Long hot summer days

Sorry for the lack of posting! I see that the last time I updated was right before the recital in May, whoops. When Gabe started summer vacation we made the choice to unplug from the internet and cable and take a "media" break, if you will. It's been quite nice actually; we didn't realize how dependent we were on the internet and tv to keep us entertained. So far this summer we've swam, we've gone go carting, we've gone mini golfing, we go to the library a couple of times a week, both kids have finished their summer reading for the library already--we've gone and seen the Kane County Cougars play a game as well as a huge fireworks display. We've walked a lot-especially since we added a puppy to the family (Miss Betsy Bellafleur--pics to come) We've been growing tomatoes, we've been staying up late for family movie nights complete with popcorn and sleepovers on the living room floor. We've gone to the splash park, the movie theater, and the butterfly gardens. We've had bbq's and parties with friends, we've had an itty bitty guy named Skybaby hanging out at the house for a few weeks during the day. We've listened to music and discovered pretty much every fact about the Titanic that one person possibly can. We've planned next years' vacation (a camping trip to Mt. Rushmore!) and we've bowled, bowled, and bowled some more.

It's amazing what you can find time to do when you're not glued to a tv screen or sitting in front of a computer! We've all been having a lot of fun...though Daddy does have to go back to work tonight after being off for TWO weeks. We'll miss him, buuuuut someone has to work to pay for all the fun stuff we like to do hehe. I'll check in soon and we'll be back on line in the next month or so :) Hope you're all enjoying your summer!

Ready for their close up

Bittersweet

Sorry for the lack of posting, it's been crazy around here lately...

The last week has been SUCH a whirlwind of activity; it's been a very bittersweet week. We started last weekend celebrating my sisters' graduation from college in Michigan. We were with my whole family for two days and it was wonderful; we ended the weekend with a trip to the zoo with some of our oldest and dearest friends and their daughter. It was absolutely wonderful. We returned home Sunday night exhausted and happy. Monday we had lunch with the Greats and it was *great* We learned a lot of family history; who knew Grandpa the Great was a bit of a rabble rouser in his day!? Or that Grandma the Great's father worked for "the White Owl Cigar" company!? hehe.

Monday night, however, the mood shifted suddenly. Katie came over and asked me to come to Michigan with her, as her momma had fallen ill and they didn't know if she was going to pull through. I packed a bag and got ready to leave when we found out she had passed away. Katie and I drove through the night, in the pouring rain to get to her family.

I'm not sure what else I can even say about the situation; I don't know that I have words that even begin to describe the pain I saw them all experiencing. Four children lost their mother, a husband lost his wife of 35 years, and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters, and brother lost their beloved Kim. She was a gentle giving person, quick with a smile and would literally give the shirt off of her back if you needed or even WANTED it (I would know, she gave me a jacket once because it looked similar to what I was wearing and she said I looked so cute, I ought to have another!) The world truly lost one of the "good ones" with her passing and my heart hurts FOR their whole family.

I'll leave you with a few pictures, which really show her personality. You'll be missed Kim.

Friday Five: I'm Old

In no particular order, five things that make me feel very old

1. Gabe kissed me goodbye before he got on the bus, when I told him I'd miss him, he said "Jeez Mom, I'll only be gone six hours, get a grip"

2. Last night at the school's open house, Bitsy got to see all of her new classrooms and meet the principal and other support staff and she looked like she belonged there. She was perfectly content to roam the halls and check out the library and I'm pretty sure she was positively giddy when she saw the gym and art rooms.

3. I had a serious conversation about fiber with someone the other day. FIBER!

4. I've been called ma'am this week.

5. The daughter of Kurt Cobain is voting age.

*sigh* I'm so damn old this week.

Thankful Thursday: Flowers

Today I'm especially thankful for springtime and flowers! Bits and I did a little bit of planting today which is always good for a mood boost!

Wordless Wednesday: Gabe's New Obsession

The Day is Done

We had a lovely day today. Took a long walk, saw some butterflies, ducks, and geese. Had a bbq, watched some silly tv, and Bits had a sleepover with Aubrey. Can't beat a day like this!