May June extravaganza

Not that time and schedules ever really slow down around here...hence the turbo...but the last month seems to have been especially fun filled and busy.  Here is a lowdown on what I did take pics of, and notes on what I didn't at the end.

Joliet Slammers game for school with best buds was a really fun night this year.

 Tanner experienced his first parade and town festival.  He loved the candy at the parade. 

 We went to Starved Rock park with my parents to go hiking, or goating as my dad calls it.  The kids got all suited up in their vests, binoculars, and compasses.  Phoebe stopped often to draw in a journal.  Tanner stopped for snacks.  Annika stopped to tease Papa a couple times.  I just tried to keep up with them!

 My aunt/Godmother and cousin/Tanner's Godmother came for a weekend visit.  Super nice to see them and get to talk. Don't get to see them nearly enough. 

 That is my cousin's adorable little girl amongst my sillies.  They couldn't get enough of her.

 Jeff and I got crazy one night and literally at the last minute cancelled dinner reservations to drive to Milwaukee to see the Twins play the Brewers.  We got a smokin deal on stub hub and it was nicer and not nearly as far as we had thought.  A great date night.

 Annika finished out her baseball season.  She did a great job catching and even got a few hits at the end of the season.  We were really proud of how she did, and that she kept up, and even shined.  They had a great swim party/BBQ at the end. 

Tanner learned to ride his bike, but apparently I haven't taken pics yet, so that is on the agenda for today, and then those will get posted.

Throw into that Phoebe's birthday, recital, Granny visited, several trips to go swimming at my parents, a homeschool conference and curriculum decided on, Jeff working like a mad man, fishing for Father's Day (pics on my dad's camera), art projects, end of school, VBS and Sunday school planning, and more....I just have to figure out how to get the pictures from my new smartphone to the blog of our trip to Ohio.  hmmmm
I am ready for vacation!

Recital Time/Birthday Bash

A post all about my adorable, sweet, fabulous, Phoebe.  The end of May/beginning of June is a big time for her.  She turned 9 (whaaaat!) on May 29th and the big recital was June 9th.  Both were huge successes.  We are so proud of her.  We are so in love with her. 

 The grandparentals did an excellent job of cooing over her and how nice the recital was.  Made her day.  I loved the way she blushed with excitement, modesty, and a little pride.

 She was beautiful!  And her dances went great...she really new the choreography this year, and smiled with poise and grace.  You could tell she turned into a dancer this year.

 Posing with her fans.

 We had a family party at my parents house.  Of course, no cake for this one...fruit salad with whipped cream is definitely more her style.

 But we did set up a table with an angel food cake (and more whipped cream and fruit), snacks, candy, and decorations for her friend SLEEPOVER.  Yes, we did it...5 friends came over.

 Phoebe planned all of her faves:  an art project, freeze dance, make your own pizzas, games, and movies.  A rousing good time and the girls were fabulous.  Might be willing to do it again...without the birthday even.