auditions and casting

 Nutcracker auditions always seem to sneak up on us.  But it's always an exciting time at the ballet.

Audrey was thrilled with the casting results!  She is a baby mouse and a polichinelle.  She's most excited for the role of polichinelle.   Here's to another Nutcracker season. 

foot golf

 There was a foot golf on one of the courses.  The kids had so much fun with it in French Lick that we decided to give this course a try.

 These kiddos were ready

 With 6 kids it made for a slow moving round.  This course is more spread out than the one we previously played and we didn't make it through all nine holes.  

 Final dinner at the restaurant they liked the most

 The cabin we rented was the perfect size for our crew.

Two moms survived a weekend away with six kids.  It was actually a lot of fun and the kids want to do it again some time.

more Galena fun

 We rented a pontoon and explored the lake.

 The kids kept wanting to go faster but there was a speed limit.

 It was still fun to see how pretty the lake is.

 We were happy to survive a boat ride with 6 kids on board. 

 Almost all of the kids.  One didn't want his picture taken.

 Got all six!

 After the boat ride we enjoyed a pizza dinner complete with shenanigans.

From all ages

Moms & kiddos trip

My dear friend Aparna and I loaded up the car and headed to Galena for the weekend.  Our husbands were gone on a guys trip and we decided that we should go have some fun as well.  So, we decided to give Eagle Ridge Resort a try.

 The 3 oldest were able to hit the trails on a guided horseback ride.

 2/3 of the youngest weren't big enough for the trail ride but were able to do a lead line ride.

 Evelyn opted not to do the lead line ride but looked cute in her Minnie Mouse zip up.

 The trail riders coming back all smiles

 Audrey love it and can't wait to go back.  Carter even admitted to having a good time.

Officially 5

Our Mini Miss is 5!  She looks forward to her birthday donut and bringing a treat for her friends at school.

 It was a super special birthday this year.  She got an eclipse!  It's hard to selfie when you can't see a thing with your protective eye wear on (except the eclipse). 

I got so experience it with both the girls

 This time we had someone else take our picture.

It sure is exhausting adjusting to Kindergarten.  Passing out on the couch has been her after school routine.

Almost 5

 We celebrated Evey's birthday a few days early since Tita Angela and Uncle Brett were in town.

 She picked out an American Girl Wellie Wisher (and other items) when we were in Chicago. We were impressed that she was ok with us saving it for her birthday.  Even though she already knew what it was, she was still so excited to open it. 

 The kids got to love on and take care of Cruz

 He certainly was not deprived of any attention that weekend

 She picked out another awesome cake.  She really enjoys looking at cake pictures and picking out the one she wants.

 Make a wish our little princess

 The royal family

And they're off

First day of school breakfast.  Poor Evelyn couldn't keep her eyes open for the picture.

 Middle school starts later than the grade school so he gets to sleep longer and eat after the girls are off.

 I can't believe my baby is off to Kindergarten!

 Third grade for the diva!

 Evelyn was so excited to go to school with Audrey.

 First day of middle school for this guy.  He admitted to being a little nervous.

 The girls bus was crazy late so I was able to get a picture of all three of them together.

 The bus FINALLY arrived and Evelyn ran on without looking back. 

Audrey accepted her mission to have a fantastic year of third grade.