First Day of School--2013!

The First Day of School snuck up on us too quickly like usual.  Jack found out the week before he'd be in Mrs. Gronemeyer's first grade class.  He was very happy with that placement, though not many of his best friends with kindergarten were in his class.

Mommy and Jack's first day of school pic!

The first week of school went well.  Upon asking Jack daily how his day went, he always replied something like, "I got two interceptions and a touchdown!"  Clearly RECESS is a highlight!  He's really liking his teacher, his classroom, lunch, all day school and the math portion of the day too.

Rickert Summer Reunion--KC

This summer we spent a long weekend in KC for our who-knows-how-many-years-we've-been-doing-the-summer-reunions!  The weather was fantastic...especially for KC in AUGUST!  Unfortunately Jay didn't travel with us because he had baseball playoffs, nor did Anna, Jake, and Ella.

The best shot we could get of all the boys!  

Jack and Braden were best buddies and joined at the hip!

Geri made capes for all of the kids.  All of them were Batman capes, but the inside was either V for Vikings or M for Mizzou (I think!). Ella got a cute purple one!

Water balloons and the bon fire was a big hit too!  But as always, just fun, food and fellowship!  We did add a first annual UNO Tournament!  Derrick won!  The big little boys really had fun playing too!

Summer Fun 2013

As usual, the summer went by way too fast and was filled with tons of fun.  Below are some snap shots of the summer!

Strawberry picking...IN JULY! Late season this year.  Made my first pie!  A strawberry one!

4th of July ice cream treats before the fireworks!

Visited Grandma Evie at St. Mary's Hospital while she was admitted for Lyme Disease.  I took the boys to the fountain and tried to explain its importance. At least they posed for this nice photo!

We attempted a family movie two times this summer.  The first movie we took Luke to was Monsters University.  He didn't do so hot.  I ended up leaving early with him.  Then we tried Planes.  He lasted a little longer, but Jay had to leave early with him.  No more money wasted on that for awhile longer!

Sprinkler and Slip-n-Slide fun!

Jay celebrated his 17th Heart Transplant Anniversary!  So hard to believe that much time as passed.  He did battle a month of pneumonia after we returned from the lake. Luckily he wasn't hospitalized and it wasn't too serious.  It just knocked him out of baseball and running.

Luke moved into a big boy bed!  We took down the crib (and sold it) and moved him into the bunk beds with Jack!  He's done great.  Hasn't fallen out once, but he she is having a time going to sleep at night.  Boo.

COUSINS!

Ella!

Lake 2013

4th annual trip to "the lake."  3rd year back at Breezy Point Resort in Osage, MN.  Good times!