And the number one reason we LOVE summer....

So, as the first day of fall has just passed, I want to share the number 1 reason we love summer....beautiful, uninterrupted time with FAMILY.  Nothing will ever compare to the time we have with each other. (The picture below is us, just one year ago...in the same place).

PERFECT. FAMILY. PICTURES.

Shelby (www.shelbyleigh.com) has been taking some of the BEST photos of my family. EVER. Here are some shots from our recent session.

Rowan's First Day of School.

Whoa, who hit the fast forward button?! My little snotty nosed, sweet faced, messy-haired munchkin is a bonafide pre-schooler. Armed with her Princess lunchbox, blanket and juice box - Rowan marched off to pre-school (with the help of her two big brothers). No fussing, no crying, and no whining. She's just getting too big too fast.

(Riley waits at dismissal for her big sister.)

Happy Birthday Papa!

Love always, Trina, Dave, Keegan, Joey, Rowan & Riley. 

Fun in the Sun :)

Just some of our pics from Ocean City, MD...Enjoy!

Riley's first trip to the shore, hon.

Truly we are Marylanders...and enjoyed every moment in Maryland's favorite resort town. More pictures to come but check out Riley's first dip in the ocean. (Note: She wasn't too excited about the cold water or the sand and preferred to sit under the umbrella with her daddy.)

TOP 5 REASONS WE LOVE SUMMER: Reasons #3 and #2

Reasons #3 and #2: SUN and SAND...'nuff said.

Pictures from Joey's Birthday...

Finally! Enjoy the little slideshow from Joey's Birthday. He had two small parties this year - An "Ice Cream Extravaganza" with pals from his lacrosse team which included homemade cupcakes, swimming and an ice cream sundae bar...And another with family hosted by Grandmom and Grandad complete with fun in the backyard and a very special cake!

Kickin' It!

Keegan, Joey and Rowan are all taking karate at AJ Bartlinski's Karate Super Center and are doing great! Here are some photos! Enjoy!

(Can you find my guy in yellow?)

Happy Happy Birthday Joey!

Happiest Birthday to my handsome, lego-loving, karate-kicking, I'll-try-anything-on-my-plate son Joey. You are absolutely amazing! Never let anything slow you down. Ever. I LOVE YOU so much!
(Pics from the birthday fun to be posted soon!)

Stay Cool!

Holy record-breaking temperatures Batman!! Take a note out of my kids' book and stay cool in the pool!

Webcam with Great-Grandmom

The kids' great grandmother (Dave's maternal grandmother) lives out in Iowa, so its a little tough to get in visits. So every week, Grandmom gets on the webcam and "visits" with Great-Grandmom and Great Aunt Darlene. This time the kids were able to join is and wish their Great-Grandmother a HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY "in person"!

TOP 5 Reasons we love summer: #4 SLIP-N-SLIDE

It's my favorite time of year...SUMMER! We really don't have much planned this year except to keep the kids' busy, karate lessons, lacrosse clinic, soccer camp and to spend time as a family. I am taking classes which unfortunately keeps me way busier than I would like to be and inside more than I care to be. Its already been a month into the kids vacation and we still have so much to do to be ready for summer (yes, I am well aware that it is July). We have yet to set up the little above ground pool for the kids, there is no sand in the sandbox, and Dave has yet to actually mow the lawn on a consistent basis, making playtime in the back yard more of a hassle than fun. Whatever happened to the lazy days of summer? I have a feeling though with July and my classes starting to come to a close, maybe we will be able to relax a little.

Anyway, in the meantime, here is our #4 REASON WE LOVE SUMMER...

SLIP-N-SLIDE

Top 5 Reasons we love summer: #5 ICE CREAM

Snip! Snip!

Mama's little monkey got a haircut! Thanks Nana!

Celebrate!

Last weekend was a big weekend for the OO Clan --  we celebrated Grandmom's birthday, our anniversary, Father's Day and Uncle Dan's Homecoming. The festivities took place at Dave's parents complete with delicious food, fun in the sprinkler and fireworks! Check out this amazing cake that Grandmom had made for the special event.

Happiest Father's Day!

Happiest Father's Day to my amazing husband!The kids have the best father they could ever ask for!

(These super cute shirts are courtesy of my mother-in-law, Bonnie!)

School's out for SUMMER!

Hanging out in the yard with the kids! The picture above tells it all...Keegan and Joey just wanting to "hurry up" and play in the sprinkler, Rowan trying to grab Riley and Riley trying to get away from Rowan). I'm looking forward to summer with this motley crew!