Hanging Around

It feels like summer is coming to a close already but there's still a summer fun to be had.  Mary allowed me to pull her hair up one morning.  It only lasted about a half an hour but it was still adorable.

Patrick and Becca had their last swim meet last week.  Here's some pictures.

Go Becca!

Go Pat!

It was HOT last week so we played in the sprinklers one evening.

Last week was also the end of swim team and lessons.  Here is our last morning of sitting poolside while everyone else gets to go in.

Becca is trying to read a book in the sunlight.

We rounded up our week with a trip to Iowa for my 20th high school reunion.  I didn't take many pictures but you can see that the kids had fun.

The 3 big kids are off at Totus Tuus learning to love the Lord this week while Mary and Lia stay home with me.  Mary is working very hard to say words that we can understand as well as learning body parts and animal sounds.  Of course, most animals just pant like a dog right now, but she's getting the hang of it.

This Week at Home

While Patrick was having a great time at camp, we kept ourselves busy here at home.  Lia came upstairs dressed like this for some reason.

We have been replacing all the carpet in our house with LVP.  This is the last

piece of carpet to go!  More on that when its all finished.

Mike and I took an over-night trip to Chicago for a concert.  Thanks to my parents for driving all the way here to stay with the kids.  Here's our room on the 20th floor.  Yeah, I got a little vertigo looking out.

We went for a walk in the park and saw the big bean thing. 

On the El.

We went to Belly-Up Smokehouse and Salon for dinner.  The food was fabulous.

Then we headed out passed the aquirium for the concert,  When we went through the gate, they informed us that we had "be relocated".  To the 10th row center.  Upgrade!

Here's a few pictures of what we saw.

Mike and I had a great time and the kids had fun with G&G Sullivan.  We are headed out to see them next weekend and celebrate my 20th high school reunion.

Scout Camp 2017

Patrick went off the Scout Camp last Sunday.  It's been weird around here without his noise (not that its quiet) and general craziness.  There was a lot of stuff he had to take with him.

And he had to carry it all himself.

There was no way he was going without a public hug from his siblings.

I think he kinda liked it.

Family shot.

Troop 163 all ready to go.

The following were shared by someone else on the Facebook page.

And today, an hour early even, Patrick returned home!  George really, really really missed his roommate.

After we put all the dirty stuff in the washing machine, but before cleaning out the tent, it was time to eat.  He picked little powdered donuts and toaster waffles.

He managed to earn his Totin' chip and Fireman chit, is pretty sure he earned his swimming and kayaking merit badges, but is unsure about archery, and finished up his Tenderfoot rank and did some work on second and first class ranks.  All in all, I would call that a productive week!  Now he's gonna sit on his butt and watch some TV with his siblings.  

Independence Day Celebration 2017

We headed North once again to celebrate the birth of our nation with the Hatton clan.  Here we have George fishing.

And he caught one in the first 5 minutes.  It was the only one caught all day.

Mary enjoyed the dogs a little.

Grandma pulled out the toys and he fun ensued.

But nothing could be the dog bed.

We weren't the only little kids there.  Mike's cousin came with his wife and two kids.  I think this young lady could have asked me for a unicorn and I would has asked her what color she preferred.

All the sun and fun was hard on Lia.

The fire pit was a great place to hang out.

There was also some running around in the yard.

Becca made a new friend, or had a new shadow.  Whichever you like.

They had to built the perfect fire.

Mary cheered them on from the sidelines.

The finished product.

This was taken this morning before we left.  I'm not sure who will miss who more.

My girls all in a row.

All the little girls.

All in all, it was a great long weekend.  We hope you all took a moment to thank all those who risked their lives in 1776 simply by signing a paper stated that all men have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  And bless all those who have fought for that right since then.  God bless our country and may we always stand up for freedom and dignity.