1st day of school in the 5th and 7th grade

Waiting to go to their for their first day. The jitters are always there, for everyone! Matthew who when asked what would he like to wear the first day reminds me "Traditionally I wear a jersey the first day, Mom." He chose this one as his favorite.

Mike ready for 5th grade. When asked what he wanted to wear he tells me "My Tim Tebow Florida jersey, Mom." However, since he wears it most everyday and he sprung this on me at the 11th hour, it was impossible to get it clean in time for school. No worries, he's wearing it now.

Sleepover with cousins

Bobby, Matthew and Anna (minus her first lost tooth) Bob and Laura with baby #3 on the way-due in December- yeah!

Everyone together after playing, playing and playing!

Matthew and Grandpa before studying spanish together. Que Bueno!

Working at the shop with Grandpa

Mike riding the 70 cc dirt bike. They learned how to fix a chain, check the oil, adjust the choke. Plus Mike did a donut on the pavement. Getting suited up in a helmet.

Matthew takes a lap in his helmet. He made hundreds of laps at the shop!

Getting schooled by Grandpa on how to do it right.

You know you've worked hard when you can take a nap at the shop in 90 degree weather.

Last day of bucs training camp

We got to check out the team on their last day of training camp. It was hot! I can only imagine how the guys feel out there. Go Ronde! The QB lineup for now. Who will be the leader?

Cadillac William and Smith. These guys are awesome! We were so close that we could almost reach out and touch them. Plus they do push ups just for fun - on one foot!

Can't have Buccaneer fun without a Buccaneer. Our speculation is that there is a girl in there not a guy, hmm...

The baseball team

To show just how hot it is out there in the field, Matthew was quick to point out the sweat on his brow. I think it's a neato image. Getting his trophy

The team that placed 3rd in the state

Matthew and Justin after the game headed for the dugout.

4th of July Celebration at Wintergreen

Fireworks on the slopeBoys love wrestlin'

Getting Michael before he gets them

Mike is the winner for now

Dan enjoying the band and conversation

Boys after riding the ski lift and playing basketball

Matthew's 12th birthday party

Here are some pictures from Matthew's 12th birthday. We had 18 for the party and 13 stay the night (read as too many). They stayed awake ALL NIGHT LONG! Pizza and cake

Water balloon fights, football, silly string war and flashlight tag.

We're alive!

As you have noticed, no posts this quarter. I do intend to post more regularly because I think it is so great to see my family grow online.

For those of you who are remotely interested in what is happening in our lives, I will offer the cliff notes version along with my personal commentary.

1. Our computer died and we did not replace it until this week (that slows blogging progress.)

2. Dan lost his job in May, really (We learned that this economy babble is serious and that you can sustain on PB&J along with the occasional piece of fresh fruit, but you don't have to like it!)

3. The boys have spent the entire summer playing all-star baseball. Matthew's team made it to the state finals where the team finished 3rd overall! (we have learned much Virginia geography along with location of bathrooms throughout the state)

4. Matthew turned 12 and Michael turned 10 (They are not cute little babies anymore. Rather they are becoming increasingly independent and insightful young men headed for the akwardness of puberty-I love them!)

5. I have launched my Silpada business and will be working part-time as a nurse at UVA where I can be home everyday during the week and work part-time as a Silpada designs rep. (It is so important to have dreams and do what you love every day without settling for anything less.)

6. Dan starts a new job in Maryland on August 17 as the Manager of Decision Support where he reports directly to the CFO of Baltimore Washington Hospital (I am so proud of him! We have also learned that we cannot sell our house right now so he will have to commute M-F, something we've never done before. I also love the state of Maryland because it is beautiful like Florida except not so hot. Only draw back-they say "you's" instead of "ya'll"- I can't get onboard with that.)

7. School starts August 25 and the boys will go into 5th and 7th grade. I am overwhelmed by this! (I remember 5th and 7th grade like it was yesterday. Do they have the same inappropriate thoughts, strategies for life and ideals of the world that I had at that age? Likely, the answer is yes...)

Overall, we have endured a trying summer but come out much further ahead than we ever imagined. It has been one full of growth and opportunity even if it didn't seem like it at the time. Choices are important. Think long and hard before making any decisions and do what is right for you regardless of who else thinks otherwise. Finally, family and friends who really care about you and have your best interest at heart is essential to reaching your full potential.

So, stay tuned for new pictures and stories because they are on their way!