Stay tuned...

Sometime in the next 4 weeks I will update my blog, complete with pictures & a list of the many things that have been occupying my time.

First Day of Kindergarten *Update*

Today, at 8:20 am, Max officially started Kindergarten. He has been so excited about this day for weeks. Last night he picked out his clothes & really thought about his choices. (Everything matched!) Even though he was tired-couldn't sleep from excitement-he jumped out of bed this morning to get ready. He insisted on putting on his backpack immediately & wanted to hold his lunchbox during breakfast.

Time for breakfast

Here we go!

The school was a madhouse with all the kids & parents waiting outside. Finally, everyone lined up by grade, the kindergarteners (and their parents) marched into the building.
Getting ready to line up. Max refused to smile, just gave me his "tough guy" look instead.

Once we got into the classroom & found Max's chair, he dismissed us. Literally. "Mom & Dad, you can go now. But first will you open my play-dough?" Getting a goodbye kiss was like pulling teeth & after that, forget any sort of communication. He was in the "Kindergarten Zone".

So now, Lily & I get to figure out what to do with ourselves until 3:00pm. I'm sure we can find something...

* Max's first day went wonderfully! He came home chattering about his day & some of the new things he did. In response to a few of my questions, I received the proberbial "nothing" or "I don't know". I thought that didn't start until they were just a little bit older?

Between then and now...

So yes...it has been a really long time since I posted anything. But I know you will forgive me. We have been crazy busy since the last post!

*Note on the pictures at the end

I started a new job at the end of May & am much happier! I get to work at home about 95% of the time & the kids get to go to the office with me when I go in to pick up my work. Max loves it since the guys in the office always stop what they're doing & play with him for a bit. I am so thankful to have this opportunity!

We went to Arkansas in June to see family & friends & be generally wild & crazy. We had a great time seeing everyone & Max had such a good time playing with his second cousins. And the cousins got to have a little grownup time thanks to some fantastic grandparents & great-aunts & -uncles! We missed those that couldn't make it but next year I hope we can ALL get together!

Lily had her first taste of cereal which she ate enthusiastically &wore herself out.

She has since had carrots (delish!) & yellow squash (NOT a fan). We're going to try butternut squash tomorrow! She is also rolling over & sitting up & babbling non stop! Not to mention learning how much fun hamming for the camera can be. She loves to blow raspberries & is starting to play peekaboo with her blankets.


Max turned 5 at the end of July & had a Spongebob Squarepants party. We had a lot of friends & family over to celebrate & everyone had a great time.

I made the cake. Really, I have proof! See...



Somewhere a pinata-maker is laughing hysterically!


Aunt Becky & cousin Lizzie came to STL so that gave us yet another excuse to get together for good food!


While Mum-mum & Pop-pop were here we visited the Science Center, went fishing & just ran around being generally crazy!



And, surprise...we had another BBQ!


Max starts Kindergarten on August 18th & we have been getting up early everyday this week & walking to his school in preparation. He is so excited & so am I! Stay tuned!

*It drives me crazy when Blogger won't let you arrange the pictures the way you want them! I really didn't want everyone to wear out their index fingers scrolling but...

Good Family Reunion

The Four Good Brothers

Al & John in front with Steve & Andy in back

Memorial Day weekend brought the Goods to St. Louis in droves! The festivities began with a BBQ at John's as people began arriving Friday. The grown ups played lots of games of "Pass the Baby" while the food cooked to perfection.

Sara, Angela, Al, John, Linda, & Lily

Kim, Andy, Scott, Debbie, Lynn, Uncle Steve & Cousin Steve

Max was in heaven. Why, you ask? This was the first time he met his second cousin Eli & to say they hit it off would be an understatement. They had a great time...

sword fighting...
shooting bubble guns...

climbing giant bug sculptures...

Petting sting rays...

You heard me, petting sting rays. The zoo has a great new exhibit that runs through the end of September. You can read more about it here.

Both boys thought it was totally cool, if a bit slimey.

Alas, that is where my pictures end (until I can find the darn cd the others are on) but the stories continue. After a crazy Saturday with some at the zoo, some at the art museum, others playing golf & one poor sap who had to work (wonder who that was?), the whole family gathered at local restaurant for more together time. Its funny how even after you grow up, you still get put at the kid's table.
Sunday, the majority of the family went to church then to a brunch. (Is it really brunch if its after 12pm?) Max was having a hard time listening & Ian sat him down to have a conversation. To make sure Max was concentrating on what he was saying, Ian asked if he was wearing his "listening ears". Max promptly replied, "No Dad, they're recharging! At which point everyone dissolved in a fit of laughter & Max learned a very valuable lesson.
Sunday evening, the festivities continued at Rob & Kim's house with an indoor picnic, more baby passing, some movie watching & lots of catching up.

What do you mean its over?!?

What a great way to spend a weekend! And we can't wait til next Memorial Day weekend!