What's new

Remember a few posts back when I said our house was for sale? Well now it's not. We didn't sell it, but we're taking it off this horrible market. Nothing around us is selling and there is more competition everyday. Jason and I are not interested in giving our house away, so we don't want to lower the price. Moving isn't that important to us and it's not like we HAVE to move. So we'll be staying here for a bit longer. We're okay with that.
Also, today is the day my boys come home!!! They've been in the Dells with my in-laws since Sunday. I've talked to them on the phone, which they're not very good at, and they sound like they had fun. I hope they did, but thank god they're coming home! I've missed them so much and felt useless without them here! Not to mention, our house has been way too quiet. And knowing them, they'll be very happy to sleep in their own beds tonight.

Family night

Tonight was family night. We made sure to spend some quality time together since Justin and Kyle leave for vacation tomorrow. They are going up to Wisconsin Dells with Jason's parents for five days. They leave in the morning. I want them to have fun, but it's going to take all I've got to not cry in front of them when they leave.
So we began our night by going to Fridays for dinner. Justin requested it because they have ribs on the kids' menu. He LOVES them! When he's done, there's a pile of bones on his plate and sauce all over his face. Then we headed over to Oberweis for ice cream, of course. After we enjoyed that, it was time to head home for an Indiana Jones movie and a fire in the fire pit that we gave Jason for Father's Day. The boys toasted marshmallows to make smores. And then threw the sticks in the fire to watch them "cremate". Boys!

Our trip to the south

We are such homebodies! We were gone for about 24 hours, and we couldn't wait to get back home. This was the weekend we went down to the Springfield area for Tony and Natalie's wedding celebration at her parents' house. It was an outdoor party in their beautiful backyard. Fortunately, the weather was perfect! And the party was fun. Natalie has a pretty big family, so there were a lot of people there, including other kids. Nat's mom had lots for them to do, even glow sticks for when it was dark.
While we were down there, we decided to visit our state capital. We didn't have a lot of time, but drove around downtown and got some great photos of the newer capital building. Justin and Kyle were thrilled to be next to the statue of Abraham Lincoln.

June celebrations

June is usually the month of weddings. In my family, we got that done last month. This month we have less birthdays than the last couple months. June 9th, our niece, Julia, became a teenager. My handsomely hairy dog, Henry, turns four this month. And although my grandpa isn't here to celebrate his birthdays anymore, I still wish him a happy birthday on June 25th. He is thought of often.
This week our niece, Jamie, graduated from middle school. She did so with many accomplishments! Congrats to her! There is no doubt she'll do well in high school.
And we can't forget Father's Day. Again, I keep my grandpa in mind. But thankfully, I can celebrate with my dad and my husband, who also celebrates with his dad. Happy father's day to all dads, especially the ones in my life!!! I love you!

Kyle's kindergarten graduation (sniff, sniff)

Today was a big day for Kyle. He is officially a first grader! The graduation ceremony was cute. He and his class had matching shirts with each child's portrait on it (they all drew pictures of their heads for the shirt - Kyle's looks like a pineapple cause of his hair). They sang songs and then received certificates of completion. His teacher, Mrs. Lopez, announced that they are now ready to move on to first grade. She held back her tears for the sake of the kids.
Afterwards, they had a "picnic" lunch. The principal grilled hot dogs for the graduates. They also served chips and drinks. Due to the questionable weather we stayed in the cafeteria for lunch. Then went out to the playground until it began to rain. Before we left, Kyle and I gave Mrs. Lopez a hug and wished her a good summer.
Justin's last day of school is tomorrow (he has to go for and hour and a half). After that we have to get some fun summer stuff done. Before we know it, it'll be time to go back to school!

Justin Smarty Pants

Awards were given out today at school for the last time this year. Justin came home with a Certificate of Achievement in Academics. Yay, Justin! It seemed to me that 3rd grade was a big step up from 2nd grade, and although Justin is very bright, I was concerned about it being too much of a change for him. Here we are at the end, and he did great all year. Occasionally he'll need help with his math, but he's excellent in all his subjects. Reading and language arts being his strongest. Not only did he do really well academically this year, but he became more responsible and his teacher said he's a great role model. He really is a great kid! I can't believe 4th grade is just around the corner. I know he'll be ready, but I'm not sure his mom will be.

Public Landing

Since my brother's wedding was a small affair, both sets of parents wanted to celebrate with the families. My mom and dad hosted a dinner for our family at Public Landing in downtown Lockport last weekend. Natalie's parents, sister, and future brother-in-law drove up here to join us as well. In couple weeks, we're headed down to Williamsville, IL where they live for their family celebration. Road trip! I'll be sure to take pictures.