Week 24

Monday, June 8th

I began a long-delayed project of painting the foyer / upstairs hall / school room.  It's a big task.  I'm still not sure how I will reach everywhere.  It may be a rent-scaffolding or hire-out-the-high-parts job.  

My first task was to find the right color.  I wanted a gray, but turns out there are hundreds of different versions and definitions of gray.  By the time I put the the sixth sample on the wall, Colombo suggested I just keep going with samples and the room would be done in no time!  Speaking of the speed of the process, turns out having helpers doesn't really save any time, but it was sweet how badly he wanted to help.

Juliet is back in CT for the summer so we stole her for a couple days!  She was rockin' Madison's headpiece when we picked her up from dance.

Tuesday, June 9th

Progress on the foyer.  After two days I had done almost all I could reach without a ladder.  Mercifully, one coat of paint will do the job!  (Full discloser: almost one month later, this is STILL the status.  Sad, but we've been busy.  And when I started my only goal was to pick away at it through the summer and finish before school started.)

Moe's with little cousins and Juliet.

Wednesday, June 10th

This resonates with me.  Sorry, everyone.

This packaged arrived in the mail.  My industrious Madison has started a business.

Aiden-guy spent the day at the house.  Lots of great pool days recently!  Rocco said to me, "I really want Auntie to be all better but keep going to appointments so Aiden can still come over."

Dress rehearsal #1 for Spring Showcase.

Rocco received a game ball after his tee ball game.

Thursday, June 11th

Anna was working on a bike-a-thon fundraiser, so Madison rode with her for about 12 miles and then the girls swam.

Time for a little trim!

I snuck down to Lisa's with a few kids for part of the evening.

Friday, July 12th
Madison's friend, Paige, had brain surgery so we went for a quick visit.  She's doing remarkably well.

Hundreds and hundreds of flowers delivered for recital.

Dress rehearsal #2.

Nathanael had spent Thursday night at Pop's and they did a biking adventure on Friday.

Saturday, June 13th

Spring Showcase '15.  Madison's 11th, Trevor's 2nd, and Renna's 1st.  I'll post separately.  Here are a few of our fans.  Not pictured are Elizabeth, Alaina, Katie, and Gramma...they had to leave early.  I so appreciate everyone's support.  And their ability to sit through 3+ hours of dancing.

Sunday, July 14th
This was the first time in a few years that Father's Day was NOT the day after recital and I was so relieved.  It's such a long, taxing, exhausting week that I feel like I get to Father's Day with no more gas.  This year, I could catch my breath the morning after recital.

We met up with cousins at the Bushnell for Wild Kratts Live.  My boys are not 'crazy' into it- as in we don't own the Creature Power gear- but they do enjoy watching it from time to time.  I remember C4 watching it on PBS when it was Zaboomafoo.

After we went to the Cour's for Ray's graduation party.  A lovely summer evening to sit outside and celebrate this huge milestone for him.  (and Shaun and Lisa!)  I only have two lousy phone pictures and not one of Ray :(

Rocco Turns Six

It's true.  My little Rockstar, my Cocolito turned six on May 29th.  He'd been anticipating the day for quite some time.  I think his countdown started somewhere around 42 days.

When I got home from the gym, Madison had (on her own) begun a very special surprise breakfast on the back deck.

Lisa dropped off Aiden, our first party guest of the day, who prayed a sweet blessing for Rocco.

We jumped in the car and hit Chuck E. Cheese for an hour and a half.  Rocco had originally wanted his party to be there.  I steered him away from the idea, but made his day by surprising him with a quick trip.  We spent $20 on tokens and when they were gone, we were done.  All the kids conspired to pool their 600 tickets and got Rocco a cool prize.

Then we scooted back home for lunch and a swim.

We kicked things into gear for Rocco's boys' fun party.  We picked up Mason from school and then continued to Gramma's campground where Trey was waiting.  We started at the playground.

We improvised at the campground and opted for a an ice cream sandwich 'cake'.

Then we hit the river.

We followed Bobbi to a fishing hole.

Turtle!

We dropped Aiden at home and met Albano's at DQ to get some food and return Mason.

Quick swim at the house with Trey who spent the night.

Then the boys were anxious to get into the multiple new Lego sets.

The next night after church, we were able to go out as a family to celebrate our Roger.

Then on Sunday, as an added bonus, we celebrated these clowns all together...6, 5, and 3.

Happy 6th Birthday to my two wheeler-ridin', pancake-lovin', tee ball-playin', kiss-wipin', left eye-winkin' cooperative, snuggly, tenderhearted, blue-eyed boy--Rocco. His sweet spirit is a gift to our family. He is precious in every way!  Here is an excerpt from his birthday book:

What was your favorite gift you received throughout the year?
"I don't remember gifts."

What's the last thing you were sad about?
"That Maizy chewed my cubby."

What makes you happy?
"Giving my mom a kiss."

Are you scared of anything?
"Mummies- wait, those aren't real.  Spiders."

What do you want to be when you grow up?
"Fireman."

What does Dad do at work all day?
"He goes in his office and work, work, work."

What is something you do well?
"Coloring."

What is something that really bugs you?
"When my brothers annoy me."

What makes you feel sad?
"If my mom dies."

What makes a happy family?
"Being together."

What makes a good friend?
"Talking to them and hanging out."

What makes you laugh?
"That people say funny jokes to me."

What's your favorite toy to play with?
"Lego sets."

What do you like to do for fun?
"Coloring, playing outside, jump on the trampoline."

Who are your best friends?
"Aiden, Trey, Mason, Andrew, Shane"

What are your nicknames?
"Rockstar, Quinn, Bubby, Cocolito, Roger-Dodge"

What's your favorite:
ice cream?  vanilla with sprinkles
character?  Buzz Lightyear    
thing to eat?  PB & J
thing to drink?  chocolate milk
candy?  Airheads  ~  movie?  Toy Story  
show?  Lego  ~  artist?  tobyMac
snack?  granola bars and yogurt
color?  blue, orange, green, red- but my favorite is blue