My Sister's Big Move

I am so excited for my sister, Abby.  She finally got her dream job.  Still doing child life and now working an 8-5, instead of nights.  Only difference?  Her new job is in Seattle.  She will be moving so far away.   Like, 2,000 miles away far  She and her boyfriend, Dujuan, have been living apart for almost a year.  He works for Boeing and was transferred there.  She loves Seattle and him and has been trying to get a job there.  Finally it happened for her!!!  

Selfishly, I don't want her to go.  She's been my best friend since the day she was born.  We have the biggest fights and the biggest laughs.  I am going to miss her more than she will know.  

Thank God for Skype and Face Time and Snap Chat.  

Dujuan and I didn't get off on the right foot, but now, I love that guy.  He loves my sister so much and deals with her touch of crazy that makes her awesome (and more like me than she'd like to admit).  

I am over the moon excited for her.      

Seattle is so lucky to get you.  Love you more than you'll know and we are so happy for you!!
XXXOOO

Longer Evenings to Enjoy

I really don't like starting school so early.  I could name a laundry list of reasons why, but I will focus, instead, on the positive.  The one positive.  I get awesome long evenings with my family.  We are always home around 4:40.  Last year, at 4:40, I had not even left work yet.  I LOVE this extra time with them!!   

This week Sofia came over for dinner and to play one night...

Another night we headed to Strawberry Hill for fall decorations for our kitchen table.  Cohan and Ireland had picked out little pumpkins with my dad and step-mom over the weekend.  Cohan let me know we needed more for the kitchen table.  I love this place and the people that work there.  My kids got to visit their bunnies and learn about pumpkins.  We even got some new recipes!  Cohan was excited to put all the gourds and pumpkins on our table.

Fall has arrived!!

Special Visitor and a Weekend in Springfield

Last Thursday, my sister came in town to spend the night.  My kids were super excited to see her.  They love extra Aunt Abby snuggles and one on one time with her.

We were all headed to Springfield for my cousin's wedding.  Friday night, after a LONG drive, we made it.  Ireland fell to sleep (FINALLY) and Cohan got some time with his cousin, Tayler and Aunt Sarah and Unckie.  Saturday morning, my kids woke and and were excited to see GramMo (who was at rehearsal dinner the night before so we didn't get to see her). Of course, she had new toys the kids had wanted...

After baths and getting dressed it was off to the park.  The parks in Springfield are awesome.  We fed ducks, played on playgrounds and met up with my Aunt Carol who was in town from Colorado.

 

After the park, it was home to pack up.  The kids were going to stay at a hotel with Bucko and Grandma Chris.  They were beyond excited and we were thrilled they kept them so we could enjoy my cousin's wedding and the night out knowing they would be having a blast for the day (and night).

Here are a few pictures I found on my phone from the wedding (that were appropriate to share).  I can't say enough how much I love having a big Irish family.  The night was amazing.  It was one huge party and I am so lucky to have been raised being so close to my siblings, cousins and family.  We sure do know how to have a good time.  From ice sculptures that gave shots and martinis, to bands that were amazing, body surfing and dancing all night, I was worn out.  Don't my mom and MeMo look amazing?!  

And I LOVE Uncle Pat's kilt!  

Table Update...Table 7 was amazing.  

And the kids had a great time too.  They explored the library, museum, went to a brewery and loved the extra attention my dad and step-mom gave them.  

When we picked them up and got in the car, they asked to go back with them.   

Cohan and Ireland's breakfast Sunday morning...

After breakfast and before we left, the kids enjoyed time outside with GramMo.  

 

 

 

Even though living (sort of) far away stinks, it makes time we do get to spend together that much more special.  October 18th can't come soon enough when we will be back again.  

Thanks for such an awesome weekend.  XXOO