So we're trying this out....

 Maddie's been begging to do gymnastics but it's so expensive! I'm all for sports and activities but not for ridiculous amounts of money. I mean, she's six, for crying out loud. But, my friend Jen, whose daughter Madelyn (and he sister Natalie) has become one of Maddie's besties found classes at the YMCA for super cheap! The first class was free so we gave it a whirl...not the most advanced or fancy of instructors or facilities but they had fun and loved that they got to be together! At the end of the day, that's what matters, right? If she shows some promise maybe then we'll spring for the bigger deal...until then, tumble your little hearts out, for next to nothin'!

Grandparents Day 2015

We had a great day! Garret and his buddies had gone fishing the weekend before and caught a bunch of fish so....fish fry!!! We're so lucky to have such amazing Grandparents who adore our kiddos and help us mold them into amazing people! There aren't enough fish in the sea to show our appreciation! 

They finally convinced me.

I have been suuuper hesitant to cut Gavin's hair. I mean, I totally get he looks like Bozo and/or Gary Busey's mug shot but, the curls! I, nor anyone in my immediate family has seen such a phenomenon. I was terrified if I cut them, it'd be boring, stringy, straight hair like the rest of us.

Look at those sweet curly-cues...Garret and Maddie totally bullied me into it. I've learned not to mess with Garret on game day so....ugh.

He did so well! I was shocked he sat still but he was quite the trooper! The stylist kept saying he was the best toddler she'd ever had in terms of listening and sitting still. Then, it got long and all you-know-what broke loose. He was over it. He managed to stay in the chair juuuust long enough!

I mean, really?! It's this long?

 But...it's cute. REALLY cute. I kinda cried a little cause he looks so big but he's getting bigger. And Mamma has to deal. With wine. And tears.

*sigh*...my big boy.  She did say it was super wavy at the root so here's to hoping for future curls! 

Football season has officially begun. The bain of my existence. But, *gasp*, I find myself starting to enjoy-ish it each year. Am I becoming a football wife?! Um, no. But I will put a cute shirt on and sip on a cocktail at  bar while HE enjoys it....

Picture Day!

Since the hair will most likely be cray and the smile unpredictable, here's a few juuuust in case....

First Day of First Grade!

Welp, six, 4 baby teeth gone....first grade.  That clock just keeps a-tickin'. 

I made Maddie a shultute. It's tradition in Germany when a child begins first grade they receive this cone shaped object full of goodies, school supplies, small toys etc to calm their nerves about school. 

We're so happy to be back at our old stomping grounds, Edison Park! Last year was a bit chaotic with teacher/admin changes but hoping for a bit more stability this year! Plus, I'm totally gonna be a PTA mom....already have 47 ideas! Hopefully they won't boot me out;)

Maddie is so excited about her new teacher, Miss Stabnick! She was her friend, Addison's teacher last year and knew her from across the hall! I think they'll be a great pair! When Miss Stabnick told me she doesn't expect kids so young to sit still all the time and not be kids, I had a good feeling about her....

I'm officially in my forties. Ew/

I had so much fun celebrating the big 4-1 with my fave peeps! I almost forgot I'm in my forties. What does that even mean? Am I supposed to be grown up and mature now?! Ugh. 

It began with a surprise from Garret and the kiddos.....a decorated door, breakfast in bed and lunch!

Since Trisha, Colleen and I all have birthdays in August and didn't want to force our friends to attempt three different shindigs we just combined into one amazing part-ay! A Japanese steak house and some karaoke. Really, what more could a gal want? Besides not to have to fiercely suck in her food baby all night (really, the shirt was NOT this short when I tried it on....). Ah well, the hubs liked it, even if I did have sore, ahem, "abs" for the week after....

  

Summer...in a surprisingly not too lengthy video....

Since Summer was SO fabulous and there isn't enough room on this blog for all the photos, I made a movie with my latest obsession, Magisto! 

I had a summer off for the first time in my adult life and it was kinda fabulous. I mean, we were super poor but the jewelry biz sustained us enough to not starve to death! It's amazing how many free/super cheap things you can find to do with the littles! I was pretty proud of how creative we got, we were able to do things we hadn't ever tried!

 Hoping to be able to do this every summer! Shoulda been a teacher after all....