Orientations

Carter's preschool orientation was last night, Ryan's first grade was tonight, and Kyle's seventh grade is later this week.  This is the last year (for a few years anyway) having 3 kids in 3 schools.  Thank goodness!  It is getting hard to keep it all straight!

Ryan was giddy to meet his teacher, see his classroom, and find out he sits next to his buddy, Josh, this year.  He can't wait for school to start!  I think it's going to be a good year for him!!!

Ryan and his new teacher, Mr. Dwyer:

Ryan next to his new locker:

Ryan's first grade class:



Consider yourself warned!

Our stairs look like this on a regular basis.  No matter how many times I have asked the boys not to put their toys on the steps because someone could trip (and yes, that someone is usually me!), they always like to play on the steps.  I know I'll miss these toys someday...so for now, I'll just continue to step over them!

Twins

We went to Target Field yesterday for a Twins game.  The kids were more interested in the food, drinks,  and playing their Nintendo DS or the games on my kindle than the actual baseball game, but despite that, we had a great time.  We also went on Wednesday night with Evan's office (no kids).  That game we actually watched (quite peacefully I might add) and enjoyed.  Yesterday's was definitely more chaotic, but memorable in it's own sense! :)

I took a picture during the game with my phone and sent it in to Fan Chatter to be featured in the fourth inning.  We missed some of the photos, so we're not sure if we were up there or not... Oh, well!!!!

Our family in the giant glove:

Evan and Carter outside the stadium:

Carter and Kirby:

Carter and Harmon:

The boys had to stop to use the bathroom on the way home from the game (even though Evan asked them as we were leaving and no one had to go then!) and Ryan spotted this rainbow as we pulled off the freeway.  It is a little tough to see, but I had to take a picture - I love rainbows!!!

Summertime

I've said it before 1,000 times, but I love, love, love the lazy days of summer.  I love spending time outside with the kids and not having a tight schedule.  I'll miss these days when school starts and winter descends upon us.  But now, I'm going to enjoy every minute of it !:)

Carter is my happy kid, that is for sure.  His smile is so contagious!

Ryan's 2 favorite passions right now - rollerblading and listening to his ipod:

Carter learning the ripsticking moves from Dad:

Family Photos

We recently had our photos taken by my talented friend, Jen Billman of Jennifer Brooke Photography.  I just love what she captured.  She is amazing and so incredibly patient with the kids.  She has a way of reaching each one of them and bringing out the best in them.  I can't thank her enough for her amazing pictures! :)

Here is her blog post with our family photos:  Mackeys

There were so many that I loved, it was hard to narrow them down.  Here are some of my favorites:

This smile and giggle are so contagious!

  

Bunker Beach

Ryan and Carter and I went to Bunker Beach today while Evan and Kyle took in the Game Fair in Anoka.  It was a beautiful day, but a little cooler for a waterpark day (high 70s).  I stayed out of the water for the most part, just watched the boys enjoy it.  Either they are starting to listen better while we are there, or I am getting used to the chaos because today was much easier for me than our previous visits.  I am also getting better at juggling their requests and setting rules and expectations prior to going into the park, since they don't always want to be in the same place at the same time.  Of course, that means less time for photos, but I guess that can wait.  I do wish I had my camera when Ryan mastered the rock climbing wall.  He has been attempting that since we first visited last summer, but has never quite reached the top.  The grin on his face was priceless when he made it on his first attempt today.  And again, about 15 times after that.  By the time we left, he made it to the top every single time and was also slapping the plexiglass top with both hands, jumping off and doing a 360 before reaching the water below.  I was laughing watching him today - his energy, his spirit, and his love for life.  I think that kids can teach us a lot about not caring what anyone thinks (as he was skipping and dancing to the music between every different water activity), and doing what makes you happy.  I love that kiddo and the lessons he teaches me every single day!  Carter and I were watching Ryan on the climbing wall and out of nowhere, Carter jumped off the edge of the pool, without a life jacket, into water over his head, and swam to the steps.  I couldn't believe it - I was so proud of him.  He has been jumping off the boat all summer into the lake, but always with a life jacket on.  Today he must have been feeling brave (and so proud with an ear to ear grin after jumping in)!!!  What a fun afternoon!!!!! :)

I did snap one quick photo of my Bunker Beach buddies as we were packing up to leave:

Grandma Elsye turns 102!

We celebrated Grandma Elsye's 102nd birthday with her on Saturday.  Mollie had a small party at her lake place.  It was a beautiful day, but a little too cool and windy to swim.  The boys played on the dock, in the sand, and had a boat ride to occupy their time.  And how can we forget the delicious cake, and cupcakes that Mollie bought for our kids?  YUM! :)

102 years young!

Sitting content by the lake:

Evan and his boys with Grandma Elsye:

Boys on the dock bench:

Taking a boat ride around the lake:

Everyone gives Great Grandma Elsye hugs before we leave, Carter first:

Ryan gave her a hug, too, but I missed it - he was too quick!  Imagine that! :)

Kyle's turn:

Before we left, we told her we'd be back to celebrate her 103rd birthday with her! :)