Summer Day 26: Happy Birthday America! Thank you for our Freedom!

Little Sassy's you have the best daddy! He took you to the parade today because mommy had pink eye.

You met Mr. Bryan, Miss Dody, Jordon and Autumn downtown! Aunt Gina was walking by and decided she wanted sit with you too... daddy didn't take picture of that though.

Then you came home and sorted out your candies in fun shapes! Firework shapes!! Now, we're awaiting sparklers!!

Daddy was on pyrotechnics and mommy was in charge of capturing the images.

"Thank you to all the people like our daddy who make us safe and let us be free." -- The Sassy Spalding's

Summer Days 21-25

Gramma & Grampa Matelski Camping Trip 2012

Summer Day 21: Friday 6/29: Was spent setting up camp and relaxing! Daddy & Grampa & Gramma took you for some bike rides which you LOVED!!! Mr. Tony and Miss Erin came out for a pop in visit which was a nice surprise. We visited with them around the camp fire until 11:30! You little hoolies wanted to sleep in Gramma & Grampa's camper so you were in bed by 10 p.m. -- yes 10 p.m.!! That's the beauty of Summer time... no schedules! Well, to kick off our camping fun daddy and I got back to the camper and it was flooded! (Apparently when mommy gave you showers I didn't actually turn off the shower, I turned off the sprayer and I turned it on full blast at the handle instead of off... well, it was quite a way to clean the floors lets say.

Summer Day 22: Saturday 6/30: Auntie Angela came out to the camp ground with Abby and Jordy. We played at the campsite and grampa "trained" Jack the dog... He soon learned that he was not the alpha male at the camp site and came to respect everyone. Auntie Angela & Gramma had to take a drive back to Auntie Angela's house because they forgot Jordy's medicine. So while they were gone Grampa and Daddy took you all on a few bike rides! You had SO MUCH FUN going for bike rides! Even Abby Doo took her little trike and managed to keep up with all you hoolies on 2 wheels!

Summer Day 23: Sunday 7/1: You all helped Grampa Lou clean potatoes... the "Matelski" way. It was the funniest thing to watch each of you stir those potatoes clean! It was like watching someone wash laundry the old fashioned way. You had so much fun doing the simplest thing! Then you also climbed the tree that you see in the lower left hand corner. You made a fort and played so sweetly the entire trip! There was no fighting and all kinds of Abby fun! Kailee and Jordy had tons of fun playing with the wagon too! You would pull one another up by the "road" then letting it go and the other person would slowly go back towards everyone. Jordy even said very clearly "Kailee" twice! He wanted Kailee to pull him in the wagon and we kept saying, "call her, say 'Kailee'" and he did (it brought tears to everyone's eyes). It was so nice to see those happy smiling faces. Gramma also brought a pool with her because we had heard there was swimmer itch... so asked the camp ground people and they said "do it!" So we filled up that little pool and you all played in it for hours!

Summer Day 24: Monday 7/2: Today we actually attempted the beach. It was fun because it was so hot and there was a nice breeze but there were so many people it made it difficult to enjoy. One little boy was spraying you with a squirt gun and finally mommy had to step in to be firm. Then some older kids found a snapping turtle and had the nerve to let it go 15 feet from where you were swimming. So, we all packed up and awaited Grampa to come and get us with the truck because there was a lot of stuff! After swimming we did showers but after a short while you were hot again and played the evening away in the little pool. It was fun watching you! After Uncle Josh came back to camp from work and while you hoolies were cooling off in Gramma & Grampa's camper watching a movie; the adults played dominoes for a while. It was so much fun. Then we were all hungry so grampa started the fire to cook the roast, potatoes & green beans. While dinner was slow cooking from the heat of the sun or the fire (we're not sure which was hotter) Uncle Josh decided he wanted to practice face painting -- and you two were perfect to practice on. He did a great job!! And... it was a yummy dinner! You all loved it -- I've never seen you gobble up your dinner so quickly. We had Abby Doo spend the night in our camper too!

Summer Day 25: Tuesday 7/3: Mommy woke up early with pink eye... then daddy left for work. About 6:30 a.m. mommy discovered that the camper fridge wasn't working and had to quietly take all the food from the fridge over to gramma & grampa's. So, while Abby & Grace were sleeping Kailee held down the fort and quietly looked after them so mommy could go 3 camp sites away to save the food! When Abby & Gracie woke up, it was raining. So, you nicely played on the bunk beds, ate pop tarts and drank Root Beer... yes I hate to admit that but the OJ was over at grammas camper and it was pouring and coffee didn't seem like a responsible thing to give you so rootbeer seemed most appropriate considering the circumstances. Since we seemed to be facing an up hill battle with camping and mommy's pink eye -- daddy and I decided to cut the camping trip short. You were heart broken but since everyone decided it was a great long weekend and all good things come to an end you took it quite well. We first helped Gramma & Grampa pack up their camp because there was lots of stuff at their camper! Then we packed up our camp. Grampa & Gramma took you hoolies for a long bike ride. Then gramma treated you to an icecream! We parted ways about 3:30 and everyone was home snuggly and ready for vegging by 5 p.m.! It was a great camping trip... one that was a nice unexpected end to our 2012 camping season because the fridge is broke. :(

Making History

My little Sassy Spalding's today marks a historic day in history. For now, the President's Health Care Law was not shot down by the Supreme Court Justices'. However, it was a close one because the deciding Justice was actually a Republican which is shocking...however maybe this means hope. This law means that no longer can insurance companies deny coverage. Soon insurance companies will not be allowed to charge outrageous rates and they will not be able to put limits on how much can be spent on a person. These insurance companies are the biggest racket... hopefully a positive change will take place soon. xo

Summer Day 20

Hours in the pool on this sunny day...is a beautiful sight! You both get a little frustrated with mommy because I cannot make with down to the pool without pain... so mommy does a lot of watching and deck sitting. I'm sorry you're frustrated with me but I'm happy to see you entertain one another with love. xoxo

Summer Day 19

Kool-aid smiles that every mother loves. Xoxo

Back to the Future is a classic Micheal J Fox movie my Sassys. It's a must watch! One day when you're old enough daddy and I will you expose you to awesome classic movies. XO (Note: Jun 27, 2012 is today!)

Playground Fun - Summer Day 18

Our day has consisted of going to the library then we played a while at St. Francis Playground! It was lots of fun!!

Summer Bucket List: Check Offs (6/26 Update)

We have completed 27 of the 63 now, 65 want-to-do's so far!! We are 18 days into the Summer and on a roll!! 

Summer Bucket List

Here's the list of must do's we've come up with so far for the 88 days of summer (that does include weekends).
1. Kite flying
2. Strawberry picking (we missed our opportunity I'm afraid...)
3. Camping
4. Going to the water park in Mackinaw (ok we went to Avalanche Bay)
5. Swimming in a pool
6. Going to Bay View Beach
7. Going to Petoskey State Park Beach
8. Going to Young State Park Beach (or Boyne City Beach!) (6/23)
9. Going to Camp Petosega Beach
10. Dipping our toes in Lake Superior (this is a far fetched one... but maybe?)
11. Planting flowers
12. Playing at Central, Ottawa, Sheridan and Lincoln's playgrounds.
13. Having a picnic with our friends.
14. Going to listen to the music in the park.
15. Spending the night at Grandma Debbie & Grandpa Lou's.(This will probably be checked off many times!)
16. Eating dinner on the deck
17. Sleeping in (Mommy)
18. Pick up litter any time we see it. (6/22)
19. Get crafty and make some outside projects like a sculpture for the yard. (6/22)
20. Play the wii. (Mommy said only if it's a rainy day)
21. Go walk the hiking trail at Petoskey State Park
22. Walk along the Bear River.
23. Get a pizza and go play at the water front park
24. Go fishing
25. Go visit our cousins
26. Have friends over to the house to play in the sprinkler.
27. Look for beach glass
28. Go for walks
29. Go for bike rides (6/24)
30. Wash the car. (6/25) Daddy actually washed it... so you washed your bikes!
31.  Make popsicles (6/25)
32. Get mini-basketball hoop out and play
33. Go bowling
34. blow bubbles
35. finger paint
36. Go to the library (6/26)
37. Create an obstacle course
38. Feed the ducks
39. Do a 3-legged race
40. Play frisbee
---
41. Go to the wooden park in Boyne City.
42. Climb Barn Mountain
43. Go to the water fountains in Charlevoix
44. Go to the Gaylord Community Pool
45. Scrapbook with Mrs. Whitfield.
46. Plan a trip with Miss Kelly, Gavin, Ashlynn & Alynna
47. Go camping with all our friends
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48. Get a dog. (Daddy said NO!)
49. Roll down the grassy hill (6/21)
50. Play in our blow up pool every day.
51. Catch butterflies *we tried but didn't actually catch any in the butterfly net. (6/22)
52. Go to the concerts in the park during lunchtime
53. Go for walks to the library. (We didn't walk but it was still fun!) (6/26)
54. Go to 7/11 for slurpees
55. Get paint brushes and buckets of water to paint pictures on the driveway
56. Try a new fruit.
57. Make shish-ka-bobs
58. Take golf lessons
59. Make a fairy house under the deck
60. Ride our bikes!
61. Do yoga
62. Go to the skate park
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63. Mommy goes to be with Auntie Tab while baby Grant is born!*Mommy didn't get to do b/c of knee. :(
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64. Go to Pond Hill Farm!
65. Play at St. Francis playground! (6/26)

Summer Days 13 - 18

Thurday:  The burgers are mommy's epic fail so far this summer. I accidentally dumped in a half bag of shredded cheese thus not allowing the jalapeno cheese burgers to stick together! Oye! Daddy saved the day though... he pieced them together... now the grill really needs a cleaning!

 

 Friday: Gracie got all fancy with chalk and wrote, "I love my family". (And she even spelled family right!) We got all crafty today and made a bird feeder for the birds... they don't really like it so we're going to just put it under the deck in hopes they will use it for a bird house instead. While we were outside we also made a special effort to pick up the litter that was up and down our road. It was gross! Like the recycling was blowing all around. Also, today Auntie Tab had baby Grant!! There's a separate post about him but he's so cute and it looks like he'll look more like Auntie Tab which is super cute! xo
 

 Saturday: Today was Abby's birthday... well, not really but we celebrated her today and that was classic!! The party started with some beach time! Yes, we went to the City Beach in Boyne City and you hoolies played for 2 hours! After that we started to hear the classic "I'm hungry". So, we went back to Auntie Angela's and started the burgers & hotdogs... well, actually you hoolies played and Auntie Angela & Mommy tried to light the grill and it just wasn't working so.... Auntie Angela pulled a classic Grandpa Lou and stuck them all in the nu-wave! Then we had cake and opened presents, then headed home. xo

Sunday:  While outside just picking up a little we noticed how huge and bushy Kk's tree as become and how much more full Gg's tree has become too! It's amazing that in only a short 5 years for Kk's tree and 3 years for Gg's how they have grown! Kk's tree is in need a major hair cut again! MAJOR!! Daddy took you both on a bike ride down at the water front today! You had so much fun!

 Monday: Today my Sassy's it wasn't overly warm temperature wise -- 72 outside but in the sunshine it felt wonderful! We made popsicles today with some cherry juice in icecube trays! You LOVED THEM!! Gg felt it was warm enough to try and swim in the pool! So at 12:15 p.m. Gg put her suit on and ventured into the fridged waters of the Spalding Sea! Well, once she got it all skimmed free of the bugs! Kk just played she wanted no part of the pool today... (can't say I blame her!)... so she see saw'ed it up and read a little too! Everyone came in at 3 p.m. and was exhausted! Gg fell asleep on the couch for an hour! Even with a nap we called it an "early" night (8 p.m.) which is actually late for you Sassy's but you've been staying up until 9 - 9:30 most nights!

Tuesday: Finally a sleep in day! My little Sassy's you both slept in until 8 a.m.!! That never happens unless you're sick.... you better not be getting sick! Look at that tired Gg and wide awake Kk in these pictures! My word apparently 8 p.m. is a good time for bed... so we may keep this as the typical bedtime for you both this summer because 12 hours of sleep after long days in the sun playing really is what your little bodies need! So, mommy was the one who was up early today when I could have slept in! The sunshine was so bright I just couldn't sleep anymore! So mommy woke up and started blogging for you... now it's 8:11 a.m. and you both are eating breakfast while I finish this up. I love you my Sassy's! It's Tuesday so that means "Crafter-noon" at the library! It should be super fun day!

Happy Big 4 Abby Doo!

 

Happy Birthday Abby Doo! We love you so much! Even though your birthday was on June 20th, I'm glad we were able to celebrate all together! It was a super fun day at the beach and then playing, cake and presents!!

Auntie Ria's Newest Addition

This is Auntie Ria's newest addition to the collection of cute Nieces & Nephews. Yes, I will claim Auntie Tab's kids as my own! xo This is Grant Nicholas right after birth.

Grant Nicholas 1 day old! (sorry I keep stealing your pictures Tab!) xoxo

New Bird Feeder

I love him!

 10 years of wedded bliss and 12 years of happiness.

Persnickity!

This is what happens when the Sassy's are persnickity with one another... in bed to think it over. Uh oh!

Summer Bucket List: Check Offs

So far we have accomplished 14, no 16! of the 63 want-to-do's and we're only 12 days into Summer! Woot Woot!

Summer Bucket List

Here's the list of must do's we've come up with so far for the 88 days of summer (that does include weekends).
1. Kite flying
2. Strawberry picking (we missed our opportunity I'm afraid...)
3. Camping
4. Going to the water park in Mackinaw (ok we went to Avalanche Bay)
5. Swimming in a pool
6. Going to Bay View Beach
7. Going to Petoskey State Park Beach
8. Going to Young State Park Beach (or Boyne City Beach!)
9. Going to Camp Petosega Beach
10. Dipping our toes in Lake Superior (this is a far fetched one... but maybe?)
11. Planting flowers
12. Playing at Central, Ottawa, Sheridan and Lincoln's playgrounds.
13. Having a picnic with our friends.
14. Going to listen to the music in the park.
15. Spending the night at Grandma Debbie & Grandpa Lou's.(This will probably be checked off many times!)
16. Eating dinner on the deck
17. Sleeping in (Mommy)
18. Pick up litter any time we see it.
19. Get crafty and make some outside projects like a sculpture for the yard.
20. Play the wii. (Mommy said only if it's a rainy day)
21. Go walk the hiking trail at Petoskey State Park
22. Walk along the Bear River.
23. Get a pizza and go play at the water front park
24. Go fishing
25. Go visit our cousins
26. Have friends over to the house to play in the sprinkler.
27. Look for beach glass
28. Go for walks
29. Go for bike rides
30. Wash the car.
31.  Make popsicles
32. Get mini-basketball hoop out and play
33. Go bowling
34. blow bubbles
35. finger paint
36. Go to the library
37. Create an obstacle course
38. Feed the ducks
39. Do a 3-legged race
40. Play frisbee
---
41. Go to the wooden park in Boyne City.
42. Climb Barn Mountain
43. Go to the water fountains in Charlevoix
44. Go to the Gaylord Community Pool
45. Scrapbook with Mrs. Whitfield.
46. Plan a trip with Miss Kelly, Gavin, Ashlynn & Alynna
47. Go camping with all our friends
---
48. Get a dog. (Daddy said NO!)
49. Roll down the grassy hill
50. Play in our blow up pool every day.
51. Catch butterflies
52. Go to the concerts in the park during lunchtime
53. Go for walks to the library.
54. Go to 7/11 for slurpees
55. Get paint brushes and buckets of water to paint pictures on the driveway
56. Try a new fruit.
57. Make shish-ka-bobs
58. Take golf lessons
59. Make a fairy house under the deck
60. Ride our bikes!
61. Do yoga
62. Go to the skate park
---
63. Mommy goes to be with Auntie Tab while baby Grant is born!

Summer Days 6 - 12

The last week has been SO fun filled!

Here's our day-by-day round up:
Thursday: We made a sign for daddy for fathers day: --Upper left photo-- Then we went down to the water front and played for a while. It was a beautiful day so we loved every minute!

Friday: We went over to Grandma Debbie & Grandpa Lou's house because Aunt Roxanne, Uncle Terry, Teresa & Alley came up for a visit. We spent from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. there! It was a fun filled day! We went down to the wooden park and played, then everyone got hot so we went back to grandma's and played in the sprinkler.

Saturday: We went over to Grandma Debbie & Grandpa Lou's again today. It was a fun filled day!! We went to Avalanche Bay with everyone to celebrate Allie's birthday! It was a super fun-tastic day but an earlier day... we were home by 7:30 p.m. and everyone sleeping by 8:30 p.m. because 4 hours in the water park was a long, exhausting, exciting, tiring time!

Sunday: Happy Daddy's Day!! As you can see there are a lot of pictures with daddy posted above. We celebrated daddy and gave him some nice gifts! We bought him a new 47" tv but it hasn't arrived yet! We made "Dad" pancakes and then visited the grandpas! We went to see Grandpa Lou first; played with Abby & Jordy which is always a lot of fun!... then we went over to Grandpa Bob's and visited him! We also celebrated Auntie Gina's birthday! We got to play with Makenna which was lots of fun!

Monday: Happy Birthday Auntie Gina! This was the first day since school let out that Kk slept in until 8:30 a.m.!! Kk never sleeps in... it makes mommy wonder if you were feeling ok. But you said you were feeling good so... You got to spend the night at Grandma Debbie & Grandpa Lou's tonight because mommy had a follow up knee appointment in the afternoon; so Grandma Debbie just wanted you for the night. You had Abby Doo there with you both to play for the day.

Tuesday: You came home from Grandma Debbie's today! Kk had a belly ache and fever in the night, but Grandma Debbie took good care of you! We laid low all day because Kk was still a little "off feeling" and it was a rainy icky outside day. So you little Sassy's played legos, Barbies, and baby dolls long into the late afternoon. Daddy's new 47" tv arrived and he is so HAPPY! It's fun to watch him get all giddy over something. Silly dad. We love him!

Wednesday: Happy Birthday Abby Doo!! Today we spent the day playing outside enjoying the hot weather! 90 degrees and beautiful out side! It was super windy but so beautiful! Mommy got a little pink... you both did not thankfully because mommy was better about keeping sunblock on you than myself. You played nicely in the pool all day. We had lunch on the deck, you tried to make a fairy house outside under the deck but the wind was crazy! You gathered beautiful flowers for the deck too! It was a super day just the three of us!

Love you my little Sassy Spalding's! xo