First Day of School

Well it's official they are all in school full time. This is a big year of changes for our family, not only is Connor starting Kindergarten (and mom will not have any kids home :)) but the kids are going to public school. They have been at Our Lady of Consolation for the past 5 years. Pat and I needed to make the decision to transfer Mara, due to her health and learning issues so we decided to transfer the boys also. So not only are they at a public school, they don't have to wear uniforms, and they get to ride the bus. I have drove them everyday to and from school always. They were so excited, and a bit nervous, but were really looking forward to a great year.

They all got to school and after a few tears (okay, so I cried) everything was fine. Yesterday I was cleaning and trying to finish laundry and my wonderful husband asked me why I was cleaning yesterday. He said, "You have waited 10 years to be at home alone, why don't you clean tomorrow." I of course responded with, "Exactly, I have waited 10 years and I am not spending my first day cleaning." So I went and got coffee with my grandma and we went a did a little shopping. It was wonderful.

I am SO proud of my brother!!!

I am so proud of my brother. He moved to Chicago a few years ago to pursue his acting and music dreams. He never was really the guy to sit in an office and have someone tell him what to do, as many of you who know him would agree.

Since he has been in Chicago he has built his career and has now started an awesome band. I have not been able to hear them live, but look forward to that in September. I have heard many of Kevin's songs through the years and he really is a very talented kid. Keep up the great work guys and don't forget to always dream big, and great things will happen.

I wish Kevin and all the guys in Action Finger the best and can wait to meet you all and hear the great music in September.

Connor says "ROCK AND ROLL, UNCLE KEVIN!!!!!"
check them out at www.myspace.com/actionfinger

Wabasis Lake

We had another fun day filled with sun, water, and ice cream. My mom and I met The Walsh's out at Wabasis Lake and took the kids swimming, had lunch and on our way home went for ice cream. It was a blast and the kids and I always have fun with our friends. Can't wait until next time.

A visit to the Taylor's Cottage

We went to visit our friends The Taylor family at their cottage yesterday. With the 90+ degree heat it was wonderful. Connor and Grant are "best buddies" as they say so they always have a great time. They are trouble in the making trust me (look at those smiles). Landon of course is just so cute we could just eat him up. He is a blast and watches everything the big boys do.

We had so much fun and always enjoy time spent with the Taylor's. Thanks for letting us visit.

Connor at his best :)

Well I needed to post this, it is Connor at his best. We love him dearly, but he sure does test every ounce of patience that Pat and I have. He is ALWAYS one step ahead of us and is way too smart for his own good. We do love bedtime :)

A visit from the Ellison's

Pat's oldest brother Brad and his wife Carie and their kids came to the cottage to visit us this weekend. The kids had a fishing contest to see who could catch the biggest Bluegill and Patrick won. Hunter our nephew took second. Then we took the kids to get ice cream. They had a blast and we loved having them visit.

Enjoying our Summer!!!!

We have been spending every weekend at the cottage and love it. The summer has been beautiful and the kids have been turning into little fish. The are all swimming, tubing, and even skiing (Patrick is the only one to get up yet). Even Trixie learned to surf. She loves the water, and the fish :). The boys go fishing with Dad every morning and once in awhile Mara and I will join them. I usually just bring a book though, my attention span for fishing is way too short. They get so excited about their catches and I am even noticing the "fishing tales" are starting with the little guys.

We have one of the apartments ready to rent and have had eight check- ins already this summer. It is going well and we hope to have all three ready to rent next summer. Two will be ready for ice fisherman and snowmobile riders this winter. Hope every one's summer is going well and unfortunately only one month left until school starts.