Back to School Book Sale & BBQ & much more....

What a beautiful day for our Back to School Book Sale, BBQ & much more! The kids had so much fun - it was basically tons of fun for the kids but we were trying to raise money (something we are constantly doing)! We planned all kinds of activities:

- Gently Used Book Sale

- Dunking Booth

- BIG Bounce House

- Old Fire Truck which raised you way up (see pics below)

- Under 4 Play Area (hmmm, who wanted that?)

- Line Dancing

- Fun Games (3-legged race, water balloon toss, hot dog eating, bean on a spoon, musical chairs)

- Delicious BBQ

Some of the items sound silly, but the kids had a blast (all ages too!) Our school is just one big community, and the older kids are so great to the younger kids. Our 8th grade class is really awesome - I just love some of them - so nice, smart & caring. They are creative & don't mind being silly & are never "embarrassed" to be with a parent or a little kid. They are really good role models for the younger grades. I know Rosie really looks up to them.

I was exhausted as we were on our feet for almost 12 hours, and my feet are not used to it. It's always fun to set up but breaking down is no fun. It took everything for me to get the kids bathed & to bed & then take a shower before vegging in front of the TV for a bit last night. Did I mention that Pete went to the baseball game last night? I was proud of myself - I am only complaining to the blog! He has to work these crazy hours this weekend. He went to the game, got home early AM & went to work at 3am until 11am. Then he slept all day today & is leaving now at 10:30 to work all night. I couldn't do it.... This is the last night & then back to normal!

The old-fashioned fire truck which took people way up in the sky! There's Rosie (middle with blue t-shirt) & Jeff Jones, our good friend, & his daughter, Megan. I really had no idea it went that high!!

Rosie dunked Mrs. Grindel, her 2nd grade teacher, on her first throw!

Pete with Jo - she was dancing for a minute on the stage & then wouldn't do it for the camera!

1st Grader & 4th Grader

The girls told me yesterday that they don't feel like a 1st grader & a 4th grader. I thought that was an interesting comment - it is hard to suddenly change! It's similar to when you get married & suddenly your name changes. I remember feeling strange & feeling like a different person, yet I was still Carolyn Wilson.

Their first day was Monday, August 24th. They both really like their teachers. Anna has a brand new teacher to St. MM, and Rosie has a wonderful teacher who I've been told is so creative, fun & HARD! Love it! It's a crazy week with a new baby, school starting, fundraiser on Saturday at St. MM, travel with work to Kansas City, Meet Your Teacher nights (both at St. MM & Josephine's daycare), soccer practices, and piano lessons. I wouldn't change a thing though! It's fun - I love being their mom!Our 4th Grader

Our 1st Grader - Anna looks so different to me - really growing up!

Notice the basketball hoop that Pete put up! They've been out there shooting hoops almost every day - I won't tell you how long we've had it in our garage!

That's Josephine's favorite huggy - her Taggies. It makes her calm & happy!

Jo moved to a new room as well - the Lime Room. Her teachers are Ms. Jane & Ms. Angie. I met them last night, and they are organized! The room is so much bigger, and I can't believe all the things these 2-year olds are going to do! She is growing up too fast!

Welcome Elizabeth Louise Decker: 8 lbs 1oz

I think I missed my calling to be an OB doctor! I love that experience of watching a baby come into this world. It was amazing & has kept me smiling all night! The most amazing thing is that she was born on the same day & SAME time as her older sister, Alison. August 24th at 5:40pm! Who would believe it?? She is so beautiful, and I just wanted to pick her up & take her home with me. I can't wait to babysit!!! Oh, I love babies!!!

Joanie did awesome, and I am so happy for her & Tim!!! Welcome Elizabeth (aka Ellie)!

How cute is this? Tim got his hand "stamped" by Elizabeth!

Baby news!

My sister is at the hospital, and I hope to leave work shortly & watch her have another baby!!! Only her daughter Alison knows if it is a boy or a girl. If you can believe it, it is Alison's birthday today!!! She may have two children with the same birthday - now that's crazy!

More later & hopefully a picture!

Our last summer camp

It's been a fun summer for us, and I think the kids liked (maybe not loved) every camp. Last week, they finished the St. Louis Gymnastics Center camp (they also did one the first week of summer). I showed a pic from last year, and I think they had bigger smiles last year!

Here's a recap as I did not post as much about each camp this summer:

• St. Louis Gym Centre
• SummerQuest for 2 weeks at Clayton Center (Rosie got to "specialize" and loved Top Chef & Art Studio the best. Anna sort of liked the camp - she liked it better when her friend, Taylor attended, but she survived).
• VACATION
• Aunt Stephanie babysat (lots of art activities, movies, bowling, library, hanging out)
• SummerQuest for 2 weeks
• Aunt Stephanie for 2 weeks (really fun again - lots of cooking and art)
• Vetta soccer camp (big hit - lots of sports)
• St. Louis Gym Centre
• Their last week is here & we have an 8th Grader watching them. We've planned no-bake cooking, art, library, lunch at CiCis pizza.

August 2009 SLGC camp

August 2008 SLGC camp

Now you see it, now you don't

Here comes the Jack-o-Lantern look! I knew it was loose, but she wiggled that tooth all day on Friday. I could see her wiggling it during her gymnastics routine (more on that camp in the next post). Anyway, we headed to the pool as I didn't feel like tackling the house on Friday evening. I traveled for 2 days, and Pete was a wonder dad as usual, but I still needed to clean up & fold laundry, etc. I decided the pool was much more fun - we met the Gombas' up there & sure enough, Anna ran over to Tera (aka: nurse Tera) & asked her to pull it out! I quickly got a picture! She is already lisping a little - so darn cute!

St. Sabina Soccer Tourney

The 2nd game was last night, and they won 1-0. Yeah St. Norbert! Rosie was much more relaxed & slightly more aggressive. The whole team looked better - much more passing & confident that they knew who would be in certain spots if they passed. Caty did a great job too - she really is a strong midfielder. A couple of the girls told Rosie "good game," and she just beamed. I'm proud of her for jumping into this team being a year younger. Jo yelled from the sideline a few times "Go Ro Ro!". Rosie loved it.Caty & Rosie after the game!