Summer 2008

Let me just start by saying that I stink at blogging. I'm really going to try and do better. But, I'm also not going to make any promises.

So far, we've had a great summer. The highlight, by far, was our trip to St. Louis to watch Auntie Dre and Uncle Ed get married. We left on July 1 and came home on the 7th. The kids did great on the plane. Luke actually slept the entire flight both directions only to wake up for the last 20 minutes. Alexis didn't sleep, but played and had fun with Grandma, Grandpa an Uncle Matt. We went to Grant's Farm on the 2nd, the St Louis Zoo and rehearsal/dinner on the 3rd, Ed's parents for a 4th of July BBQ, the wedding was the 5th, had a relaxing day on the 6th and went to the zoo again on the 7th since our flight wasn't til 6:30. It was a busy week, but so much fun. All the Francois kids were there with their families (Chris' siblings), all but one of Steve's siblings came and all Angela's siblings were there also. There were also lots of Chris' cousins there to play with also. It was so special that so many people made the trip! Alexis and Luke had a great time with so many people to entertain them. We also got to meet our newest niece, Alice Marie, who is absolutely precious. She is Jen and Chad's daughter and is 6 months old now.

We've been spending a lot of weekends in Lynnwood this summer since we finally decided to bite the bullet and remodel our house. We are adding a bathroom, laundry room and converting the garage into a living room/playroom. When all is said and done our house will be so great. Right now it's torn apart, but we're managing. Before this gets too long I'm just going to post some pictures of our summer.

Happy 2nd Birthday Luke!

So, I'm 10 days late with this, but better late than never, right?! My baby turned 2 last Monday and I can't believe it. We didn't do much this year, but it was still a special day. I had to work on his birthday, but Gramma Joan came up and she and Alexis made him a birthday cake and sang to him. After work we went to Billy McHale's for dinner, then to Target to buy him a trike. When we got home we sang again and had a little more cake. Two years ago I was feeling lucky to have had a shower! We sure have come a long way! Luke was an extremely challenging baby (fussy, reflux, just all around not happy), but today he is a joy. He makes us laugh everyday with the funny things he says and does. He's happy most of the time, but has an occasional meltdown. He and Alexis get along so well most of the time and even when they do fight they move past it quickly.
It's so much fun now that the kids are a little older. I am so proud to have these adorable, smart, funny little people with me when we are out (most of the time) and am looking forward to lots of memorable moments this summer.
Pictures to come...

Boys and their toys

Last weekend we got a ton of rocks and bark for the yard. Well, this weekend Chris rented an excavator to move all the rocks to the back yard around the playset. He is having fun playing with heavy machinery, and Luke is obsessed with watching and helping! Luke and Alexis have both been taking turns since last night sitting on Chris' lap while he works. The first thing Luke said when I went into his room this morning was "daddy, outside, bulldozer?". Daddy was still sleeping, but as soon as he got up they all got bundled up and headed out. Did I mention that even though it is April 19 it feels like the middle of January outside? It's freezing! I've got some cute pictures of them all that I will upload later!

Scrapblogging

This is something I could get into! I made this yesterday and it was so fast and easy. Not really sure what I'll do with it, but it was fun anyway! A good way to spice up the thousands of pictures I have of my kiddos, right? :)

Luke's first haircut

Luke had his first real haircut with clippers last week. He looks like a different kid. My baby is growing up!

Some of the things they say!

I just have to post this so I remember it because it was so funny! We were at Home Depot on Sunday and Alexis had to go potty. On our way to the bathroom she says, completely serious, "Mom, this floor is way to dirty to lick". Well, yes, she's right. But, when have I ever given her the idea that there might be a floor that is clean enough to lick??? I cracked up. She's so funny!

I'm tired!

Chris has been working so much lately! He's been out of town and working long hours. I'm tired of being a single parent. I have so much respect for women who do it all the time. I worked today and have only been home for 2 hours, but I'm already ready to rip my hair out. Luke is super crabby and keeps crying for no reason and it's driving me nuts! Yeah, daddy just walked in the door. I'm taking a break from everyone now! Bye Bye!