Our Jack-O-Lantern

A lot of fussing went on before she finally pulled the tooth out.

She did it once again! Emma's two front teeth were loose. And I knew it wouldn't be long until she wiggled them out. I asked her to wait until after school pictures though. They really weren't THAT loose! Well, while tousling with Jack (an almost everyday occurrence), she hit her mouth on his head and ta-da, one became very loose. It was so loose that it was driving her crazy and she was unable to eat comfortably. After fussing about it for a whole day, she let Dad tie fishing line around it and pulled it out herself! She wrote a full page letter to the Tooth Fairy that night and left her tooth in a glass of water. The next morning, she was up at 5:30 to find out if the TF had written her back. Thank goodness, she did! Emma discovered a big secret - the Tooth Fairy's best friend is the Dream Fairy! And she was wearing a blue/purple dress because it dyed the water that color.

Basement PROGRESS!

With the recent rain activity, and lack of sporting events, Allan and I were able to get back down to the basement. In a matter of days, Allan hung 8 out of the 9 doors and put up baseboards in the "bedroom". What remains? Not much, in comparison to the whole project, but given our schedule for the next four weekends, it will probably be another couple of months before it is D-O-N-E! The good news is that what remains are mostly things that can be done in short bits of time. In other words, Allan can get some things done at night after the kids go to bed.

The Other Part of Labor Day

Goofy Grandpa!

Will enjoyed every heavenly bit of his chocolate ice cream

Trying to get the hang of eating an ice cream cone

DQ fun!

Grandma Grace and I with the "wine"

The cousins

Emma and Evan - she just couldn't get enough of him!

I haven't even said everything there is to be said about Labor Day weekend! On Saturday night, Nana decided to have a sleepover with all of her grandchildren. This was not only spectacular because our children rarely get to spend time with their cousins, but there were NINE children there ALONE with NANA! Good God, what were we thinking?! Better yet, what was SHE thinking?

So, things weren't as bad as one would imagine. Jack was the youngest there, at four years old. Nana started the night with a bonfire and roasting hot dogs. Big hit with the kids. I left before the bonfire even started, so I don't really know what all went on. I do know that they all camped out in the living room together and were definitely not ready for me to arrive the next morning when I did. Given the cold reception that I got, I headed across the yard to visit with Mary Jo. It was so nice to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while chatting. A rare treat for me.

I then got the kids ready and we went to visit Grandma Grace. She was so happy to see us and just chatted away. I am not sure if the kids had more fun exploring her room or playing with her walker. Nonetheless, it was a great visit. Grandma even mentioned that she would like some wine. Teasing, I asked Will and Emma to go find her some wine. When they didn't come back, I sent Nana looking for them. Then, Nana didn't come back! Finally, they all three came back with a glass of what appeared to be wine. The kids had found some nurses and sent them on a wild search through the nursing home for "Grace's bottle of wine", only to discover that there was no bottle of wine that belonged to Grace! Nana set them straight and we all had a big laugh over this one. Grandma said that the "wine" was good, but would really enjoy a bottle of wine and some cheese the next time we visit. Who would have guessed?! I love that we were able to find something that would bring her joy! I think we also need to replace a few stuffed animals......

We left the nursing home and stopped at the Dairy Queen for a special treat. I really think my kids thought they were in heaven.

We ended the day by spending more time at Uncle Jeff's and then stopping at Nana's for a drink with MJ and Grandpa Allan, Uncle Steve, Danielle, Alicia, Brittany and Sonya.

It was a quick trip to Buckeyeland, but we sure had a great time.

"Labor" Day

EVERY "working" picture of Debbie had this same expression. Let's think about that.

Godmothers shouldn't be a bad influence

Emma loves to pick on Aunt Janet

Chico, barking out the orders

Go Bucks!

Sharon would be ashamed. Dennis CAN'T work and talk at the same time.

Amy making the most delicious egg rolls ever. But where's the friiirice?

Some things took a bit more work. Notice Debbie's face?!

My hard-workin' man!

Ready for the siding!

Labor Day in Ohio this year gave a whole new meaning to the holiday's name. Some of us actually did some manual LABOR over Labor Day weekend. Allan took half a day off and we yanked Will and Emma out of school an hour early to hit the road for Ohio. We arrived at Mom S.'s house just in time for a cold beer before bed. Those are the best beers.

First thing Saturday morning, Allan hit the road for Chico's to start yanking off old siding and preparing for some new Certainteed fiber cement siding. Ahhhhh!!!!! I think I saw the house tremble with excitement at being covered with such a fine product. Mom, the kids and I arrived a little later - just in time to help make egg rolls and visit with Jill, Wyatt and Evan. Yeah!!!

I have to admit that it was a bit frustrating, sitting around watching the work being done and not being able to contribute. I'm pretty sure no one reading this has EVER seen me with a hammer in my hand, so I think you understand what I am saying. I can do my fair share of work, but construction is the one activity that you won't see me involved in. Nor do you want to!

Nonetheless, it was wonderful being to catch up with the girls. It was just good to be with family again after such a long time.

And it made me happy to see Allan with his brothers. They really love to work together. It was great to be able to give back after all that they have given to us.

The kids had a great time playing with Wyatt while he was there, playing on the skateboard ramp in the barn, peeing in the corn field (inside story) and picking tomatoes. A good time was had by all!

Just the Two of Us

Jack and I have been having so much fun together since the big kids have gone back to school. If you talk to him, he will tell you that I work too much and don't play with him enough. Of course, there are always two sides to every story. I have been enjoying the one-on-one time with him and the ability to carry on a conversation without interruptions. It is seriously a battle in this house to be heard!

Yesterday, Jack and I mowed, planted flower bulbs, jumped on the trampoline and played in the tree house. It was such a beautiful day and I was so fortunate to be able to spend it with Jack. Here are some pictures of my big guy.

Another One Gone!

As if the first day of school wasn't exciting enough, Emma had to make it even more so by losing a tooth as soon as she arrived home. We were standing around talking about their day and in the midst of one of Will's long stories, Emma simply pulled her tooth out! I really think she was shocked.

The tooth fairy was so impressed that she left 3 gold coins! Wow!