Back to School

The kids were so super excited. We had a very nice ten week summer, but the kids were ready to be back seeing their friends and being back on our very comfortable school year routine. This year, we celebrated Libby starting kindergarten. Anne started this school year at a new preschool and has loved every minute meeting new friends!

A Little Late

Our 35lb Bulldog turned two July 13th. He rocks our world, but is the coolest little boy that walks (or runs) the earth.

Shut Your Mouth When You're Talking to Me

Meg's favorite line from mother's who find out we have seven children...

"I don't know how you do it! I can't even handle my one (or two, or three, or four)!".

Who admits to a total stranger that they can't handle their own children? So my favorite response to this comment is....

"I'm sorry to hear that".

I just wonder why people say that. Makes them appear silly.

Family Pride

T.P Barnett Co

Architects

One of the many, many building in St. Louis designed by my great, great, great grandfather.

Fun at the St. Louis Zoo

Have I ever mentioned that we have, by far, the best Zoo in the country?? Well, we do. It's free and it's beautiful and our city pours a lot of money into it. It's an amazing place where children can learn, abd explore, and have a lot of fun with the endless exhibits. There is a bit of family history at the St. Louis Zoo on my side of the family, so it is an extra special place for us. Needless to say, Dan and I had such a fabulous time with our three youngest this morning. (Have you all figured out that Evan just loves water?!)

Eleven Years....

Dan and I celebrated eleven years of marriage on June 9th. The past few weeks have been so busy that our anniversary sneaked up on us quickly. What can I say? There are seven children in our house, life moves pretty quickly. Just adding some some pics of the kiddos with this post. After all, they wouldn't be here without Dan and I having a strong, loving marriage.

This Little Girl of Ours....

She's something else, isn't she?! Libby just had her first dance recital on June 3, 2011. She has been taking dance lessons for nine months, and Friday was her big night. As you can see, our pretty little girl just glowed. She did such a fabulous job on stage. She sang and danced her little heart out. Dan and I are so proud of her.

She has grown up so much over the past year. Libby just finished her last year of preschool. She just had her kindergarten screening where she placed in the 95%. She has many good friends, is loved by all, and has this special spark about her.

She is something special, and we know one day in her own way, will really make a difference in this world.

O'Barry Rules!!

Family Fun at Norwood Hills Country Club

Mama Said There Would be Days Like This....

So, this week, Libby found a pair of scissors and not only cut her beautiful long hair, but also Anne's hair and cut some of the little hair that Max had on top of his head.

(Meg was out running errands when this happened).

So, after two haircuts, over $50, and ten inches of Libby's beautiful hair gone, she now has a sweet short cut. Which will take me some time to get used to, I'm not a huge fan of short hair on little girls.

The Things Kids Say...

Libby: "Well, it looks as if I'm allergic to alligators".

Meg and Dan: Totally speechless.

Run Meg, Run

A friend of mine talked me into running a 5k with her this June.

I know, OMG.

And no, I have no idea what I was/am thinking, but if anything, it's an awesome excuse to get back in shape (and fast) and support a good cause with a bunch of good friends.

So, I went to Walgreen's and picked up a Fitness magazine. Like that is going to help, but it's motivation, I guess.

Here goes nothing.....

Snow Angels

My Kid is Cooler than Your Kid