The Fighter's

Daddy went to Meijer and bought a big pack of fireworks.  They were sort of duds.  And it was funny.  But the girls thought they were the greatest thing since hot dogs...and as always their daddy is the coolest.  Anticipation... The Big Show....I'm telling you...this was as fancy as it got.  I think Doug was dissapointed...poor guy.  But Ava & Kate thought it was top notch and we won't let them think anything different:-)

Following in her sister Kate's footsteps, Olivia is getting more and more adventurous...and this week her adventures have taken her to the toilet.  She is OBSESSED.  As soon as she hears the toilet bowl clink or flush - she beelines it as fast as she can crawl, to the bathroom.  My ears have become attune to the toilet bowl clink.  I know to beat Olivia to the bathroom to prevent her from fishing in the bowl.  Well...my mom ears must have been out of tune today.  I was loading the dishwasher...all 3 girls playing in the family room...all was well (or so I thought).  I looked out to check where Olivia was...didn't see her and knew to go straight to the bathroom.  And this is what I found.  Thankfully the toilet bowl lid was closed, so no fishing.  Instead...she made do with  toilet paper.  She also tried eating the toilet paper (I had to scoop her mouth out...she had a wad-ful).  She seemed so proud of what she had done ...

A mere 15 years ago my brothers and I would chase each other around the house, up and down the stairs, punching each other, locking doors to keep each other out, locking the house to keep each other out (I even think there were a few spit tortures here and there).  We fought like cats and dogs.  Fast forward to today...they are two of my best buds.  I love hanging out with them.    My favorite...weekends when my littlest brother (Uncky Pat) comes up to visit and we get to all three hang out along with our "significant others"...(that is such a cheesy label...but as soon as Pat gets married...I can change it...no pressure Pat...hint, hint, wink, wink).  We have So. Much. Fun.  And sometimes...it's a little surreal...watching my brother Rob as a dad (such a great one at that).  And both of them as awesome, caring, fun "uncky's".  The girls absolutely adore them.  Not to mention the amazing girls both of them picke...

Ava - 4, Katelyn - 2, Olivia - 9 months, Jet - 5 months

A fellow mom in my morning aerobics class was raving about a place called 577 foundation, so...the girls and I called up Aunt Carly and ventured down with her and Jet for the morning.  And my fellow mom had every right to rave - it was fantastic (thanks Jennifer!)!!  577 Foundation is a preserved historical property and botanical garden that has a variety of activities geared towards kids.  Ava & Kate absolutely loved it - and so did Carly and I.  And little Jet Jet (as Kate calls him) survived a full day with us girls.  I cannot wait to go back again!! The Gang... Checking out the lilly pad ponds, fish and gardens... Fossil Dig... Puppet Show... Instruments... Water Art... Fairy Garden...

Dear friends from Columbus + family + lots of swimming + camp fires + smores + Ava & Katelyn catching their first lightening bugs + summer sun + sand castles & toys + sparklers + children's laughter + lots of adult laughter and catching up = one fantastic weekend!  Some of our best friends from Columbus came up for the weekend and we had a blast (and so did the kids).  Then we celebrated Father's day with some relaxation, good food and family time.  The girls love their daddy so, and I think he's pretty swell as well.  I could not have asked for a better partner when it comes to this kid raising stuff.  He is the best!!  I can get used to these summer weekends:-)

With Doug out of town last week, we planned a pajama party complete with Grandma, pizza, a movie ("The Pirates Who Don't do Anything" - Veggie Tales), nail polish and popcorn.  The girls thought it was the best thing ever.  They even got to stay up past the sun going down, which in the summer - is big time here at the Fighter house.  Hopefully this will be the first pajama party of many here at the Fighter house.  I love hanging out with my girls (and my mom:-)).