A HUGE Stepping Stone

Blake is going to Middle School...  I really can't believe it.  I am so sad and excited at the same time.  My absolutely favorite grade to teach is 6th grade.  I just love their excitement, freedom and finding out who they really are that draws me to this age.  I couldn't be more happy for my boy.   Why does it make me a tad sad at the same time????

I also loved touring his middle school at open house.  It brought back a lot of wonderful memories of being in the classroom.  Even the dreaded "locker" made me smile.  I spent so much of my first few weeks as a 6th grade teacher using my key to open kids lockers.  Blake was a pro at learning how to use the lock.

He even got his 4 immunizations without a tear...  Things have really changed!

More Cousin Time

It was so great to have Ava and Drake here.  This has been the summer of "cousin camps"...  I have loved getting to know each of them a little better.  We also went back to Silver Beach with several of our friends when they were here to visit.  The pier jumping was fresh in their minds and they couldn't wait to do it again...  Caitlin and Ava did it for their first time.   What very brave 7 year old girls...

A visit to the Eliuk house is not complete without a trip to Red Robin...

Go AVA

Caitlin Ruby...

The GANG!!!

Jam Packed Weekend

I had a super fun, music, friend filled weekend.  I was able to spend a little time with all of my favorite people.

Friday night started with a Journey/80's cover band at Bell's.   Brett even made it out to the dance floor.  It was a nice evening with 4 other couples...  We didn't plan on so many ladies wearing the "cold shoulder" shirts.  Dinner, drinks and dancing at BELL's --- glorious!!!

Saturday was a water, sun filled day at a friends cottage.  Madison got up on a wakeboard!!!  I rode a stand up jet ski.  It was challenging, fun and crazy all at the same time.  I still have several bruises from my ride.

Sunday morning I was off to Chicago with 5 other ladies.  We spent the day eating, shopping and of course laughing...  Then off to the hotel to get ready for Maroon 5.  It was a gorgeous night for an outdoor concert.

6 Beautiful MOMMIES...

30 people in a little van...  Taxi's freak me out a tad.

Happy 16th Kyle

The kids and I had a great quick trip over to the Detroit area to help celebrate Kyle's 16th birthday.  I can't believe that boy is 16.  He is definitely the little boy that made me so excited to have kids.  When he was little, I couldn't wait to spend time with him.  He was my buddy.

He had no idea that he was getting a jeep.  My kids loved getting rides.  Before I know it, I will be planning 16th birthday surprises...

The girls, Shannon and her girls also spent an afternoon out to lunch and back to school shopping.  It was a fun, unexpected quick trip...

Just waiting for Kyle to arrive

Great to visit with Oma and Opa

Kyle pulled up and was speechless...

Three plus TWO

I have been greatly outnumbered by kids.  I've got my three plus Ava and Drake this week.  I am trying hard to keep them busy so they sleep well for me.  So far, it has worked.

We have been wanting to try Sky Zone in GR.  It is a super cool place.  The kids loved "flying"...  I saw so many flips from them all...

On the way home, we stopped at the boat and spent the rest of the day and evening on the lake with some great friends...  They are wonderful children and are playing great together!!!!!

Caitlin loved bouncing off the walls

Blake

Crazy Drake

Madison

DOCK Pizza

Of course we ended the night with ice cream...

Kalamazoo Vacation

We haven't seen the Warner clan all summer.  We were due for a little time together.  They gave us a surprise visit.  I am even keeping two of their kids for the rest of the week.

Friday Night Sunset Cruise...  AKA - dance party!!!

We had no idea that they had matching bathing suits...

Our little twins

They have really missed each other

It was a gorgeous evening

We went back out to the boat for the whole day on Saturday...  Tubing was a big hit.

Gracie and Madison

Nap time for Shannon and Drake

pizza for dinner

The littles ROCKING it up...

Sunday was a wonderful day at Silver Beach...

beach fort

Chad and Drake doing back flips off Pier

My little BEAUTY!

watching boats

She loved every moment of pier jumping

Gracie loved the rabbits...  Rabbit whisper