August

Well, I did it.  I survived summer vacation.  I know, that sounds like I don't know how to have fun, but I can't be the only mom out there that questions whether or not she has what it takes to survive, smile, and look forward to another summer break next year.  I am happy to report that we had a fabulous summer and our trip back to Des Moines was icing on the summer fun cake. So without further ado.  August...

 Baseball in the heartland.  Does it get any better?  My dad has the perfect yard for baseball and soccer and the boys were happy to have someone pitching to them other than me. It's possible I nearly failed PE.

 You know you're a big dork from Iowa when you drive down the road taking pictures of the beautiful corn.  I'm homesick, but I may have crossed some line here(literally, considering I was driving and taking pictures).

 We loved ourselves some best friends.  Hi best friends, we miss you! Ummm, that includes you Miss E, so stop pretending like you can't wait for me to leave ;)

The silly picture pose. Can't leave home without it.

 

 This girl really doesn't know how much she loves me(yet), but I know how much I love her.

This guy knows how much he loves me and never lets me forget it(if love is measured in toys thrown across the room, early morning wake up calls, and muddy hand prints on my behind).

 He loves his PaPa too.

 Mini me...you complete me.  Asher and his Uncle Matt. 

 The cousins(pronounced couthins)! Ahhh, look at those darling girls. They are soo good to my boys.

 Round two.  Cousins from Portland and an annual trip to Adventureland.  That's Aunt Kit dodging the camera and sweet Matteo getting ready to take the brunt of the water from the log ride.  I love you Matteo because you are the sweetest all boy guy around and the perfect playmate for a 7 and 5 year old :)

 Tullia, my very(starting high school this year) adorable, fashionable, no to mention hilarious, niece and Aunt Kit(gottcha brace face).  We had a great time together.  Aunt Jen was somewhere in all this madness.  Love you Jen.

 And look what I came home to! Glorious white! My husband worked his booty off and I was fortunate to come home to all the painting DONE.  It feels soo good. I mean so good.  Clearly more to do(countertops. backsplash, cabinet doors anyone), but it's finally white, and the house finally feels more like us. Hooray!

In case you forgot.

I'll be back September 1st with another kitchen update and more frequent posts.  Take care.