Days of Happiness

We have had a crazy crazy summer so far. But for the most part it has been filled with days of happiness. Jeff's business has EXPLODED to the point that we are somewhat struggling to keep up. But he has hired two more people, I found more people to help with unpacking jobs, and the crating is rolling in. It's a good thing! The kids are being great about no schedule and being schlepped around, mostly because they go to Grandma and Papa's house, which they love. Annika even spent a whole week there.
This is Tanner's touch a truck event in our tv room. Most of the trucks he owns (minus the construction site out in the hole) are here. Lined up. Categorized. We were not to touch it. Phoebe had her recital and did a beautiful job as usual. She has some good toes this one.

And this would be from the real Touch a Truck Day by the park district. He loves this event. Obviously from the previous photo.

And Annika graduated from kindergarten. There was a lovely ceremony. She was quite disappointed to leave school and Mrs. Preboy. But she is enjoying summer immensely.

In Memoriam

I meant to post this Memorial Day. These iris remind me of my Grandma Picky and her gardens. I believe that some of these made their way from her garden to my other grandmother's garden to my mom to me. They are beautiful and make me so happy.

This also to remember Jeff's dad Jim, my grandpa Max, Jeff's grandma Deloris, Sammy, and all of the other dear members of our family who have passed.

And they honor all those who gave their lives to protect this country that we may enjoy the freedoms we have.

An American Experience

Phoebe turned 8!!! So fun. She is growing up into quite the young girl. We love her sooo much. So for her birthday we splurged a little and took her downtown for brunch at the American Girl Cafe. We went on Sunday the 29th, her actual birthday, and Daddy took the whole day off to make it even better. It was much bigger and better than any of us expected. First we stopped off and saw the Molly displays.

And then headed upstairs to the very cute cafe. Molly got to sit next to Phoebe. The napkin holders are actually hairbands we got to keep.

She was quite overwhelmed and excited! The food was delicious, fairly good portions, and the service impeccable. Our glasses of real pink lemonade and coffee cups were never empty, hence the many trips to the bathroom and caffeine buzzes. :)

Phoebe used some birthday gift cards and savings to get Kanani and we purchased the accessory set for her. As we were leaving we noticed that Molly and Kanani were next to each other in this display. Perfect photo op! The store is really interesting and fun. Even Annika enjoyed it, and even wants a doll now. We really did have a wonderful experience and Phoebe loved her birthday.

Quoted

Tanner just chose his crazy kung fu name for fighting Annika.................Bob. :)