Happy 11th Birthday!

Yesterday was Scott's 11th birthday. Scott and I had a really nice day together. We had a quiet lunch were we were able to talk and laugh. My Mom came over for dinner and then we opened presents and had cake. Thanks for everyone who sent cards with well wishes!

He got many gifts he wanted, and even one he did not remember. The rockets had been given to him for Christmas 3 years ago and he never even opened it, so walla, happy birthday. We all laughed as he dusted it off from being in the basement for so long!

I had picked up a few dollar store things and one was an Anthropology dig egg, where you scrape and find dinosaur bones. They played with that for 2 hours while the IPod sat untouched. Figures...

We are off the the Dells where we are going to Noah's Arc and the Great Wolf Lodge for the 4th weekend. It is a continuation of his celebration so stay tuned...

Chocolate Lovers!

We just got home from a fun afternoon at Mom's. My Aunt Nancy and Kelly are visiting and both brought their Chocolate Lab's: Maggie and Molly. Kaitlyn and I went down with Cora. We were very entertained watching all three of them run, tug and play in the pools. Here are the Three Musketeers. Cora is on the left (at 4 years), Molly (at 4 months) and Maggie (at 3 years). We were not sure we would get a shot of the three, but with treats and quick shutters we got this!

Here is Kaitlyn with her favorite cousin Kelly. Molly is Kelly and DJ's new puppy.

Mom set up pools for them and to our surprise they loved them. It was so hard to get good pictures of them, too fast!

Scott's Crossover

Last night was Scott's crossover from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. I cannot believe he is already in the Blazer Patrol! As I sat there watching it I thought "in the blink of an eye he will be getting his Eagle". I hope that is the case, but more comment on the quick passage of time. It seems like yesterday he entered Scouts at 8 years old. Three boys crossed over last night. Scott is on the left.

Ralph Ekstein does a great job with the ceremonies and puts a lot of time into getting together the kids' walking sticks(which he makes himself), t-shirts and other symbols used in Boy Scouts.

This is Carl putting on the Blazer neckerchief and pin on Scott.

I also have to give a HUGE thank you to Carl who has gotten him this far. He has taken upon himself to spend many hours and weekends working on badges, belt loops, pins, the religious award and the Arrow of Light award with Scott. They have both worked really hard and I am proud of both of them. It was a big night for them, and I am glad I remembered the camera!

This is the Blazer Patrol of the West Bend Ward (missing is one boy). It is a great group of kids! This weekend they go on their first campout! Should be fun.

Well done Scott! Lets start on your Eagle, and until then...

Happy Father's Day

Today we concentrated on Carl and his Dad who have been neglected the past few years. We had a nice visit at the Meyers'. We played Michigan Rummy and had stop-n-shop pizza, what a perfect day! Carl is such a great Dad. What I appreciate most is that he takes time for each of the kids separately. They love this one on one time with him. They are lucky to have him! We hope you had a nice day today...I love you!

The boys!

Mr. and Mrs. Meyers, AKA Steve and Mary, AKA Mom and Dad Love you!

The family.

Last year Scott helped Papa Meyers plant a pear tree. Carl and Scott checking out how it is doing. Soon it will be as big as the others in the yard.

Really missing my Dad lately. We took this picture outside Soldier Field in Chicago to remember him. It is the Navy logo. You know...my Dad was in the Navy! Hated not buying him a card, a gift and talking to him today, but the sun will rise tomorrow! Dad, thanks for everything you did for me, for your example and your strength. Oh, and how could I forget the parking spaces, keep up the good work :) Happy Father's Day Dad!

Chicago Part Deux

It is true, we have just returned home from another family trip to Chicago. I am pleased to report things went very well. No fake smiles, fighting or vowing to never go back! We went down as an end of the School year get away. Scott finished Elementary school and is ready for the 6th grade. Kaitlyn loved middle School and is ready to be a 7th grader.

Thursday we took off and went down to Chicago to see the Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theatre. It was a great show and very family friendly. The kids laughed and we loved the foot stomping music. Who thought you could create a night around Captain Crunch, marshmallows and toilet paper. We were in the second row which is in the poncho section. I was so nervous, but thank goodness no poncho was needed for our section. It was worth the drive, the ticket price and the wait! We took the oath to take no pictures in the show, so this is what we were left with. A great night was had by all!

Here we are in the lobby of the Theater. The decorations are really cool.

Love the black light!

The consensus when it was over was two thumbs up...way up!

On Friday during the day we went to the Field Museum downtown. It was fun, but we are defiantly museumed out! We enjoyed the Egyptian display and of course the big cats and reptiles.

Scott HATES volcano's and EVERYTHING about them. This picture makes me laugh...look at his face. Poor kid, we made him pose for it.

In our family you cannot go anywhere were you are not subject to a Dental lesson. This was no exception. He is even knowledgeable about shark teeth! Scary.

Ah Hawaii. Just the way Scott likes it, no volcano's in sight. Egypt and the mummies, my favorites. I am so glad the family humors me, we get to spend lots of time here.

Good Bye from the Field Museum.


Friday night we headed North a bit to Schaumberg to Medieval Times. I have always wanted to go and we loved it! The food was great and fun to eat with our hands. The entertainment was fit for a King. We cheered so loud our throats hurt the next day. Worth the trip!

The show was amazing. Kaitlyn loved the horses and all they could do. The sward fighting was intense, the jousting and skill games made you really get into it and cheer for your guy.No utensils in Medieval times, no utensils now. It was fun to eat with our hands. We decided to have Medieval nights at home to make things as fun at home. What will I decide to make?

The Red/Yellow Knight was our guy. He did not defeat the Green guy, but did well none the less.