So it Ends....

As the unofficial end of summer draws close this weekend, I wanted to reflect on our adventurous summer.  Or maybe I've just been too busy to blog as often as I should...hmmmm...  Each summer we make a little "bucket list" of things to do before summer ends to make sure we get it all done.  I think our list this summer was easy - survive!  It was the summer of adjusting to 3 little ones....girls at that.  So I guess we accomplished that, but missed some of must-dos that we would have liked to do.

So I'll focus on what we did do and hope maybe next summer we'll be able to do more (like that camping trip I've been waiting 3 years to take).  Damn kids!

We went to our 1st PAT (Parents as Teachers) get-together at Belleview Park.  It's an organization that sends an educator to your house monthly to work with your kids and give you ideas to help them.

Train ride at the park

Petting farm

We are always lucky to have great friends, especially teacher friends.  We were fortunate to spend lots of time with Hazel and Sawyer, and then the boys played golf during naps.  Not too bad......

And there's always lots of zoo trips (of course in 90 degree heat there's fewer)

WES-LING!

Dragon Boat Festival with cousin Kenz - the best kiki!

We found time to head out to the county fair and met up with Prince Cayden and Prince Deacon.

And birthday parties.....so many birthday parties........

Overall, a great summer - a little too hot, but now we're looking forward to some cooler days to spend outside and Brooklynn is looking forward to going back to school!

Proud of my G-pa!

 

On our first day in Olean we stopped by the Rehab Center's building dedicated to my grandpa.  The building dedication was after his death, but he was told about it before his passing.  Even though I wasn't able to be at the dedication ceremony, the PowerPoint slideshow was emailed, and there were some quotes from my grandpa.

 

Grandpa became very involved with the Rehab Center after my aunt, Barbie, was born.  There weren't sufficient services in their area for her, and he was a pioneer in changing that and was honored throughout his life for his contribution.

 

One quote of his that resonated with me was:

 

"You always want the best for your kids, and taking a leadership role was a great way for me to ensure it."

It reminds me of a quote I had posted in my classroom by Gandhi - "Be the change you want to see in the world."  As a teacher I constantly saw parents blaming others for their child's failures, blaming schools, teachers, other students.....  As a parent it is our responsibility to take a leadership role in our kids' lives and ensure their success.

  

What a life and so glad we will always be able to celebrate his successes!  Way to go gramps!

Off to Grandmother's House We Go.....

After grandpa passed away this spring, I wanted to make sure we took a trip to New York to visit grandma and check-in on her.  Since plane tickets are outrageous to Buffalo I only took Adaley, but luckily we had Grandma to help out with her.

After delays, flight diversions, rude customer service reps, and 30 hours we finally made it to Buffalo.  Luckily, Adaley was a gem totally oblivious to the chaos around her.  We pulled into Olean Saturday afternoon just in time to shower, say hi, and head to David and Ann's for dinner.  Sunday we picked up Barby and went to Jim and Juanita's for dinner.  On Monday Adaley and I met up with Aunt Roxy and Uncle Don for lunch - always good to visit with them.  Tuesday we hung out with grandma, leaving Tuesday afternoon to head back home.  Thankfully the trip back was smoother and quicker!

We had a great trip visiting family, especially grandma.  It's always amazing to see our great grandparents interacting and enjoying the girls.  Although I'll probably always regret not seeing grandpa before he passed, I feel very fortunate to visit grandma and spend the quality time together.  She's an amazing, tough woman! 

Who wouldn't love sitting in the lion chair?

Jim & Juanita admiring our dimpled baby!

Roxy and Don loving her as well.....how could you not?

4 generations of Rieds!

Adaley enjoying grandma time!

Crazy Weekends!

It seems like this summer has flown by - largely because of our crazy busy weekends!  We're always running to birthday parties, soccer games, and meeting up with friends.  Of course we're not complaining - nothing better than summertime!

Friday night Steve and I went to see "Jersey Boys" at the Buell - our Christmas gift from Carrie and Josh.  We weren't sure what to expect, but it was a great show.  I'm always amazed how talented those singers/actors are.  Sure wish I had just half their talent.

Last weekend was no exception.  Saturday morning started with Brooklynn's last soccer game.  The season looked promising the first game but maybe we don't have an athlete in Brooklynn.  She had a good time playing and talking to her teammates and other players during the game.  I guess that's all that matters, right?

 After the game was the soccer party!  The kids had a good time playing at the park and eating pizza and cupcakes!

 Coach Craig presenting Brooklynn with her medal and pink armband.  That's what she was missing...the armband. 

Saturday night I planned a surprise 30th birthday party for my bro, Andy.  We all met at Wazee Supper Club for the big surprise!  What a fun night with fun people!  Happy Birthday Brutha!

 Birthday shots!

 May be the only picture of us in last 10 years....whoa!

Sunday morning we drove to Denver for the Dragon Boat Festival to cheer on Makenzie hula dancing.  Every year she gets so much better (the best kiki in the group).  She has an amazing talent and now our girls want to learn to hula. 

Sunday afternoon it was off to Cayden's birthday party at The Bay.  I didn't take any pics, because we were all having a great time swimming in the pool and flying down the slides. 

Wow!  Now a few days to re-energize and then back at it again next weekend........