A First: Summer Concert

We took the kids to their first ever concert this summer.  Originally scheduled for a few days after the 4th of July I figured it would cost the same, or maybe even less, to bring the kids along with us to see Sherly Crow at Ravinia.  A few days before the concert local events had them cancel the upcoming show and it was rescheduled to late August.  Since school was already in session I considered letting their tickets to go waste and getting a sitter, but in the end we decided one late night wasn't going to kill them and that this was the perfect opportunity to get them interested in live music. 

Ravinia is so family friendly, an outdoor, lawn concert venue where you can bring in your own chairs and your own food/drinks.  We hauled in chairs and cheese and wine and sandwiches from Jimmy Johns (oh, and iPads too) and made the most of the warm summer evening.  It was really fun to have Mom and Dad along for the ride too.  I knew Mom would be interested in seeing Sheryl Crow - it was music I grew up on!  We had a great time singing along and just enjoying each other's company.  I think the kids had a good time too.  They like being included in the adult things we do...though, I think the flashing hats they had for sale would have sealed the deal for the kids (we made it out without them...phew!!).  

First Day of School 2022

 

Second and Fifth grades are looking good on these two little cuties!!  I can't believe I have a middle-schooler (though, our small rural school is K-8 so it doesn't feel like such a big leap!).  Some new things this year for Abby include gym uniforms, locker combinations and beginning band (I think she's going to pick the flute).  

Hazel is still the same wild and free soul with a lot of personality and she is ready to launch into the new school year with all her energy.

Abby insisted on taking her pictures with Ollie (the hamster) and Hazel insisted on this sock/shoe combo.  Some battles just aren't worth the fight!  LOL!

Hazel has Mrs. Zont, Abby's beloved second grade teacher.  I'm so happy to be back with her again this year and Abby has Mrs. Stratton.  We saw Mrs. Zont first at school drop off night and she told me that Abby would do well with Mrs. Stratton - she's really into the rules and structure (which will be PERFECT for Abby, I agree).  As summer comes to a close and the temperatures cool down were looking forward to all the structure and growth that the school year brings.  Here's to back to school!

A First: Small Town Fair

 

Lucy wanted to have her birthday party at a local small town fair - Elburn days and the girls were lucky enough to be invited along.  They had such a fun time (and so did the adults!).  Both Jamie and I said that we couldn't believe we've lived in this area this long and we've never been to one of these with the kids.  Jamie bought them all wristbands so they could ride anything they wanted, as many times as they wanted.  It was perfect!

We timed the evening perfectly without even really realizing it.  We arrived around 5:30 and stood in line to get the wrist bands.  We figured out that the wrist bands didn't start until 6 but by the time we got through the line and fed the kids some fair food, it was time to start riding and the line for the wrist bands was SO LONG that we lucked out!  We got the kids on some rides and decided to leave Abby with my phone and fanny pack so the adults could go grab some food and an adult drink in the beer tent area.  We said more than once "we've arrived".  Arrived at that point in time when our kids are a little more independent, and us, as adults, can be a little more independent too!

The kids had a great night.  I think the ride of the night was one of those spinning wheels, like a centrifuge.  The kids went on it twice, and I think more than one of them said "that might have been one time too many".  After a great night of rides and fair food the girls had a sleepover at Jamie's which might have been just as exciting as the rides!?   

We tried a few new local things this summer and we've had so much fun exploring locally with Jamie and Zach.  I think we'll be adding summer nights to the race track and a local fair into our summer rotations for the years to come.  

1 Family x 12 (August)

 

Another month - another family photo to share.  

Dear Abby (age 10)

Abby girl – my sweet little peanut.  My 5.5 lb first baby, the one that made me a mom and taught me so so much.  I truly can not believe (and have not yet come to grips with the fact) that you are turning 10.  Double digits!  It feels like the simple days of childhood are coming to a close.  Like we’re on the precipice of you becoming a big kid and all (the good and bad) that comes with it.  I suppose we’ll figure it out together you and I.  You’re figuring out how to become a young lady and me figuring out how to lead you through that.  You made me a mom and now you’ll teach me how to mother through the years ahead.  I’m equally excited and nervous but one thing I know for sure is that you are one of the sweetest, most kind-hearted kids I know.  In your own way you are a leader.  Not the kind of leader that is loud and demands attention and respect.  The type of leader that requires fairness and honesty both from yourself and others.  You can’t help but tell others about the injustices that you see (I mean…some of them aren’t super important; the fact that Hazel is standing on “your” stool, for example).  But if I think of the qualities you display as a 10 year old, and how they translate into adult life, I think your desire for equality will be a trait that will serve you well.  Pair that with your kind heart and I see an advocate in the making.  Someone who is aware of others around you and how they may be affected or feeling.

You are smart as a whip, and nothing gets past you.  You love to read and love it when we include you in book clubs.  You want Grandma and Auntie and I to read the books you’re reading and to discuss them with you and it’s fun to get to connect with you in this way – to hear your thoughts.  I’m often surprised at the connections you make about the stories and the messages they are trying to deliver. 

You have a good heart, and you watch out for your sister and your friends (even though you still manage to fight a lot).  At 10 I love that you still love your Owies and they travel with you everywhere.  You’re really fun to play games with and always interested in watching the adults play games that are over your head.  You want to be included in the things us adults do and want to know what we’re talking about and what we mean.  When I snap at you for being nosey you respond “hey, I’m just a kid, that’s how I learn”.  Which, in fairness is true.  But I think if you realized that just being quiet and listening might get you more info than asking questions – that’s how us adults realize we should pipe down!

We’re on the brink of 5^th grade, you start in just a few short weeks.  For me, 5^th grade was when I moved from the elementary school to the middle school.  Our school here in Marengo is a K-8, something I was glad about when you started kindergarten and I’m even happier about now.  I know that doesn’t mean the more adult topics aren’t coming – we’re already talking about pimples and deodorant and how some girls you know are wearing bras.  Gah!  Deep breath…I think this birthday is harder for me than it is for you!  Ok ok, enough, let’s celebrate you and your birthday!  I’ll leave the water works for later *smile.  

Favorite Outfit:  “The long dress grandma got me last Easter.”

Both you and your sister really did love those long dresses.  I might have to get you each another one or two for the summertime.  You don’t wear dresses as much as Hazel does.  You’re more of a jeans and t-shirt kinda kid (like me) but you do look adorable in this dress from Grandma.

Some of my favorite t-shirts of yours are your Are We There Yet t-shirt, Make Friends Not War and your shirts that have book covers on them.  I love you in the adorable strawberry skort I got last summer for you and some of the new summer swimsuits.  You even got your first tankini this summer.  I think you might be a little shy to wear it.  I don’t buy you bikini’s I think there’s lots of time for you to be a grown up.  But I do recognize that you’re getting older and that your style will change.  You still let me buy and pick out nearly everything you wear.  You have always had less of an opinion about your clothes than your sister (who loves dresses and to put together the most random outfits).  You’re happy to let me pick and I’m happy to keep picking until you tell me I can’t anymore.

Favorite Food: Cheeseburger or Bacon

This answer made me laugh.  They are two things you’ll eat, though I’d have never guessed that bacon was a “favorite”.  LOL!  Maybe I’ll make bacon this weekend to test your answer on this one 😊

Over the last year you’ve gotten much better about trying new things and eating veggies.  Of course, you still ask for “kids’ choice” from time to time and you do whine often enough about the meals that I made, but overall, I’d say you’re getting better at trying new things.  If you and your sister weren’t so dang slow about eating, I might actually enjoy mealtimes again! 

Favorite Toy: “My Owies.”

I’m pretty sure this will be your answer until you’re too old for toys and then it might be your answer even after that.  In fact, I should probably pick a new question for you all together.  Those Owies are still very much a part of our household, and you even still take them to Brenda’s each day whenever you aren’t in school.  I’m writing this post a few weeks before your actual Birthday (they take me a lot of time) and you haven’t left for camp yet (a first for you) but I’m 93% certain that the Owies will be going along for that week away as well. 

Truly though, I love that you love them so much.  A reminder that even though you’re turning TEN this year, double digits, there is still a bit of little kid left in you.  I see that “little kid” piece get smaller and smaller each passing day though.  I am sad for what’s leaving but also excited to see what’s ahead.

Some firsts this year:

• Girl Scout Camp – Just a few weeks ago you spent a WEEK at Girl Scout sleep away camp with Kayden.  I honestly was nervous to send you.  A whole week away, without a mom to help make you feel comfortable.  But, in hindsight, I think it was more MY fears than yours and I’m glad that I listened to Ryan when he told me we should send you.  You had a great time and learned some valuable life skills.  You learned about homesickness, and about being brave.  You learned that it’s important to try new things.  You are most proud of the fact that you did a zipline and that you now know how to cook Tonka Pizza’s.  I’m about to put you in charge of one meal per week…it’s time to let you learn how to cook for others.
• Roller coaster rides -  Last summer Daddy, Erin and Grandpa took you girls to Six Flags for your first ever taste of a real theme park.  Well, that’s not quite true, we did Disney when you were 5, but Six Flags has the big coasters.  I didn’t go because, well, those rides make me sick, but it sounds like you both were very brave and you tried some of the bigger coasters.  You were adamant that you did NOT want to go upside down, but overall you guys had a great time and you were very adventurous.  Six months later we went back to Disney where you were excited to show Grandma and Pappa how brave you were.  You even went on Hagrid’s Ride a virtual reality coaster that you later said made you a little scared.  In fact, you went on that ride twice!  I’m hoping there’s another Six Flags trip in your future this year, I need to talk to Daddy about organizing that.  But, you said that you might even try an upside down coaster this time around.  We’ll see!!
• You’ve been willing to try some new foods this year.  I’m sure there are others, but some notable ones I can remember are Butter Beer and Mochi.  The Butter Beer was at Harry Potter in Universal (of course) and the Mochi was from Auntie and my obsession over creating at home Ramen.  We’ve been on a mission to prefect it and you guys are just along for the ride. 
• Hamsters – This past Christmas Daddy and I got you girls hamsters and honestly, I didn’t think I’d like them one bit, but, turns out, I love the little critters!  Who knew?!?  I mean, I spend a LOT of time running a mouse trap line nearly 12 months out of the year, so when I committed to not one, but two hammies, I was pretty sure it wasn’t the best idea. Hazel wants a bunny more than anything else in the whole wide world, so Fern and Olive seemed like the lesser of two evils.  Anyways, you girls are really good hamster moms.  You help clean their cages each week, with very little complaining, you help me cut up veggies for the dishes each night, and you both play with them nearly every single day.  We lost Fern a month or two ago (I was sadder than I’d have ever expected) so we have a new little friend, Pip – a dwarf hamster.  

Nicknames:

Pretty much the only nickname we use for you anymore is Pearly.  It’s the only one that’s stood the test of time.  I still fondly remember Peanut but I don’t find myself using it often.  If it’s not Pearly, then, like in years past, it’s some random rhyming word that I pick at the moment.  Beepbops, Zooka Zomma Little Momma (means “Hurry up” in McGrath speak) pretty much anything random that comes to mind in the moment.

Favorite Movie: Sing 2

Sing 2 was the first movie you and Hazel saw in a movie theater post COVID.  I’m sure you enjoyed it because it was a reminder of the before times, but also because Grandma and Pappa took you, AND because you’d waited SO long to see it.  Let’s face it, I’m cheap!  So, when they wanted $25 to RENT the movie for 2 days on the TV, I refused to cave.  We waited until it was released on DVD and bought the dang movie for the same price we could have rented it for.  And you got to see it in the movie theater for the first time, as a sing along none-the-less.  I don’t regret a thing!

Bears or Packers?  “Both Mommy.”

HA!  I should have known this one as well.  You’ve said “both” since you’ve realized that it’s something Daddy and I are split on.  You don’t want to pick a side and I should stop asking you to.

 

Favorite TV show: Hilde

I think it’s fair to say that since we signed up for a few of the streaming services during the past few years your shows and movie options have expanded.  Lauren suggested Hilde to me a few months back when we saw them so one day when you guys were looking for something new, I suggested it.  Personally, I don’t see the appeal, but you and Hazel enjoyed it quite a bit.  It’s a little anime for my taste, but I suppose that’s part of growing up.  You get to pick your own favorites and they don’t have to be the things I’d choose. 

Strangely, Disney Junior still holds up remarkably well in our house considering we have a 7 and 10 year old.  The Lion Guard is a tried-and-true show you guys watch over and over again, as is Bluey.  You’ve enjoyed the Barbie shows on Netflix and are always excited when there is a new Barbie series released.  

Fears:  “The dentist and losing my teeth.”

I worry that we’ve scarred you for life with the dentist.  You truly do hate it.  They have you coming every 4 months now because we can’t seem to get ahead of your plaque build-up which has you even more worked up then you were before.  I’ve figured out that it’s better to just not tell you you’re going until the moment we’re leaving because you get yourself so worked up about it.  It’s gotten to the point that I hate taking you – I think dentist appointments might be a new Daddy job. 

While the dentist is bad, losing teeth is worse!  It’s a month-long process of being nervous to bite into anything, favoring the side of your mouth that isn’t loose and overall being very dramatic.  Hazel just rips them out and moves on to waiting for the tooth fairy to deliver.  You, on the other hand, would choose to keep your baby teeth for the rest of your life if given the choice.  We are nowhere near half way through losing all your baby teeth but I’m counting down the days until that part is past us.

 

Favorite Color: Blue and Pink

Abby's Birthday Party

 

Another summer birthday party is officially in the books and it was a good one!  It was a little cooler than some of our past parties but that didn't slow these kids down, especially the birthday girl turned mermaid for the day.  Just after Hazel's party Abby started a list of things she wanted to ask for (which was very helpful I must say!).  This mermaid tail was on the top of the list and it's gotten some pretty good use over the weeks since her party.

Abby requested "Angel food cake with white frosting on the sides" which I was SURE she didn't know what she was asking for.  She claims I made it for the lake one time, which, I have exactly zero memory of.  So, after showing her a few pictures and asking quite a few times if sue was sure that's what she wanted, I pulled the trigger and bought a box mix (with cupcakes to fill out the dessert portion of the night) and figured if she didn't like it at least the adults would eat it!  I whipped up some berries in goog-gum (it's not a real word....it means berries with sugar on them) and pulled out a can of Redi-whip and called it a day!  Turns out, this cake was a huge hit!  I think everyone expected that I'd made it from scratch since Erin busted out a pretty fancy homemade cake for Hazel's birthday.  I took all the compliments but owned up to the fact that it was a box mix.  

The kids are obsessed with the idea of having pinatas at their party - its easy enough to oblige so we do.  Heck - it's a great way for me to use up all the old Halloween candy from last year in prep for the next batch we'll get in a few months!

And, what's a McGrath birthday without a chaotic ranger ride for all the children!?  Ryan and Brian entertained the entire group of kids for quite a while driving them around the back yard.  I'd call it a successful birthday party if I've ever seen one!

Summer nights at the race track (round 2)

After having such a great time at the Sycamore race track back in June, we quickly added another date to our summer a calendars and invited even more friends.  The second time back didn't disappoint, and we had a great time - plus we got this awesome group shot of some our favorite friends!

We brought along a stack of quarters for the kids and I played bookie for the evening, recording the cars each kid was betting on and doling out the money to whomever won.  We told them they could use their money to buy snacks - which, win win!  We were going to buy the snack anyways and this way we got a few hour of entertainment out of the quarters too.  

The kids pooled their money to buy popcorn, gummy worms and M&Ms and then poured it all into the popcorn box to mix it up.  It was all going fine until they spilled the whole box and then everyone was sad because they lost ALL the candy in one quick spill.  Back to the snack stand the dad's went, and all was fine after that.  We'll know better next time :)

Gina and Henry's Wedding

 

We haven't had a big family wedding in what feels like forever!  Of course with anything, there are seasons, so 10-15 years ago, it felt like we were going to more weddings than we had time or money for!  I swear one year we had as many as 6 or 7, but, we've had a real lull lately as we've waited for the younger generation of cousins to get to this point. Last year when Gina and Henry got engaged (wait, maybe two years ago!?), I started hinting around that there were two little girls who might make good flower girls.  

I feel like having kids at weddings is rare these days, so somehow, Abby and Hazel have only ever been to ONE wedding and they one they went to was very untraditional.  No late night party, no big dance party on the dance floor, no twist and shout...none of the staples of a wedding!  The girls were so very excited, when they were asked to be flower girls in the wedding (and I was excited for them!).  At age 7 and 10 they are finally old enough to stay up with us until the end.  Sure, they were tired the next day, but having them along was actually fun! 

So - by weedeling the girls into the wedding party, I also bought us front row tickets to the entire wedding weekend, which meant we got to be a part of the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, hair and makeup prep, pictures and the whole nine yards.  Was it a lot of driving around, sure!  Was it a lot of waiting around, of course!  Was it worth it?! YOU KNOW IT!  Would we do it again?  In a heartbeat.

Friday evening was a real S*TH show getting to the rehearsal dinner, but mostly it was my own fault.  Ryan was traveling for RH that week and his flight got delayed and I had his clothes for the evening with me, but when I made a last minute change of plans and took an Uber to the rehearsal dinner instead of driving, I left his clothes in the van.  To make matters worse, we were both cutting it so close to the departure time that I was nearly in tears when I saw Gina and Terri and they both insisted that it was fine, and that he could come, t-shirt, sandals and all, even though the invitation clearly said it was a dressy event!  I should have know that Terri's response would be "Its fine, we just love Ryan so much, he has to be here".  I just felt so terrible being a source of drama for the evening, but, it all turned out fine and everyone had a great time.  I AM bummed I didn't get a nice picture of the two of us all dressed up and looking great....but, it's the memories that count!

The rehearsal dinner was on the Odyssey Boat which tours up and down the Chicago river right in the heart of downtown.  It was beautiful and so unique and I'm grateful that we got to be a part of the evening alongside the rest of the bridal party.  

Saturday was a jam packed day full of lots of fun events (and also a good bit of sitting around waiting).  The kids were great.  They had RoRo to keep them company and they were so sweet together.

*Poor Hazel came down with a BAD case of (maybe) poison ivy on our last day of the camping trip.  The week before the wedding we saw two doctors and had a whole pharmacy of drugs prescribed to try to get the rash to stop spreading and to being to heal.  I felt so bad for her - she was covered in a rash that was spreading, and we had her on 2 creams, prednisone and zytec to try and help her stop itching.  She's such a trooper - somehow this stuff always happens to Hazel.  As Erin put it "It's authentically Hazel" and she couldn't be more right.

Terri and Gina surprised the girls with these adorable jean jackets with Flower Girl embroidered on the back.  They are hanging in the mud room and ready for fall days!  I think we'll get a good bit of use out of them even now after the wedding.

Gina's flowers (well, all the flowers) were beautiful!  They were all made by the flower shop she works in and I just love to hear her talk about all the flowers included.  You can tell she loves plants and she knows so much about each one in there.  I couldn't resist this close up shot!

I'm proud of us for getting some nice family shots while we were all together but I can NOT believe I didn't get a single one of us with the girls.  They were so busy doing all the wedding things that we didn't see much of them until they started setting up for dinner.  I can't believe I didn't think to get even one of us all dressed up and together.  We did get a family photo with the photographer, so maybe that'll be the winner!

Sweet Hazel - I don't know if I would have pegged her as the one who wouldn't make it the entire night, but I think the combo of meds we had her on for that rash really took it out of her and by 9pm or so she was tired and ready to quit for the night.  I pushed some chairs together for her, balled up Bobby's jacket for a pillow and she slept through the music and dancing until it was time to go home. 

If you're thinking this little wedding nest I created for her was a smart idea, just know that I didn't come up with it myself!  I was a flower girl once too...one that needed to go to bed before the party was over.  And, I couldn't help but dig up the old photos of me from that night to share with you.  *Note the late 80's hair and hoop skirt (I love it so much!).