An Ode to the Last Day of Summer

The summer of 2011 was a great one for a family. 
And let's not leave out the fact that it was a busy one as well!

Let's recap some of the highlights...

The unofficial start to summer -

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a big deal in our town as we kick off the start of the summer recreational league baseball and softball season with a big parade and games that start late and end late.  We broke out the bug spray for the first time that night!

Jenna's softball team was decked out in patriotic leis for their parade float.

Owen loved being in his very first parade on his very first float with his very first t-ball team.

Evan is Mr. Cool having "been there and done that" many times over with baseball teams over the years.

We celebrated Evan's 11th birthday in June with Ho Ho Cake and cherry pie.  He was in dessert heaven!

Happy Birthday America!  Fireworks were enjoyed once again with our friends and neighbors on a beautiful July evening.

For some reason, video games were necessary while passing the time waiting for the fireworks display.  Boys, boys, boys, boys, boys...

Our own little firecracker turned 6 in early July.  Way to go Mr. Angry Bird!!!

Very proud of his first t-ball medal, Owen was all smiles at the end of the baseball season.

Once again, Jenna had the good fortune of playing on a winning softball team.  Losing only one close game in regular league play, her team went on to win the league tournament championship!

Not taking a summer vacation meant I was home all summer to keep the flowers watered everyday.  Our flowers thrived this summer with the consistent rainfall.

Oh what fun parenting is when two of your three children break their arm 48 hours apart!

A successful first year in 4-H for Jenna.  Her skirt earned her an "Outstanding" at the county fair judging.

Another "Outstanding" for her cooking project and an opportunity to represent her county at Ohio State Fair competition!

Don't forget about our end-of-summer whirlwind trip to Wisconsin!



Fun times making memories with cousins at Iowa's Pike's Peak.

Our rainy one day stop in Chicago on the way back to Ohio.  Who could forget our James Denton sighting at Harry Caray's?!?!

And then we go back-to-school.  Evan's over-exagerated enthusiasm is a sign of his natural sarcasm.

Jenna and Owen strike a sweet pose as my youngest FINALLY starts kindergarten.  Way to go Owen!

The final family celebration of the summer was Jenna's 9th birthday in early September.  Make a wish sweet girl!