awards.

summer reading awards were handed out this morning at school.

ella had to read 20 books over the summer.

she did.

so did the rest of the class.

congratulations to all 34 first graders!

2nd birthday party.

sammy's second birthday party.

a popsicle party.

with water ballons...

& sprinklers...

best friends....

treats for adults...

and popsicles, of course...

and a little something to keep them all clean.

first day.

the eve of the big day.

their bags are packed.

they're ready to go...

last days of summer.

the last days of summer.

what better place to spend them,

but at the cottage.

a jammin' birthday.

2nd birthday:

dinner at a bbq shack where she was the center of attention

a walk on the beach with mom and dad.

jammin out at a beach bar with her fave dance partner.

her very own cupcake that she didn't have to share with anyone else.

now that's a birthday!

congratulations & love.

congratulations & best wishes

to the newlyweds!

mr. & mrs. yates

whirlwind trip.

ella, ryan, and i were in michigan for the weekend.

we packed a lot into a few short days.

raspberry picking. softball games. playing with dogs.

playing with cousins. arts&crafts shows. fish fries.

mass on the deck. parades. more softball games.

campfires. smores. fireworks. visiting great-grandparents.

waterballoon fights. bike rides.

no wonder i'm exhausted.

many thanks.

ouch.

ryan received his first black eye...

from his sister...

during a sword fight...

definately not winning "mother of the year" this year.