Camping

Some friends went camping last weekend and we joined them for the day. As soon as we got there we put on our suits and hit the Quarry for some fun! I caught Delaney mid air and this picture just melts my heart, the boys could have been playing with other boys but instead they were so sweet to play with Delaney. See that ladder? I may still be sore from pulling myself up onto that water trampoline!

I have no words for the lengths people will go for my picky eater.
The rest of us ate hot dogs and brats!

I cannot tell you how many kids were walking around the campgrounds carrying their ipads!  Obviously, mine was no exception......

What's a camping trip without a fire (and the Colts game).

And the obligatory smores......

And now we're ready to go back with a new (size appropriate) camp chair for Delaney!

Shower Time!!!

Remember our cousins who lived in NYC???? They just moved to Chicago so a trip was in order! We picked up Delaney from school and hit the road.....I still can't believe I leaned over their balcony (12th floor--felt liked 100th) and took this!

SEE how tall their building is!

Our first night we ate at Carmines YUM!!! And our second night, a certain someone wanted Chick-fil-A (I know, of all the restaurants in Chicago) Right next to it was McDonald's so it was confirmed Delaney could live in downtown Chicago.

We have begun the kickoff for the bridal showers and this one did not disappoint! The bride/cousin and I got up early and went for blowouts and I'm pretty sure I could treat myself to one everyday!!
Left to Right: Mother of the groom, flower girl, bride, mother of the flower girl :-) and mother of the bride and no, we did not color coordinate!

This one was her typical entertaining self......

Reading some words of wisdom and date night ideas.

There were two that I loved: One lady said Always "pretend like you're listening" and the groom's grandmother said Never "take off your makeup" (she has been married 62 years so it must be good advice)!!

It was such a fun trip to Chicago and we can't wait to go back!!! (Go Cubs Go, Go Cubs Go)........

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

"Solar" bration

Delaney's school had a "solar" bration party! The 8th graders buddied up with the younger grades (to make sure they didn't look at the sun) and we went outside to use the pinhole projectors the kids made (and the moms used the glasses they smuggled in---- they weren't allowed at school :-)

Not sure what's going on here...............

Delaney's uncle scored her a pair......

Tailgate Time

As with ALL preseason games, you literally cannot give away your tickets! So, insert Plan B, take Delaney!!! Up until game time, I was still trying to get rid of them. But just a few minutes later when Delaney said "thank you for taking me mommy" I was so glad I didn't!!

Delaney was so good and as an added bonus, made it to halftime!

Nothing melts my heart more than seeing her with her daddy's friends (even if she is gambling :-)

P.S. she used her own money!!

#shegotitfromhermomma

How can it be football season already????

First Day of First

Yes, those are gold, glitter high tops. They match her gold, glitter tablet (Pot. Meet Kettle.)

We bought the first pair she picked out.

As you can see, I got the year right this year on our chalkboard! So we're off to a great start.

Too cool to walk in with her mom.....

They had big yard signs K-8 on the lawn.....

I can't believe I have a 1st grader!

I dropped her off at her classroom, asked her teacher where the heck I was suppose to pick her up and hit the road! And then it all came rushing back to me how quickly a school day goes by. I got nothing accomplished!

I picked her up and I wasn't sure if she saw me in the parking lot so I got out to walk up and get her and when we got in the car she said "mommy, next time I think I just need you to stay in the car. I got this, I'm a 1st grader now". Then she said "you only have to do this 180 times".

1st grade is exhausting!!! I got very little out of her. Until it was bedtime and she said "hop in next to me and I"ll tell you all about 1st grade". I had been asking for 6 hours! #stalltactics #iamsoontoher #butyouknowididit

One day of 1st grade down and she told me she's ready for 2nd grade!!

To My First Grader,

Well here we are, first grade!! No snacks, your own desk, new classmates, a new teacher! It's all so exciting Delaney. And.......a new school play! Of course you want the lead role (Peter Pan). One of my favorite books I read this year (Small Great Things) said "you don't have to do some great big thing in life, just do small, great things"! Be Kind, use your manners (remember, they're free) and be a friend to all! And, remember who you are and whose you are!!!

I can't wait to see what the school year brings Delaney.

Love, mom

T minus One

We spent our last day before school starts at lunch and then home to do all the important "day before school" tasks.....

Namely, setting the alarm again (sigh)......

And after hitting snooze twice, we should be running around like crazy people to get to

FIRST GRADE!!!

Stay tuned.