Visit to see Uncle Kory and the Girls

4th of July we spent in Southern Illinois visiting my brother. Mom and sister flew in from Texas for the weekend. We spent time with them at my brothers and then went over to Nana and Papa's for a short time as well. The kids just adore their Uncle Kory and Aunt Sherri and it was AWESOME getting to see Chelsee and Brianna. They have grown so much and are doing so well. We are blessed to have such a close family that truly enjoys spending time together. Thanks Uncle Kory for opening your new house to all of us! We love you all!!!!

BLUEJAYS win the CHAMPIONSHIP

Hunter's team won the championship game for his league! They played an awesome season...we were losing 5-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning (which is the last inning). Hunter was just sure that the game was OVER! We were last to bat, bases were loaded, we were finally tied 5-5. HUNTER goes up to bat (the last picture), full-count and the pitcher walks him to first, therefore, walking in the winning run on third. I felt so badly for the pitcher! Hunter said that while he was up there batting, his legs were shaking!!! He also told me that he stepped out of the batter's box three times to pray, how awesome is that! We are very proud of our team, we had an awesome coach who coached fair and played all the kids in every spot. This is Hunter's 5th Championship in the last 5 years! UNBELIEVABLE!!!

New Pictures....

I have a few new pictures to post. We had a very busy weekend! Troy and I went to a dinner on Friday night to benefit cancer patients. We have some very dear friends who lost their son to leukemia a couple of years ago. They have a foundation set up to benefit other families battling cancer. We enjoyed and night and also won tickets to KENNY CHESNEY and KEITH URBAN for Saturday night! Sooooo...off we went to Soldier Field in Chicago for a great concert on Saturday. Hayden was in a parade in Geneva on Sunday...WHEW! We were busy! Enjoy the pictures!!!

Our New Swingset/Fort....wanna come play????

Papa Frank and Daddy built a new swingset for the kids this weekend....what a way to spend Father's Day weekend, right? They had a great time and were able to spend a lot of quality time together. The kids are so happy! They just love it and can't wait every morning to get out and play, especially Hudson!!! He is such a little daredevil, not scared of a thing. Oh and did I mention that the fort has THREE levels? It is awesome! I have even been out swinging a few times....it is quite fun!

Thank you PAPA and DADDY!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!

God and Devan

Yesterday we were driving and Hudson said, "Where is God?" To which I said, "he is in heaven up above those clouds watching over us". Well throughout the day, he walked around telling anyone that would listen that God lived with Devan....somewhere he misunderstood and thought I said God lived with Devan, not in Heaven....from the mouth of babes!

For Sale: Homemade Scarves and Kool-Aid

Hayden and her friends decided to sell Homemade Scarves and Kool-aid at their "Lemonade Stand" in May. Whoever said scarves and kool-aid don't go together in May in Chicago NEVER lived in Chicago in May! LOL!!! I thought the sign was cute that said it was to benefit the Animal Shelter. What great girls we have in our neighborhood!

Summer is HERE!

First of all, I do think that I need to apologize for my lack of posting here lately! WOW...the end of the school year caught up with me and I did not think I was going to get everything done. I did though and the kids are finally out of school. We enjoyed the day Sunday at the pool for our neighborhood pool party. It was a lof of fun and the kids had a blast. We stayed out a bit long and all had a little bit of a sunburn except for Mr. Hudson with his perfect skin! He just tanned and got cuter and browner than he already was. He is like the Coppertone baby...he already has a tan line!

We have been enjoying the beautiful weather here, in the high 70's low 80's so I definately will not trade with all you south Texas folks now! Here is where I can brag about how fantastic the weather is here and get you all back for doing it to me during the winter. LOL....no really, it is beautiful here, flowers blooming and everything coming back to life...so pretty.

My girlfriend across the street and I canned our strawberry jam for the year a couple of days ago. My freezer is stocked and the kids are happy. If you have never had homemade strawberry jam, you are missing out! We did not get to pick the berries this year like we usually do, but, we bought them picked and they are ready to go. I told my neighbor across the street when she realized how easy it was to make, she would not be nearly as impressed with me as she was before :)

Here's to a great summer, lots of rest and a little family vacation!
Mandy