environment and its true, she befriended her new principal who happened be from Logan and graduated as an Adams Owl. I think that's why she chose her pride shirt for back to school night.

Here is the reality from N. on the first morning back. "I'm not going!" I think the 5 minute walk to school took 15 minutes with all the feet dragging. He can see the lake from home and says he will pretend to go to school and then just run to the lake. Go ahead buddy, the lake looks much closer than it really is:) Update: school is different here but "good", like usual. And 4 square is better. Score.

Z. met a million friends and felt so cute in her new jeans. It's still 90*-100* here, but style comes before comfort when it comes to a new school outfit I guess.

The best part of the first day for N. was the trip to the Dinosaur Museum that mom finally got around to taking the kids to, after school. Its a great place and on Tuesdays in Aug you cant beat the discount.

Swim away, Swim away!!

Moving sucks!!

This was okay. Organized, Orderly, Expected.

This was also okay. Confusing, Superfluous, Non explosive(right?).

This was just not okay. Especially because it was one of Many many plumbing and electrical issues(poor daddy!)

This made it all worth it. A cousin to play with right in our own backyard!!!

"HARLEY SCRATCHD- ED ME AGAIN!!!"

And yet I just can't keep the 2 apart.

Even together in their sleep!

P.S. Happy Birthday to Harley this month. Year old puppies are much better than new puppies!

The Wedding Shoppe

 Z. was lucky enough to get a glimpse of what getting married entails. Some of the white and glamourous parts at least.

She was in love with everything she saw!

And got a picture of most of it, too.

Thanks Aunt R. for the invite(you're a hottie!)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping a house clean enough to sell is impossible...

When you live with (and love) a Beast!! 

Who let the Dog in!!

The flu sucks.

Don't those stomach bugs know the summer is for running in sprinklers and jumping out of trees? At least there was some popsicle eating going on, although less enjoyed than normal.

Can't it just stop at one victim?

At least it only seems to hit every other summer. Why is there no picture of N. feeling awful? He is on the couch with a fever as this is typed, none escape.