Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Showcase #9 - Last Weekend of Summer Break

It seems like just yesterday that we were unpacking Fiona's backpack and putting everything away for the summer.  In the blink of an eye, we are pulling the backpack out again and reloading it with fresh, new school supplies.  Scarlett has now joined the "packing party" and getting her backpack ready for kindergarten.  My baby girl is heading off to full day kindergarten, what in the world??!!!  When did that happen?  As we walked down the hall to meet her teacher last Thursday, I had this wave of emotion sweep over me and about "lost it" right there!  Both my girls are growing up way too quickly!!

We celebrated the last weekend of summer with a couple of fun things.  On Friday afternoon, Jeremy took a half day vacation and we headed to Sky Zone.  This place was SOOO fun!  The kids were dripping wet by the time we left and they can't wait to go back!  Giant trampolines everywhere!!























On Saturday, Scarlett's kindergarten teachers planned a Kindergarten Round-Up for everyone.  We went to a local lake and got to meet the families, play and enjoy a potluck dinner.

Sunday was a beautiful day and evening.  We told the kids we'd do a movie night.....so we did, on the deck.  It made watching Barbie and the Fashion Fairytale enjoyable!  It was Scarlett's turn to pick the movie.....that was her choice.  I made a tray of finger foods and Jeremy made some super delicious popcorn.  Everyone got a bath, had their jammies on and settled in for Movie on the Deck.  It was so fun!  We'll be doing that again I'm sure!


Here's the set up, it was perfect!  Great idea Daddy!


When summer began, we had a little meeting and came up with a chore chart for the kids.  Each day they had a list of things to do and if they did them, they colored the chart for that day.  I told them that I would pay them at the end of summer for the work they did.  Well, Fiona was not about to let me forget my promise.  Monday, August 27th - - it was pay day!  We went to the bank and I got the cash needed to pay my little employees.  We then headed to Walmart to buy their treasures.



He picked 3 cars.  Here they are all lined up, which is how I find his cars on most days.


She's been wanting Alvin and the Chipmunks Chip Wrecked.  She didn't have enough money from her chores but broke into her piggy bank and was able to come up with the difference.


She chose a mirror compact, headband, 2 suckers and a spiral art kit.

After shopping, we took the kids to Purgatory Chasm for an hour of rock climbing.  It was a gorgeous day and the kids love this place, so do their parents!!  Jeremy tried out his new CamelBak...Awesome!



By the way, we crawled through that cave behind us and came out on the other end.  I conquered my claustrophobia this one time!


After our rock climbing adventure, we headed home for dinner and then went to West End Creamery for one final treat before heading home to an early bedtime.

And here the school girls are on their first day of school, August 28th 2012......





Monday, August 13, 2012

Showcase #8 - Visit Back Home

It's been awhile since our last post.  We were vacationing back in our hometown with family and friends for 17 days.  It was a super fun visit but it is always nice to return to some normalcy too.  Here are a few photos from the end of July - beginning of August - - - all from Illinois


It's Go Fish!  My sister-in-law found out they were coming to a nearby town so we took our older kids to see these guys.  They are awesome!!  If you're looking for fun, clean, entertaining children's music, check them out!  http://gofishguys.com/  Their motto is that they make "Great music for kids that won't drive parents bonkers!"


It was about 100 degrees out and 99.99999% humidity but everyone still had a sweaty blast at the concert! 


Fiona's cousin was gecko sitting while we were playing at their house.  After several attempts, she got it out of the cage.  It tried to escape so we didn't keep it out too long!


Big sister jumped off the high dive for her first time and little sister jumped off the low dive at the same time.


4 Wheeling at Grandpa and Grandma's house!!


Grandma Z. bought a balloon kit and the kids were entertained for hours!  When they made their appearance from the basement, they modeled their creations!  So clever and funny!


Grandma S. treated us to a day at the Magic House in St. Louis, MO.  We had never been before, such a cool place!  If you live in IL or nearby states, put this on your To-Do list.  Here the kids were climbing a contraption.


A fireplace?  No, a secret entrance to a detective room.  


After eating lunch in the cafe, we were freezing so went outside to warm up.  I think it was like 106 degrees in St. Louis that day so we warmed up quickly.  They are standing in a mini lazy river.


Nice hair ladies!


Thanks for a fun day and a new hair do Grandma!


Because she can't stand to be outdone by her big sister....she jumped off the high dive too!!


We had a family dinner at Johnny's Italian Steakhouse and the cousins all left with to-go cups.


After Keegan's baptism, the cousins posed for a quick photo.


Grandma Z. and her little buddy


Grandpa Z. and his spunky little granddaughter


Grandpa S. with the crew


While back, we attended our 20th class reunion.  Here we are the night before with fellow classmates.  Veronica just moved back from Australia, Jeremy and I are in MA, Kim lives in Mexico and Tonya (my BFF) has stayed local.

Girls Night Out group reunites once again!  Always such a joy getting to spend time with my dearest friends from childhood!  Even though half the group is now out of the state (MO, MI, MA) and one that is out of the country (Mexico) we always pick right up where we left off when we get together.    Just missing one out-of-towner in this picture.  She tried to get back but it just didn't work out.  


Lots of time was spent climbing this rope and playing in the new tree house Grandpa made!