Niner

 I love you, Mr. Prose.  Always and forever and no matter what.

Cheers to our last year of single digits.

 The end of summer began with a trip to MAD-city.  And, for the first time, in a long time, Andy was able to come along.  (Have I mentioned that we pretty much love this stay-at-home-daddy gig???)  We packed up the Prius, and began the trek to Wisco. 

 We hit up the usual hot spots: the zoo (but this time we went on the carousel!!) and the capital, and the crazy good restaurants.  We and brunch and went to the market, and drank local beer on the deck.

 

We watched classic movies including "The Princess Bride" (aka - the true love movie) and "The Never Ending Story" (aka the big puppy movie). 

 We biked to the park, and Bennett threw up on the ride home - due to an incredible amount of spinning on the merry-go-round. (so weird, but true.)

Oh, Colie and Wisco... We love you and will see you soon.

They tried to refuse to leave.  They begged and pleaded and promised that they were not tired.  The gnome didn't even make it to the end of the gravel road, and the ninja was not far behind.  Oh sweet Rose... Already the memories...

School of Blues

The below pics, are - by far - my favorite action sequence of the summer.  While at Rose Lake, Harper was insistent on going fishing with Grampy and B.  She hopped off the couch, grabbed her pole and marched down to the dock.  With a mighty thrust, she casted her line (about a foot).

The stunned look on her face was priceless.  "LOOK, MA MA!!!!!!!!! LOOK!!!!! I CAUGHT SOMETHIN' I CAUGHT SOMETHIN'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"MA-MA!  IT'S A BLUE GILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The second cast was equally dramatic and successful for the gnome - and her excitement only grew with each cast off the long dock.

Yes, sweet Harper did catch many blue gills that July evening.  In fact, she caught same little plastic blue fish every time - considering it was permanently attached to her Barbie fishing pole.

Sleepover

Just like our high school days, Renae called at 10:30am.  We had planned our first sleepover at Rose!  The Cariveau crew arrived with booze and a Tahoe full of fun.   Monica and her littles were not far behind.  While we don't see each other often,  those kids seem to know that they have a history. 

Bennett received a guitar for his 5th birthday.  He practiced, made up songs, watched some youtube videos, created cardboard instruments, and begged for "proper lessons" for 2 years.  Finally - FINALLY - I got it arranged with our favorite bald friend, Adam.  Adam comes Morningstar every Tuesday night, and instructs the boy on reading music, finger placement, and strumming cords.  Bennett LOVES his time with his teacher.  And, in typical Type A Perfectionist style, the boy has yet to play us a formal song. 

Just another day...

 with chips & salsa & T-Ray...