Back to School

Well, there are back to school again!  The summer was fun but everybody was ready for school to start.  Nick is in 6th grade and heading off to the Middle School.  He has practiced his schedule and his locker lock and says he is ready...I know he will be fine it just might take a day or two to figure out where he is going.  Kelsey is in 8th grade this year.  She is excited about all the fun things that await her as part of the oldest class of students.  I am sure it will be a great year for both of them...and who am i kidding?  I love the one year at each building when the kids are on the same schedule for bus and activities!

More July pictures coming soon...

July was a busy month with our trip to the Midwest.  I take way too many pics so it takes forever to get through them and post.  I will work on them soon and post when they are ready to share.  We had a ton of fun with our Iowa & Illinois family!  Thanks to everyone for making it a great time!

Nik Wallenda in Atlantic City

Rob took a vacation day to go to the shore and have a beach & boardwalk day.  The weather was iffy so we opted for a last minute change of plans.  Nik Wallenda (having recently walked a tight rope across Niagara Falls) is in a show at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City.  We were able to get back stage passes & front row seats.  It was really exciting to meet Nik and then get to see the show with such an up close view.  It's amazing what people are capable of doing!  There were magicians, a juggler who could juggle 5 soccer balls (with the use of his head) and even juggled 3 ping pong balls with his mouth while he juggled 3 soccer balls!  There was an acrobat who hung by ribbons from the ceiling and did her routine high above the stage and another who was able to contort in ways I couldn't have even imagined!  Oh and then there was Nik Wallenda who did an act with is wife on the sway poles that looked like they touched the theater ceiling and then a high wire act with his wife, mother & cousin.  The kids were all smiles and we all really enjoyed the show.  We topped off the day with dinner at PF Changs on the way home.  So much better than a wet day at the beach!

More grown up bathroom...bye, bye froggies!

 Time to let yet another thing go... Kelsey decided the youthful frogs were too youthful in the kids' bathroom (and I'd have to agree but I was still sad to see the frogs go).  She got Nick to agree to a zebra theme so we were busy giving the bathroom an update.  It was nice to have help!  Kelsey helped me strip the wall paper trim & repaint.  Nick helped Rob remove the mirror & install the new light.  Truly a family project.  Everyone is happy with the way it turned out.  We are just waiting for the arrival of the zebra poster and then once it's hung, the bathroom will be finished!  Check out the before and after.

Big Time Rush Concert

Last night we went to the Big Time Rush concert with friends.  The kids all had a blast.  We had lawn seats but were able to get a spot right up at the rail and the view was better than some of the seats!  The weather was supposed to be stormy but thankfully the storms came early and not a drop of rain fell during the concert.  And the picture of Koda in the car?  He ran out of the house as we were leaving and really thought we'd take him with if he jumped into the car.  He wouldn't get out!!

We are really enjoying the relaxed pace of summer vacation! 

Today after we cleaned the hamster cage I decided to see how well the four of them could pose for a few group pictures.  I think we got some great ones.  The only one I photo shopped was the closeup of just Furball and Koda.  Kelsey was holding Furball and her arm was visible.  A little bit of tweaking and it turned out pretty cute!  Koda was on his best behavior, even with a hamster on his head!

Last Day of School

We made it!!!  Let the summer begin!  Here are a few new photos of the kids.  I can't believe we have two in Middle School!!!  We are so proud of Kelsey & Nick for all of their hard work this year.  Excellent report cards came home again.