Project Updates

Dad's Project: Building a tree fort. It's taking shape, it is!!
Mom's Project: Aprons for childhood baking, crafts, and well.... quite frankly.... eating (the boys are too old for bibs, but are such horribly MESSY eaters!!!)

What's NOT getting done, because of the above-mentioned projects? Laundry, mopping, and packing for our trip to Osh Kosh this weekend. Priorities, priorities, priorities!

Meeting Will

Our good friends Jeremy and Beth added little Will to their brood this past Monday. Mom and baby paid a surprise visit today! We were so excited to meet Will Andrew! Reagan paid particularly close attention. HMMMMMM. Does this portend a preference for younger men?

Playtime In the Park

The boys have been getting bored with only themselves for company this summer, which has instigated fighting, mischief and general destruction. In an effort to redirect an overabundance of energy, and save all our sanities, we participated in a playgroup this morning. It was fun, albeit a little chilly (are we SURE it's the end of July?) There was even snack time and a train ride on a real locomotive afterwards! We have yet to attend a playgroup where the temperature tops 70 degrees, but at least we're out of the house and interacting with people who have a different genetic code.

The Progeny

Since I rarely get all three of them in the same space, looking the same direction, smiling at the same time, all without facial lacerations.... I am hereby documenting THIS successful picture.

Maritime Disasters

I don't have pictures of it, because we were too busy rescuing them, but Rob and the boys were the victims of a "Titanic" episode on the jet ski tonight. They got to the other side of the lake, the engine died, and they sat there for a few minutes. Colby reportedly asked "Are we going to sink?", to which Rob replied "No, the jet ski floats." Apparently, that wasn't true. Within a few minutes, the jet ski and it's cargo were underwater. Thank goodness for life preservers!!! THIS was not the idyllic summer evening that I had in mind!!! Our summer has been so glum and wet - tonight we finally had nice weather, and.... stranded family in the middle of the lake. What gets me is that there were several boats tooling around, fishing and tubing, and not ONE of them stopped to help the father and his two young sons clinging desperately to a sinking jet ski. Luckily, Rob's dad was keeping a watchful eye. Only he couldn't get his boat started right away, because someone had siphoned off all his gas. Figures. Lessons were learned tonight, not the least of which was to stay CLOSE TO SHORE when young boys are with you!!

Dad + Baby Sitting in a Swing.....

Don't know what the tongue thing was all about, but it was awfully cute :)

The Aho Soccer Uniform

I was lucky to get underpants on him. It took a good deal of forceful persuasion not to run around nude (well, except for the soccer shoes).

The Yard Swing

Rob bought us a porch swing yesterday, and promptly discovered that it doesn't fit on ANY of our four porches. We are now the proud owner of a "yard" swing.

Exercise

An added bonus of taking a jog with the kids after dinner.....

Strawberry Festival

The boys and I represented their preschool in the Strawberry Festival Parade today. Quinn and Colby were the Crash'em Smash'em brothers, and hot-dogged it through the streets. Our apologies to all injured onlookers. Reagan rode the school bus, as Mom forgot the STROLLER of all things. Sheesh. I definitely do not get good-mom points for pre-planning today. After the parade, we dropped the pedal cars off at my in-laws, and then hung out at the park, eating the obligatory strawberry shortcake with friends. Too late, I realized that our van was parked where the parade started, a good mile and a half away. As no one was around to take pity and offer us a ride, the boys hoofed it in their flip-flops and I carried Reagan. 45 minutes, and much much much whining later, we made it to the van, to ride the remaining 30 seconds to home. Not a real fun way to end the day, but I'm hoping exhaustion will set in momentarily and we'll at least all get a good night's sleep out of the ordeal.

Reagan and her strawberry-themed outfit.

Family Pictures

Our nephew Ben is taking up photography, which benefits us greatly. HE wanted some practice on live subjects, and WE wanted some family pictures. I think he did a FAB job. Thanks so much Ben!! I ALSO think two 5 year old boys broke him in pretty good. He looked exhausted afterwards, and I think I heard him mutter something about not wanting kids for a LONG time. HHHMMMMMM;)

Our Birthday

So, the boys turned 5 yesterday, and I turned 29 yet again. The forecast predicted rain, but we got 80 degrees and a gentle breeze instead. How lucky are we?? The cake was a near disaster, but apparently nothing frosting 2 inches thick couldn't fix. Quinn and Colby were in the car, buckled up and ready to go to the park by 2 pm. The party started at 5:30. The day dragged v.e.r.y. slowly until party time, I assure you. Lots of good friends and family joined us at the park, so it was truly a wonderful day!! I'll have to turn 29 again next year :)

Happy Fourth Of July!!

Independence Day in the Upper Peninsula.... Beautiful. Rob and Quinn went camping, and the rest of us went to a parade, and then over to my brother and sister-in-law's house for fun, games, music, good food and good company! Here's pics from our day!