Happy Birthday to JoJo:)

Today we send birthday wishes to my sister Jo. She's attending an art show in Appleton with the kids and is reporting a great day so far! Today we walked early, then had a wonderful pasta meal with pesto pasta made with my basil. Everyone is napping now, and later we all plan to swim...if the bad weather holds off, then Elle and I will spend some time at the gym. Eva and friends come home from their camping trip today so hopefully we will have photos to post soon. Here are a few from last evening.

Concert a success

Several segments were recorded and I'm trying to get it to a format I can update. After the concert, we all visited at home and everyone got to meet Charlotte. Thursday proved a little challenging for me, as I had an all morning dentist appointment for a new crown. It turned out really well because they made it right in the office, and it was a perfect fit. I was out from start to finish in less than 3 hours. Then last night we all ate at Friar Tucks and Jake joined us. Today will be a light schedule for everyone. Elise is going to the salon and meeting a college friend at the Y, and I am just watching the little ones, cleaning and doing laundry. When Elle comes home from work, the plan is to swim, and then end the day with a barbecue. Eva reports from western Wisconsin that the camping folks are having a great time, and they are swimming and canoeing often. Tomorrow morning it's off to Jeannine's for breakfast and then spend the afternoon with a childhood friend and her family. Lots to look forward to!

Off to the fairgrounds:)

While both babies are asleep, I'm packing a bag for the fairgrounds. The park is too wet after today's rain, so the event is being moved inside. Welcome to Stephanie and the babies, Jo and Grandma and the little T's. We're excited and ready to enjoy our local opera favorites and terrific symphonic band!

Cute!

Home two hours and in the pool already!

Busy Monday. Busy week.

Elise and the babies are on their way to Fondy, and hopefully will make it in time for the concert practice this evening. Elle is heading off to work (she's doing custodial/maintenance for the schools) and Eva and friends are busy planning a camping trip. JP and I will take our morning hike, and then it's off to Nellie's to help with her new baby. Thanks to all for the help yesterday moving bedrooms around for Elise's stay, and also to Devin for the use of his canoe:) It will come in handy when I camp 'up north' next month. To all the locals who have inquired about the concert, it is this Wednesday evening at Buttermilk. It should be very nice, and of course the little ones will be there too!

Welcome baby Peyton:)

Peyton just arrived and is 7 lbs, 10 ounces and 21 inches. Congrats to Nellie and Rick! 'Grandma' Julie was thrilled to be part of this wonderful event!

Happy 10th Hatchday to Henry!

Just back from our mini vacation and just in time to head to Oshkosh. Nellie's baby is on the way! First a few errands and then off to welcome a new little life! Please keep Nellie in your prayers. Celebrating tonight with our usual "Oh Henry" cake, and later a concert.

Pool getting a lot of use!

Today everyone is off in different directions for a little R and R. Ellie plans to attend the County Fair after work and hear the Beach Boys in concert tonight. Paul and I plan a 7 mile hike along Lake Michigan later, followed by meal at a favorite restaurant. Eva, Devin and Mike may do a little swimming. Last night we had a 'make your own pizza night' starting with Festival's wonderful whole wheat dough, and tons of favorite toppings. We also had some fresh garden peas and beans, followed by red velvet ice cream:) I am back to my volunteer schedule at a local assisted living facility, and enjoying it very much. Friday will find friend Kristin and I in Oshkosh with Nellie, as she is planning to be induced in the morning. Thanks for the well wishes for Nellie, and I will update soon with baby news and pictures. Can't wait for the new arrival! Saturday we will travel to Manty for the baptisms of Hannah's youngest 2 children. A busy few days!

Happy Birthday to big sister Jeannine:)

Thanks to Jo:)

Thanks to Jo for hosting Elle's 18th. birthday family and friend shindig! Congratulations also to my niece 'Doctor Gretchen' on the successful completion of her doctorate degree! We celebrated with 2 cakes: a wonderful strawberry and vanilla creme, and a decadent chocolate mousse. It was so nice to see everyone, especially little Tanner (who is growing fast and talking up a storm) and our friends from Valders, Manty, Milwaukee and Burlington:) We are looking forward to next weekend, as my niece is visiting from Connecticut and will have her 2 youngest children baptized. Jeannine and Big Dave will be hosting the meal later, and then Elle and I are staying overnight to enjoy a nice visit and breakfast with GMare. Will post pics soon. BTW the pool is feeling SO good these days!

Jello cake and other delights

Ellie changed her mind about the carrot cake and opted for a raspberry jello cake with fresh berries. She went to Qdoba with Jake's family, before Harry Potter, and afterward played cards and walked with friends until the wee hours. Today Aliyah and I are heading off to the Farmer's Market to get a few things for Ellie's party tomorrow, and later buying candy for the parrot pinata we found for the kids. If the warm weather pans out, we'll have a little more pool time, and finally Paul plans to grill out tonight. Any friends who want to join us for today's hike can meet us at 11 at the beginning of the Wild Goose Trail. Plan to go about 4 miles in and back:)

Happy 18th Birthday to Elle:)

Today we celebrate with Elle on her 18th. Lots planned today, including a trip to Chilton to pick up our bunny Eddie, who has been staying with JoJo since mid June. Then Aliyah and I are making a few of Elle's favorites, while she is at work, to include a carrot cake and lavender cookies. My herb garden is growing beautifully, so I'm happy to be able to use my own lavender. Later, we will hike through the Wild Goose Trail, and for dinner we're making chicken on the grill with french thyme and cream sauce. Aliyah is happy to help pick out decorations for our Sunday family party, and also order cakes from Briana's Bakery. Paul had an early start today with a lesson, followed by 2 masses and a funeral before the office. So much to look forward to! Bring on the day:)

Ellie prebirthday dinner:)

Post swimming pictures.

Lovely day:)

Kudos to FDL County for managing such beautiful trails! Today JP and I hiked the Mascoutin into the Eldorado Marsh. Weather was perfect at 73 degrees and party cloudy. Now its time for the pool, and tonight we're joining a large group of friends and celebrating Ellie's 18th birthday with a meal at our favorite Mexican restaurant:)