The Wedding

Last weekend my littlest sis Heather got married. It was also known as the weekend where Baby Girl stayed put and didn't make her mama give birth on the plane. Or worse, have to have Dr. Logan deliver me. Talk about what would have been a truly awkward moment. Yay for small blessings. We flew in about an hour before the rest of my fam so Evan took the boys to watch the planes land so I could put up my already swelling feet. I have to apologize in advance because all of these pics are from Evan's phone. I know you're shocked, but really, is there any other kind for our family?

See palm trees! We really are back in Cali.

After some much needed El Pollo Loco, a trip to the nail salon, and me falling asleep by 10 pm, the big wedding day was here. I had to post this picture. Ashley, wins "Sister of the Year" award for not making me bend down and buckle my own shoes. You rock, Ashley! And what was I thinking with those shoes?!? After about an hour of pure torture, I'd ditched them for flip flops.
Waiting for the blushing bride and groom to make their debut outside of the temple as husband and wife. Nothing like an airplane for an Uncle (especially one who is 6'5").
Colt greeting Aunt Heather with some love.
Gavin, the happiest, most smiley kid on the planet, was not having anything to do with the pictures. So, since it was a wedding and you only take like a picture or two, we pretty much tortured the kid all day.
Me, documenting the baby bump! And trying to smile about it since I pretty much loathe taking pictures by myself. About a month away from delivery here and I'm HUGE! We went in for a 36 week ultrasound and she's already measuring 7 lbs 2 oz! With a head that's not so dainty either. Bless my heart on this delivery. As well as a few other of my extremities.
The family, pretty in pink. Oh and obviously, that cardigan I'm wearing, wasn't maternity.
We hit up the Santa Monica Pier right before our plane left the next day and apparently we'd exhausted Colt so much that it was all I could do to hold that boy up for a picture.
Our version of child labor. No rest for the weary I guess, sorry Colt!
It was a beautiful wedding and we're glad to be home and staying put until this baby gets here (due date in only three weeks, wahoo!) I had real, live contractions last night which motivated me to get off the couch today and wash an outfit or two. We can't wait to meet this little girl!

The day from you know where

I love my boys. A lot. Also, I hate potty training. A lot. Today was the day I decided to potty train Cade. He's three and I was convinced that as long as you waited until a boy was old enough, he could and would learn how to use the toilet like a champ. So with all of the traveling and company we’ve had going on since mid-April over, I decided it was time to get down to business. Superhero underwear? Check. Potty treats? Check. All sorts of confidence that I rock at potty training? Check. After all, Colt (from what I can remember) only had two accidents and magically became a toilet pro. So though I would sympathize with all the mothers out there who had it worse, the empathy just wasn’t there. Enter my second born child Cade and the myriad of reasons why he is so dang good for me. He humbles me like nobody’s business and reminds me that all those "amazing" motherly skills that worked so beautifully on Colton mean jack squat with him. Today we went through 8 pairs of superhero underwear, spent approximately 3 hours on the toilet coaching, pleading, bribing, begging, and not one success. Not a drop in the potty. Not ONE drop! All the while this pregnant mama spent way too long on her knees cleaning up what had to be at least 3 gallons of pee.

By 3:00 pm, I was done. Like out of my mind done. By 6:00 pm, when Evan called to tell me he’d be late from work and I was cleaning up my 8^th mess of the day, there might have been some bawling and me telling Cade that he’d be the only kindergartener in diapers and it served him right. By 10:00 pm I decided to quit potty training all together until Cade’s 16 and ate my weight in cookies. Tomorrow’s a new day right?

The Hunt

It's been a cold spring. Cold enough that my kids have resigned to warming themselves by the heater vent in the bathroom, of all things. Thankfully, I have come out of my pregnancy slump and these floors/bathroom are relatively clean. The weeks leading up to Easter, the Chicago skies have given us nothing but rain, the really yucky, cold kind. Hence the cuddling up by our version of a fire. By some Easter miracle, the sun came out and we were able to have the long anticipated egg hunt in our backyard. What's better is Evan, who has been working some seriously depressing hours lately, was able to get off work early and join us.



The hunt was a success though I can't say the same for getting the kiddos to actually look at the camera. At the same time. Smiling. I'm exhausted thinking about it. Candy and chocolate was enjoyed by all, especially a certain pregnant mama, as was evidenced by the nurse who weighed me at my doctors appointment the next day. She wrote down my weight, noticed the sizable difference from the month before and said, "Looks like you had a good Easter." Why yes I did, thank you.

My parents came to visit for Easter and my mom and I have been busy making room for Baby Girl. This included buying some bunk beds and moving the boys into a room together.
The room is painted (thanks Evan!), the bunk beds are up and running and now I'm starting to wonder if these boys will ever actually fall asleep in their lovely new beds.

Another addition to the family

A big congrats is in order for my littlest sis Heather who got engaged last night! Her fiance, Todd, really outdid himself on the proposal. I'm thinking Todd was taking notes from the ever popular show, The Bachelor, because you know...there was a helicopter involved.
And chocolate covered strawberries. And a carriage ride. And a candlelit dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in Salt Lake. Todd, are you sure you're not a closet Bachelor lover? After learning the details of the romantic night, my comedian of a brother-in-law Logan mentioned that with Todd coming into the family now, he and Evan are in trouble. Big, deep, serious trouble. Evan has requested that I never compare notes with Heather on Valentine's Day, Anniversaries, Christmas, St. Patty's Day, Arbor Day, etc. Heather has definitely engaged herself to a man who knows how to put the romance into a gesture. I'm excited to have Todd join the family. Not just because he can now offer the men in our family workshops on love, but because he's one of the nicest, most genuine guys I know. Good job H!

On that note, the wedding is set for July 9th in San Diego. For those keeping track, Evan and I have an uncanny ability to plan the arrival of our children around the same time my siblings want to get married. Remember three years ago when my brother got married? Here I am at Adam and Valerie's reception three weeks before we met Cade (which reminds me...Happy Anniversary Adam and Val!)
Obviously I am very photogenic and absolutely love my picture being taken when heavy with child. Fast forward three years later and I will be attending Todd and Heather's wedding with a belly about this size. And probably in this same shirt since it'll be the only one fitting by then. With Cade making his debut in under four hours and an almost five hour flight to San Diego, let's just hope for the best shall we?

Evening the score

Well, almost. After one canceled appointment, a very modest baby, and an ultrasound tech from heaven, we found out yesterday that a baby girl is joining our family! So as Colton told us in dismay (some serious dismay) after finding out the news, "There are going to be two girls in this family!" Like I said, we're starting to even things out around here. And obviously, Colton forgot that just a few weeks ago he was begging for a sister.

Last week Evan had been out of town for work and after 7 days alone, I was starting a slow meltdown. My light at the end of the tunnel was my ultrasound scheduled for last Friday. Of course, as luck would have it, the office called to cancel on Thursday night. No big deal. What's a few more days? Fast forward to yesterday morning, where after all sorts of poking and prodding, this baby refused to uncross its legs. Apparently, our kids are very prim and proper as Colt did the same thing to us some 5 years ago. More importantly though, things looked good and healthy and I was trying to talk myself into the idea of a "surprise" come August. Then the ultrasound tech suggested I come back after she was done with her appointments for the day, drink a super sized orange juice, and see if we couldn't get the baby to change positions. Best suggestion ever and so nice of the tech to be willing to see me again after she was done for the day. The orange juice did the trick and Baby Girl decided to let her mama know she's on her way. The kids were there with us and that's when Colt decided to loudly announce at least 92 times that he wanted a brother and was it too late to change babies?

Colt has since declared he likes baby boys and girls the same and after I've started detailing plans for her room and necessary wardrobe items, Evan (looking kind of worried) asked me, "Do girls really cost more than boys?"

Been baking again

Another baby, that is. Baby Jones #3 is scheduled to make his/her arrival on (or better yet before, please let it be before!) August 12th. I think this is where I'm supposed to have scanned in a picture of the ultrasound, but that would mean that I actually know how to use our scanner and since that's just silly, you'll have to take my word for it.

We have the "big" ultrasound scheduled in two weeks and I'm counting down the days. Evan had the audacity to say that it would be "fun to think of another boy's name." He actually said that. I don't know what memories he's thinking of, but if it is a boy and we have to agree on a name, "fun" isn't the word that comes to mind. When we told the kids, Colt was adamant that this baby be a girl and Cade demanded a brother. Good news is it's got to be one or the other so I'm bound to make someone happy. Oh and Cade also requested we name his new brother, "Do-d0." Someone might or might not be harboring more reservations about this bambino than we thought.

The other good news is I'm finally headed out of the sick phase...I think. While I've been sick, I think it's safe to say I haven't been nominated for any Mother of the Year awards. A few weeks back, I was so sick I let the boys run wild in the house. I came downstairs to find the boys chain watching Harry Potter and an empty box (that once was full) of fruit snacks on the floor. Colt is still asking me for a wand. I've found though that I don't get as sick if I don't eat anything sweet. Apparently this baby doesn't know his/her mama. With the boys I ate a steady diet of frozen taquitos and donuts and this baby wants granola and fruit. What?!? So for now, my boxes of girl scout cookies sit untouched in my freezer. I hear they make a great post-delivery snack.

Merry Christmas...again

I debated even posting Christmas pics partly from embarrassment because you know it's almost March, but after some research I realized I'm posting only a week later than I did last year. So really, I'm nothing if not consistent. For the sake of posterity (because one of these days I really will get this into a book) and to one day show my kids that we celebrated Christmas in 2010 here we go.

The obligatory "Christmas Eve in front of the tree with our Christmas Eve pajamas" picture.

This was the year of the Transformers. It was all the kids could talk about, ask Santa for, and talk about some more. We even got to the point where they were transforming every night when it was time for prayer. We're talking a ten minute transformation to get from standing into the kneeling position. Pretty sure this was also a test of Mama's Christmas spirit while waiting for said transformations. It's amazing how intimately acquainted I've become with all things Transformers. The difference between Mudflap and Ironhide? Check.

The only picture we have of Colton looking at the camera on Christmas morning. He may not look overwhelmingly happy (or even happy at all) but maybe that's because I was begging for a picture with him holding a dinky M&M stocking stuffer. Let's be realistic, how much enthusiasm can I expect from a thing of M&Ms?

The cutest Mary and Joseph you ever did see.

Blurry, but the most edible Wiseman ever. Seriously, I need a fork.
That's about it for the pictures. I've really got to stop relying on the camera phone to document all important events of my kids' lives. The things not caught by the camera phone are: soaking up the sun at the Santa Barbara zoo, my almost daily obsession with El Pollo Loco, games, food, and hanging out with the Jones clan. If you live near an El Pollo Loco run, don't walk, and drink their creamy cilantro dressing from a cup. Then dip everything you can find into that dressing. You'll thank me later.

Happy Valentine’s Day to ReBABEcca

Here’s a poem – just a little one - then I’ll quit,
To my girl, aka Snuggle Biscuit,
She is by far the most amazing wo.
Gotta say, your “touch is like whoa”,
Its kinda fun to embarrass you,
So glad that you are my boo.

Give it up for the poem that is beyond lame!! Honestly, sweetie – I really like you and just wanted to attack from all fronts to make you smile and know that I am thinking about you today even though it’s a school night and we can’t be together for much of it. You are straight beautiful and achieve “amazing wife” rank in all categories of womanliness. I love you tremendously and everything about you too!! Be my valentine please!
Love,
Your dude.

When Dad does the laundry

The other night I actually braved the frigid temps and went to a church meeting for the ladies. Miracles do happen! When I got home I noticed the laundry baskets that had been sitting there for awhile (days, weeks, decades, who's counting?) were empty because lo and behold someone decided to fold them. Major thanks to the husband. Only thing is, it's obviously harder to distinguish Colt and Cade's clothes than I thought. I was herding the boys to the car the other morning and this is what I found:

Colt didn't even notice the tight squeeze when getting dressed or you know...the four inches of bare midriff. I'm all for mishaps like these if it means I get a break from the laundry.

Update on the elusive Girl Scout cookies: A girl scout showed up at my mama's door this weekend (apparently they are alive and well and selling up a storm in Texas) and when my mom asked, was told they weren't selling cookies in Illinois. Say what? According to the little scout it was just too cold to sell the cookies here. Say what again? Whatever happened to being prepared? With maybe a coat and scarf? Or even building a fire along the way? Isn't that what scouting is all about? Luckily, my mom bought me 4 boxes of my very own and they're on their way. Bless that woman.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

And all that stuff. Here are the boys, plus our neighbor friend across the street, with the snowman they built before Christmas. The picture isn't the best quality since Evan's camera phone is just not meant for nighttime, but you get the idea. I stayed inside where it was warm giving all sorts of moral support and thanking my lucky stars that I have a husband willing to brave the snow for me. I'm a wimp, plain and simple. A few days after this we left for Cali to celebrate Christmas with Evan's fam and I excitedly packed flip flops and short sleeve shirts cuz who needs a jacket in the land of surf and sun? Apparently we do. My flip flops stayed packed and we came home to melted Mr. Snowman cause you know...Chicago decided to warm up while we were gone.


I have all sorts of pictures (or should I say Evan's sister has all sorts of pictures) that I'm hoping to steal and share of Christmas and a couple of birthdays we celebrated. Evan and Colt are both a year older and oh so much wiser. Evan's trying to forget the older thing and not a day goes by without Colt reminding us he's five and now meets the age requirement for kindergarten.

A few random thoughts:

- Yesterday Cade was upstairs calling my name looking for me. I was doing something in the kitchen and didn't answer right away and heard Cade yell, "Mama? You on da potty?" What?? Am I in there a lot or something? Is that where my kids think I hang out? Can't find Mom? No problem. She's just catching some down time on the potty.

- Why am I still killing spiders inside my house? If our frigid temps can't pick these things off, nothing can. And here I thought that winter's one redeeming quality was getting rid of the insect population. I'm pretty sure that if a Chicago winter can't do it, nothing can. I want to move south where there's bugs (big ones too) but at least I'd be warm.

- Word on the street is that girl scout cookies are for sale. Where are the girl scouts when you really need them? Isn't anyone a girl scout anymore? I'm this close to sticking Colt in the local troop just to get my fix. With winter at its peak, the sky getting dark at what feels like noon, and me wearing my ski jacket around the house to stay warm, I need a Samoa stat. Better make that a box.

To Grandmother's house we go...

For Thanksgiving we had every intention of celebrating in Chicago with our little family of four. Evan knew that I wasn't exactly fond of the idea of my entire family being together (minus us) but reminded me of the whopping 1000 miles separating us from them. I think it's fair to say he underestimated the lengths (literally) my mom and I were willing to go to make this holiday happen. Fast forward to Thanksgiving time and my mom flying to Chicago (thanks Mom!), just to help me drive me and my two children for two solid days down to Texas. Bless you, Mother. Along with the coloring books and DVD player things weren't as bad as I'd anticipated, except for one very dark hour that ended with my mother climbing into the little backseat to separate my two screaming, fighting boys. Lucky for me, I was driving. Here's Colt smiling on the first day of driving. Not so sure that the smiles were abounding on Day 2 (all of my pics are from camera phones, excuse the blurriness).

Some playtime after all the driving. Spent some time in downtown Austin enjoying the parks, the gorgeous weather, a cute little train, and of course some Tex-Mex food.
The boys playing their little hearts out at Nana's house. Cade, who had been rebelling against naps for quite some time, wore himself out at Nana's and started napping again. What's better is he decided he liked it so much he's kept it up for me at home!
A few weeks before Thanksgiving my sister Ashley proposed that we run a Turkey Trot in downtown Austin on Thanksgiving morning. She was convinced that running those five miles before the big feast would make us feel energized and overall better about ourselves when we dug into the turkey and pies. I was convinced that it would make us feel you know...sore...while we dug into our turkey and pies. Never one to turn down some sister bonding though, I told Ash to count me in, even though I'm pretty sure the last time I'd run five miles was...have I ever run five miles? Like I thought, my sisters took off like the conditioned runners they are and I ran in the back with the walkers. I did remember to bring along my secret weapon aka my personal trainer, Evan. The man did everything. Held my iPOD, switched my songs, turned the volume up, grabbed my water, told the walkers I was "Coming through!" when I actually managed to pass one. He's the only reason I didn't jump into one of the many strollers I ran next to. I think in this next picture my sisters look happy because they feel so energized. I'm happy because I didn't die (picture courtesy of my secret weapon).
Cade got an ear infection in the middle of all of the festivities. Lucky for us we had Dr. Rencher in the house (or as Evan calls him, Log Doc) who checked him out and prescribed the much needed antibiotics. Logan was awesome with grouchy, tired Cade and Colt told me he's decided his new pediatrician will be Uncle Logan. I'm all for it if it weren't for the whole travel time thing.
The big meal. A little blurry but you get the drift.
Colt all alone at the kids' table. Cade was taking one of the aforementioned naps as was Gavin. I think it's safe to say that Colt ate half the turkey single-handedly, not to mention an entire can of cranberry sauce. I've decided that Evan's going to have to get a second job so we can afford to feed this boy when he's a teenager.
Evan got to join me on the two day drive back where all of us were experiencing bouts of grumpiness. Probably because we were racing back for Evan to take a final the Monday after Thanksgiving and with every mile we drove it felt like it got about 20 degrees colder. We're home "enjoying" the negative degree weather and waiting till May when it's safe to step outside again.

The Halloween Post

Here's the Halloween recap just in time for Thanksgiving. Oh how I wish I loved Halloween more, but after soaking up the whole turkey/pie/football thing today (and prepping for black Friday in the wee hours of tomorrow) I've determined if it weren't for the kids I really could do without it. Even stealing the kids' candy didn't hold quite the same charm for me this year - only one Twix in the whole bunch. Sigh. But we soldiered through it and here's the documentation that yes kids, there really is a Halloween.

Evan was bound and determined that he make the costumes this year. Another Sigh. I loved that he wanted to but really, where was he going to find the time? Never one to step on my husband's dreams and aspirations I verified with him 426 times that with everything else he had stacked on his plate, the costumes would be ready come October 31st. Here's Colt ready for his Preschool Parade and completely thrilled with his Daddy's handiwork. I was pretty doubtful of my abilities of attaching the claws and getting the makeup just right so Evan met me on his lunch break in front of the preschool to perfect Wolverine. What a Dad.
Fast forward a few days and Cade's tranformer costume is still sitting in the garage unfinished. While we gallivanted around in downtown Chicago my saint of a mother hit up most every store in our area looking for a costume in Cade's size. There were none to be found. Who knew those things really did sell out? Can't we procrastinators catch a break? I left for our church's Halloween party since I was helping with it and wished Evan best wishes and good luck with Cade's costume. When I finally ran into them at the party Cade was happy as could be. Recognize the Batman costume from say...two years ago? Oh and need a cape Cade? Here's a pillowcase.

Last but not least we celebrated the actual day with some church, handing out candy, and our spooky feast. Remember when I decided to get creative last year for our Halloween dinner? Well this year I decided to go all out ... and make the exact same thing. I'm pretty sure that's the opposite of creative. At least this mama tried right?

Now onto the real holidays (just kidding all you Halloween lovers out there). Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and ate at least as much as I did. I'm thankful for elastic waistbands.

Ditch the Kids 2010

It's no secret that I've been somewhat...well...downright whiny lately about Evan's busy schedule and our lack of time together. I might or might not have mentioned to Evan that we haven't had an honest to goodness real date for 5 maybe 6 years (I've been known to exaggerate in dire circumstances). I've dropped hints, handed him the sitter's number, written an essay with bullet points describing why I need a night out to no avail. So imagine my surprise when, after picking my mom up from the airport on Friday, Evan was home. In the middle of the day. A workday. In the midst of my confusion (are you okay? did you lose your job? did someone DIE?) at him being home, Evan officially declared the next 24 hours as "Ditch the Kids 2010." I quickly packed a bag, left my kids in the very capable hands of my mom, and hopped the train into downtown Chicago (with Evan of course).

-We walked the streets of Chicago where I overcame my fear of being shot (big cities tend to do this to me - too much America's Most Wanted).

-We ate dinner at the cutest Italian restaurant where the food was terrible, just absolutely awful. First bad Italian experience I've had since moving to Chicagoland. This restaurant could seriously use a visit from Chef Gordon Ramsey & Kitchen Nightmares, Top Chef, Chef Boyardee, somebody.

-We headed to the theater to see The Lion King. First Broadway show I've ever seen and it was amazing.
-Stayed at a gorgeous hotel. Thank you Priceline for making it possible for us to stay here as opposed to the Motel 6.
Such a fun, spontaneous night on the town which made me realize two things. One - my husband really does listen when I talk! Two - I missed the kids that we ditched. A big thank you to my mom for making our date night happen. And Evan, you earned big time brownie points.

Some Family Fun

Today we took the time for a much needed family day. With Evan back in school, busy with deadlines at work, and church campouts (do 12 year olds really need to go on a campout every month?), I'm logging some serious hours by myself at night with my 9x13 pan of brownies and remote control. It's gotten to the point where I feel like I need to introduce myself to the hubby when he walks in the door on Friday night (I know for a fact that I have a lot of friends out there who can relate). So Evan and I had what I like to call a little "discussion" where, let's be honest, some tears were shed (mine, not Evan's) which resulted in us scheduling some family fun. Ignoring the lawn that needed to be mowed and Evan's huge pile of homework, we headed out to the farmlands of Illinois and seriously the cutest pumpkin patch you've ever seen. Better yet I remembered to charge the camera and bring it.

We started out with the wagon ride, conquered a straw maze, and headed to the petting zoo. At this point I was so in love with the farm country and cute animals, I was completely convinced that I was meant to be a farmer. Well, maybe not a farmer, but definitely a farmer's wife. That is until I actually smelled the petting zoo and determined that life in surburbia isn't so bad. Colt was noticeably nervous with the animals. He proceeded to tell us that he just loves animals as long as they aren't bigger than him. Hmmm...that narrowed it down a bit seeing as how every animal except the bunny was bigger than him. After some serious coaxing (and Evan forcibly holding his hand), here's Colt feeding the sheep. That's as close as we could get him to the poor animal and I'm pretty sure the sheep's neck will never be the same.

Cade was bound and determined to feed this goat who wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. Wouldn't even give him the simple courtesy of eye contact.

Ahh much better. The sheep will help you out Cade.
Oh my gosh, I could not get enough of these baby cows! They are seriously the cutest things! I'm pretty sure I took more pictures of them than my own kids. And I'm having some serious guilt over how much I like beef. I don't think I'll ever be the same.
Cade could not get enough of this bunny whom he aptly named "Superbunny." I mean look at that thing - he's huge! Cade looks like he's terrorizing the bunny as opposed to petting him. Poor Superbunny.
Next it was onto the pony rides. We were told that Cade's pony was named Commanche but if you asked Cade, his name was "Pretty Pony." Doesn't quite pack the same masculine punch, does it?
Colt may have been scared of the sheep but he was a natural on the pony. We might have a cowboy in training on our hands.
Picking out our pumpkins.
Such a well spent few hours of our Saturday and I'm currently campaigning to make this a yearly tradition.

Summer Recap

Summer is no longer in full swing - here in Chicago it's actually over - but I'm back with the post I promised a whopping three months ago. Better late than never right? We had a summer full of fun and travel and more travel and this mama needing a seriously long nap. But push come to shove the kids had the best time of their little lives and here I am to document it (courtesy of all the other picture takers - thanks Gwen, Ash, and Rach!)

While we were in LA we of course took a trip to the beach. Evan, being the Californian that he is, would set up a tent and live on the beach if I weren't so against ... well, the idea of living in a tent. He and the boys spent the day in the sand and surf (the kids actually were pretty wimpy in the actual surf since it's so dang cold) and I stayed far away from the water and its great white sharks. It was Cade's turn to get buried in the sand and here he is waving at the camera since it scared him to think of having his hands buried. Me and my claustrophobic self don't blame him.

After all our playing, it was onto the main event, Evan's sister Julia's wedding. She got married in the LA temple so six years later, Evan and I got to go back to the place where it all began for us. Notice my sunburned legs that seriously match my shirt. It hurts just thinking about it.

Waiting for the bride and groom to arrive.
Evan's fam. Oh and I know that I'm looking taller than the hubby but I swear I'm standing on the step above him.
Celebrating my 29th - one year and counting till the big one.
Colt and his BFF cousin Anna. Is it just me or has Colt never looked happier?
A few days after coming home from California, the kids and I took off to spend the majority of July in Texas. The kids loved getting spoiled by Nana (case in point - the train ride below) and getting donuts with Papa. My kids could not get enough of baby Gavin. They refuse to say his name without the "baby" in front of it. Wonder how Gavin's gonna feel about that when they're all teenagers.
We also got in our annual trip to Sea World, thanks to awesome Aunt Valerie.
After Texas, it was off to Wisconsin to see my friend Rach and stay at her family's cabin. I had yummy food and a good friend to talk to. The boys had frogs, dirt, and a Spiderman life jacket. It was a win/win situation for everyone.
Whew - I think that's it for the Big Summer '10. We're back to real life, Colt started preschool (is he really going to kindergarten next year?), and I'm trying to remember how to cook and clean my house. Now onto my favorite season of the year and its apple/pumpkin desserts in all their glory.