Labor Day at Sandy Creek Acres

Sandy Creek Acres is what my parents named their "estate" when they built it several years ago.  It's sort of a family joke - there's no Sandy Creek anywhere nearby (it's actually closest to the Wapsi River).  It just sort of fits with the schtick that also marks the "scenic photo op" sign that's posted on the lane.  And while it's true their house sits on 75 acres, most of that is actually tillable land that's rented out to another farmer.  Don't get me wrong - I love my parents' house.  It's just that, if the name Sandy Creek Acres brings to mind a well-manicured estate complete with silver and servants, that's just not the case.

At any rate, we went back to farm country this weekend to celebrate two of my niece's birthdays.  I haven't been together with all my siblings and their families since Christmas last year, so it was really special to hang with them all.  One of my favorite things about my extended family is the way the cousins, aunts and uncles all seamlessly hang together.  I think Cousins Camp has a lot to do with it!

SCC Unplugged @ Willow

Steven Curtis Chapman is one of my favorite contemporary Christian artists.  While I've enjoyed hearing his songs for the past couple of decades, I've never had the pleasure of hearing him live in concert.  Until tonight.

We found ourselves available to head out to Barrington to Willow Creek this evening, and scored 5th row center seats.  What a treat!  Steven is one of the most unpretentious performers I've ever seen.  He realized 20 minutes before he was supposed to be on stage that the concert started an hour earlier than he had thought.  Then he broke a string on his guitar a few measures into his first song.  The crowd was patient while he re-tuned one of his other guitars, and it was smooth sailing from there.

His music is based on ordinary life, but he also isn't afraid to describe the pain that comes with loss, and the hope that's possible in spite of the pain.  He's a great singer, songwriter, and musician.  Thanks, Steven, for an unforgettable, inspiring evening.

Labor Day Weekend

It's Saturday of Labor Day weekend, what better time to work on a few household chores?

Baird and Drew took advantage of the cooler temps to do some gutter repair work this morning.

I love my handymen!

Rookie Season for Julian XC

On your mark...

Get Set...

Go!

The Percy Julian cross country season is officially underway.

Drew finished a respectable 7th place overall on a super-hot, humid afternoon - a good start to what I'm sure will be a great season!

The Senior and the Sophomore

It seems extraordinary to me that I have a senior in high school.  How did she grow up so fast?   She's smart, beautiful, and confident, and she's most likely headed somewhere that's "Not the Midwest" after she leaves OPRFHS.

Erin is so glad to no longer be a freshman.  She's SO ready to get her driver's permit, take driver's ed, run cross country, play for The Edge SC, participate in science track at Brookfield Zoo, take Latin, hang out with zoo friends/marine bio friends/school friends and, and, and...

As a mom, I think one of the coolest things about this school year is that Erin and Kelsey will be in the same AP Government class this year.   With a school the size of OPRFHS, what are the odds?  At any rate, one of the greatest joys I have is watching the love my two girls have for each other.  Even tho they are polar opposites, they get along so well, and I'm truly grateful.

It's the First Day of Sixth Grade

For the first time in 13 years, I no longer prepared for the first day of elementary school.  Drew has moved up to the big campus at Percy Julian Middle School.

Irving's Class of 2012 is now officially a part of Julian's Class of 2015!

Celebrating Vic and Julie

Navy Pier:  it's a celebrated tourist attraction in Chicago.

It's also the home of the lovely Crystal Gardens, a fabulous place for a wedding reception.

 Vic and Julie were married on a Florida beach last week, and they came home to celebrate in time-honored fashion, with a bride-and-groom first dance, and feeding each other cake.

Weddings are always special affairs, and when the bride and groom are both fun-loving it's even more memorable.  Baird and I truly enjoyed ourselves, hanging out with the Kudo Clan while we all celebrated Vic and Julie.