This one's for you, Gus

Tomorrow is this guy's first day of school. 

GUS! 

You're a lively one. Dad had the intuition to choose your name, Augustine, and has it ever been appropriate. 

We call you Happy Gus, because you're always smiling. You're outgoing and up for fun, which wins you friends and admirers. 

Dad and I admire this about you, since we wish we had that "gene."  We think we know where it came from. 

You do things your own way and in your own time. That is good. We are proud of you and enjoy watching you grow. 

You've had ups and downs. When you were most down, God was by your side. Our special extended family was, too. You persisted. 

Soon you were back on your feet and ready for more. You aren't scared of pain and will try anything. Dad and I think maybe you should try football.

Our love follows you tomorrow and every day, Gus. Keep that spirit! Our prayer for you is that Mary, who you love, is always there by your side, even when we are not. 

And as Funny Uncle Danny told you, there are two things to remember at school:

1. Listen to your teacher

2. Make as many friends as you can

You should do just fine. 

Xo

Ohio

Had a great whirlwind weekend in Ohio. Did the usual Chik-fil-a stop, Gus had a milkshake because it was his feast day! :) St Augustine, bless this little guy!

Blaise reads to Rosie in the playground. Hah! 

We showed two movies along the way and offered an unlimited buffet of junk food. Rosie's never looked so happy in her car seat, and for the first time ever she didn't scream for our entire trip!

MarMar's house. Chillaxin on the deck. 

Dining al fresco

Skyline chili the next day for lunch. Gus got a coney. He was CRAZY excited!!

We visited Tommy's boxing coach in Columbus, then went to Papa Clark's for dinner. Blaise looked so cute in this hat of Papa's. 

Gus spilled his entire glass of iced tea on his shirt, but nothing gets Happy Gus down. 

The next morning we went to the newly renovated chapel at UD for Mass. 

Mary and Rosie with Mary and roses. 

We had a special trip to Ohio!

Art

One big bug

The kids found a cicada on our back deck and had to go all Wild Kratts on it. 

I would not get any closer to photograph it. These bugs are what nightmares are made of. "Touch him Rosie. He won't hurt you. He's such a cute little guy."

I'm going back inside now. Eek!

Blaise's first day

Second grade, here he comes! It was a beautiful day. Blaise was excited to go back and see his friends. It is a big year for him with his First Holy Communion. 

Tommy scoffed at the colorful outfit a bit, but he's my son after all :)

Rosebud, won't you ever smile for a picture? 😐

Gus starts in a week!

Beach day

Ice cream for Rosebud. "Lipstick"

The kids take the polar plunge in the 55 degree water

Happy Feast Day Rosie

We love you!

Donuts and roses for Rose. 

St Rose was from Peru. She always loved to help others, even as a child. She was very beautiful but said "only beauty of the soul is important." She offered her good works to God for sinners. She was the first saint of the Americas. 

MI Cousins Visit

Cece was admired by all of her cousins. Everyone took turns holding her, even Rosie. Ha!

Mary Claire and Rosie bonding over Max and Ruby. 

Our prayer every night starts, "Dear God, today I'm thankful for..." Rosie's answer is always "Rosie." (What a pill!) but the night our visitors arrived she said "Nina." 

Here she is with her sweet aunt and godmother. 

Blaise gave up his bed while company was here. He looked so little and cute in his sleeping bag. 

Life is good

We had dinner at Twin Anchors with our friends Laura and Carolin last night. Here's a pic Laura took of these two rascals. 

Tommy is home this week. :) Rosie loves to share his oatmeal. 

The kids on the block were squirting water into the street to beat the heat. A garbage truck came by and they blasted it. Even little Rosie never wants to miss out on the action. 

Camp Mimi 2015

The boys went camping with Mimi, G-Pops, Steph, Jake and girls. They said it was more fun than Disney World!

There was playtime at the beach with cousin Mary Claire. 

There was a playground next to the campsite. (Gus's favorite feature)

There was cousin fun

Picture with a cow! 

Running the dunes

Sleeping in a tent! Ice cream! Hot dogs! Frogs! A Lighthouse! Bonfires! Bike rides! 

Blaise is already planning his next camping trip. Thank you Mimi!

#wokeuplikethis

MarMar & Little Tommy

Look who came to town... MarMar!!

And here is little Tommy. He dressed himself and wanted to wear a belt and tuck in his shirt like Dad. :)

Mom's superheroes