Don't Blink

Um where did August go?   I feel like I blinked my eyes and there was September.  

The highlights:

Scott and Jenn came to visit. It was nice to see them and have them stay with us!

Jimmy Buffett concert with my sister.  A memorable time, as usual. 

Weddings and birthday parties. (missing some pics)

Father-in law turned 81

Mackel turned 80

Heidi turned 30

Uncle Bob came to visit. (not a single pic - we ate, we got pedicures, we gossiped!)

Perry's first football game of the season.

When did my kid grow up?!?!

Did some painting and redecorating in our master bathroom. Doing yellow decorations throughout. 

Clean eating challenge.  Keith thinks I am trying to make him a rabbit. 

Next up is my favorite time of the year....bring on the pumpkins, mums, cooler air and fall leaves!!!

Just Livin Life

Still alive over here.  No real excitement in life....just enjoying Summer and keeping busy.  I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Traded in the silver beast for a Subaru.  First new car I have ever owned and the husband gets to drive it.

Did a Davinci and Desserts night with coworkers and had a blast.  Watch out Bob Ross!

This is where we spend every spare moment when the sun is shining.

Don't judge.....this was our basement.  Yard sale happens this weekend.  After pictures to come.

Jump Around Jump Around

You're singing the song aren't you?

Ha.

We went on a mini vacation this weekend and took our kiddo to Flight Trampoline Park to celebrate his report card.  My friend, April, and her nephew Nathan joined us.  The place was huge and the boys had a blast. 

My pictures stink because there's nonstop motion, but you get the idea. 

Christmas Craziness

Christmas was a whirlwind (as usual) but we survived and had a great time.

Christmas Eve: Sandwiches and sides at Lala's house.   Gift exchange for kiddos.  Spent the night at Heidi and Randy's house.

Christmas Day:  Exchanged with Heidi, Randy and Keith.   Breakfast at Mackel's.  Lunch at Lala's and back to Mackel's for dinner.   My poor Dad ended up in the ER because of his neck/nerve damage, but he did make it to dinner. 

Day After Christmas: We finally got Perry and the troops invaded our house.  We hosted 14 people for brunch and then opened gifts gifts and more gifts.

I'm still recovering, but I'm so thankful for the time with family. 

Christmas Cookies

When I was little,  my Grandma helped us make Christmas cookies every year.  It is one of my favorite childhood memories, so of course it was time to teach Perry how it's done.  

Now don't be too jealous of our artistic skills!  Luckily we bake better than we decorate!  These things are delicious!

Gotta love a good Pinterest recipe (Yes the sour cream sounded nasty to me too, but it made the best cookies I've baked in my 32 years).

Perry's Golden Birthday

My step - kiddo turns 8 on May 8th, so we celebrated a bit early with his Hall family and 2 local friends.  The Riggle crew will be celebrating on our upcoming beach trip later this month.

According to Perry,  "Today was like the best day ever" so I'd say it was a success :)  It might not be a Pinterest party,  but the thank yous and hugs proved it was good enough for my munchkin. 

He got a new bike,  helmet,  nerf gun,  board game, shirts,  money, gift card and football and of course loved it all and tried it all out lol. 

Happy Birthday Little Man.  I love you big bunches!

Easter In An Eggshell

What a weekend.  

Thursday: Keith picked up Perry and we quickly realized he had the stomach flu.  Keith's car had to be steam cleaned,  the half bath was temporarily painted purple (I'll never buy grape Gatorade again) and we got very little sleep in between bucket dumps.

Friday: We camped out at home for a LONG day of sanitizing,  laundry and airing out the house (the cats were loving the fresh air).  Perry watched movies,  I caught up on Netflix and Keith channel surfed.  It was nice to be lazy, but I would have preferred to skip the "accidents" and the little dude feeling rough.

Saturday: His energy was back with a vengeance.   The Easter Bunny came a day early to our house since his Mother is too selfish to share a holiday with us.  We unwrapped goodies then headed to PA to see the inlaws and grab dinner before taking the kiddo home.

Sunday: Slept in and spent the day eating way too much with my family.   This was the first year that all of my family's Easter traditions ceased and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't sad and disappointing.  My Mom always made holidays fun and special,  so it's hard to lose all that.  To add to the joy, we got absolutely interrogated over having children, to the point of tears (thankfully no one noticed). 

All in all,  the weekend flew by and I'm still praying we don't catch the stomach flu.  We did enjoy our time with family and the extra day off work.  Most of all,  we're thankful for the real meaning behind the holiday.   Thank you Lord for this life I'm blessed to live.  He is Risen.

Kid's Fair Fun

Our local Children's Hospital holds an annual Kid's Fair at the mall.  Of course I take advantage of free and fun events when we have Perry with us so we headed there this morning.  This year was a super hero theme so it was a definite win win.

He was entertained for well over an hour with carnival games, face painting, tattoos, educational booths,  characters,  and other fun stuff.   He was also quite proud of his loot and aside from us having his blood sugar tested (family history of diabetes) he enjoyed everything.

I love spending time with my boys and it's a bonus when that time teaches lessons about not smoking,  eating healthy,  performing cpr and other health topics.   We'll definitely be going back next year!