Wow..

So, I haven't blogged in forever. I have no idea where to really start when I don't write for so long. What to share first... what is even WORTHY of sharing. As if anyone actually cares. ;-) HA!

This past weekend we had birthday parties galore!!!!!! We celebrated my niece, Natalie's fourth birthday and nephew Evans 2nd up in Grand Rapids on Saturday. They, along with their parents, Mark and Laura (Mark is Scott's brother) are moving to Kansas City in a week or so... so this was also a bon voyage party of sorts for them! We are sad to see them go... but excited for them as well. They both lost their jobs here in Michigan, an unfortunate circumstance that many are facing... so they are off to explore new territory! I am excited a bit a jealous truth be told. I can't tell you how many times I wished I had the guts to do the same.....

Sunday, was Grace's 2nd birthday out at Duck Lake. Jane always puts on the best parties as she is an overachiever to outdo all overachievers in this, and many other categories. :-))) It was an awesome time for all the kids and fun to watch everyone play together. The food and atmosphere cannot be beat at a Dawson event....... that's for sure! Jane and Adam know how to do it up big!!!

Past weekends have included some significant adult time out! I had a big girls' night out for a friends' birthday in East Lansing aweek or so ago... it was a fun, wild time. I'm sure if you are my "friend" on Facebook, you had a good laugh at the pictures. A girl needs a night out like that now and again...... party with reckless abandon! That same weekend, my friend Beth was in town from Chicago, and she, Kristen and I had a private Pin Up session and a great night out ourselves. Three moms, martinis, dinner and pole dancing. That was a wonderful night too!

Scott and I went to see the Dave Matthews Band in Detroit last week.... it was awesome! As always. Seats were great. Show was great. But... I am a bit obsessed/in love with Dave... so he can do very little wrong in my eyes... and rarely put on a bad show....... :-)

The kids are doing great... Ally is still doing Y Camp on and off this summer. This week, she is going and she is up at Michigan's Adventure today. They really do the best things and she has a blast! She went to Nana and Papa's last week... and I think it's a lot to ask them to watch her on top of the two little ones all day, every day. We are starting to think about what we should do with Luke this fall when Ally goes back to school. Considering doing what we did with Ally at around two and putting him in daycare a couple/few days a week.

Ally went to ABC on Lansing Ave. mainly out of convenience as I work on Parnall Rd. Does anyone in the area have any recommendations for places they really love??? Or thoughts at all? We are kind of at a loss for what to do........

Ally starts first grade soon and frankly, she cannot wait. She can't stop talking about it. She's ready to go back already. I smile when she says this to me because I completely remember being ready to go back to school as a kid. I missed my friends... I missed the routine of it all. I freakin' loved school! Dork. ;-)

Luke is a all boy... he is a temper tantrum, aggressive, physical, bundle of strength and energy! He cannot be contained! Another reason to put him in a more physical environment.... I think he might give my in-laws a heart attack soon. He is a LOT to take care of sometimes I think. But, he's fun. He can also be the absolute sweetest, cuddliest boy in the world...... and if his big blue eyes don't melt you into a puddle, his dimples will when he gives you his big grin. I love that boy..........

We've been keeping them busy this summer with road trips, weekends away... and there is plenty to look forward to in the future! I think our family trip to Hatteras later this month is going to be interesting...... last time we went (last year), Luke was as grumpy as can be. Here's to hoping he handles it better this year...... I'm a little concerned about him holding still for the plane ride! Are there any approved sedatives for toddlers? HA!!!!!

We are enjoying our summer..... hope all of you are too!