WOW! I can't believe almost an entire month has passed since I've typed anything on here.

Let's see Jane and Nick arrived on 8/6 and we left for vacation on 8/11 (my 40th birthday). We went to South Beach Resorts in Marblehead. The cottage that we stayed at was fantastic! It was right across from two of the three pools. There was a marina with gazebos and a beach.

For my 40th birthday we went out to eat and then went to my favorite whippy dippy store up there where I got a fresh peach sundae. Nummy!

Our weather was perfect for vacation. The only down spot was that Carter got sick on the 12th and stayed sick for most of the vacation. He had really bad poops and was ill a few times. We were concerned about going anywhere too far away from our cottage incase he had an accident.

One night we did go out and played put put golf for the 1st time with the kids. They thought it was a blast. We also road on some little water boats while we were at the same place as the golf. The boats had little squirters on them and motors so you could drive them around. We had an absolute blast!

Other than that trip, we did a little sight seeing at Marblehead; went to the Dinosaur park - very 70ish; and spent a lot time at Walmart buying food. :~)

The resort also had a really nice play area with swings, slides, a log cabin, a train and a castle with a slide coming out of it. The kids had so much fun. I hope that we'll go back there some year as it was so relaxing.

When we got home it was time to get ready for Athena's 5th birthday on Monday the 20th. She was so excited she could hardly contain herself. She asked for an Angelina cake this year so that's what I made her. I did the Angelina in chocolate and just a plain white cake. Athena's favorite icing is the kind in a can so I used that.

Carter gave her the princess carriage that she had wanted to get in July from Kmart but had gotten in trouble right before we checked out so she wasn't allowed it. She was so happy! She also got other Barbie things from us and some nice gifts from Nanna and Granddad.

Her birthday party with her friends was at the Blue Ash rec park - Maple Shelter (the bug park) on Saturday, 8/25. Besides Athena and Carter, Anna, Maddie and Melina came. It was a perfect number for our perfect girl. After a week of the temperature being near 100 the high that day was only about 90 so it felt fairly cool. The kids played, ate pizza and made Dora crafts from a kit Patrick had bought. The party favor was princess wands that could be decorated with jewels and ribbons and a pirate sword for Carter. It was a great time.

The next day was our party for with family. Athena was so excited about yet another birthday party! Uncle Glenn got her Tawny the walking, neighing horse which was the absolute hit. Athena also got two heads that you can play with the hair and apply fake make-up too, etc. Again we had really nice weather and all had a fun time.

The next day, 8/27, was Athena's first day of Kindergarten. Boy was she excited! Her teacher's name is Mrs. Esler and Athena gets to ride the school bus each day. She has a new friend named Rowan - all is right in her world.

Now it's Labor Day weekend and today was idyllic - perfect weather. We took a walk and spent some good time together. I can't wait for tomorrow!

Karen