Summer

Summer - a most enjoyable time. A time to enjoy the nice warmer air and sun shine. OK those who know me are now saying - "What? She doesn't like it when it gets hot?" True - I don't like hot days but I do like sunshine, sleeping in and not going to work. That is what I like about summer.

This summer has come and gone. I can't believe it is just about over. I made a "to do" list at the beginning of this summer and I must admit it was or is a long list. I have no idea what I have done this summer - I feel like I was busy everyday - but my list is still there with only a few things checked off. Now this is a great argument for journal writing. If I was a good girl I would have been writing in my journal all summer and would now be able to look back and see what I did the past two months. But I have not been a good girl - I am old and can't remember. Oh well.....

I do remember the big things ---Family. I was able to see all of my grandchildren this summer. Most of them came to see me and one I went to go see. I am going to be a good grandma or Nana now and share some of the photo's I have.
Da was here for only a day but he was nice enough to leave his wife and kids for a couple of weeks.
One day at Mandy's the kids played school. Nice class room here in the kitchen. I was sent to the principals office - a lot - & had to write sentences - a lot. The kids thought that was funny - a lot!!!

I call this - Pop goes the Jack. Or Jack in the Box.
Now here we are playing one big happy family. George is the Dad, Maddie is the Mom and the rest are the kids. I was the photographer that came to take their family portraits. This is how they posed. Not bad!!!
Gibson and Kevin loved playing together.
Maddie can hola-hoop like - well - like someone who can hola-hoop. She is amazing!! No effort - just stands there and well, even two at time didn't phase her.

Next - it was Mandy's 30th birthday this summer and to surprise her - Cristy flew out and through her a party - Surprise!!! This is a quick pose with Mom and Dad.

This is about the only picture I got of Cristy - but a very happy Mandy after the surprise. Mandy arrived at the house to "pick up an order from Schwans" but as she walked up to the front door she heard Troy crying and well - I had to quickly get her into the house. She saw Cristy - screamed - and in the middle of hugging her she noticed the kitchen loaded with a lot of her friends. Surprise!!! It was a fun night.
Darren came for a week and quickly got to work on the "favorite uncle" award.
I had to read to Troy.

Corn hole is a must!!
Picking of raspberries is also a must.
This is just a cute picture. Cristy left and that same day my brother Tom and his wife Sue came. Then the next day Matt and I left for Cincinnati. To see Grant, Liz and Hallie.

We were greeted by Hallie wearing a Big Sister shirt. It went right over my head. But with Grant pushing the point I finally got it. Yea, number 10 is on it's way. Poor Liz wasn't feeling all that great while we were there - I give her (and the rest of the Mom's of my grandchildren) what ever I should give because I don't know if I would have had 5 if I got sick like she (they) does.

So I'm not allowed to use the picture I took of Grant, Liz and Hallie together - Liz rules. So here is one of Grant and Hallie
And Liz trying not to be in the picture and Hallie. Hallie is so big and a total delight.
I made new pillows for their living room and Grant took the old pillow and made a dress for Hallie. Not quite as cute as he hoped. Maybe a belt would help?
Slides make her hair stand on end. She loves to slide.
Hallie knows the way to Sesame Street. Where is Grover?
While at Grant's we went to the Air Museum. We all had our picture taken in the space suit. I wasn't quick enough to get Hallie's picture but here is Matt.
Matt trying to dock the space craft to the space station. Lets just say he didn't do it.
Hallie showing Papa how to fly. The next day we looked around the city and had a great time the week that were in Cincinnati. I love trips that you come home and don't feel like you need a vacation after your vacation. The worst part was leaving and seeing Hallie crying at the door as we drove off. Made me cry too.
This is the important photo. The one we flew there for.

Now I'm home and just canned 48 pints of peaches. Yesterday I cleaned the carpets in the house - guess I'm finally checking things off my list. Rather be on vacation!!!