Cole races Brewers Sausages!

Along with 12 of his classmates, Cole was selected to race against the Milwaukee Brewer's Sausages! Hot Dog, Italian, Bratwurst and Polish were in attendence today at the kids school for an afternoon of racing and autographs. Cole lined up at the start line and took off full speed, he petered out a little half way through, but managed to pick up steam when his schoolmates cheered him on! That extra burst of energy helped him to cross the finish line in first place! His prize: a new bat and ball but more importantly BRAGGIN' RIGHTS! GO COLE! Watch the race below!

Mini Family Reunion

At the end of June we loaded up the boys and headed up to Winter to visit my parents. The great thing about this trip was my sisters, brother, and their families were all heading up as well. It was sort of a mini-family reunion. I must say all the kids were very well behaved and really had a great time. Despite a few showers the weather held up. The kids enjoyed just being out side with one another and running around. The yard is huge so we had fun playing baseball with the kids and even got in a game of kickball, girls vs boys! My parents were thrilled to have all of us under one roof ( I hope!) and made us wonderful breakfasts every morning! The weekend of course always goes by too fast, hopefully we'll all be available to do it again next year!

Gavin says bye bye to Grandma

This was not easy!

Gavin and my sisters dog Rockne

Drew, Graelen and Gavin

Sackin' out after a long 2 days of playing

Time to refeul

Playing some ball

Sweet Finnlee

Gigi's up to bat

Cole and Brady blow out the candles on their birthday cake

How cute is he!

Fourth Festivities

We kicked off the 4th celebrations with a 4th of July Bike Parade at school. The kids got their bikes decorated and really had a blast. The school had patriotic music playing and all the kids really had a great time!

Cole and his buddy Gannon cool off afterwards with some "Patriot Pops"

The day of the fourth was a busy day. We had a full day of activities planned, and I must say the kids did remarkably well. We started the day with some tailgating at Miller Park followed by a Brewer Game. What's more American than that? This was Gavin's very first baseball game and he did a really great job. We met two of my sisters, Amber and Amy, and their friend from Winter, WI, Eric at the park for some pre-game partying. We grilled some hamburgers, brats and dogs and everyone stuffed themselves prior to game time.

Gavin did really well during the game, except for one small incident where he punched me in the eye! He loved singing "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" and there was a small child in the row behind us that he made "friends" with.

After the game we headed home for some BBQ chicken, corn on the cob and more standard 4th fare. The kids were so tired they both crashed and fell asleep in the car shortly after we left the game.

After dinner we headed over to Fair Grounds to get a good seat for the fireworks. We killed some time by playing ball etc... This was the first time either of the kids had seen fireworks and other than the noise they really loved them. Gavin kept saying "Golly!', and "I like that one!" over and over again. It was too cute. We got home some time after 11pm and both kids were pooped. All in all it was a really great 4th. Todd and I are looking forward to many more just like it!

First time tailgaters... I think they got it down pat!

Brew Crew

Enjoying the game...

Gavin sings "Take Me Out to the Ball Game!"

Gavin and his new friend

Some really cool snapshots I was able to take at the game with my new camera...

1. Sheets in action

2. J.J. Hardy hits a home run!

Brewers WIN!

So tired....

Flying flags

All settled in the for big show

Enjoying some fireworks

Happy Fourth of July

More birthday do'ins!

Well, after Cole's big party, Todd and I decided Cole could wait till the day of to open his gifts from us. He got so much from all his friends that we decided not to overwhelm him with even more! His birthday morning he was up bright and early, and ready to go! We started the morning by opening gifts first. Then we headed over to the table for some homemade pancakes and sausage. We even put a candle in the pancakes and sang "Happy Birthday." Later, after dinner Todd surprised Cole with another cake and some ice cream. The following weekend my parents had a cake and ice cream for him as well, he definitely cashed in on the cake and ice cream this year!

Birthday morning, rise and shine!

Celebrating with some birthday pancakes.

Someone is very excited here- don't ya think!

Not his birthday, but donning the birthday suit anyhow!