These Two

Real School

First grade is real school, Olivia says. A big opportunity. She's right. Spelling tests and homework. But the good news is, she is really excited about it. I, on the other hand, wish she were still three. Leo set out to ease the pain, with his trademark sweetness. 

By Request

 Ribs and Corn for the little lady's back-to-school eve. 

And cupcakes! 

The Night Before First Grade

Kate's Baby Shower

We headed up to Minnesota to celebrate Kate's baby shower. It was a wonderful ladies weekend with lots of laughs and good conversation. What a relief it was to get through security with my traveling partner, cherry vanilla delight. Who knew that you could fly with a cake? 

Blondies

No Words.

I have no words for how big my best buddy is becoming. Brushing his teeth (you can see the toothpaste)? Veering towards baseballs instead of stuffed lions? Good thing he is a big fan of snuggling. 

Red Handed

Leo's plans were thwarted when his asthma doctor came in the door. He stands at attention for all medical personnel. 

We Tried

Leo was so excited, but is clearly not ready. 

Leo and Babe

Leo skipped a nap in order to have more time snuggling with Babe. It did get to the point where Babe was clearly trying to avoid his aggressive advances. 

He Loves It

Day 2

And the patient is feeling worlds better. 

Remember These?

Trains

 In the morning. 

In the afternoon. And once this week at 3:00 am. 

Snuggle Bugs

 While Olivia ran to the bathroom, Leo slipped into her spot, about to get comfortable. 

 Leo, you can't lay here. It's for Olivia. 

I brought Leo's dude sheets down, and crisis averted. 

Her Poor Froat

My sweet little patient is under the weather with strep. She's sending me mixed messages though - loves the snuggles, TLC and the novelty of a couch bed (my froat hurts mom) , but then will run to the bathroom to get sick on her own telling me "I can do this." 

Crash

Part of Leo's accidents are because he falls, trips, etc. But the rest are because he chooses to swan dive - off couches, steps. Our neighbors graciously donated a helmut to the cause. 

Minocqua - Longest Post Ever

The boys and their fishing poles. Constant companions. 

Some of the girls: Esme, Hailey, Cecilia and Olivia. Girlies not in the pic: Madison, Kaitlyn, Beatrix, Evangeline and Cordelia. 

Francis Martin. One seriously sweet dude. 

Kieran, aka Special K

Emmett with Quinlan

Ignatius! 

Will with the ladies. 

Leo was a fish - swimming, jumping off raft. Was close to tubing until a little nursemaids elbow situation cropped up. 

Some of the men 

A little tie-tye activity. Perfect for a rainy day. 

Enjoying some of Brian's smoked salmon. 

Walleye fish fry

Almost all of the kids, except for Ignatius and Madison, and the two babes due in October! From left to right: Vincent, Quinlan, Frank, Will, Kieran, Gus, Cece, Cordelia, Olivia, Evie, Finnian, Leo, Esme, Bea, Emmett, Hailey and Kaitlyn.