Well, hello!  It's been over a month since I've posted here, what will my excuses be?  Actually, my first one is a good one.  Remember my sore throat, aches and chills the night before Mike returned from Texas? Turned out to be Strep.  I had to miss Mike's company picnic the next day and was pretty miserable until i went to the doctor for some antibiotics on Monday.  So I guess I was out of my blogging routine for a few days.  Then once you get out of it... well you know how that goes.

Our neighborhood pool opened up Labor Day weekend so we have spent the majority of our days there.  We all have a nice tan going as proof.  In addition to the kids having a blast, I get to lounge poolside (most of the time) and get to know the neighbors.  I've met so many of them there, it's starting to feel like a real community to me.

Macy has started lob-pitch softball in Huntertown and Nick began flag football with the YMCA.  Mike has agreed to co-coach Nick's team.  It is amazing to watch Nick.  He is truly in his element.  I'm the biased mommy so I think he's the best darn football player in the world, but when I hear the rest of the crowd of parents talking about him, I feel justified that I may be correct!  He is so focused on the ball, anticipates the runner and his direction, fakes moves side to side.  If he continues to enjoy it with as much passion as he has now, he could really be something someday.

Macy says she likes softball but seems rather bored during the games.  I think it may just be a calmness in her that I rarely see.  I may have skewed expectations of how she should act on the field and maybe, just maybe, this is her competive side - calm, cool and collected.  If you know Macy, though, this is a little hard to believe:)

Stevie is a great cheerleader on the sidelines with me:)

In other news, some of my family came a'visiting in mid-June.  We had six adults, two teenagers and nine little ones under the age of nine in 'da house!  We hung out at the pool, attended German Fest, checked out the Zoo and generally sat around chatting, eating and trying to control the mass chaos of kids.  It was awesome!

Which brings me to today.  We got back from our Summer Trip to Nebraska last night.  I've done laundry, gotten groceries and generally (and in a sluggish sort of way) put some things away and trudged about the house, really in no mood for much of anything (I'm exhausted).  My attempt at a giant blog update will have to end now.  I hope to catch you all up on our Nebraska trip (dare I say it) tomorrow!  ooh, ooh... remind me to tell you about the Indy Fever and the Dave Matthews concert fiasco, too!