chronicles of a non-desperate housewife: Not a holiday

So - in my books heading back to school is NOT a holiday, but it is SOMETHIN' alright. Thankfully my kids both seem to have AMAZING teachers this year and keeping true to form they did not disappoint for their back to school photo. Who are these mom's who capture such cuteness on such an emotionally charged morning?? Also... Lucy and I went shopping for the first time in her little life. Let's just say. NEVER AGAIN. I don't shop. That girl does. Of course she does. That's how my parenting life works. Although - major break through - now Jude and I are reading the same novels. Alas, a dream come true.

Anyway... before school started - after July 4- we had to cram in million and one fun things.

First, with the help of friends we reorganized all the bedrooms on the main floors. 48 hours of chaos (wherein we actually LOST one child) - and walla... the kids have their own spaces and I dusted behind furniture for the first time in 4 years. EEEWWWWW....

(Did you see sleepy Lucy?)

We celebrated some pretty awesome birthdays.

We took the annual trip to Iowa... got lost in some corn, built some stuff, ate too much, rode around in the model T, ya know - the usual Iowa fare.

Speaking of FAIR. I'm totally getting to this place in life, that if I am going to help people "experience" a rodeo... I might as well dress the part.

Poor husband... he is out numbered - we all like to look a little goofy... more often than not

Totally felt goofy needing a blanket in July! But that is NOT a complaint!!

Because we can still grow food the size of our head.

In case the beautiful weather around Hays wasn't enough to spoil us this summer, we also went a pretty unbelievable trip to Yellowstone. Met up with some amazing friends and family, and even took our own photographer along. (Thanks Claire!)

Jarod and dad even took the motorcycle!

First stop: Korean food in Denver. Finally got to try the famous... unlimited side dishes.

Next stop the Lindesys' in Fort Collins.

My cousin Shane did check up calls on us to make sure we drank enough water.

Talk about hospitality!

The kids were really great explorers.... but the whole yellowstone thing really is "a long drive ... to do a lot of driving..."

And it's a good thing there is more to see than old faithful :)

Mom says she may not be up for another trip during this lifetime. But considering she put on cousins' camp the next week... I think she has more energy than she is letting on.

(No time for photos DURING the event...this is just the drop off :)