Summer Swagger

  Every year as the school days wind down, and the unstructured summer days approach, I get a little anxious about how I will survive the long days with all the kids home. Thursday was their last day and although they were sad to see their friends leave for the summer...they were thrilled to put away backpacks for three whole months!! There have been friends at our house since the minute we left school, late nights by the fire with smores and girl scout cookies each night and sleepovers here and there for three days straight. Not to mention the intense sleeping in happening(lets just say my kids are fans of brunch, not breakfast, during the summer!). Though some days will test my patience, the past three days have reminded me why I absolutely LOVE summer vacation!!! Here's to suntans and sleeping in....all without packing lunches ;)

be still

I often heard my mom say this during our evening phone calls. I'd be asking for advice or voicing the frustrations of parenting, recapping our chaotic week or questioning the future. She was so wise. I have decided these will be the lone two words tattooed on my arm in her handwriting(someday!) so I won't go a day without her all encompassing advice.

As the weeks of school dwindle down, and exciting things on the horizon unfold, I hope to honor her wisdom by being in the moment and cherishing where I am at this moment.

be still
                                                 


                                                     Liam, with his 1st grade teacher,
                                           was recipient of the Citizenship Award this year.

 C and his cuz cuz(Alyssa) ran the Fun Run-C placed 3rd!

My kid sis, Mary, and her family moved to Plymouth!!! Regular visits are in our future

Couples weekend in Brainerd over Mother's Day was too much fun

Another year of Field Day coordinator under my belt.

It was a huge success! C and his buddies

Start 'em young

My dad and Theresa came north over Memorial Day-the kids adore her :)

Someone will be in Kindergarten next year-unbelievable!!!

 

If you see red winged bird riding a roller coaster, smile at her for me :)

This weekend has been on the books for months and my excitement is thru the roof! As we head south for a fun filled weekend with my whole family, all 26!, I can't help but get a bit emotional. My mom left some money to my BIL before she passed and asked him to plan a trip for all of us sometime down the road. With tears in my eyes, I admit she still leaves me speechless with her selflessness and value of family. What I wouldn't give to have her here this weekend but knowing she made this possible, and will be here in spirit, warms my heart. "Family comes first" were words uttered a gazillion times while I was growing up and to see that still holds true makes me proud. Can't wait to make oodles of memories, laugh and ride roller coasters with one incredible group of peeps!!

It's my favorite time of year!

Summer is by far my favorite time of year! I love having the kids home-late nights, sleepy mornings, unexpected happenings all day long. Sometimes I worry we aren't instilling enough discipline in them by letting them tear loose all summer with no wake up calls and very little structure. But these years are so magical and the times we've had are priceless! Here's a picture recap of several weeks:

 

**What?! You've never seen a goalie playing shortstop?! lol

 

Gettin a bit WILD

Not sure how he continues to do it but Dan amazes me(insert gag worthy sigh!)
MN Wild and Wells Fargo team up for a road tour and Duluth was one of the stops. I showed up with the kids to stand in the LONG line for autographs with Charlie Coyle and Jason Zucker and who should be on the OTHER side of the barricade and at the front of the line but my hubby! Guess all those hockey board meetings paid off and he was presented the red carpet. We waited and waited(at the front!)for over two hours until the public signings were done then had our chance to chat with the guys and take a few pictures. They were so great.
Once again I'm reminded how lucky my kids are to have such a selfless dad who does anything for them to make lifelong memories.
GO WILD!!

Sweet summer is upon us!

Liam graduated on  Monday from Kindergarten. Was heartwarming to watch him receive awards for all his hard work all year. Young authors, Destination Imagination, 250+ reading days and of course his diploma! We are so proud of all his accomplishments this year.

Tuesday Connor received his DI and 250+ reading days awards too. He certainly had a wonderful year of school and is ready for 3rd grade. Boys get out of school tomorrow.

Novak also graduated this week from preschool. He was indifferent to going once or twice a week, opting more often to hang out with me and Iris. He was the "puzzle master" in his class and will really miss his teacher. School readiness here he comes!! 

And little miss Iris is...AWESOME! She has a tenacious attitude and is quick to giggle.

Summer is filled with lots of days together and very few camps....just the way it should be, right?! :)

What a blessed Mother's Day I had...pampered with love by each of them.

These are absolutely beautiful!!