Hey There, Big First Grader!

Despite being up half the night (literally) with an itchy arm in a cast, Kaitlyn was bright-eyed and ready to start first grade this morning. She had her outfit set out the night before, her lunch request made, her hairstyle and bow selected, and her backpack stuffed. You would never guess what she'd been through over the past week as she skipped down the sidewalk and stood at the front of the bus line. I love this girl. She'll do great this year!

This Girl is TOUGH!

This past week, Kaitlyn went in for outpatient surgery on an umbilical hernia she's had since birth. We were both a little nervous going in, but she put on a brave face and I was sillier than I've been in months. We had a great morning together bouncing as high as we could on her bed, pouring twice the recommended amount of bubbles in the tub, dancing around the house, and reading Curious George Goes to the Hospital at least three times. I was so proud of her!

Then, a day later, I dragged her off her comfy couch and brought her back to the doctor to check out her arm. She fell on it when we were in Ohio, and we were monitoring it, but she never complained about it. Five days later it was still swollen, though, and she finally admitted it was a little sore even with all her pain meds from surgery. Turns out that she had two broken bones in her arm. So, a day after surgery she was outfitted with a bright pink, full-arm cast which she will wear for six weeks.

What a way to start the school year, right?!

A Week in Piqua

We recently returned from a trip to Piqua, where we spent the first half of the week recuperating from a fabulous trip to King's Island...and the second part of the week celebrating Mom Hartings' birthday with the whole family. It was a big surprise to keep, but our kids kept it! It was so great to see Jo, Kyle, Molly, Tommy and Adrienne. And we had so much fun watching a Dayton Dragon's game, grilling steaks at an area winery, getting a pedicure (the girls' first!) and throwing a big birthday bash at the house. Good times!

 

 

A Fun Week in Canfield

Way back in July, I took the kids to Ohio for a week to visit my parents. We had a great time camping out in the backyard, swimming (when it was warm enough!), visiting G.G., playing at the farm, and fishing. We also got in a little birthday celebration and ice cream cake for Jack on his actual birthday. Fun!

Happy birthday, Jack!

One month and one day ago, Jack turned three. Sadly, Matt was in France at a conference for the big day, so we celebrated a few days early. Jack was none the wiser. He was too busy blowing out the candles on his Darth Vader cake and playing Jake & the Neverland Pirates with his sisters. Yo ho, let's go!

Happy Father's Day

Thanks for always being there for me, Dad. I love you!

Viva Las Vegas!

It was absolutely amazing to spend two, fun-filled days in Las Vegas with one of my very best friends in the world. We relaxed at the spa (hot stone massage!), sipped cocktails by the pool (no juice boxes or swimmies in sight!) and spent a whole afternoon shopping at the outlets (we did step into Stride Rite and GapKids). I loved every minute of it.

I also loved the day I spent hanging out Jen's kids (making paper princesses, racing Hot Wheels and splashing in the backyard), though the whole surgery thing surely put a damper on the day for Jen.

Thanks for sharing all the best parts of Vegas with me, Jen! Get better sooner!