Pictures of kids of course

I always seem to posting pics of the kids but these are the "official pictures" of the year.
The individuals were taken at the beach by Karla and the group shot was done by me (the non-professional) Anyway they are growing up........

this is easier???

I thought when the girls went back to school things would get easier around here. Was I ever wrong! Notice the not blogging too often, I have been busy just getting the kids ready for school, dealing with a kindergartener who doesn't want to go to school, the homework of 5th grade, volleyball practice, childcare for extra kids, canning tomatoes, green peppers, green beans, starting up of kids klub at church, helping run pto at the school, starting extra work at the library....
need I say more!!
No one should ask me what I am going to do with all my "free" time!!!!
Don't work too hard this labor day

Back to School

Up and Ready to go by 7 am. The girls were excited about the first day of school.
Abi 5th grade, Clara 3rd grade and Brianna Kindergarten!!
Ready or not here we come!!

End of July

End of July came and went so quickly! We had Karla and the kids here for a week, Joel and Kendall came, left Ollie for 5 days with us and grandma and then came back. We had a great time catching up, playing with the kids and of course eating. How many nights did we have corn of the cob?? I lost count :) I love having family around and wish everyone lived closer
some pictures of the kids.....

Chicago and Kirkendall Visit

Busy, Fun weekend. Megan and Kyle came to our house Friday with my mom. We went swimming and played and ate! Don and Vicki came Saturday afternoon. Learned a new game called garbage.
Sunday morning we got on the South Shore train for Chicago at 7:50 (our time) all day we had to remember that Chicago is an hour behind us. The train ride takes 2 hours. We arrived at millinuim park and saw the art and the fountain. We then boarded a free trolley that took us to navy pier. We took a 30 min. boat ride that showed the chicago skyline. It was relaxing. The weather was perfect all day. We then went to get pizza at Giordinos of course we had the stuffed pizza. I think Mitch and Don ate about 6 pieces each!! Then we walked by the sears tower and back to the park (after ice cream at mcdonalds) Train ride home I think everyone fell asleep at least I did!!
Monday we just relaxed (well we did have 8 kids in the house so I am not sure how relaxing that is :) the weather cleared up and we went swimming and the kids played carpet pool and card games. Brianna is learning skip-bo so watch out!!
next week..... Joel, kendall, karla and families come to visit and the big Burger reunion that we are in charge of......

Dog Days of Summer

Not sure why they call them dog days but we have been busy. Took a trip to Karla's over the 4th. Had a good time eating, shopping, playing with the kids even took time to watch a movie.
Came home for one day and then went camping at Potato Creek with the in-laws and then with our small group. We ate hobo dinners, smores, played 10,000 when it rained and tried to keep up with the kids.
The kids had fun riding bikes, playing at the playground, swimming, playing uno and whiffle ball.
We bought a new tent this year and we had plenty of room for all of us.
now for the next adventure a trip to chicago with cousins.

Hooton Boys on the Job

Mitch decided to change the oil in his truck at home. Drew decided to help.