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.

Fun Weekend!!!

I am really bummed, I was not able to take any pictures of Mara's Epilepsy walk. My camera battery was dead and I think I left the charger up north (of course!). Anyway, the walk went very well. Mara raised close to $300 all by herself and the entire walk raised more than $16,000 for the epilepsy foundation. We had a lot of family join us and we thank everyone who, walked, donated, and just sent us prayers and encouragment through everything.

I on the other hand am a bit bummed, there were different raffle prizes (which I never win) but Pat and the kids usually have pretty good luck. No luck for any of us, but my niece, who is 9 won a free night at the Amway Hotel and our cousin's girlfriend won a gift certificate to Target. Which is always a plus.

We had a great time and Mara is already planning for next year.