Birthday Celebration!

 Another year around the sun for me and another year of my two favorite people spoiling me. Max planned the day, so we started out bowling. Andy ended up beating us in two games, but I believe Max won the first game. We were just warming up. 

They took me to our favorite sushi restaurant. Of course, Max picked dinner.

We also had Nothing Bundt Cakes...because tradition!

The boys spoiled me like always and it's been another great year around the sun!

First Day of School

 Max started 7th grade on July 14th, and this means he is officially in junior high. When people say time goes by fast, they sure are not kidding. It's a whole new school for Max, with only three of his friends from elementary school going to the same junior high as him. 

I think this is a great opportunity for Max to get out of his shell and meet new kids. I know that will be tough for him to do, but it will be good for him. I know junior high can be tough with all the changes going on and these kids going through growth spurts and hormone changes, but I have a feeling it's going to be a great year for Max. On the plus side, his three best friends are with him.

Somehow this kid measured five feet and five and a half inches tall. He's definitely taller than me, and he's not slowing down anytime soon. 

We've been in school now for quite a few weeks, and it's going really well. Max is able to stay on top of his homework, and he's getting really good grades. We are proud of him since we know all the changes and the transition to junior high brought on a lot of anxiety.

Here's to a great year of 7th grade!

Camp WI: Part III

 For the last leg of camp WI, we spent it on the west side of Madison. Max was excited to open his birthday presents from Grandpa T and Grandma S. and lived in his sweatsuit the rest of the time.

A lot of time was spent on this deck. It's just so relaxing and fun to watch the golfers. Especially when they hit the ball of the course and right in front of the deck.

We went out to dinner to celebrate Max's birthday and of course grandpa let him order the king crab legs.

Since Tayler and Batu live on the west side we were able to catch up with them and have drinks.

Max got to golf with Andy and Grandpa. Max had a great time golfing. I did really well and played better than Andy and Grandpa T. Max is looking forward to golfing with them again.

Max got to spend time with Grandma S and Beau at the movies and also the pool with Beau and Mackenzie.

On the last night that I was in Madison, we played Left, Center, Right on the deck and Tayler and Batu were able to join us.

Another great time in Madison with family and friends. It's time to head back to Arizona so Max can get ready for school to start. I am sure Max will want to do this again next Summer.

Camp WI: Part II

 Max headed to the west side of Madison to spend time with Grandma L. They also saw a movie together, which is one of Max's favorite things to do. I know Max wanted to go strawberry picking, but it was too late in the year for that activity.

They did go to Vitense Golf, where they did mini-putting and drove remote control boats.

Checked out the Madison Zoo.

Of course Grandma L bought him a couple of books of his choice to encourage him to read. 

Three peas in a pod!

Unfortunately, I was already back in AZ for this group family photo, but it's too cute!

Camp WI: Part I

 Max and I headed to WI so he could spend 10 days hanging out with his grandparents. It was very hot and humid almost the whole week I was there. I emphasize the humidity part. It wasn't the heat that bothered me; it was the humidity. Andy flew in a few days after Max and I did.

Round one was with Grandpa J and Grandma V in Sun Prairie. Of course, we got a game of Uno in while we were there. If I remember correctly, Grandma won this game; maybe it was Grandpa?

We rented a pontoon boat one day to hang out on the water. Tayler was able to join us as well.

Max was supposed to fish, but that didn't last long. The humidity was so bad that if the boat wasn't moving, it was unbearable outside.

They also got a movie in while I relaxed back at the house. I was also able to hang out one night with a long-time friend of mine. He also visits Madison every year around the 4th of July, so if we are in town at the same time me make sure to catch up.

I got one night out with Aunt Margie to catch up over some Palomas.

Andy arrived, picked up Max, and they headed to the west side of Madison for time with the other grandparents.

We Have A Teenager

 It's official! Max is now a teenager. Another year around the sun filled with lots of attitude, but also still plenty of hugs. 

To celebrate, we took Max and his best buddies to Andretti for games and indoor racing.

Then back to our house for pizza making on the smoker and a sleepover. It was a long night, but Andy and I survived the sleepover. We think we will take a break from sleepovers for a while.

Max woke on his actual birthday to balloons in his doorway. He may be a teenager now, but he still likes this tradition. 

I had to work all day so Max had to wait all day to open presents. He was struggling with his patience all day.

He did get the one main thing he has been asking for...a TV. I wasn't a big fan of a TV in his bedroom yet, but Andy thought he was ready.

Of course, Max picked Angry Crab for his birthday dinner.

And we topped off the birthday with ice cream from 16 Handles.

We have a teenager in the house, and we hope to survive this hormonal adventure. It will be a great year for Max and making memories at a new school.