A Double Date

Last double date with these two gentlemen before they start 1st grade and 3rd grade. They picked their favorites - tacos, rock climbing, and unlimited frozen yogurt toppings. I asked the boys if we would continue our tradition of back-to-school dates when they are older. John told me, “Of course, Mama. But when we are in high school, we’ll drive you on our dates. And you can pick your favorites too.”

Pinkle Pinkle Widdle Star

Frances Anne's nightly bedtime routine always ends with a request for "snuggle and songs." She always freezes when I pull the camera out, so I had to secretly record her singing. As long as she's not being filmed, she is a total ham who doesn't like to share the spotlight (how dare I sing too?!).

 

A Breakup Letter

Dear Pampers, it’s not you, it’s me. Last week, after I bribed Frances with a Target shopping spree, she decided that she didn’t need you any more. And so, after 8 1/2 years of changing diapers and monthly Amazon deliveries, you and I are done. It’s over. I’m changing my number. (PS - I am still seeing Amazon. Hope that’s not awkward.)

Tennis Camp

When we arrived back home in Georgia, it was time for Frances to start potty training bootcamp. So Nanna had this great idea to send all three boys to tennis camp! The boys were thrilled, and it sure made potty training a lot easier. Peter had never been to a summer camp before, so he was on cloud nine. He was the youngest camper (and the smallest in stature), but the director and all the "big kids" adored him. When I went to pick the boys up on the last day of camp, a 10 year old camper came up to me, and said, "Did you know Peter was named Camper of the Week? He's the best. We all love him." The best moment was watching Peter lead the pack in the final race around the courts. If you listen closely, you'll hear the kids cheering him on.

Pure Michigan at the Longo Lakehouse

We spent over two weeks at the Longo Lakehouse to round out our summer in the mitten. The kids spent time in the water every day - tubing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The boys continue to be wild maniacs on the tube. Frances took her first tube ride, and it was also her last. She preferred to drive the boat with Mimi. Peter was Papa's fishing buddy this year. Frances wasn't interested in fishing either, but she surprisingly wanted to "touch Nemo" before we threw him back to his Mama. We had lots of family visitors  - the Longos, the DeGeorgeos, the Guilbaults - so the kids always had someone new to play with (or beat in a game of Sorry!).  My friend, Niki, and her girls came to visit us one day too.  Frances was in girl playdate heaven. And of course, we continued our favorite lakehouse traditions - s'mores over a bonfire, ravioli dinner (thank you Aunt Cathy!), and candy face ice cream at Freddie's Freeze.  This year, an old barn near Freddie's made for the perfect background for our 2, 4, 6, and 8 year olds.  Our kids always ask if we can stay longer the next year.  I know Papa and Mimi won't mind a bit!