School Pictures

I can't believe we are already into the school years. I'm blown away that we have school pictures to share with everyone. The class picture. I just can't get over it. It feels like I just had these guys yesterday yet here I am with school pictures. I know every Mom feels the same way!!

I'm soooo happy with how their pictures came out. You never know how a kid is going to be when they aren't around you. Clearly my boys have no problem saying "CHEEEESE!!"

Big news!

Well, to Aidan it's definitely big news! He finally lost his first tooth! I think he was really starting to get worried. He'd come up to me and say Mom! Mom! I have a loose tooth! I'd ask where and he'd point to his molars. LOL! I told him when he did get a loose tooth it would be one of the front ones first. Well, lo and behold, I get a phone call at work yesterday with a VERY excited Aidan on the other end. He had a loose tooth for REAL this time. When I got home last week he wanted me to pull it out for him. He wouldn't let anyone else touch it, he was saving it for Mommy. It was hanging on by a thread and it just popped right out. So Aidan had his very first visit from the Tooth Fairy last night and he couldn't be happier. :-)

Once again...

....I'm so far behind in my blogging! Life has just been super busy lately. Definitely in a good way though.

So my visit with the Loftus Family has come and gone. I love my girl. It was so good seeing her and the kids. We did Plymouth Plantation, lunch and Mama night out at the movies! YAY!

The kids got along SO well. I just love that they can go months without seeing each other and play like it was yesterday when they do get together. They had so much fun together. The visit was FAR too short but we'll hopefully see each other after the new year. I'm trying to make plans for that now.

The kids playing at Plimouth Plantation

Mommy photo op

Brunch at Fire and Ice before the Loftus Family had to head home

Sooooo Excited!!!

Two days and counting.

Until what you ask?

Until I see one of my closest friends!! Alice Anne and family will be here Friday night!! I am on pins and needles waiting to see her! (and the family, of course!)

We have an event packed weekend planned. I'll need a weekend to get over my weekend! I'm not sure which day is which but we'll be going down to Plymouth to see Plimouth Plantation and Plymouth Rock. We're also going to head up to Salem. I can't wait for that. Especially around this time of year. For some reason I'm singing "the freaks come out at night, the freaks come out at niiiight." ;o) Salem is SUCH a fun place. I'm excited to share this with them - we're going to have such a great time!

See you soon AA!!!!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Can't believe how fast this year is flying by! September is already gone and we are into October. The seasons are changing (FINALLY feeling Fall around here!) and there are plenty of changes going on in our house.

Mike and Brandon let go of their apartment, packed up all of their belongings and left for Colorado a little less than a week ago. Mike got his old job back, they got an apartment and off they went. Well, they made it as far as Ohio. Yes, that's it. Both of them realized that they just couldn't do it. They couldn't leave their families behind and move away. (I will admit I :selfishly: was very happy to hear it!) So they turned around and headed back.......home.........with US! Some would say oh no, not again! But we're okay with it. They didn't have an apartment to go to and we are the only family that could help out. We made arrangements, set up a game plan and did what we had to do! The boys are sharing a room and the (bigger) boys have moved into Ryan's room. Again. LOL. This weekend the house was in complete upheaval. Mike & Brandon got home on Friday. Yesterday all of us spent the day rearranging. I've packed up all of the kids spring / summer clothing (Steph be prepared for another overflowing box lol), washed and hung all of the fall / winter stuff. We moved furniture and belongings around. I've gotten rid of some stuff from Erynn's room, like her changing pad, since she is no longer in diapers. Yes, it's been almost two months and I'm just getting around to it. Whoops.

Lots of changes, lots of things going on and I'm loving every minute of it. I'm loving having my family all together. I'm looking forward to the holidays (FINALLY!) because we'll all be under the same roof. Last year we started the tradition of small family Christmas and everyone stays in their pajamas. We plan on continuing it this year........with just two more additions. I can't wait. Things are looking good. :o)

Another milestone!!

I feel like things are changing / happening so quickly!

BOTH boys are now riding their bikes with no training wheels. John took them off on Tuesday and they both just jumped right on like they'd been doing it forever. They are SO proud and they are doing so well! Pictures to follow.

I wish I had a pause button.

(Erynn tried as well but she just isn't ready yet LOL. Sloooow down!!)

For the first time in FIVE years.....

.....there are NO diapers in my house!! YAY!!!!!

Yes, Erynn is officially potty trained. Just when I thought she'd be getting married wearing a diaper. HA. It was like a switch went off and she was just ready. It's been four weeks since she's worn a diaper and I think it's been two weeks since her last accident. She had 4 accidents (total) her first week, a couple the next and that was that. I am so proud of her! I won't lie, I'm pretty damn happy to never have to change another diaper again too! YAY!

It's the little things....

...like finding a dress that makes you feel (look) skinny. It's also finding THE shoes that you had in your head to go with said dress. We're going to a wedding reception this coming weekend. I always get a black dress. This time I really did try to get anything but a black dress and I just couldn't find anything I liked, that fit, that was a good color, etc. So I ended up with a black dress. Granted, it is different from anything I have ever worn and very flattering. I really do love it. So, my plan was to "spice" up my dress with some hot heels. I wanted red. I wanted sexy. Mission accomplished. I *heart* these shoes.

Bored

So, it's been a while since I've done anything new with my hair. Well, I changed that on Friday. I am just bored, needed something new. Not a haircut, as I'm loving the length, but something a little fresher would be nice. Aside from growing my bangs out that is. So, Friday, Brandon came over and added red highlights to my hair. I am loving them! Just the change I needed without having to do anything drastic. Hopefully it won't be a problem for Kellie to maintain it since Brandon and Mike are moving to Colorado in two weeks!

Anyway, here is the new 'do (self potrait taken on Date night Fri night lol)

Close up of the color:

First Day of SCHOOL!!

I can't even believe the boys are OLD enough to be in school.........but here is the proof!

Ryan with Mrs. Wauchope

Aidan and Mrs. Fitch

Ryan is in Preschool from 9:10am to 11:55am. Aidan is in Kindergarten from 12:25p - 315pm. They both LOVE school. YAY!!!

Last week I tucked Aidan into bed. He said "Mom, do I have school tomorrow?" I said "yes, honey, you do have school tomorrow" He said "YEESSSSSSSSS!" I said "I'm really happy you like school so much!" He said "Mom, I WICKED like school!" SO cute. I have no idea where he got that phrase from but I'm loving it. Here's hoping it continues for the next 12 years!! LOL

Auntie Cheryl visits!

Cheryl came home Labor Day weekend for the first time in a year. The kids (and us too!) loved having her visit. She was here for 4 days, the longest stay she's done in a long time. We did mani/pedi's, lunch out, a little shopping and lots of family time. Sunday we had a big cookout so Cheryl could see everyone. It was a really good time!! Our "family" stayed the lastest that night - with the guys vs the girls in a bounce house ball fight. OMG. The guys were CHUCKING those stupid plastic balls at us!! I absolutely got the least of it though b/c I kept running inside to clean up from a cookout for 30 people lol. I did get a nice welt on my face though that night. I think Steph took the worst of it though, hands down.

Here are a couple of pictures from Cheryl's visit.

WE took the kids bowling on Friday........Cheryl needed the kiddie launch. BEST she bowled all day when she used that LMAO.

Cheryl testing out Ryan's quad lol

Updates

I'll have to post more than one update because it's been so long!

First - me. I'm trying to do better. I'm staying positive, keeping busy, doing things with friends and family. I'm also going to see my Dr on Friday. I've got a laundry list of things to talk to him about - weight (why can I work out 5x a week and GAIN weight - even with really good eating), reflux and my endoscopy that I've been putting off for 5 yrs, Anxiety/Depression, Migraines. Good times, good times.

I'm going to end up doing a few posts. First, our family potraits. Thank you again to Stephanie because I am in love. She does SUCH an amazing job. I'm just so happy with this years photos. Love love love them!! You've probably noticed the new family pic on top. Finally updated that one. Some of my other favorites are:

Damn that diaper!! Love this pic if my girl would just have crossed her legs!

I LOVE that Steph gets their personalities every.single.time!!

Sibling Love

Mommy/Daddy love

I honestly could just post pics all day long from this shoot but I'll stop here. One more thank you to Stephanie though. I have said it before - just when I think we have not a chance of getting one decent shot because no one wants to cooperate at the same time......you pull it off! Love you little sister!!!

Working on it

I'm still feeling "off" but I'm working on feeling better.

Some days I just want to whine. Ask WHY can't I throw myself a little pity party? Indulge myself? But then I just figure everyone has their own shit. Why is mine any more special?

I think of my kids.......I just love them SO much. They are my light. It's not fair to them for me to let myself slip into this funk. It's not right. They need me. My husband needs me.

So many people depend on me. So many people come to me for advice, a chat, a talk, a hug. I LOVE this, don't get me wrong. It's part of who I have been, am and will always be. But WHY, when I need to ask for the favor in return, is it SO hard for me to do it?

Well, because I have gotten used to being *that* person for everyone else. I have gotten used to being the strong one, the dependant one, the advisor, the call-you-outer (??), the fixer, the talker, the listener. HOW do you let go of that? Me? I don't. That's just the way it is. I know there are people who want to help. But I don't want to burden anyone else. Maybe I don't want to admit out loud how bad things really are. Maybe I've held it in for so long I can no longer let it out. Who knows.

So. I'm here. I'm okay. Aren't I always okay? Regardless of what is really going on.....aren't I always okay? Yes, I am. I'll do what I have to do and I'll get through it. Don't cry for me Argentina. I'll keep on trucking and everything will work out. It has to.

DISconnected

Completely.

Just blah.

Not myself. Hard to explain.

Don't want to reach out. Ask for help. Let anyone know.

Put on front. Act like I should. Just not here. Don't know how to fix.

No point. Not sure what is wrong with me.

Sad.

Resentful.

Irritated.

Lost.

Just Blah.

Hope it ends soon.

They're done!!!

I got our family photo proofs yesterday!! YAY!!! I always walk away so worried that there aren't going to be any good shots. Year after year Steph proves me wrong! She captures the kids's personalities SO WELL!! I just love them. Steph never ceases to amaze me and I am just so happy with our photos! If you want to take a peek go to:

www.stephaniechristinephotography.com
Click on proofing
enter foleyfive

My favorites, as of right are:
17, 24, 51, 61, 74, 103, 124, 135, 151, 153 and 181. I know for sure that #17 is going to be the new Foley Family 2010 Photo that graces our wall. The others I'm going to run by John when he gets home (he went up to Maine with the kids yesterday, before I got the email from Steph) and I'll be placing my order soon after!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Steph! I love love LOVE THEM!!!!

Another week down

Made it! This week has dragged by. Work has been stressful, I can feel all the knots in my shoulders because I've been so tense. I'm very glad to have the next three days off to just relax with my family and friends!

It's another busy weekend. Tomorrow I'll be running errands with Erynn and will be getting ready for our monthly dinner. I love this time - once a month me, my gf's (that I've know for more than half my life) and their families get together for a dinner at my house. It's SUCH a good time. All the kids play together, the adults get to spend time together and there is plenty of food for everyone. What more could we ask for??

Saturday we have a birthday party to go to in the afternoon and then Saturday night we're going on a double date with Tiffany and Jon. Tiff called earlier in the week asking if we'd be interested in going out to dinner, just the adults. Hell yeah we would! Dad is going to watch the kids, we're hitting Longhorn for dinner and then drinks around the fire pit back at Tiff's house.

Sunday John is heading back up to Maine with the kiddos. He's going to meet with a realtor (or two) and get an estimate on the cabin up there. Dad is looking to sell it. I plan on cleaning the house, doing laundry and just getting some "me" time in. I'm looking forward to some deep cleaning!! Did I really just say that? Yes, yes I did. I love to clean. It's very theraputic for me. I'll miss my family a lot but I will admit that a little alone time is much needed right now. I've got so much on my mind, so much stress, that I think a little debriefing and unwinding will do a world of good.

Good times ahead - hope you all have a great weekend too!

Boudoir

I have to admit even typing this out scares me. But I'm putting it out here anyway.

Stephanie, as you know, is our family photographer. She does the boudoir photos. I've mentioned to her that I was thinking of getting some done as a Christmas gift for John. I can't believe I even put it out there.......I know she will hold me to it. ;o)

I feel SO badly about my appearance right now. Maybe planting this bug in Steph's ear will help me hold fast to my working out. This is a goal for me to strive for. I know John would love it. But I also know there is no way in HELL I'd pose for shots looking the way I do now. Family photos were hard enough. Sure, I've gotten compliments on the few proofs that Steph posted on my FB page. But all I see is a fat chick. I can pick out my double chin, my huge stomach and my gross arms. That is all *I* see. I know I have image issues. I know the view *I* have of my body / appearance is NOT what everyone else sees. But that's just the way it is. (anyone else hearing Bruce Hornsby right now?!) I'm going to work my hardest the next few months to get myself into better shape, to feel better about myself and to get the nerve up to pose for these pictures!!! Wish me luck!

Anyone want to join me?!?!

5K?!?!

Steph has asked me to do a 5K with her in September. We don't have to run the whole thing, but I'd like to. I am going to start the Couch to 5K program again in the hopes that I will be ready. I have seriously fallen off the working out wagon. Hard. I had a few brief interludes with the 30 day Shred. I have started / stopped the Cto5K program more times than I care to admit. I think I am just NOT in the mindset of working out right now. I have so much on my plate that I don't have time for ME. I just can't do it. I'm going to try it again though. Regardless, I'll do the 5K in September. Even if I have to walk more than I run, I'll do it.

Ahhhh, Monday

Mondays are so tough. Especially after having a fabulous weekend. Today is one of those days. I'm alone in my office, I'm freezing my buns off because the a/c is on negative 3,000. Time is just dragging by. I'm not very busy so I might as well update my blog, right? For all the people just waiting to read about the Foley life. HA!


Friday John took the kiddos fishing for a bit........or tried to. Turns out they didn't get very far. There hasn't been much rain so he had a hard time getting the boat into the water. He tried two different ponds but couldn't get the boat in. That was the end of that. Erynn and I hit the grocery store and then went to Tiffany's house for a while in the afternoon. We were going to a cookout at her house that night but she wanted to chat so we stopped by for a while. After we left I brought Erynn home to take a nap while I put together a pasta salad (so good, got a ton of compliments on it!) and brownies for the cookout. Went to Tiff's about 5pm. We had SUCH a good time! Saw a couple of people I haven't seen since high school. All of the kids got along great. We didn't get home until 11:15pm!


Saturday was even better.......although it started off a bit on the rough side. We made plans to meet Steph, Boo and the kids at Stop and Shop in Whitman so we could all head to the beach. I started waking the kids up at 7:30am. Not much fun at all. My kids love their sleep so they weren't very happy with me waking them up so early after getting home so late the night before. John and I ended up bringing the kids down to the car in their pj's and letting them bring a blanket with them so they could curl back up in their carseats lol. We hit the grosh for a couple of things and were on our way! We went down to Scussett Beach in Plymouth. I'd never been before. Gorgeous!!! We did a lot of walking, a lot of sunbathing and had a LOT of fun. We were there for about 6 hours I think. After that we went back to Steph and Boo's house for dinner. We got the kids home about 7:30pm and into bed early. It truly was a perfect day. Days spent with friends that are considered family are moments to be treasured. It was so heartwarming to watch all the kids laughing and playing together. That's what it is all about.


Sunday was another laid back day. Julie and family came over so the kids could play together. (Aidan is back to marrying Paige. I'm sure this will change next weekend when we go camping with Avery again!) Jules and I went out to lunch by ourselves to catch up while the hubbies hung out and watched the kids. Great day.


Just one of those perfect weekends that you can't wait to relive. I'm hoping this upcoming weekend will bring more of the same!

Family photo session

Our session last night went.....okay. Of course when you WANT the kids to take pictures they don't want to. When I don't want to take pictures, they bring me my camera. Every year I say hopefully it will be easier this time. Not so much lol. Aidan was great. He was a little professional. He posed, he sat correctly, he was all over it. Ryan had his ups and downs but mostly ups I think. Erynn on the other hand. Lordy. She wore her dress, and loved it, but would cross her legs for one pic and not for the next. When we wanted the kids to play in the water, she freaked. I think the ocean scares her - she wanted no part of it. She would run around with her hands up in the air every time the waves came in. The weather was perfect, the sky was gorgeous, it was beautiful. I'm hoping we gave Steph something she could work with. I can't wait to see the proofs. Thanks again Steph, we had a great time.

Family Photos!

It's that time of year again!

Every year we have my "little sister" Stephanie (www.stephaniechristinephotography) take our family potraits. I LOVE getting these done. Stephanie is a great photographer and she always has such wonderful ideas. Even when it comes to what to wear for our photo shoot lol. I ask her advice every year. I'm looking at the last two years' sessions right now - I have them hanging on the wall in our family room - and I just can't believe how much how much everyone has changed. I'm really excited to see how they come out tonight. For the past two years we've done our sessions at a park in Whitman. It's a great place for pictures. But this year I wanted something a little different. We're doing early evening shots at a beach in Marshfield. There is a big jetty we'll be able to walk out on and take pictures there with the ocean behind us. Can't wait. I'm going to bring a change of clothes for the kids because I'm sure they are going to want to run and play while we are there. I'm hoping to get some great candid shots of them on the beach. We're doing casual - Erynn and I are wearing sundresses while John, Aidan and Ryan have polo shirts with denim shorts. I'm really looking forward to a great, fun, laid back session!! Pictures to follow, of course. As always, thank you to Stephanie for doing our yearly family session. I know I'm going to love the pictures and I can't wait!! Love you!

Bowling

I came across this deal on Facebook called Kids Bowl Free. It has been a godsend! It's a program that runs all summer long. You sign your kids up and they get two free strings EVERY day. For a one time, small fee you can sign up 4 adults as well. I signed our family up and we've gone a few times so far. I never realized how much time you could spend bowling with three kids lol. We are there about four hours if we do the two strings. The heat and humidity have been brutal this summer so this is a great way to kill time indoors to stay out of the heat!

The first time we went the kids had no idea and were kind of iffy about following the rules, ie: not everyone can be up at the same time, but they are loving it now. Yesterday Erynn beat everyone and won the first string lol. She used the kiddie ramp but hey, what can you do. Aidan and Ryan absolutely love going bowling. I'm a bit rusty, it's been YEARS since I bowled but we have fun. You do have to pay for shoe rental ($15 for the 5 of us - I can remember when shoes were $0.75 to rent a pr - how old am I?!) and we usually get lunch while we are there. So, while it's not totally free, it's absolutely a fun family activity!

Camping

It's been a while since my last update. We've been trying to keep pretty busy! Lots of family time and spending time with friends lately.

We went camping a couple of weekends ago. Not sure what we were thinking.......6 adults, 7 kids (all UNDER the age of 6) all in ONE camper. But, you know what, we had SO much fun and can't wait to do it again! The Wronski and Studley families came with us on our last trip and we all had a blast. I grew up with Lisa and Stephanie so watching our kids grow up and play together is indescribable. I hope it never changes.

We tried a new campground this time. Canoe River in Mansfield. Not far from Normandy Farms but SO much more inexpensive! Granted, it is an older campground and doesn't have all of the "perks" of N.F. but they have exactly what you NEED while camping. Regardless, it's *camping* not a four star resort. Either way we're in a camper with a bathroom, shower, full size fridge and kitchen so how uncomfortable can it get? Canoe River has two pools that we were a very short walk across from. A 3 foot deep pool, which is where we spent all of our time with the kiddies, and a 10 foot deep pool. Perfect! They have a snack bar, a little store, a fishing pond (although none of us caught anything), a playground, fire pits and picnic tables at every site......what more could we need. The grocery store was less than 10 minutes away and Lisa and I even managed to find a Target. Shocking, I know lol.

The kids all got along famously and everyone had a great time. In fact, we already booked another weekend and we're all doing it again! I can't wait.

Loftus/Foley GTG 2010

Another July and another tradition completed! We got back from our annual gtg with the Loftus Family late Sunday night. We had such a great time staying with the family in their "beachhouse" (LOL AA) in Delaware. We all know that long car rides are NOT my forte. I have to say the trip to DE was ROUGH. It took us well over 10 hours to get there and it just wasn't pretty. We left an hour late and hit SO much traffic in CT and NY. Some in NJ as well but less than expected. The trip home, however, was much better. We made it in 7 hours with two stops on the way. I almost feel like I'm ready to do it again. Almost. But I think we'll be flying into BWI next year and driving to DE from there. A 2 hr ride is much better than a 7-10 hour ride!

This trip was our family, the Loftus family and two mother's helpers, Sarah and Mackenzie. I couldn't have asked for a better mini vacation. The kids got along SO well. Not much of a surprise because they have always done so in the past but it's still nice for it to continue. Marissa and Aidan were acting like an old married couple the entire trip which was both endearing and hysterical. They were so cute. Paige just might have some competition in the running for Aidan's wife. ;o)

This trip was just perfect. Nothing but fun in the sun and relaxation on the agenda. Friday morning was spent at the ocean. My kids have only been once or twice and they were too young to remember.....I actually am pretty sure Erynn has never been. Aidan and Ryan loved it from far away, hated it and were terrified when the waves knocked them over but completely happy in the water as long as someone was holding them. They HATED the taste of saltwater lol. Aidan was spitting (gross, I know!) like a maniac any time the water touched his lips. Erynn was terrified. She was okay while walking TO the ocean and with her first intial contact but as soon as the waves started rushing in she was NOT a happy camper. She was very happy to stay up on the sand. Friday afternoon we hung out by the pool by the house. There weren't very many other people there and it was perfect. Friday night we went out to dinner. Erynn and Ryan were not on their best behaviour. I was embarassed but AA said they were perfectly fine. I know my kiddos though and this was not typical behaviour. In their defense I do have to say that they didn't get real naps, we played in the sun ALL day and we were at dinner after 6pm which is way late for them. At home if we go to dinner I won't get to a restaurant any later than 5pm because I know their limits. Live and learn - we won't do that again any time soon lol.

Saturday was a pool day at the house. PERFECT. We had the entire place to ourselves and we had such a great time. Just a perfect day. This truly was my idea of a vacation. No rushing around, no set agendas, just relaxing. I absolutely needed it and I loved every minute. Saturday night AA and I got out for a while by ourselves. We were able to go and see a movie, Eclipse, and it was wonderful to have some Mom time alone! I so wish we lived closer so we could do this more often!

Sunday morning we went to the boardwalk. I admit it might not have been the ideal time to go as it was the 4th of July. Marty and John dropped AA and I off with the girls so we could do a little shopping. Well, Marty was able to find a parking spot but after a half an hour (maybe longer) John was still unable to find one. It turned out to be a very short shopping trip and we left to go have lunch. We headed back to the house after that and John, Sarah and Mac took the kids to the pool. I opted out because I was a little toasty from the day before and I didn't want to burn. AA and I had some quiet time to chit chat while they were gone and then I packed up our things and loaded the car. We left about 4pm or so Sunday afternoon and headed home. I always hate to leave AA. She is such a close friend (albeit not geographically) and I truly value our friendship. It's painful to have to leave her when these trips come to an end. We've made plans to get together again in October (hopefully) so I will look forward to that. This time the Loftus family will be coming to us and we'll be heading to Salem, MA. October is the PERFECT time of year because Salem will be in full swing with Halloween approaching. It will be such a treat for everyone!!!

Here are some pictures from our trip:

Fun at the pool

The future Mr and Mrs Foley?


Loving the ocean.........then not so much


Loving the ocean..........until it knocks you down!

The adults

Inspiration

It can come from anywhere, anything, anyone. For me, my inspiration is Alice Anne Loftus. After spending the entire weekend with her I am truly inspired. I've spent so much time bitching and complaining about the way I look. But I've only been half assed in doing something about it. Whose fault is that? My OWN. AA was unhappy with herself and instead of following in my footsteps she has done something about it. Amazing doesn't even begin to touch upon the transformation she has made. Seriously. But she is now my inspiration. It's time to put on my big girl panties and get 'er done as they say. Today is a new day. I need to start using actions and not just words.

Thank you, AA, for inspiring me. I appreciate it. I am SO proud of you for all you have accomplished and I hope to make you proud of me. I love you girl.

Before and After

I guess once the boys have their full summer haircuts it's official.........summer is really here. Aidan was ready to get rid of his mohawk last week but Ryan wasn't quite ready to let it go. I asked him over the weekend if he'd be ready to cut it off before we go see The Loftus Family and he said "Sure Mom, we can shave my head before we go." Such a sweetie. Monday night I asked and he said are we going to see Alice Anne now? I said no, not yet but in a couple of days. Okay Mom, you can cut it off now! Sooo, Summer is here and the boys have the buzz cuts to prove it lol.

Before:

After:

aaand, just because I love this picture of the three of them. I love how well my kiddos get along! This picture really is how things are between them 99% of the time. Yes, they fight, hello? What brother / sister doesn't? But for the most part they are really good to one another. I hope it stays this way forever.

Busted

So, the other day, I check my camera. There are all of these random shots. Computer screen, the carpet, pillows, the dogs leg. LOL.

Then I see these pictures:

I asked Ryan if he was taking pictures with my camera. He said no. And started giggling. So cute. Very hard to be mad at him when he is giggling like a school girl. LMAO. Um, you're busted little boy.

I don't know where he learned the self potrait thing from. *blush*

Maybe from me? I'm not sure........maybe..........probably......okay, YES, from me.

I will put this out there......in writing........I, Christine Foley, actually LIKE the above picture of myself. Yes, I said it. I like it. I think it's not half bad. Pick yourselves up off the floor now and carry on with your day.......night......morning........wherever you happen to be when you read this. If you read it. ;o)

Camping

We had SUCH a great weekend. Camping again. I ended up taking a half day on Thursday so we could all go early. Otherwise I would have been there at 6-630p and John would have already been gone for inservice. That was probably the only bad part about this particular weekend. John was gone Thurs and Friday night from 530p - 11p and then again on Saturday from 6a - 3p. Kind of a crappy weekend for him. The rest of us had a blast though lol. We spent all day Friday and Saturday at the pool - the weather was absolutely perfect. The kids are sooooo brown now! Kellie and family, Janet and Cathe, Jay and family were all with us this weekend. SUCH a good time. We're still trying to schedule some more weekends at N. Farms but, even if we can't, we'll probably go visit. Kellie and the family are there for the next SEVEN weeks. Yep, seven weeks. So, if we can't get in, we'll just go down and spend the day at the pool with them.

Going to call Canoe River today to get in there as well. New place, never been, but has a lot of activities and seems to be very similar to N. Farms - just a LOT cheaper. Janet is camping there for the whole month of July so we're going to give it a shot. Steph, I'll keep you updated!!

Here are just a couple of pics from this weekend. I was bad with the camera - didn't take nearly as many pictures as I planned on!

Cuddling on the couch before we hit the pool

Taking a quick break from the pool

Part of the family from Memorial Day Weekend

The Moms taking a quick hot tub break. (not hot really, it was only 90 degrees lol)