Back to School

More bars in more places!

Regardless of the fact that summer seemed way too short, school started this week. Ahh, yes.... Once again the alarms sounded at 6am. Once again, I was serenaded by the sound of hymns and other assorted piano selections while getting ready in the morning. Once again the suburban pulled out at 7:45am.
On Wednesday, the first day back in school, I lined up my little scholars for a quick photo before pulling out of the drive.


Mikaela started the new school year with a perm. Jacob made weight for football and will play on the Varsity JFL team.

Lilac bushes overrun with gourds

Mac time

It could be worse

My first birthday

It could be worse. I could be 50. This Thursday we celebrated the second birthday in our family this week. Unfortunately it was mine. The number isn't really important... but, it rhymes with "warty". Appropriate.

Mostly it was an ordinary day: Maimie's speech, Mikaela's madrigal camp, Jacob's football practice.

I did take a little time out to go get a manicure and a pedicure. First time EVER to get both. On the same day. It did feel amazing.



That evening we went out to eat a nice dinner, and afterward we got out lawn chairs and watched the meteor shower. It was really nice.

Flowers from Steven

The birthday boy turns eleven

Joseph celebrated his eleventh birthday this Monday the 10th. A couple of his pals joined him for the afternoon. They played video games, ate snacks, swam, and had a silly string fight.

Luke, Joseph, Troy, & Jacob

Later in the evening Grandpa and Grandma joined us for pizza, ice cream, and cake.
I wanted to include a younger photo of Joseph, taken for his third birthday.


For so many years he enjoyed baby of the family status, and what a cute little guy he was! I can't believe he'll be in 6th grade this year already.

Vacation!-Part Two

After finishing up in Missouri, we stopped through and spent a night at home to save on hotel costs and cut the drive in half before heading on to Chicago. We began with food and shopping on Wednesday evening.

Joe preparing to be eaten at the Lego Store

Jacob and Darth at the Lego Store

Maimie and Mikaela lovin' the American Girl Store

Then on Thursday morning we headed to the Sears Tower Sky Deck. We really enjoyed the amazing view from the new viewing boxes. It was a little intimidating to step out on the glass floor when you could see all the buildings below.




Finally we ended our vacation in Chinatown.


We ate a delicious Chinese style meal complete with fried rice, crab rangoon, sweet and sour chicken, beef lo mein, potstickers, and egg rolls. Next we strolled along the various shops before heading home.

Vacation!-Part One

This past week we enjoyed some vacation time together. Here is a quick recap:
6 Mondays (Dad, Mom, and 4 kiddos)
5 days (Sunday through Thursday)
4 activities (St. Louis Arch, Meramec Caverns, Sears Tower, Chinatown)
3 cities (St. Louis, Stanton, Chicago)
2 states (Missouri, Illinois)
1 suburban
0 planning (well, almost!)

boys wrestling in hotel pool

girls posing at hotel pool

Things didn't work out for a big week-long trip to the beach, out west, etc. this summer, and since we decided to also be frugal, we chose to pack up and stay closer to home. My personal limit to the amount of time I was willing to spend in the car was about 3 hours. I can't say I ended up regretting that decision any.

view in the elevator capsule going up into the arch
(taken by Mikaela via cell phone)

kids at top of arch

arch museum

We really enjoyed the arch, and Steven was the only one who had ever been up in it before. A quick trip to the Union Station for a visit to the Fudgery was also essential.


Our 19th anniversary fell on Tuesday and we celebrated on Monday evening with a fabulous meal at the Spaghetti Factory.


The next day we headed for the caverns. I remember going as a kid and thought the boys would especially like it. It was okay, but it seemed a bit cheesier than I remembered it. The most memorable part was that less than an hour into our hour and 20 minute tour, Maimie was absolutely dancing from having to use the restroom. Of course, there was no restroom in the caverns and we had taken her before entering the caverns, but..... I asked the guide how much longer and she said we had two more sections after the one we had just entered.

Maimie not cooperating

Eventually, Maimie was beside herself trying to wait--almost crying. She and I held back and let the rest of the group go ahead of us. We crouched at the side of the path in the dark, I dropped her drawers, and held her aloft, hoping for the best. Later after leaving the cavern, we passed by the restroom. I asked her if she wanted to use the restroom. To which she flatly replied, "I don't need to go to da baffwoom, I alweady peed in da cave!"
Then for the next several hours on the trip home, she seranaded us with a new song with only three words: "Pee in cave". She sang it to the tune of Jingle Bells until the whole back of the suburban had joined her in 4 part harmony.