Back to School........and a Month of Firsts

Today was the first day back to school for Zach and he handled it like a pro!  I think he was a little excited to see his teacher and classmates (both of which were pretty much the same as last year).  He looks so much older in this photo compared to last year's first day photo.

In the past month we've had a few firsts..................

We had our first La Vigne / Nieland family vacation.  In the past my friend Autumn and I just planned adult vacations without the kids.  This time we took the whole clan to Saugatuck, MI and had a blast.  The boys are relatively the same age and hit it off big time.  Zach is still asking when we will see his best friend Wes again.

I gave it a shot and planned my first block party.  We have them on our street every year but some how I ended up in charge this year.

Zach got his first pair of cleats and shin guards and started up with his first official soccer team. 
Go Roaring Stars! 

And lastly Rich had his first day at his new job!!  We are so excited!  I should have taken a photo of him on his first day but not sure he would have really been on board with that.  Ha!  You will just have to imagine it.

I hope you are all doing well! 

Oh No....July Slipped Away!

Ok, it was bound to happen.  July 2015 is the first month since Zach was born that I didn't do a single blog post.  Ugh!  The month just went by so fast!  I started the month with a solo drive to NC with the boys for the 4th and we ended the month with Nana and Boppa visiting us here in Evanston.  Between all of that we were busy with soccer, swim lessons, a few birthday parties, a visit from our Philly friends (love the Grugans!), a family reunion, a high school reunion (yes...Rich has been out of high school for 20 years!) and we are rolling into August with the challenge of repainting our deck and Rich looking for a new job.  I'm not joking here.....Rich needs a job so if you know of any opportunities that he may be a good fit for in the Chicago, Charlotte, or Greenville markets let us know.

I've rambled enough.  All you really want to see it the boys so here you go......

Our adventure in NC

Giving ice skating a try at a birthday party.

Swim lessons with their teacher Megan  (Zach wouldn't even put his face in the water)

 Boppa Bill's family reunion.

 We stayed in Elkhart Lake, WI but the boys could care less about being by a lake.  They simply wanted to spend hours in the pool.  (Notice the 180 Zach took with his face being in the water)

Zach showing off some of his new found bravery with the water.  This was not the same boy that was in swim lessons just a couple of days prior.  So proud of him!

A little time at the beach/lake.

Elkhart lake was a lot of fun so we hope to have the chance to go back again.  Until next time........