Catch them being good.

Family Fun Night.

We made a new addition to the living room.

After much rule-making about when it's okay and when it's absolutely not okay to use the amp, we had our first night of keeping the electric guitars in the living room. The acoutsics and other little instruments are always avaibale, because you never know when the spirit will move you. Well, I decided that rockin' out just wasn't happening enough behind the closed doors of Dad's home gym. So we shall see. So far we haven't awoken, nor have our neighbors, to the screams of True covering "Vertigo" by U2.

Great Wolf Lodge.

We took the kids for a surprise stay at Great Wolf Lodge over the weekend and it was such a blast! I'm telling you, this place thinks of everything. Mind you, it's a one time a year event for us as it's pretty expensive, and there are lots of opportunities to spend money once you're there too, but it was a fantastic getaway for our family. Amazing splash park, magic wands that light up and activate different features throughout the hotel, video arcade, onsite Starbucks (for me) and a bar & grille (for E). The best part for me, aside from seeing a very happy family, was that True had just as much fun as every kid there because the staff went to great lengths to feed him all of his specialty items, allergen free. He got sorbet with gummy bears on top, a caramel apple, real french fries that weren't itchy (a new height of bliss for him), specially made smoothies. You name it.

This place rates tops in my book.

Our second home.

This is the simplest idea but last week I set up camp in our second home, our car. I bought a trunk organizer, but you could easily use a big bin for less money. Mine has three compartments, the middle one being an insulated pocket for snacks, water, juiceboxes, etc. On one side I organized all of my reusable shopping bags, and on the other I placed the items we need for various outings each week. Soccer shoes, Hapkido uniform, extra clothes for accidents, and a fully stocked swim bag. I also stocked the car with wipes, bandaids, sunblock, allergy meds, a new stash of books for the back seat, and sunglasses. It seems that this mama who claims she loves the simple life is actually on the go quite a bit, so knowing I'm prepared and don't have to pack snacks, sports equipment, etc. every time is a big weight off my to-do list.

SeaFair.

We had a generous friend take us out all day long on their boat Saturday for SeaFair. It was our first boating adventure as a family and the kids did great! The Blue Angels and other air shows were very exciting for True, as were the times the boat went "super fast!" Carsen was so excited to swim in the middle of the lake and stayed out later with Dad after True and I had had our fill. It was a big success, and we got some fun pics.

Music Men.

My Sister Rocks.

My sister, Amber (right)... I love her to pieces. She's one of the hardest working, supportive, loyal people I know. She deserves all the happiness that life can provide her. And for the most part things look to be turning out that way. I'm so proud of her for being a great teacher and coach, getting her Masters degree this year, and taking on many of the responsibilities of a family life: she went from single girl to living with her partner Trinidad (left) and Trinidad's FOUR kids!
Love you, Sisser.

Lauren

Welcome to our sweet new niece, Lauren Alyssa, who is celebrating being a whopping 4 weeks old! We love you already, Peanut! (She's seen here being held by Carsen and admired by her big brother, Adam.)

Welcome Evan!

Welcome to this world, little Evan Patrick! Another cousin for the kids this week, Auntie Kate had her third child, brave woman, and he looks like such a cherub! Isn't it written somewhere that if your parents are kind enough to have a third child that you must be an angel? Let's hope so, as my dearest friend Wendi is about to have her third as well.

Babies, babies, everywhere! It's good medicine for mamas like me who are all done having our own. Kisses, Evan, and we hope to meet you soon!

Love these two.

My three favorite people.

Time flies.

It's been an eternity since I've posted so here are the recent photos!