Relia goes camping!

I sent our baby off to camp today
Nana drove her to Camp St. Croix in Hudson this afternoon, while FP & I went to a White Sox game at Target Field. She will be there just until Friday afternoon. It is so cool that have a short session so kids can try out camp.
Nana said she was nervous and chatty with all of the counselors, and that they were very patient and engaged with her. She got to bring Nana to her cabin, and picked the last available bed that was next to a wall, just like her bed at home.

"Very excited, chatty with the counselors and a little scared while taking charge letting me know when she was ready for me NOT to go and then when she was ready.  a great kid."

I'm going to miss her, but I know she will have an amazing time. 

More anniversary photos

Tenth Anniversary!

FP and I went to the Bare Naked Ladies/Violent Femmes/Colin Hay concert on our actually anniversary. So fun! Today is fathers day and after a bread & chocolate breakfast with my family, we headed down to the river:

10 years ago	9 years ago
8 years ago	7 years ago
6 years ago	5 years ago
4 years ago	3 years ago
2 years ago	one year ago
and today!

The barrier to get to the park was still up. Now there are fences above the walk by the river and the sidewalk is all wavy. It makes me wonder if we'll be able to keep up this tradition.

Beautiful children

We braved potential storms to go to the wading pool today.
Leo was able to walk all the way into the deep end with a floaty.
Relia covered the area of the pool with her mask & snorkel.
Felix asked if I brought "anything that will sink". I produced a plastic bead necklace, and he spent most of his time "diving" for it.

At one point Felix ran by a boy, about the same age as him, who was swinging a small toy rake in the water and accidentally hit Felix with it. Felix stopped, turned around, and stared at the boy. Then slowly moved closer, crouching slightly. I was curious what he was doing. Then reached out for the boy and gently said "It's okay...It's okay, if you say sorry." and waited for him to say sorry.

I was just so in awe of how my son, who sometimes gets so frustrated and angry with his siblings was  assertive, yet patient and kind with this other child.

On those days when I think I am raising little monsters with no concern or respect for other humans, I can remember that while I work toward my kids treating all people, including those in our family, with kindness, our siblings are in a different category of people. They do know how to treat others, they just get fed up with the crap that come from living together. they get hungry and tired and forget themselves and family bears the brunt of that.

In so many ways my kids are kind, caring, respectful people. I'm glad I got to be reminded of that today.

The day sarah made the basement throw up on the lawn

A panorama of our yard at mid day. 

Today I decided to make our basement a habitable environment. We've wanted some basement space for the kids for a long time. Not a finished space , but just space. I've got most of the water issues under control, and it is just time to ditch all of the stuff that I've been saving for God knows when. 

So it is out. Not completely, there is still stuff to donate, and figure out other places to go, but mostly and it feels so very good. We made a space for the kids to play and they are absolutely loving being able to play in what was once the "forbidden zone".

posts to embarrass my children

We've been intensively potty training this week. It is hard. Leo is an enthusiastic trooper though. No complaints from him as I fill him up with whatever liquid he will take, and shepherd him to the bathroom every 10 minutes.

Today he got up an said "I think I have to go potty!" all on his own. And he did indeed have the feeling. His reward? The other kids have got m&ms, but Mr. Leo is thrilled to get to flush our high tank toilet.

I know it is still a long road ahead, but our reward of having no one in diapers is in sight.

Shingles!

Gah! I've got shingles.  It sucks. I've heard it can be much worse than the case I have. Thank goodness for modern meds.