Can you tell that I"m ready for fall? Ready for football - it's already begun, but my Steelers don't start until tomorrow. Ready for the chilliness - as evidence by my urge to knit sweaters. Ready for apple picking - mmm, apple crisp, apple cider, apple cake... Anyway, you get the idea. But I've got one last summer blog post to do. The last weekend of August saw a rare occurrence - the entire family together at one time! Actually, this is a first - the last time we were all together, Miss Aubrey had not been born. So that means that Tommy came home from Afghanistan.
And the Jersey folk flew in for a quick trip. And a busy but fun weekend ensued. Friday I managed to hang out with the kiddos before work, then it was off to the first slaught- I mean football game, of the high school season. Let me just say, that it's going to be a very, very, very long season. While I was gone, Tommy actually arrived, so I got the surprise of him being home at midnight when I got home.
Saturday, the fun began! A trip to the zoo with the Jersey fam. I know I've said it before, but I love the zoo. And so did the kids.
The beaver, especially, was a huge hit!
Just to prove that Grandma was there, I had to include a photo.
It's always good that the whole family can play on the rope rocket thingy!On the way home, we stopped by Paul's softball tournament. And then trekked home for some Mama Roberto's (yum) and were eventually joined by the Perry fam. We played some cornhole, and beat up on Uncle Tom.
And when it got dark, some Dance Dance Revolution, Mario style. They don't really enjoy the actual dancing part, just the mini games, but it's so entertaining.
The only picture we managed to get of all the kids, it's not the best, but what can you expect from 5 kids under the age of 5?Sunday was the big open house for friends and family. A very full house, Mother Nature didn't fully cooperate, it rained early in the day. But we eventually got outside.
Had to finally break in the fire pit Ellie and I got Mom for her birthday. Ellie introduced a new recipe for s'mores - graham cracker, marshmallow, and a Reese's cup. So not good for points, but so dang good to eat.
And then it was time for the family photo shoot. Always a good time - let me tell you. Gets more fun the more kids we add!
I know this isn't the best picture of the girls, but once again, the only one we got.
And this one, is for old times sake. Once upon a time, our Christmas photos looked like this. Every year. All 5 kids lined up on the steps, we've gotten tall enough that the photos had to come off the wall.Monday morning, we headed out for a round of putt-putt. Sarah would much rather have gone to the beach, she was determined to lay out on almost every hole. Unfortunately, I don't have a ny pictures from putt-putt, silly my forgot my camera, and Ellie has them on her computer.
And then, sadly, it was time to go, all too soon. But that seems to be how it always is.
