August 30th

The boys are off to school-this might have been the first day we were ever ready early. I enjoyed watching the boys on the playground as they waited for school to start. Joseph is handling first grade great but I think it is still a little overwhelming. Alex talked to Joe this morning at breakfast and explained that first grad is"different" than Kindergarten. This conversation took place with Alex's hand on Joe's shoulders while they both munched on their Rice Krispies.

Today it is a gorgeous, blue sky day. I have Paige and Perri along for the day. Perri is with me everyday and Paige comes once a week. We hit Seerley Park (right by UNI) for a quick playtime. I watched a very tired college student try to parallel park his car again and again all the while the girls were saying "why is that man making his car go back and forth." He didn't know he had an audience of 4 girls!!

The next stop was for an oil change. I always hold my breath as I take the three girls in the waiting room. They enjoyed a full bag of popcorn and a huge chocolate doughnut. Probably will not have to do lunch today. That was an impressive and non-eventful trip to the car shop!!

We are hanging outside right now. The girls are playing in Abby's playhouse making me more food. Abby likes to get in her car, wave, and blow me a kiss. She pretends she is going to work. Of course, she ALWAYS has her purse on her shoulder.

Last Saturday there was an article in the paper about a family in Waterloo that lost everything in a house fire. I was really drawn to this story and felt like I should and could do something. I am sending out a letter to our St. Pat's families asking for donations. Our family will deliver them next week. The family has five boys from the toddler age to 8th grade. They need lots of clothes and household items. I hope we get a good response.

August 24-29

This weekend was spent catching up on yard work and relaxation for the boys after the first two days of school. We had a great time taking Irish for a walk at Prairie Lakes. The kids love throwing him a stick and watching him swim out for it. After about 6 turns he shakes off and lays down for a rest. He can usually be persuaded to go a few more times-especially when the whole family is cheering loudly for him.

Alex started soccer practice on Monday. It will be a challenge on soccer nights to get homework completed. After a little (ok-a BIG) talk about schoolwork coming first, I think we are back on track. He likes soccer and his coach is great. He will learn a lot from Tom and be challenged in his skills.

Joseph continues to transition wonderfully this year. He has really matured over the summer. He handles change so much easier. He still wonders why he has to wear a belt. He looks so grown up in his uniform. He was not interested in playing soccer so he will do swimming lessons and maybe tennis(if we can convince him to try it).

We had a new wood garage door installed this weekend. Now the kids can practice their tennis playing on the door!!! I guess that is how Bill and Jim practiced when they were younger. The boys love it.

Abby and Perri are coloring pictures and happy playing kitchen. So far this morning I have had 4 breakfasts from the girls. We had a great walk in the double stroller before the rain.

August 23, 2007

The first day of school went great. Alex said it was super fun. Joe said it was excellent and he wasn't even shy at school. They were both in good moods and not too tired from a hot first day of school. Abby was a little crabby to see them leave for school. She turned around quickly after we went for a long stroller walk and played in the sprinkler. We are off on a new school year adventure.

The House on Ranchero!!

August 21, 2007

The Night Before School. The kids are all tucked in bed with the school shoes and clothes ready to go. Tomorrow is the first day of First Grade for Joe and the first day of Third Grade for Alex. We meet their teachers and visited the classrooms last night. They both seem OK with school starting. They are just not excited about wearing "GOOD" clothes and a belt!!
Abby is hanging in there with her little virus. She had a good nap today and lots of Mommy playtime. She loves to test her voice by yelling "MOM" as loud as she can. She seems to get whatever she wants when I'm on the phone!!
Bill's band is practicing more and getting ready to play at our friend's outdoor party on September 7th. Bill was practicing his BASS tonight and the kids said..."what is that?" I think we are all adjusting to Bill playing that rather than the drums!!
I have started swimming at the YMCA again. I'm loving it. I just don't love the 5 a.m. time to go and swim. It's always nice to be done and not worry about it the rest of the day. My running career is on hold until my back heals up. It's been nice to try other things and get back into the pool. It was hard to say no to my running partner, Roxanne, when she called tonight and asked me to go for a short run. I guess I have running in my blood!!

August 20, 2007

On Friday, August 10th we headed off for a trip to Chicago. Abby stayed in Dubuque with Grandma and Grandpa Rhomberg. She did great going back and forth between Grandparents. She would carry her little flower girl bag (from Jacqueline) each time she visited the O'Brien's. She would walk up with her bag and turn to wave bye-bye to Grandma Mary. I think she was a little spoiled at both houses! She gave me a hard time at home th following week.

In Chicago we dined at Medieval Times. The boys LOVED the show. They ate soup in a big bowl, a huge piece of chicken, and drank REAL pepsi-which is always a treat. Most of Saturday we spent at the Museum of Science and Industry. The big hits were the SUB and the COAL MINE. We only had a short time at the Field Museum but at least they saw SUE the T-Rex. When Alex turned 5 we had his Birthday party at the traveling SUE exhibit here in Cedar Falls. Alex said he was so happy to meet the real SUE because he never thought that would happen in his life!!

We planned to go to White Sox game on Sunday, but it was too hot and humid. We knew there would not be enough snacks in the stadium to keep the boys happy for 3-4 hours. Plus we missed ABBY.

August 19, 2007

The Queen and her Knights-the oOfficial Band!!

We had our friends over tonight for pizza. Alex, Joe, Payton and Paige spent about 2 hours preparing for an incredible show for us. Move over Bon Jovi-here comes the competition. Bill was the official sponser and had a special seat. Lisa, Abby and I had front row seating. They rocked the house with original tunes. It was a ONCE in a lifetime experience for all.

Let's see if this works

August 14, 2007

I'm giving this a try, Nikki.
Let's see if it works.