So....It's July....the end of July...Almost August! Actually, now that I finally got around to finishing this post, it is August. It has been 3 months since my last blog. I know that this is a normal phase parents go through, but, WOW! This is silly and I know it is only going to get worse. For the past three months we have basically gone from baseball game to a horse show to hockey camp to baseball practice to horse camp to agility camp to a baseball game to riding lessons and to another baseball game. I remember my mom referring to herself as a chauffeur when I was growing up and I had no idea how true that is. Sometimes I wonder, "What is the purpose of all this? Is it too much?" I can honestly say that all three kids have found activities that they love and participating in them is making them better humans. I am sure if any of you have ever had a conversation with me you have heard me say that we are not raising a good baseball player, rider, or hockey player, we are raising good humans. They have learned commitment, the importance of hard work, compassion, the pain of losing, and the joy of winning, and resiliency. They have learned these lessons all while doing the things that they love! Our goal is not to make the highest-level team, or to win every game, our goal is to learn the life lessons when the risk is low. I would rather have my kids' hearts broken by sports then by life. Between all of the activities, and in all honesty during the activities themselves, we have had a great summer full of memories.
This spring/summer Maddox played on a competitive Diamond Club 8U team. He learned a ton about the game and even more importantly he made some great friends.
Playing wiffle ball in the yard was a popular event this summer.
One of Liesel's 4H horse shows.
Looking cute for her choir concert.
Looking silly, but if you look closely, you can see the love in their eyes.
Field Day Fun
Since Scott has spent so much time with Liesel at horse shows he decided to give it a shot as well. He has become a pretty good horseman. He has placed in most of his rides but has also had the humbling experience of coming in last. I say this, not to make him feel bad, but to boast. There is nothing that will teach your kid sportsmanship like showing them firsthand. We can tell Liesel "That it if you get last place, let it go, learn from it, and hold your head high". But for Scott to show her this goes so much further.
Cowboy Scott
Milo received a few end-of-the-year awards. He was on the straight A honor-roll for the whole year, and he got one of two Excellence in Science awards. We are so proud of him, not just because he got good grades, but because he worked hard and applied himself.
Jacob, Milo, and Braden: These three have been friends since 1st Grade. Milo is incredibly lucky to have a wonderful group of friends. I feel very strongly that one of the key factors to success in middle school is a quality group of friends. Milo for sure has this in spades.
Liesel learned how to mow the lawn this year. We now have three children to rotate this chore out to.
Summer can't go by without at least one elaborate braided hairdo.
I love this picture of Liesel.
Barrett Smith got married to Charlie Ruckman this May. It was a beautiful celebration for a fantastic couple.
Waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle.
Being silly with Uncle Butt.
Nana with Maddox and Rhett
It isn't often that we are all dressed up at the same time.
We got some good family photos, and we got some more accurate family photos.
This is after hours of dancing, which, if you know me, means that my tennis shoes are on, my hair is up, and I am a sweaty mess. I don't love these pictures of me, but I do love how tightly Maddox is holding on. I know that I will blink, and we will be at his wedding dancing. I hope he still hugs me this tightly then.
These handsome boys at the Rockies game
This June I snuck away for a girl's trip to California. It was amazing. It is always fun to laugh and spend time with girlfriends. My favorite part of this trip was the "play". I got to "play" for 48 hours straight. I rode e-bikes on the boardwalk, I took a surf lesson, and we played beach volleyball. As a mom we often forget to play. Not unlike our kids seeing us try new things, like showing horses, it is important for our kids to see us play. Someone once told me that you can't give your kids something you don't have. I desperately want my kids to have playful adulthood, so I too find time to play!
e-bike adventure
California Girls
Dress up with Conrad.
The braids coming out means amazing crimpy hair.
So many hours at the barn this summer. August 1st marks the anniversary of John's death. One of the many things that I will be forever grateful to him for is him getting Liesel involved with horses. It has turned into her passion, the place she finds peace and confidence, where she learns a work effort, and what keeps her out of trouble. Thank you, John, for the gift you gave her.
Liesel and Milo in Steamboat
Liesel and Norah
This year we have had more rain than I can remember getting during the summer. I think this is why we have had all sort of toads and frogs on our property.
Golf camp with Norah
In July Mike Sharkey got remarried. I couldn't believe how much Caroline looks like her mama, Shannon. The best compliment I have received in a long time was when someone asked me, "Are you related to the Sharkey's. You look so much like Caroline."
All this baseball is exhausting.
but so much fun.
Golfing with my boys. At least with two of them.
Scott and Milo watching Liesel.
This summer we went to Milwaukee for an Arpe Family Reunion. This is Janet's side of the family. We had a great time catching up with old friends and making new friends. A family favorite in Wauwatosa is Gilly's for Custard. Scott and the boys went three nights in a row.
Liesel living the lake life
Fun was had by all ages at Janet's cousin's (Bill's) house on a private lake.
Monkeys in a tree
Maddox boating on the Lake with Uncle Tom and second cousin, Jacob
The boys got to meet and hang out with their third cousin, Fin.
Hanging down by the water in Milwaukee. What a cool city.
Nana and Milo
Scott's favorite part was pulling the kids around the lake in a tube trying, and succeeding, to knock them off.
Liesel and her third cousin, Eme, were fast friends.
Olivia, Norah, Emerson, and Liesel....siting by the dock of the bay....
Family photo.
When we got back Maddox and I had a double date with Arlo and his mom, Sarah. So much fun golfing with these studs.
What a dad. Scott has taken up a new hobby. Show shirt repairs. Currently he is only working for free for Liesel, but I do see new business in the making BeDADzled.
Liesel has become so comfortable on a horse. Here she is riding bareback on Scott's horse, Gus.
The night after we got back from Milwaukee, Milo left to go a trip with his buddy, Eli, and his family. We miss him terribly, but I do have to say that just having two around has been so much easier. I don't think it is easier because there are only two. I think it is because the family dynamics had to shift while Milo is gone. Maddox and Liesel can't make the other one the bad guy because there aren't any other kids to "recruit" to their side. Maddox was worried about sleeping in his room without Milo. Well, Liesel step up and gave up her queen bed for the 10 days and moved into Milo's twin bed. Instead of hours and hours of playing baseball and hockey Maddox has helped set up a very elaborate veterinarian clinic in our loft. Seeing these two get along so well has helped me not miss Milo quite so much.
Playing roller hockey with Riley.
Liesel and Izzy.
Milo off on an adventure of his own. To Minnesota with the Kobb Family. I don't have any captions to add to these pictures since they aren't my memories to share. I suppose that at a certain point it is important for your kids to have their own memories and stories. We have all talked to Milo every night and he has had so much fun sightseeing, fishing, laking, going to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and playing games. Last night, day 8, was the first time he seemed a little homesick. As important as it is to build your own memories it is equally, if not more important to want to share them with your family. I can't wait to see that boy.
