Fond (Unofficial) Farewell to Summer 2008

As is the case with any passing summer, I hate to say goodbye. With the 'unofficial' end of summer passing this weekend, I've realized that this has been my favorite summer for a number of reasons...

The IrishKids are older and a bit easier (hope that statement doesn't come back to bite me in the A$$!) What I mean is they're both walking, talking, sharing, playing, and arguing with each other! At times it can be exasperating and other times...it's hilarious.

I feel like I really got to spend quality time with the IrishKids and their father this summer. As crazy as that may sound, in years past I always felt like I wasn't around enough. And I've enjoyed our time (yes, even the trying times) immensely!

I'm sure the children have enjoyed the summer too! They've spent quality time with family, visited with their Uncle B, Auntie Manda, and Auntie Kathleen, spent numerous weekends with their favorite cousins, had trips to Grandma & Papa's swimming pool, and the list goes on and on. Let's put it this way, they've kept a very busy social calendar. And I feel fortunate to have those special memories for them and us!
As the school year is upon us...oh, did I mention I started grad school last week? And Alan transitions into his new job, I know that change will occur. And while change can be good - it disrupts (for a time) the balance that we've created in our lives and theirs. My hope is that the IrishKids are happy when they think about Summer 2008. And I hope you've had the opportunity to enjoy your Summer 2008 as much as I have!

The Annual Birthday Bash...

Hard to believe, that we're celebrating Kit's third birthday! I can remember when Alan and I (and the rest of the family) were anxiously awaiting 'Baby G's' arrival! Well, tomorrow officially marks Year 3 with our Baby G...Kit Frances! Named after some very important men in her daddy and mommy's lives!

Funny enough, we've been celebrating Kit's birthday for the past few days! And it hasn't even officially arrived yet. Those of you that are familiar with how I celebrate my birthday (the first of November through the 17th of November), are thinking 'like mother, like daughter'! And I have to tell you, Kit has loved EVERY minute of her birthday celebration...Fionn has enjoyed it as well! Here she is modeling the hat and jumper her Auntie Kathleen bought her during one of her annual Michigan City outlet trips! Cute, right?

Thank you to Auntie Kathleen, for baking the birthday treats...and having the patience to let Kit and Fionn help you! Yes, Kit's birthday cake, cupcakes, and assorted goodies were all lovingly prepared by her fabulous Auntie K...the orignial Kitzer. She's the cute brunette below enjoying a refreshing beverage with Grandma Susie. Cheers!
Kit's birthday bash is really more about our family and friends getting together and making memories than tallying gifts and giving gift bags. I love the fact that everyone is here and having a good time.
No matter what, I know our girl had a great time! She and Fionn have lots of new stuff to keep them and their cousins/friends entertained for hours (fingers crossed). It'll be interesting to see how she reacts when it's Fionn's birthday!
Happy Birthday Kit Frances! Your are our spirited, independent, smart-as-a-whip, cute-as-hell, darling 3 year old girl. We're so lucky to have you in our lives! And we hope you know how many people out there love you and can't wait for more.

The New Do...

Here's what Fionn's hair looked like on Sunday. Getting a bit shaggy, I suppose...

And here's what his hair looked like on Monday evening, after Daddy's clippers found Fionn's head! And I can assure you, Daddy, the barber, meant to cut it this way...

Not what I expected to see...but I love it! Alan said that Fionn was a great customer...he sat still for the entire haircut (about 20 minutes) and didn't give out once! Kit was designated Alan's Haircut Helper because she did a great job distracting her little brother with candy.

What do you think? I can tell you one thing...there's no way in HE** Alan's goin' near Kit's head!

Girlfriends...

Last weekend one of my 'oldest' friends came to visit! It had been exactly two years to the date since we had last seen each other and it was a perfect weekend!

Amanda and I met almost ten years ago when I started working at Bobby Mo. We clicked instantly and have been fortunate to maintain our friendship through the years. She's always been my 'go to girl' for advice on pretty much any topic: guys, work, finances, wedding stuff, children, blogging...etc. And we've shared a lot of special times together; she escorted my mom down the aisle on my wedding day 8 1/2 months pregnant and I was with her while she was in labor with her first child!

As we were catching up on the two years since we had seen each other (we both added another child into the mix in that time - Fionn for me and Brooke for her), I reflected on how lucky I am to have her. I'm so fortunate to have an amazing group of girlfriends and I cherish them (I don't always do a good job telling them that though). As we talked about our girls , I said to Amanda that my wish for them is that they have friends that they love so much that they become family! Just like us.

So, Manda...thank you for spending you 33rd birthday with us. We loved having you and are all ready planning our visit to TX! We love you and miss you, Zak, and the Girls. And to the rest of my girlfriends, thank you for the incredible gift you offer in your friendship! I love you all.

Biker Babe!

Check it out...our girl has graduated from her tricycle to a big girl bicycle! The day after Father's Day, Alan brought this home for Kit...and boy did he score MAJOR points that day (not that he needs points...he's daddy afterall)!

Believe it or not, he found the little bike in someone's trash in front of their house. He said that the only thing he could see wrong with it was that both tires were flat! He thought it would be a shame to let such a great bike go 'in the bin'...so it went in the back of his van instead. Pump up the tires and squirt it with the garden hose...and it's as good as new! Even better...it was FREE!

Happy Birthday Evan!

Dear Evan - Happy Birthday! Fionn and I had the best time at your party. We couldn't believe that our mom & dad were actually taking us inside Chuck E. Cheese!

It was so much fun hangin' out with you and Lily and Fionn on your special day...and did I mention how grateful I am that you introduced my mom & dad to Chuck E. Cheese???
Anyway, like I said before, it was great playing with you. The pizza was yummy...and the cupcakes...WOW!
I'm really glad that we're such good friends and cousins! Fionn and I really have a great time with you. By the way, I'm gonna tryin' to convince my mom & dad to have my birthday at Chuck E. Cheese, too!
Anyway, I hope you had a great time at your party! I know we did. And one last thing...thanks again for the Chuck E. Cheese experience...I seriously thought my crazy parents would never let us go there! Love ya buddy - Kit

Chillin' out on Sunday Evenings!

As many of you know, there's nothing I enjoy more than spending time with family (the whole lot of them). But it has to be said, a quiet Sunday with my husband and IrishKids can be just as much fun and maybe even a little relaxing. With that being said, I must also mention that there are a lot of variables that can effect that last statement, such as...the season, the children's mood, the time (before or after dinner), and the state of the parents (was the night before a late one?). Above is an example of what I considered to be a darned good Sunday evening! And the red wine is an ingredient you shouldn't forget. Cheers to your next Sunday evening...enjoy!