My mom informs me that all seven of my readers are craving more information from our little lives in this part of the state. I want to keep the masses happy...so here's a quick recap of our last month:
1. Brrr....
Maddie was challenged to participate in the ever-popular "Ice Bucket Challenge" in August. She and her friend's family came over one afternoon. Ever so quietly they all entered the house (through a complete shambles - tiling was in full swing) and just as quietly they all left - soaking wet. For a good cause though.
2. First "Last Tile"
That tiling job I mentioned in #1? That was a BIG project. We tiled roughly 850 square feet. We bought a tile saw for this project and returned it the next day because it was cutting crooked. We ended up getting an upgrade on a saw and were SO happy we did. It finished out that job, and then headed to my sisters to help with hers; money well spent! My dad spent DAYS with us helping lay tile. The kids helped. My sister, Tracy, helped. It was a team effort, I assure you!
The above picture is just as the title says "The First - Last Tile". If memory serves correctly we had FOUR "Last Tiles". We would get it cut, then drop it in place only to find the piece cut too short, or slightly crooked. This was a spot that we really wanted to be accurate and we finally got it at 9:30pm.
3. Beauty Amidst Chaos...
While the inside of our house looks like it's been ransacked multiple times, the backyard was lovely to sit in and soak up the color. This time of year a couple of our perennials bloom and I love them. The Hibiscus is my absolute favorite. Our flowers out front didn't fair so well, as well as the potted annuals in the hanging baskets. I'm sure it would have been beneficial if I'd watered them. That oversight makes me love perennials even more - they are reliable even when I'm not!!
4. The Great Minnesota Get-Together
We spent our annual day at the State Fair in late August. We managed to meet up with my sister-in-law, her girls, her mom and her brother who were there the same time we were. We also ran into my uncle right after I told the kids how I always saw someone at the fair that I knew.
Maddie and I were headed to the bathrooms while Mike and Jake were going to refill water bottles. The boys noticed that you could get your picture taken with some of the anchors - one of whom is the weather guy named, Sven. I had wanted a picture with him last year, but we missed the times. Maddie and I put the restroom on hold and we all got in line (which was really only two families in front of us). It'll probably be our Christmas card....name droppers, that we are.
5. Back to School...
Labor Day came and went and the next day we were back on schedule. Maddie started 10th grade this year and it's her first at the high school. It's also her first year as a "walker". She and another friend bike to school most days though I'm sure that will change once the weather becomes much colder. We live RIGHT on the edge of the walking/busing boundary line at 1.8 miles away. Her friend two streets over catches a bus. Sort of frustrating - but she's getting a lot of great exercise when the weather cooperates!
Jake started 7th grade and he's at his first year of Junior High. He still is riding the bus and was thrilled to find out that he got to sleep in 10 minutes later than last year since his bus comes later. He was probably most excited about being able to wear his new tennis shoes - which is what he's most excited about each year, honestly.
Both kids seem to be transitioning well in their new schools and we are off to a great start of a new year.
And that, dear readers, catches you up on what's been happening...until next time.
