To Sum Up the Summer...

So last we left off, I was on my way back to California for 5 days... to stand next to one of my dearest friends while she said "I do!"  This was a big deal, as it was my first time leaving all 3, that's right I said 3 kids... with their very nervous and unsure father.  His first time caring for them all by himself! 
Needless to say, of course I would land in San Francisco to have my father (there to pick me up, thanks again Dad!) say "you may want to sit down?"
First of all, no offense Dad but the expression 'you may want to sit down' will literally make a nervous mother jump right out of her skin!  "one of the boys is in the hospital!"  Right away I suspected a seizure,
as Jack had a high temperature the day before I left.  I called my husband to hear it was Austin, our
oldest who spiked a really high fever and began to seizure.  I can only imagine how terrifying that must
have been for Jeff and I am still unsure as to whether I am grateful or regretful that I could not be here to hinder!

He called 9-1-1 and they took him by ambulance... I think that alone would have required another stretcher,
for me!  I can handle a lot of things, but needles, vomiting, ambulances, hospitals... I'm pretty much useless.... so it may be a blessing in disguise that Jeff was here to save the day!  AJ was monitered at the hospital for a few hours and administered (2) doses of popsicles before being discharged, completely fine!  (Thank God!)

Jeff did fabulous, and I am SO, so proud of him!!  He took such good care of our babies that they much prefered their Dad upon my return!  He took them to a birthday party, Chuk E Cheese, Claim Jumper and the mall that week, all-on-his-own!!  Wow!!  I am still impressed!  I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful, supportive and caring husband and father for our children!  Thank you, Jeff!!

The rest of the trip went with out a hitch, other than by Jill & John (the newlyweds)!!  Sorry, couldn't resisit a good 'hitch' pun... Jill sure was a gorgeous bride (of course) she's just beautiful in general!!  I felt so honored and grateful to be able to be there with her for her very special day!  A couple pictures below:

The day after I got back from California, we drove up to Grand Haven, Michigan to visit with family and enjoy the beautiful beaches for a day!  Our hotel room had a slider door to the swimming pool and we spent an entire day swimming with the kids too, it was a blast!  Austin was hesitant and cautious of the water, while Jack and Maddie loved it, jumped right in, and were completely fearless.  They all couldn't get enough though!  One of the shortest but best vacations we've taken I'd say?!
Mostly because the kids are all getting to an age where they are just, SO much fun!!  They can do so much more now!  Here are some great pics from our Michigan trip!  So good seeing our family there, always such a warm reception!  Thanks again for everything Aunt Jan and Uncle John!

Uncle John found a frog in his garage and wrapped it in a rhubarb

leaf, brought it to the beach (IN HIS POCKET) for the kids to play with!  Oh, how we love our Uncle John!

Our first born babe turned 5 years old this month!  Can not believe we have a 5 year old, already!

He wanted a bike and we agreed as long as he rides with a helmet of course.  He picked out a green bike, as green is still his favorite color!  He's really fast on that thing, a few more gray hairs for mom, but all in good fun!!

We also went to Claim Jumper, as usual on his birthday, where he built his own Sundae! Here he is showing us 'how many' years old he is!  And Maddie, enjoying some pre-birthday treats herself, can you believe she'll be 1 year old, in just 3 weeks!?  My gosh, where does the time go?  My babies.... (sigh)

....a couple random and recent photos of Jack, just because I think he looks so yummy in them!

Next item on the to-do list: PARTY!  What does Austin want to do to celebrate his 5th Birthday?  Cause getting a new bike and going out for ice cream and cake just isn't enough.... he wants to play carnival games!

We knew just the place!  Off to Six Flags we went, and enjoyed a wonderful day at both Hurricaine Harbor (water park) and Six Flags Magic Mountain.  The kids had a blast riding rides, playing games and playing in the water!  We had a great time as a family, it was an awesome day!

The boys favorite carnival prizes they won, were their 'Super Hero' Capes!!!

Maddie's first taste of nummy cotton candy, mmmmmm!!

What a Fun-tastic way to wrap up an exceptionally warm and longer than usual... wonderful Summer!!

We look forward to all the fun Fall will bring!  Including Austin, going off to school!  He's nervous, but more open to it now that all his friends are going.  We are also having Jack evaluated for speech delays due to his tongue tie, if he qualifies he will also be going to preschool this fall

(free of charge, thank you state of IL.)

If I end up with 2 boys in school, I have no idea what I might do with myself?  Perhaps the projects I've started may just get completed?  I've got a kitchen floor to put in yet... along with some other odds and ends.

OR maybe I'll just take in another kid or two!?  We shall see!  

We'll see you next month for more family fun!

til' then, stay well!