Dear New Car Dealership,

Thank you for wasting 2 hours of my life today that I'll never be able to get back again. Yes, you were extremely friendly, but 2 hours for an oil change and tire rotation? Honestly, what were you doing back there all that time? Watching the "What A Girl Wants" movie that my daughter left in the DVD player?

The computer with internet hook up was a nice touch that kept my son occcupied on NickJr.com for a half an hour - but now I need to disinfect him because I could see the germs breeding on your filthy keyboard.

And the man sitting next to me in the waiting room? I kept waiting for him to signal that he was dying. His breaths were so loud and so deep I'm surprised he didn't keel over.

I'm not going to even go there about the foreign man on the cell phone who wasn't speaking English. Ryan kept asking me what he was saying over and over and over and over and yes- over and over again.

So now that I'm home, I have a headache and feel like I should have billed you for each hour that I spent in your germ infested waiting room and also for all of the magazines that Ryan put back on the magazine rack for you. (However, he was spinning that thing so fast that I'm not sure if you'll find it in working order - and I'm not sure if even I feel bad about that considering how much I paid you for the new van to begin with). Next time I think I'll be going to the Quickie Lube in town. I'm done with you unless it's warranty related and free of charge.

"I'm bored, Mom!"

My kids tell me that rainy days like yesterday are boring. I say if you tell me you're bored, I can always come up with something for you to do. Ha! Bet they'll never whine about being bored again!

Hoosier For A Day

Today was the Davies Family Picnic in Plymouth, Indiana. Everyone had a great time catching up with family members we don't see often, tables and tables of good food, swimming in the pool and relaxing in the sun. The weather was absoultely gorgeous. I think the kids and I could have stayed there indefinately. It's definately fun to be a "Hooiser" for a day.

A few pictures from "Hoosier" Day:

The kids and I at my mom's house in Chicago before leaving for Indiana.

My younger ( but much bigger 6 foot 7 inch) brother driving the chick magnet minivan with 2 kids and 3 moms inside to Plymouth, IN. I swear, Dave, the sunglasses are unisex...ha!

You pay your own tickets, Dave!!!

Are we lost, Dave?!?! Okay, I'll stop nagging now.

Ashley passing the time in the car with the laptop. She thought the internet would work in the car...cute!

Just me, not able to wait to get there...

And Ryan who REALLY couldn't wait until we got there.

(Yes, I know this is getting lengthy, but we're just getting to the reunion itself now)

Ashley on her way into the pool.

Ryan who had more fun in the warm hot tub with the rest of the younger kids. Very convienient - it was right off the deck so I didn't need to get up out of my chair. Nice.

The pool in "Hooiser" land.

Family Group Shots

It was a long trip home so stop laughing at my pillow! Hey, who took this picture anyway?

Ryan is ready to get back, too.

So long, "Hoosier" land. I'll be back next year!

Last Season Game

Last night was Ashley's last softball game of the season. Don't get too disappointed though, because next week is her tournament. Last night Ashley had one of the very few hits of the night.

Pranksters

Bret and Ryan thought it would be funny to surprise mom with Ryan in the dryer while I was putting laundry away this morning. As soon as I can pull it all together, we're off for the family reunion for the weekend.

Impromptu Party At The Neighbor's

Warning: Mom and Mom-In-Law may want to skip over this post...LOL.

Ended up in the neighbor's backyard for a little impromptu party and leftover fireworks tonight with some friends. (Although I may not have any friends left tomorrow after I post these pictures...lol. (I'll fix all of the typos tomorrow - and mom, I swear I only had one drink tonight)

Neighbor lighting a firework. "And we have lift off!"

Me and my best neighbor buddy. (Please don't hate me in the morning for posting this)

Ashley hanging out pretty late with the big people.

Bret trying to find the fireworks in the dark.

It was a fun evening, but now I have to go pack for our trip to Chicago tomorrow morning afternoon.

You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

You'd have thought my kids would have learned by now - they can run and hide but if I want that picture, I'm going to get it!

Example: Ryan dressed up as some kind of fireman. However, I think he grabbed the wrong glasses. Don't fireman wear an oxygen mask? LOL.

Are You Normal?

According to this quiz, I'm not!!! (What???) Take this quiz below and tell me in the comments section if you're abnormal, too.

Your Normalcy Quotient is: 31 out of 100. (It's worse than I thought...lol)

Your quiz results make you a Marvelous MaverickGiddy-up partner. You're a maverick and don't know what the definition of normal is. That's a-okay because you're now part of a fascinating group of desperadoes. Wherever you ride, it's sure to be off the beaten path because it's way more fun to find the path least traveled. (Giddy Up!)

Take this free personality test by Clicking Here>> or going to www.chatterbean.com/runormal/

Attention: Mom Found

Ashley pitched at her softball game and I got to see it tonight unlike last time. She really did a great job tonight!

"Swing, batter!"

Winding up...

...and there it goes.

This is what Ryan does at all of the games.

Ryan in his train conductor's hat. (From Bret's childhood)

Sky Concert 2006

Last night's fireworks weren't as eventful as the previous night, but we still had a great time even without the surrounding entertainment of breaking lawn chairs, unsupervised toddlers jumping on top of cars and the sweltering heat. We did however have a guy who took over a section of the kids' blanket. (What was up with that?!)The weather last night was much cooler and the fireworks put on downtown are so much better than the ones put on by the park district.

Happy July 4th!

Ashley having a good time (yes you can go back to playing with your friends now).

"Hey, that's my hat!"

Ryan - hiding from the fireworks. And who the heck is this guy on our blanket!?!?!

July 4th Must Haves

Things that make for a memorable evening at a park district fireworks display:

A busted lawn chair - I am absolutely forbidden to post that picture or talk about it even further...LOL!!!!!!!!!

Awesome fireworks!

Five year old Ryan attacking a 9 year old friend


The bestest, most caring sister in the world covering her scared little brother's ears during the fireworks. (We'll have to remember those ear plugs at tomorrow's downtown fireworks display)

And last but not least - the Parents Of The Year Award goes to the mom and dad of the little toddler boy who was ignored while jumping up and down on the roof of the car repeatedly all evening long. Where is DCFS when they're needed. Now I've seen it all!

Maybe tomorrow night will be even more exciting!!!

Passed Out

After the picture of Ryan sleeping on the slide got posted we got to talking about this picture of Ryan passed out in the sandbox after a day at the pool last summer. Guess this may be a habit of his...LOL.

Fireworks Party

Not a real photo of last night. Still waiting on those.

Last night a lot a fun was had by all at a friend's 4th of July party. Ashley seemed to enjoy herself and Ryan almost made it through the whole backyard fireworks display. He started off really excited and cheering them on and then all of a sudden he decided he was done. I think the fireworks that make it up pretty high in to the air are what freaks him out.

Ashley spent the evening keeping the little kids entertained. By the end of the evening she was pretty wiped out. (And so ready to go home that she had already packed up the van for us and was inside waiting...lol) Guess there is a limit on all of that boundless energy.

Local Fire Heros

Our local firefighters have been working hard today putting out fires in backyard tree houses. Check out the action:

"Calling All Rescue Heros"

Got to get the hose up there.

"Too heavy!!!"

His helmet flies away..

A job well done!

Summer At It's Best

Today was another great day at the pool. It was nice to get away from the house for 3 hours of fun in the hot sun. We couldn't have asked for better weather.

Relaxing in the zero depth pool.

Ryan and his friend getting use to the water.

Claiming what is his from the kids who thought it was theirs...lol

Break time...

Braving the slide.

Surprising mom in front of the camera.

Before & After The Storm

This is what happens when you let 8 neighborhood kids (including your own) take a break from the summer heat and play in the basement for awhile.

Pretty bad, huh?

Not much better from a different angle.

This is what happens when you tell them that if they clean up the mess they'll be local celebrities when I feature them on my blog...

Impressive, isn't it? I'd say they look pretty exhausted.

These are the kids (disguised for their protection) that can be easily tricked into cleaning up after themselves - however the 2 smart boys (from yesterday's 4-wheeling escapade hightailed it out of here when they heard the words "clean up".

Maybe next week I can get them to do windows...lol