Last Week

I was so nervous for last week.  I had a week off from work and was planning to spend every waking second with the boys before they head back to school.  The only problem with that is figuring out activities to keep them occupied... minus the bickering and fighting and what-ever-else-naughty-boy-things-they-can-find-to-do.  Yep, I think that sums it up. 

But then the course of our week changed right off the bat.  On Monday, Aaron found out he had business to do out in South Dakota.  And we had nothing planned, so we grabbed Noah's best friend and met dad out in the middle of no where. 

Now, those who know me know that I do not drive anywhere.  Aaron is the driver.  But, this was very exciting to me because I got to drive.  Me and three boys in a car for multiple hours.  Great.

Actually it went really well.  I only got lost once because of poorly marked road construction detours- we will blame it on that. 

While dad was at business during the day, we spent time at the zoo and chilled out at the pool and explored the area a little bit. 

The life guard at the pool in the hotel let us do pretty much whatever we wanted.  We played tag and buddied up going down the water slide.  Most of the time, because it was during the work week (and it is South Dakota) we were the only ones in the pool area.


When we headed to the zoo... we found that we had pretty much the entire zoo to ourselves.

At the end of the week, we weren't home for a total of 24 hours and we were off again.  This time we headed to Aaron's brother's house and then to a family reunion in southern Minnesota.  We finally made it home to stay on Sunday and I was exhausted. 

But my sink looked like this...

A weeks worth of canning, in an attempt to catch up. And it still does look like this--- and it will for weeks to come.

Next week school starts.  The boys (big brother is excited to see his friends) are super excited to start.  I have a feeling this is going to be a good year for them.

How Our Summer Has Been

This summer we have been busy, doing what--- I don't know.  A little bit of this... A little bit of that.

Canning and food preserving have been in full swing. This task made me late for my own surprise birthday party (sorry girls--- and Aaron's brothers who read this blog.)

For whatever reason, this summer I have not been able to keep up on our garden and food preserving and house work and being a mom like I have in the past.  Work sheets have gone by the way side and laundry is piled sky high.  Maybe it is because I work more nights than I used to.  Or maybe it is because the boys' clothes are bigger.  Or it could be because I am the big 3-0 now.  I don't know... but it is frustrating.    A co-worker (who is a grandma) once told me that when your kids are little they are busy, but when they grow and get older... they are a whole different kind of busy.  And I totally can see that now.  Our lives have felt very busy, but I can't pin point what exactly we have been doing. 






We have spent many hours at the lake and the pool.  I am sad that season is coming to an end.  But I am excited to start cooking fall and winter foods (I can't believe I just said that!) 

Oh, my dear niece Annika, this photo will be blown up and hung up at your graduation party.

Everyone must be buried in the sand at least once a summer.

I am happy to say that Dr. Evil is a papa.  He and his harem have five little ones.  I am not sure what to do with him.  He has gotten very aggressive in his old age.  He can still get the job done... but he has been very unreasonable.  My sister-in-law has a nice black-and-blue mark on her leg to prove it.  He might have to be eaten if he keeps up this behavior.

Miss Goldilocks, you are not suppose to be in the tomato plants.

Aaron continues to do well.  Saying he is 'doing well' does not do him justice.  He is doing extremely well... crazy awesome... insanely a health freak... does that sum it up?  He is by far the most driven person I know.  He has ran several 5 k races, done a couple bike races, and is building up endurance for a wilderness run.  Crazy doesn't cut it.  He is insane.  And in the best shape of his life. 



I, of course, was rooting for Aaron.  But, secretly I was cheering for the little guy behind Aaron.  He as all of eight years old---maybe nine at the most--- and ran the entire 5 k.  He was impressive.

So, that is how our summer has been.  Keeping busy... doing what???  I still am not sure.  It's not like I just had a baby---- or am going to have a baby, building a house, and moving:)

Next up, fifth grade for big brother and first grade for little brother.  Only three weeks away.