Getting wet at Des Peres Park.....

We love the parks with water sprinklers - they are perfect for Jo! It doesn't require too much packing for me & is a good way to spend a summer evening. I like to be outside as much as possible since I am inside all day at work plus it wears out Jo. This time, we went to Des Peres park.

Tried to take some pics of the girls....

I really really tried, but I needed Pete to distract them while I snapped away. I got a few, so let me know what you think. I plan on doing it again (possibly same clothes) when the cast comes off.

Carollo's Funniest Video

This is possibly the funniest video we have ever done. Jo seriously loves sitting & pretending to play. I have to distract her when Rosie practices or she just yells for Rosie to put her on the bench next to her. She will also demand that you put the classical music on so she can play! It's a long video but it will make you chuckle!!!

Josephine - she's the light of our lives!

We are so in love with Jo - I know all parents feel this way, but I just have to say it. If you know me at all, you know I love babies! I love everything about them. I can just breathe in her baby smell, kiss on those cheeks all day & just stare at her perfect hands, toes, belly, eyes, ears..... I especially love to watch as Pete lights up when he sees her. I love how Rosie & Anna want to see her first thing every morning. I love when they bring her to Pete & I because they heard her stirring in her crib. That baby belly laugh can only make you smile & laugh too. We are truly lucky to have three beautiful loving daughters - thank you God!

Lazy & hot weekend

I forgot my camera at home, but we spent Saturday at my sister Mary's pool. The kids love being with Caty & Adam, and Josephine was a crazy swimmer. She slept for 4 hours on Sunday (9am -1pm) - she was up for about 2 hours in the morning & just melted down so I put her back to bed. I went to 8am Mass, came home & put her to bed, & then did tons of chores while the rest were at church. Pete just can't get up for 8am Mass!! I was so productive & got so much done without anyone asking me for food, giving my viewpoint on an art picture, figuring out how to work thru a "discussion" with Rose & Anna, etc..... Ha Ha! Anyway, everyone is ready for another week after plenty of downtime yesterday.

SummerQuest camp ends

This session focused on Hawaii, and I saw another great performance from Rosie & Anna. Somehow (miracle for me) they were in a play together, so I didn't have to go back & forth from work. Rosie & Anna both had individual lines, and they spoke slowly & clearly. Way to go!!! I love the costumes, and it went so well with Anna's arm!

This week they attend a 1/2 day camp with the 8th graders from St. MM. They call it Kid's Camp, and then I have Chandler (their favorite) babysitting the rest of the afternoon.

End of the season softball party (sniff sniff)

It's over! Bummer because it was such an enjoyable season! Not everyone (we had 12) could make the end of season party. We had a pizza party at the park by our house, and then we played a very competitive wiffle ball game (parents vs. adults)! Very fun!

Thanks girls for being so driven, great listeners & good team players. We are very proud of you.

Thanks also to Nicole & Tera for being awesome assistant coaches. I couldn't have done it without the both of you.

Top row: Caroline, Olivia, Ellie, Emma & Maddie

Bottom: Sophie, Rose, Gabby & Sarah

We gave them Size 11 softballs as they "graduate" to bigger balls next year & start pitching!!!

Silly faces!

The "Sleepover"

The sleepover buddies: Olivia, Emma, Gabby, Rose, Sarah, Megan & Maddie
In the tent - let's say they were in it a lot longer now vs. at 9pm when it was "scary dark!"
Running thru the sprinkler to cool off after our scavenger hunt!
Craziness after s'mores - dancing to...... who else? Hannah Montana or is it Miley Cyrus?

It was lots of fun, and I'm not just saying that. The girls were really good for me. I only had to ask them once to do anything. They were polite at the neighbors when asking for scavenger items, ate well, cleaned up & got along like champs. It took a bit to settle down, but I think they finally nodded off at 10:30. 4 of them had their big swim meet Saturday morning! They did great, thank goodness. Kids are very resilient as we all know.

The next two nights are going to be busy & FUN

I just got home from Shop & Save (nothing like a 10pm grocery shopping trip) buying goodies for Rosie's sleepover with 6 friends on Friday night. It is an 8 1/2 year old party (let's say that we postponed her birthday party until summer!) They are sleeping in a tent in our backyard. I bought all kinds of yummy food for the "Island Party." I will have lots of pictures to post! We will be doing MANY activities: scavenger hunt, hula hoop games, flip flop game, making tissue paper flowers, making frames, running thru sprinklers, watermelon spitting contest, etc. I may be insane (or will become insane during the evening) but I know it will be fun for the girls.

Tomorrow night we have our "end of softball season" party. We are just having pizza, playing a wiffle ball game (parents vs. daughters) & just celebrating a great season! I loved this team, and it was a great season. They were all so dedicated this year. It was a pleasure to coach them. Anyway, off to bed for me.....

Guess who broke her wrist???

We have never had a broken bone but now that streak is lost! Anna broke her wrist on the monkey bars Sunday night - she fell off the monkey bars & landed "funny" on her wrist. I knew right away it was more than a usual fall. It hurt her, but once we got ice on it, she felt better. Anyway, we waited until Monday afternoon to take her for x-rays because we thought it might just be a sprain. She did not use it but she said it didn't hurt, so I figured it might not be broke. I always assumed a break REALLY hurts, but that is not the case! Learn something new every day....

She won't let me take a picture yet, but I promise to get one anyway!!! Stay tuned....

I got the pic - a huge smile as usual! She is doing great & you wouldn't know it was broke the way she jumps around. She is even hitting with one arm! It is waterproof, thank goodness! She also has lots of signatures - she broke down & decided to have people sign her cast. What a good sport she is being. Thanks Anna for not complaining & rolling with the punches.

Fun times with Dad & Grandpa Carollo

Jo & Pete strumming the guitar! They do this a lot!!

Grandpa Carollo & Anna being silly with Jo - I love that belly laugh!

Spending time at Tilles Park!

Happy 21st Birthday Lauren!

I can't believe Lauren is 21! She is the oldest granddaughter, and she turned 21 on the 4th of July! Our little family went to the pool all day, and then Pete & I had dinner at Chevy's with everyone to celebrate Lauren's birthday. My mom & dad watched the kids as they did not want to go (they did not want to see Lauren get drunk - typical grandparents!) Lauren is so talented & beautiful - we are so proud of her!!! Lauren opening our gift! We bought her 21 different gifts (Mary - great idea!) She loved it!

Stephanie, Skip, Mary & I having margaritas (not Stephanie yet!)

We bought her a "chocolate cake" shot!! Go Lauren!

Guess who's 21?

Two beautiful sisters: Stephanie & Lauren

Under the Sea (at SummerQuest)

Rosie and Anna's 2nd play at SummerQuest had the theme "Under the Sea." Unfortunately, I could only attend Rosie's play due to work. Sometimes I'm not sure how much I'm at work versus running here & there with the kids. Sshhhh - don't tell anyone at work that I just said that! Ha Ha! Trust me, I put in time when no one is looking....

Rosie singing her song (with her class)! It was another entertaining performance! I loved it Rosie!

A very wet High School Musical at the Muny

Well, the long-awaited HSM at the outdoor Muny in Forest Park was a little different than planned. I purchased 20 tickets for everyone who wanted to see HSM in my family. They were great seats plus we had a backstage tour before the show (compliments of Grandma Carollo's connections). Unfortunately, we had a downpour right before the show started (we did have umbrellas), but the show started at 9:15! We did not get home before midnight. Rosie & Anna are going to be so tired after a day at camp today - let's just say there could be some meltdowns when we get home this afternoon. I'm a little tired too.

Anna fell asleep a little after intermission in my arms, and then I carried her to the car. She hasn't figured out that her flip flops fell off while I carried her b/c it started to rain again when "We're all in this Together" started. We decided to leave, and in the mess of people leaving, flip flops fell off. I wonder how she will handle that revelation? She has certain clothing items that she really likes.....

If you have seen Anna in full fit mode, you can imagine what it will be like. I'm already counting to 10 in my head.....

All 20 of us up on the Muny stage!

Pete with his favorite guitarist of all time!

Pete went to see Modest Mouse last night, and he got his picture with Johnny Marr. He is so funny! Last time, he got his guitar signed by him. I just had to post this picture!! I just told Melissa at work that Pete looks so happy - it makes me laugh because he is such a little kid.