All the August/September things!

For whatever reason, my pictures keep uploading in reverse order!  So, let's rewind a bit shall we - I'm a little delayed on some fun end of summer events!  Last night, we went to our local block party.  Sam and Isaac had ice cream dinner and enjoyed some bounce house mayhem!

Noah and I have begun volunteering at a local cat shelter.  He insists we need more kittens!

Last weekend, Sam, Isaac and I went to the Fort Madison Rodeo!  It was our first time back in 3 years, so it was great to see everyone again! The kids have all grown so much!

We realized this is our 20th year of rodeo, wow!

Cotton Candy never disappoints!

Sam started up the clarinet at school.  After a squeaky first week or two, he's actually getting the hang of it!

We all started school - had to get our first day pics!  I began my 11th year in Hinsdale.

Sam started up 6th grade, and Isaac started 4th grade!

Weekend naps these first few weeks are KEY!

Our FRESHMAN in HIGH SCHOOL.  What?!

We also enjoyed some wedding prep/bachelor/bridemaids' parties for Josh and Kjersten!

Can't wait for next week, cheers!

Our summer ended with a trip to Hilton Head with some friends!  Our last day, we explored Savannah, Georgia before our flight.  They were shooting a TV series - very cool to see!

Forrest Gump park!

We saluted our giant tower of empties the last day at our VRBO!

Noah competed with Aunt Meera for biggest hair - tough call!

The pool at the house was so fun!

Sam was in seafood heaven!

Salty Dog cafe!

Gator spotting!

A return trip to the Tiki Hut where Quint and Britt met on a girls trip some 16 years ago!

Twinning on the beach!

We had quite the motley crew from ISU!

THE OCEAN!

It was an amazing trip and so fun!  So - now that we are all caught up, let's get ready for the big wedding weekend!  Cannot wait!

Sam is 12!

We are having a great week here just doing our usual summer business.  But last week was filled with some major fun.  I was able to hang out with Lauren for a bit, and had my usual good aunt influence in full effect!

We went with the Worsts to check out this cool wibit (water inflatable) in Lake Zurich.  It was super fun!

And then, there was Sam's big day!  He opted for a cake from cinnaholic, which was a pull apart cinnamon roll cake with toppings.

We took him and 5 buddies to Top Golf, they had a great time!

They tried to hit the cart, but no luck.  The driver even taunted them by honking and waving.

He had an awesome day with Payton, Alex, Ishaan, Dylan and Logan!

Happy 12th Birthday, Sam!

So this week we have been just hanging out doing our usual low key summer stuff.  Sam has been working hard on his lego kit - it's Fawkes the Phoenix from Harry Potter.

Noah has been assisting in another round of karate camp.

We went an explored a bike trail over 290/355 yesterday, so cool!

And we are preparing for a trip to Hilton Head with some friend, can't wait for more summer fun!

Lake Life 2022!

We had our annual lake trip this year up at Diamond Lake.  This year was especially fun because all the cousins were there and Mike could come this year with the long weekend!  We celebrated some July birthdays.

Fireworks were a hit, Isaac was blinded by the flash!

Lots of quality time with Lauren on her first lake trip, she wasn't a huge fan of the lifejacket, but she tolerated it!

We also did a cooking competition - this year it was dips!

My favorite little ducky!

Lots down time with Bamma which was fun, the younger two helped Pops sort some of his foreign coins.

Lots of games of scrabble too, Bamma is BRUTAL!

So fun waking up with these smiles and rolls!

Noah took full advantage of the various glassware for his beverages.

Our rental came with access to a private beach area, which was so nice!

Bamma handed out money to go by candy at the marina.  These boys living their best lake life!

Some later evening firefly catch and release!

More scrabble, this time with CJ too.

The porch area was so nice, Isaac was a fan of the poofy chair, there was a hammock too!

Just lots of quality lake time, nothing better!

All the cousins all together, what a great time!

And now we have been enjoying home life with the cats before Sam's bday and our next trip!