A Big Fan

I think Avery might be one of Laurie Berkner's biggest fans.

http://laurieberkner.com/site/

This morning, we've been singing and dancing to her music...and the neighbors probably think we are having a wild party in here :) Avery has one great voice, let me tell ya!

This Week's Favorites

Cheddar Chex Mix - A snack that isn't too bad for you, and it makes your hands nice and orange.
"Sam's Choice" Chipotle Cheddar Crackers - These are good with sliced cheese.
"Great Value" Sugar Free Strawberry and Cranberry/Apple Drink - Their take on Crystal Light, and these new flavors are yummy!
PPD - This is a mixture of 8 pink lemonade concentrates, a case of beer, and handle of vodka. I know, it sounds gross...but it is ohhhh so good, and it obviously makes a big batch for a party.
Shea and Cocoa Butter Baby Wash - A new smell for us, since we've been through just about every other fragrance of baby wash.
Carmex - My poor bottom lip is sunburned, and this feels pretty good on it.

It Went Great!!!

Bryton hopped off the bus this afternoon, and flew right by me and into the house. I tried not to feel too bad about that...no hug, 'til we got inside. He's "Joe Cool" today, but that is OK with me, as long as it isn't over the top and it helps him w/ being away from home during the day. Then, for the next 1/2 hr. I got the full report: what activities they did, who he played with during free choice time and recess, how he cried twice "because his loose teeth hurt....and because he missed me a little bit," how he got to have chocolate milk during snack time, and how he really likes his teacher and his bus driver. From the sounds of it, he enjoyed his first day of school! And he made a new friend on the bus, who gave him his phone number and a High School Musical ring. I'd say it was a good first day for him. Avery and I kept busy today, so we did OK too. She only asked twice where Bryton was. When I'd remind her that he's at school, she'd ask, "I go to school next year?" She's a bit anxious to join her brother on the school bus.

Bryton Starts Kindergarten

Bryton woke up smiling and saying "Mom, I have school today!" Lets hope his first day of school goes well for him :) Avery and I are getting used to a "quiet" house this morning. When the school bus was pulling away, Avery waved for quite awhile and then said "I miss Bryton."

Off to College

Tori, a very special neighbor and friend of ours, is soon off to college. We've watched her through 4 successful and sometimes trying years of high school, and she's blossomed into a beautiful young woman. Now she's got piles of dorm "stuff" in her parents house, she's cleaning her room for the final time (she hopes, since she dreads this job)...and she's started saying her good-bye's. Tori is very excited, and she reminds me a lot of myself, at her age. I remember being anxious to be "on my own." Its fun listening to her ideas, thoughts, and expectations of college. Do I want to go back? They were 4 great years of my life, so I'm excited for her. We'll miss Tori not being right next door, but she's about to start a new chapter in her life. We are so very proud of her!

Weekend in Chicago

We spent this past weekend, or at least Friday afternoon through Saturday of it, in Chicago w/ our dear friends, Amber and Jeremy. In 24 hrs. time, we toured Navy Pier, the Art Museum, saw a bit of the Chicago Air Show (we were most interested in the F-22 demo, which we got to see overhead!) and shopped Michigan Avenue. Of course, we ate some delicious Chicago food as well :) It was a great time!

Our Veggie Lovers

Nope, not Bryton and Avery so much...its Bailey and Jake I'm referring to. What are their favorite garden fresh veggies so far? Turnips, cucumbers, and zucchini...they've just taken a liking to the tail end of our crop...so we've decided its OK because we aren't eating these veggies anymore. Oh, and they like our neighbors tomatoes. So far they are being good about not touching our tomatoes :) Our neighbors don't pick theirs (we aren't sure why they plant them from year to year), and they are all slowly rotting...so once in awhile I catch Jake sneaking over to snatch one. Jake even has a light green tint going on his very light hair...from his regular wandering through our garden.