Monday, September 24, 2012

She's All Grown Up


This weekend my baby sister turned 21. 



Next week we are throwing her a bachelorette party. 

The week after, she'll be married. (To one seriously awesome fella). 



Where did the time go? 




Love you, Cass. So much. Happy birthday, baby sis!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Summer Lovin'


The low earlier this week was 43 degrees. 

Which was both awesome and frightening. It reminded me that summer is very much in the rear-view mirror and there were so many moments that never made it on the blog. 

Summer 2012: 

Lesson Learned
Never -- I repeat never -- assume that your two-year-old children can't open a bottle of fingernail polish just because you have to use your teeth to get it open. 


Cousins!
My niece Bella came to visit this summer. She's such a smart, wonderful, silly, beautiful girl and I'm so grateful to her parents for letting us borrow her. It was also a good opportunity to work on our sharing skills. Turns out, even when you have a twin, sharing can be problematic -- to put it nicely.


A Cook-Off
Living-room cooking: Attempt No. 1 at stemming the heat-induced cabin fever. Unless you count the fingernail polish incident.  Which I certainly do not. Also noteworthy -- Grace's hair is getting OUT OF CONTROL. But we're just glad we finally have enough hair to put it up. Like they ever let me. 


Traditions
Nearly every year since I was a wee-one, my family has spent our Fourth of July riding fair rides and watching the fireworks in a nearby town. Seeing the girls giggle and squeal on the same rides I giggled and squealed on as a kid was one of the best parts of the whole summer. 


We Are Family
We rented a cabin at the lake for our family reunion and it was awesome. There were five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two sitting areas and a huge kitchen. And the family time was pretty good, too. Sweet shirts, right?



Running for Office
Scott began his candidacy for County Commissioner. His vision, experience and thoughtful approach to government make him a fantastic candidate and will serve as the foundation for a fantastic Commissioner if he is elected. We hope the electorate agrees. If you're reading this and live in Manhattan or have parents that still do -- tell 'em to vote for us! Scott will serve you well. 


If You Build It, Claire Will Mean-Mug You
Attempt No. 67 at stemming the heat-induced cabin fever. Must. Go. Outside. Seriously. 


Fried Oreos?
We just couldn't get enough of the local fairs. This one had livestock and 4-H crafts and the girls' favorite -- more rides! 


Ok, We Get It. It's Hot. 
Attempts No. 123-167 at stemming the heat-induced cabin fever. Big hits: Toy Story, Lady & the Tramp, Shrek, Lion King, Aristocats, Mickey Mouse, Annie (The musical … weird, right?) and all 74 sequels to the Land Before Time.


Go Team!
One of the top five reasons we decided to move back -- home is where the purple is. 



Hope you all had a great summer, too!!

Friday, September 14, 2012

It's Friday

I've been on vacation all week.

And I blogged one time.

ONE time.

Ridiculous.

But seriously, I've had just about the best week of my life this week.

Which is saying something because I spent the week unpacking my garage.

Which was full of boxes and furniture from when I moved.

Like five months ago.

Again, ridiculous.

But now you know why you weren't invited to the housewarming party.

Because we still haven't had one.

Be expecting your invitation some time in 2013. I feel confident we'll be moved in by then.

Hopefully.

Maybe.

Ok, definitely by 2014.

I think I'm done here.

Wait.

One more thing.

Go Cats!!





Monday, September 10, 2012

Right Brain


While Scott was out of town recently, the girls and I went on a shopping spree … to Dollar Tree! We loaded the cart with art supplies and have been going hog wild ever since. 

They love to create and they love showing others what they've made, which makes my heart swell. I hope they always feel that kind of pride in their creations. 

Here's a look: