Go, Go, Goers!

Our sweet Ava just turned 14 years old! We're celebrating by having a simple family dinner at home (Ava chose the menu of dino nuggies, Frozen-shaped mac and cheese, and smiley fries.) Not healthy at all, but that's what she wanted, so we shall oblige! Next Thursday night, she and one of her best friends will be hosting a joint birthday party with their pals. It was an interesting experience trying to get them to plan something, but I think we've pulled it together. It's a space/galaxy theme, which is different...and they came up with themes to represent each of the planets (sorry, Pluto, you're not included this time!) Just a wee one...so many years ago! Her last few hours as a thirteen year old... Happy Birthday, Ava Lorraine! Ava has generally always had her birthday near Father's Day, so it seems appropriate to highlight some of the fathers we've had in our lives (with Ava.) Ava and her dad :) Ava and Grandpa Doug Ava and Grandpa Whitey (and a bonus pic

It's finally here...summer vacay! The kids wrapped up their final days of school with some really fun activities. Ava had an advisory cookout, an 8th grade celebration (she was on the #trends committee), as well as a final 8th grade field trip to Bowlero! They managed to squeeze in some final tests and projects, and now 8th grade is a wrap! We have a high schooler...where did the time go?? 1st day of 8th grade  Last day of 8th grade 1st day of pre-K...from a mermaid to a designer! G's school had fun activities like yearbook signing, kickball, and end of year festivities.  1st day of 2nd grade Last day of 2nd grade They were both home with me on Thursday and Friday, and while they enjoyed some down time, I also put them to work on Friday. Ava is taking over the chores of watering the outdoor plants, and I also had her clean out her nightstand, in preparation for her massive bedroom rearrangement that will be starting shortly. She has a LOT of things to sort out. Look what happe

The last full week of school just wrapped up, and we're all thankful for the quieter days ahead. Well, I shouldn't say quiet. Let's go with different...many activities, but most of them fun! Ava's final, district-wide track meet was this past Wednesday. She didn't run in any events, but she did participate in discus and shotput. Even better is that both the Rosemount Boys and Girls teams won the track meet...that wouldn't surprise me given the sheer size and talent in the track & field group. It's no wonder that the RHS Track & Field team has amazing results, too, when there are kids like this feeding into it! She also squeezed in TKD and another marching band practice during the school nights. It's getting more and more difficult to find time to schedule appointments for her, as her time is booking up so quickly. I have a feeling the next four years are going to fly by. WAHHHHHH!    Doing some shopping after the track meet G also had a fun and b