Angry Birds Star Wars... the new summer must-have

The sleep wars continue around here. Everyone tells me that one day I won't be able to get them out of the bed during the teenage years. I don't have to worry about that, though, because I will be 80 years old by then. I am aging at twice the normal rate from LACK OF SLEEP. I think I am getting paid back for all the times I told people my babies were "such good sleepers". Note to self... keep mouth shut. It is highly unusual for every single person in our house to sleep all the way through the night. Highly. Even Fran has decided to join in the fun. She now needs to be "retucked" if she wakes up during the night. She says she sees shadows in the hall. Oh.my.word. So, now we have returned to all out, not trying to disguise it, bribery with Rush. If he stays in his room for five nights in a row, he gets a pack of Angry Bird Star Wars little things. They come with two in a pack, and he loves them. So much so that he is not coming out of his room.

We never said anything about staying the in bed, though. I probably should have added that to the bargain. Sleep in your bed.

Summer Fun... well, mostly fun

We are off to a great start with our Summer 2013! We have several fun things planned. We started off the summer with a weekend at the lake. We had lots of fun, but some plumbing issues at the lake house sent us back home sooner than we planned. It wasn't before a beautiful sunset boat ride and a fun day of playing in the water. We also got to spend time with our sweet Kate. They are all at a fun age to play together really well. It is hard to notice the 18 month age difference at this point. They love being together!


Frannie packed her own things for the trip to the lake. This was the day before we left. Think she was looking forward to it?





Frannie participated in the cheer camp that is hosted by our local high school. She really enjoyed it! My favorite thing she learned at camp? A cheer that says, "... and we can beat those turkeys any 'ol time." Except she says, "... and we can eat those turkeys any 'ol time." When I told her it was probably beat rather than eat, she was quite adamant that she was correct. I guess cheerleaders really like to eat turkey. ;-)


We also went a reception for some sweet friends that got married last weekend.

Rush also tried soccer camp this summer. It didn't go well. There were tears and some sobbing. To make a long story short, it was pretty much a disaster, but he looked really cute in his gear, didn't he? He said he might try it again when he is five. Stay tuned...


Even though soccer camp didn't go as planned, we did get to hang out with my best friend, Michelle. She comes into town each summer and stays with us for a couple of days while her boys are participating in the university's football camp. We even got to enjoy lunch with Zack and Carter before they left to go back home. The kids were completely SPOILED the whole time she was here.




We've also been to the new Dunkin' Donuts.. twice. And that just kind of makes everything better.



And yes, Frannie definitely got a new short hairstyle! We all LOVE it!! I think it looks so cute on her! We may keep it that way for a while. :-)

Saying Good-bye to Sue Sue

We have had a great time easing into our new summer routine. We have already been having lots of fun! Before we could say hello to summer, though, we had to say good-bye to a really important part of our lives for the last four years. The kiddos finished up their last year with Sue Sue, the home daycare provider we have loved for the last four years. She has been wonderful to our family, and we will miss her so much! Yes, I cried, but who is surprised?
These are a few pictures from their first day at Sue Sue's and a few of the morning before we left to go to Sue Sue's for the first time. I LOVE the one of Frannie crying and Rush just chilling beside her. Pretty much the way they still are today. Although she doesn't cry all the time, she's definitely a "show all your emotions" kind of gal, and Rush is still laid back for the most part.


Last day at Sue Sue's...