Winter 2011-2012

Packer Party

2012-01-29T11:51:00.001-08:00

The boys decided to throw a little Packer party: they made cupcakes, nachoes, and pizza! We sat and enjoyed a BIG win for the Packers!

A Reminder of Life and Appreciation

2012-01-29T11:28:00.000-08:00

New Year's Day brought several reminders of how blessed we are.

Jesse wanted to bring Arianna and Zory back to their home, which was about 25 miles from our home. It had been snowing the night before and the roads were very slushy, he didn't want them driving by themselves. About ten miles from our house another driver lost control of her car and hit Jesse and the kids. They flipped end over end twice and then landed in the ditch. They were transported to our local ER via ambulance. Arianna suffered a severe concussion that kept her from school for nearly three weeks. Zory was guarded closely by angels, he walked away from the accident with only minor scratches. Jesse suffered a concussion and severe shoulder separation. He has been out of work for four weeks. He goes to physical therapy three times a week. He has very little strength in his arm, is in pain almost constantly, and is not sleeping. We were told it can take several months to heal from a shoulder separation. This been a very slow process.

In all this, we know we are blessed to still have Jesse, Arianna, and Zory here with us. The accident deployed both their air bags. The young lady in the other car, walked away, shaken but not injured.

We are so thankful that God has given us more time with our family. We know how close they came to losing their lives and are so thankful they are okay. Hug your family, enjoy every minute of both the good and bad times.

Happy New Years: 2012

2012-01-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

We had a nice low-key New Years! Arianna, Christopher, Arianna, and Grandpa helped us welcome in the year 2012! We ate, laughed, watched some terrible tv, and goofed off well into the New Year! Once again, Thomas did not make it to see midnight, he curled up on the couch and was O U T! Everyone else was wired and ready. The boys were up til nearly one with all their energy!

Christmas Magic

2012-01-29T10:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Children's Mass at Our Lady of the Lake. The boys were chosen to carry Baby Jesus to the manager. While Jesse and I were especially nervous, terrified our boys would be the ones who dismembered the Christ child. They did great! Baby Jesus arrived to his appointed manager in one piece! Prayers answered!

Christmas arrived full force early the next morning! We made the boys wait for Grandpa before they were allowed to open their gifts! They were excited with all their new treasures! The next two days were spent assembling the gifts! Christmas Eve dinner was shared with Jesse's siblings, while Christmas brunch was spent with mine. Overall, it was a lovely Christmas holiday!

Meeting Ronald McDonald

2012-01-29T09:58:00.001-08:00

Do you believe in magic? We do! Ronald McDonald had a very special treat for those who popped over to the Ashland McDonalds. The boys loved his magic tricks, sparkling personality, and bright red hair! Thanks Ronald McDonald, it was a true pleasure to meet you!

2011 Bentlyville

2012-01-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

A new tradition has started for the Parker family. This year my mom, sister, the boys and I made our way to the ever popular Bentlyville in Duluth, Minnesota. Bentlyville is a celebration of Christmas lights, music, Santa, cocoa and cookies, and a whole lot more! Bentlyville is free to the public and extremely popular. We braved the very cold wind and weather to stand in line for three hours so that our family to meet Santa. It was well worth the wait! This is a tradition that will continue for as long as possible. Thank you, Nana and Auntie Heather for making our evening even more special!

Walter Wedding

2012-01-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

Our dear friends, Jodi and Tom, reunited in matrimony December, 2011. The wedding was at the Hotel Chequamegon, Jesse officiated. Mollie made the wedding cake, which was both beautiful and delicious! We had an amazing time and are so thankful to have friends like the Walter's family.

2011 OLL Christmas Program

2011-12-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

Our Lady of the Lake Chistmas program. This was the first year Jesse and I sat alone. All three of our boys are in school and participated in the program. It was lovely, the singing was adorable, we are so proud of our three boys!

Thomas-Jensen's Christmas Program

Jackson and Ashton's Christmas Program

Christmas Pictures

2011-12-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

We snapped a couple of pictures of the kids in their jammies in front of the tree. It definately feels more like Christmas, even though it is technically late fall (thanks for reminding me Ashton).

Christmas Cookie Decorating

2011-12-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

The boys had a blast decorating Christmas cookies! However, they lasted only a matter of days! We are going to have to create a new batch for Santa, these cookies go fast!!!

Dad's Big Buck!

2011-12-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Dad shot his first buck within the first few hours of opening day! It was his first buck in several years! Every year he gears up and waits patiently throughout hunting season, but without any luck comes home without that elusive animal. This year, however, was the exception! Jesse shot a nice, healthy, five year old, 8 point buck. Congrats Jesse, he's a beauty!

The Funeral of Leo the Lizard

2011-12-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

We said goodbye to our dear pet leopard gecko, Leo. This was the first death of a pet (besides all the nameless fish) and the boys took it especially hard. Thomas talks daily of Leo and the boys find comfort in knowing he is with God in heaven. Rest is peace Leo, we think of you often and miss you daily!

Veteran's Day Play

2011-12-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

Ashton amazed all of us by joining in on a school play. Two years ago, Ashton wouldn't wear a funny pair of sunglasses because he refused to dress up/pretend. Now Ashton is trying out for school plays , memorizing lines, and interacting in a pretend fashion! Go Ashton! We are so proud of you!
Jackson's 2nd grade class helped out as musical accompaniment. Some of the boys were asked to dress as cowboys and Jack was excited to be one of them! Look at my little cowboy go! Jack is very shy, but with his peers you would never be able to tell that! Great job Jack!

Carving Pumpkins

2011-10-16T12:40:00.001-07:00

We carved and painted our pumpkins in high fashion this year!

Thomas-Jensen's pumpkin has a bat-cat, Jackson is the spooky face, and Asthon is the two little ghosts! It was a lot of fun, but also a lot of hard work! Jack wants to take the seeds and bake them, now if only I knew how to do that?!?

Hut, hut, HIKE!

2011-10-16T12:24:00.001-07:00

Ashton and Jackson played flag football again this year. Football is something they really seem to enjoy. I cringe at the thought of tackle football and am thankful they are happy to just play flag football! Next year Thomas will be old enough to join them on the field, I am not sure how I feel about that!

Thomas and Grandpa, getting a snack!

Pumpkin Patch: Family Tradition, 2011

2011-10-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

It's our family tradition to go to Don's Pumpkin Patch every autumn. This year, my mom, sister Heather, brother Don and son Alex, and sister Donna, son John, and grandson Taylor joined us. We had a blast in the corn maze, actually found all six scarecrows, found three lovely pumpkins and ended with supper at McDonalds!

My BIG Boy!

2011-10-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

My baby learned to ride his bicycle! He asked me to take of the training wheels and just like that he was riding! I am so impressed with how quickly he understood the concept of ridining his bike. There was no training involved simply, the training wheels came off and he was off! I am so proud of you Thomas! You are growing up so fast!

Jackson's 8th Birthday Party

2011-10-16T11:21:00.001-07:00

Jackson celebrated his 8th birthday with his friends from school. This year's theme was Packer party as he is very into football! All but one friend was able to attend! We had such a blast!
Happy Birthday Buddy!

Soccer Season 2011

2011-10-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

Another amazing soccer season for the Parker boys! Next year will be insane, Ashton will be in U12, Jackson U10, and Thomas-Jensen will be in U8. Ashton and Jackson will both be travelling and Thomas will not. So a great deal of juggling to do! But, soccer is awesome, so it will be well worth it!

At the Cabin

2011-09-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

We rented a cabin for an extended weekend in Osseo. This is definately something we will do again!!!! There was so much to do at the site! There is a skate park, basketball and volleyball court, playground, pool area, mini golf, and so much more!

Our Green Bay Vacation

2011-09-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

We went on many mini vacations over the summer: mainly between Appleton, Green Bay, and Milwaukee.

The Tundra Lodge, Green Bay, WI

Bay View Beach, Green Bay, WI

2011-09-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I took the boys to the Packer Stadium. They loved it! They were not able to watch the Packer's practice, because they were closed to the public, but they did get to play games, check out the Packer pro shop, and run around the stadium! Next time, we plan on doing the tour, the
boys did not seem very interested in that part!

8-5-11: Wilderness Walk

2011-09-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Mertig and Parker family decided to venture to Hayward to enjoy Wilderness Walk together. We had so much fun!

Ashton, Jackson, and Thomas enjoying Wilderness Walk!

Cute little Annie!

Jackson petting a baby fawn!

Ashton taking a break!

A turtle snacking on veggies!

I took so many pictures I had to create a slide show so you could enjoy them all!

Library Fun Day

2011-09-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Our local library had an end of the year carnival, they had a dunk tank (which was a huge hit), face painting, craft table, live music by local musicians, food, and so much more! We had to leave after someone knocked Ashton into the dunk tank and he cut his head. He was fine in minutes!!

Independance Day, 2011

2011-09-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

We celebrate our 4th with family in Mellen, WI. Every year the children and I watch Jesse and his brothers, neice, and nephew in the parade. This year was little different! Jesse and I watched our boys in the parade instead of the usual. It was quite lonely on the side of the road without the boys! But, the boys had fun riding on the fire trucks and throwing candy!

Ashton, Zory, Jackson, and TJ, July 4, 2011

Ashton and Jack in the fire truck, you can barely make out Jack's little face, but look closely it's there!

Thomas on top of the fire truck with Arianna and Zory!

Usually, we watch the fireworks in Mellen, but Jesse had to work early in the morning, so we watched the fireworks in Ashland, at Our Lady of the Lake. Best view in the area! Sadly, TJ did not like the sound of the fire works and hid with his face down, wanting to go home. Maybe next year he will enjoy them!

I took a great deal of pictures, so enjoy the slide show!

Northwest Jr Golf Tour

2011-09-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ashton was so excited to participate in the Northwest Jr Golf Tour (NWJGT). We learned about it a little late in the season so Ashton was only able to do 2 of their tournaments, but he was happy to do any at all. Next year we will join right away in the season. Ashton did not have very good scores, but I think his lack of frequent golfing practice played a huge role in that. Next year, I plan on taking the kids golfing often!

Carnival Fun: July 1, 2011

2011-09-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

Ashton, Jackson, Thomas, Zory, Jesse and I had such fun at the carnival! We love this annual tradition!

TJ's First Baseball Game

2011-06-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Thomas-Jensen had his first baseball game. He was excited and insisted his team "won!" He has several friends on his basbeall team from school. This is a testament to how big he is getting!

Golf Camp 2011 Day One

2011-06-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

Golf Camp 2011 started today! It was a blast and the weather was amazing. There are no pics of Ashton because he was off on his own golfing a few holes. More pics to follow as the week progresses!

Campfire Fun with Family

2011-06-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Auntie Heather came over to enjoy some smores with us! We had fun jumping on the trampoline, making and eating smores, and just hanging out.

Fun with Friends

2011-06-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

Auntie Heather, Cory, Ashton, Jackson, Glinden, Zory, Thomas, and I had such fun at the Purple Park. Some of the clips are from home when the boys were riding their bikes in the parking lot.

Boys-N-Baseball

2011-06-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ashton at his first game, they won! Ashton plays for the Cubs in Ashland Minor League.

TJ's first pratice. He is on the Panthers, he plays for the Basics of Baseball league.

Jackson at his first practice, he plays for the Rangers. He is in t-ball.

This is what the kids do while each other is at pratice or a game. We have baseball six nights a week! It is crazy busy for us, but we LOVE it!

C&S Design: Protractors

2011-06-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

Jesse is playing for C&S Design's baseball team the Protractors this summer. Mellen did not get a team in this year, so Jesse was invited to play with C&S. He still plays with the "old guys" the Rockies, from Mellen. They don't play as often and so he is able to play with both teams. With the boys playing every night and Jesse playing on weekends, we have a very busy summer ahead of us.

First Bug Bite of the Year

2011-06-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Last year we were lucky, TJ did not get bite up by mosquitoes. This year, well our luck as run out. TJ was bite right by the eye. It swelled right up and within two days he looked like he had a black eye. Poor kiddo! Hopefully this was a one time thing, I was hoping he would outgrow his reactions to mosquitoes.

James' Graduation 2011

2011-06-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

James graduated from the Mellen High School. We are so proud of him. He will be going to school in the fall to study welding. He was only seven when I joined their family and I have been so blessed to be a part of his life, watching him grow from a bright child to an intelligent confidant adult. We are proud of you James!

OLL First Grade Field Trip

2011-06-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

I was able to chaperone Jackson's field trip to Rowley's farm. We had a blast seeing all sorts of unusual farm animals. We saw goats, llamas, alpacas, chickens, a donkey, rows and rows of port-o-pottys, and more. It was GREAT!

2011 Piano Recital

2011-06-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

The boys had their annual piano recital. This year both Asthon and Jackson played. They did wonderfully!

Jackson played: Jingle Bells and a duet with his teacher

Ashton played a duet with his teacher.

OLL Spring Concert

2011-06-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Jackson and Ashton's school performed in the Spring Concert. They did a wonderful job!

Jackson's class playing their recorders.

Leo the Lizard

2011-06-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

We have a pet fish, who we never bothered to name. We bought out pet fish as a surprise for our fishies: Bloop, Speedy, and Barney. The Fish With No Name ate our pets while we slept. The boys were traumatizes, especially when all the Fish With No Name left behind was Bloop's head.

Months had passed and Jackson declared he wanted a pet. Cats and dogs are out due to allergies. He didn't want another fish, because they are boring and don't do anything. Jesse and I decided on a Leopard Gecko. His name is Leo, and the boys adore him. Well, Jack and TJ adore him, Ashton is indifferent to him and Jesse thinks he is cool, but refuses to actually touch him!

All in all, our family pet is the perfect addition to this household.

Easter 2011

2011-06-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Decorating Easter Eggs

2011-06-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Decorating Easter eggs with the boys. Notice Larry the Cucumber? We had Bob the Tomato, but apparently they don't last as long as cucumbers!

Boy Scout's Pinewood Derby

2011-06-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Boy's Birthday Bonanza

2011-06-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

There were three birthday parties: the first weekend was TJ's friend party, second weekend was the family party, and third weekend was Ashton's friend party.

Ashton in the 3 on 3 Tournie in Superior

2011-06-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

Boys Scouts Blue and Gold

2011-06-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

Boys Scout's Blue and Gold Ceremony

Basketball: Parent's Night

2011-06-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

Here is what basketball season is like for me . . .

My New PIANO!

2011-06-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for two years and I finally found exactly what I was looking for! My new piano!

OLL Talent Show, Feb. 2011

2011-06-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

My boys were excited to watch the OLL Talent Show. They are already planning what they are going to do next year!

Christmas in January with Grandma

2011-06-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Ashton picked out an ornament for Auntie Amy and pom-poms for Toots!

Grandma and I got the best gift ever, alcohol! LOL! This was a gift from Arianna and Kylea, whenever Grams and I are together we have a drink of Hypnotiq!

Ashton at His Basketball Game

2011-06-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T22:26:00.000-08:00

The last hour before the clock drops is the most exciting!

Can you say overtired!?!

Jack's favorite thing is to be able to use the grown up cups!

Ashton playing GSN, I swear sometimes he is seventy-eight instead of eight!

This is how TJ spent New Years!

Almost time!

Waiting for the ball to drop, more then enough time to sword fight with the noise makers!

Happy New Year everyone! May 2011 bring peace, joy, and love! God bless!

Avril thanks for bringing the new year in with us!

Christmas Morning

2010-12-29T17:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning!

Santa left the boys a letter, wonder what it says.

Santa told the boys how wonderful they are and what a great job their mom and dad are doing. Thanks Santa!!!

Snow-Tastic

2010-12-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

Thomas-Jensen, Jackson, and Jacob played outside in the snow. The weather was 40 and GORGEOUS!

Santa Claus is Coming To Town!

2010-12-29T13:59:00.000-08:00

We had a visit from Santa Claus while at Auntie Amys! The boys loved him, but thought he sounded and looked a lot like Grandpa, I think they are catching on!

OLL Christmas Concert

2010-12-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

I wasn't able to get any pics of Ashton at the concert, but I could hear him singing! The boys were great!

OLL 3rd &4th Grade Basketball

2010-12-29T13:23:00.000-08:00

Ashton was so excited to join the basketball team at Our Lady of the Lake.

He's number 2

We kicked butt!

Preschool Christmas Concert

2010-12-29T13:10:00.001-08:00

My baby has his first Christmas concert. He sang like an angel and altough my view was frequently blocked the concert was wonderful!

TJ showing me his deer tail that was pinned to his sweater!

Chubby Little Snowman

2010-12-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

Thomas-Jensen Singing on the Potty

2010-12-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

Winter Fun with Friends

2010-12-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

Joshua hoola-hooping in the snow!

Lucas attempting to catch snowflakes with his tongue.

Basketball Season Begins for Daddy!

2010-12-29T12:39:00.000-08:00

Coaching Jr Varisty in Mellen for the 3rd year in a row. We just love watching Dad coach, especially when they win!

Cousin James playing Varsity ball!

Dad is the assistant coach to the Varisty team.

Scouts: Volunteering at The Brick

2010-11-29T11:12:00.000-08:00

November Skate Park

2010-11-29T10:35:00.000-08:00

The last nice day we had in November, it was 67. The boys and I went to the skate park. They were really brave and tried the ramps.

This little boy is seven. He was INCREDABLE!!!

Mohawk Madness!

2010-11-29T10:33:00.000-08:00

This is the only time they will let me do this. Jack's is blurry because he was so wiggly!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-29T10:12:00.001-08:00

Ashton was a "Bone Dr." Jack was Mario and TJ was Luigi

Some of the boys favorite sites!

Meeting heros along the way

At the Dodd Gym with Auntie Heather. Boys had a ton of fun! TJ and Jack's favorite game was the one with guns (*sigh*). They were both pretty good marks, although TJ seemed to always hit the target (it was insane).

Fun Visiting the Mertigs Oct 2010

2010-11-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

Boy Scouts: Tiger Cubs

2010-10-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Jackson joined the Boy Scouts so he could spend time with his best friend Glinden. He is a Tiger Scout, which is a based on grade levels, he is in first grade. Our first Go-To-It Activity was the Pumpkin Patch. The boys had so much fun!!!

A pic of the four of us, TJ was crying he just wanted to go home.

Boy Scouts: Bear Cubs

2010-10-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

Ashton is in the Boy Scouts this fall and winter, he is a Bear Cub. They went to the Evergreen Shopper for a tour and had a lot of fun!

Amerian Lung Association Lung Walk 2010

2010-10-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

The boys, Grandma and I went on the ALA Lung Walk. It was our third year particiapting, but only our second year walking. Thanks to Grandpa's generous donation we hit out goal of $500.00, I have to work on my fundraising skills. TJ being hospitalized during the summer and Ashton's allergies made it tough to get all three boys out there!

Golfing with Auntie Heather!

2010-10-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Heather and I took the boys golfing in the brisk Autumn evening. It was AWESOME! Partially because we took a cart, which made the whole experience that much more memorable! Heather and I had so much fun we are buying clubs for next summer!

TJ teeing off!

Jackson waiting patiently.

TJ lost behind a rolling hill trying to get his ball over said hill. This happened often to him!

Heather crusing down the lane!

Beautiful!

Ashton teeing off! I want to frame this one, I think it's gorgeous!

Yes TJ, you did pee your pants!

Well that takes care of the peeing.

All the boys got a turn to drive the cart. Heather's idea!

Bretting's Home.

Wondrous things we saw along the way!

Cameron Football

2010-10-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

Christopher is #82

We went to Christopher's JV Football game at the end of September. They lost but they played well. The weather was beautiful and the boys and I had a blast! Thankfully we went when we did, because the following week Christopher was diagnosed with Mono and football for him was over!

Flag Football and the BIG Game

2010-10-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Flag Football

The Big Football Game

First Day at a New School

2010-10-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Around the second week of school Jesse and I made the tough decision to remove our boys from the public school and send them to the private school. There was no negative issue that motivated this move. We wanted our kids to learn in an environment where they were surrounded by the love and peace of God. That is not something that can be provided at the public level. We love that the teacher's pray with our boys, that our boys pray at lunch, attend liturgy once a week. I love that their classmates express the love of God to one another, I just love the peace that comes from being surrounded by God's love.

Jack's 7th Birthday Parties!!! Sept 6, 2010

2010-10-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

Jackson's Family Party 2010

Splashland Party 2010

Ashland County Fair, September 2010

2010-10-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

First Day of School for Everyone!

2010-09-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

First Day's of School for all the boys:

9-2-10: Thomas-Jensen is attending Our Lady of the Lake Preschool two days a week.

9-2-2010: Jackson is attending LSP, his first grade teacher is Mrs. Zunker.

9-1-10: Ashton is on the "other side" this year, his third grade teacher is out on medical leave and his long-term substitute teacher is Ms. Radke.

Iron River Bowling

2010-09-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I took the boys bowling at Uncle Bob's in Iron River. Nice bowling alley, small but really nice. We played two games and had a blast!

Madeline Island Memories

2010-09-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

My mom, sister Heather, and nephew Cory were awesome enough to join for an adventure on the Apostle Islands. Everyone was excited to be heading across Lake Superior on the ferry for some island fun.

Some bikers from Kenosha were kind enough to take our family photo!

Nana and I

Cory Jameson

Auntie Heather

Nana and Heather

"The Boys" as you can see they had been crying, this picture was taken shortly after they found out the miniature golf course was closed due to construction.

Resting at the museum.

Taking in some historical cinema.

Mmmmmm, lunch and a cone, could anything be sweeter?

The ride home was pretty quiet, we had some exhausted little ones!

I did promise the boys we would make one more trip over to play mini golf, the weather has yet to cooperate with my promise.

Barker's Island Mini Golf

2010-08-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Went mini golfing with Nana on Barker's Island in Superior, WI. They all had such a fun time, even though it was extremely windy and chilly.

TJ and Jack's favorite hole!

Jackson's face when he got a hole in one!

Playground next to the mini golf course.

Flower garden and bell.

TJ threw down his club and just started dancing at the 18th hole! Hilarious!

Jackson got in on the dancing, with some funk of his own!

Cookie and Lemonade Stand

2010-08-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

The weather was unusually cold and windy. The boys insisted on having a stand, sadly we had only one customer. Thankfully she was a big spender. Thanks Auntie Heather!!!!

TJ made his own sign.

Ashton is ready and waiting.

Still waiting . . .

Getting cozy while waiting?

Our first and only customer

Score!

Wedding in Milwaukee

2010-08-14T21:01:00.001-07:00

We had a family wedding in Milwaukee. It was so much fun. We went mini golfing, school shopping, swimming, and a wedding. Jesse even got in a Brewer's game.

Nice . . .

Silly!

Ashton playing math turbo twist.

TJ being silly!

Jack loving the pool!

Ashton splashing me!

TJ lounging in his floaty!

Ash jumping in, he did this over and over again!

TJ swimming in his floaty, without his shirt. This is a huge thing for him, he refused to take his shirt off the entire summer and wouldn't get in the water. This time, he dove in and LOVED it! Next big step, the car wash!

Jack was the first out because he was FREEZING!

Daddy tossing TJ high in the air, he loved it.

Ash getting tossed.

CANNON BALL!

Junior Club Championship

2010-08-14T20:42:00.001-07:00

All the boys are excited for the Jr. Club Champoinship. This is Ashton's 3 rd year, Jack's 2nd year, and TJ's first year.

Due to their age they were only allowed to do 5 holes on the back nine. So we started at hole 10.

Boys teeing off!

By the 12th hole TJ was losing tees.

Who does he think he is the Babe Ruth of golf, he is actually pointing out his shot. He was not even close, but he does have the ego for it!

Go Jack.

Jack loved taking the flag out. He would wave it around!

Ashton pulling his clubs. I told him next summer he would have his own BagBoy.

Heather came and joined us for the morning. It was wonderful!

Ashton took first in our age division, sadly his only competition was his little brothers. We are going to look for someone who will golf with him on a regular basis next summer.

TJ's First Soccer Game

2010-08-14T20:36:00.004-07:00

Self-appointed goalie! He plays a lot with his big brother's, and it shows.

Wait for it . . .

GOT IT!

Getting in there!

Love the RED socks! TJ loved his first game! It has been really humid and tough on his asthma. He ends up needing his inhaler mid-way through the games. But, it doesn't slow him down, too much. During his first game his o2 dropped to 89 and his pulse was up to 153. After his inhaler and about ten minutes he was AwEsOmE! Gooooo TJ!!!

Jack's First Soccer Game

2010-08-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Jack getting in there for some action.

He was waiting for the other team to bring in the ball. Love the socks!!

In it to win it!

Kick . . . and it's GOOD!

Bring it!

He did great. This is his first year in U8, but his third year in soccer. So far, he still loves it. This day was over 90 degrees, but he didn't give up. I was so proud of him!! Go Jackson!

TJ's First Soccer Season!

2010-08-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

TJ is finally old enough to play soccer, he has been waiting four long years for this, and guess what he LOVES it!

Saying Goodbye to a Wonderful Family

2010-08-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

We will miss you Mertig family!!!
We had a great going away party at our favorite local park, Prentice Park. Then Abby and I took the kids to Duluth to the Pottery Burn for some last minute memory makers. We got to do a fun sleep over with both kids, and then one with just Benny. Great times! The last group of photos is saying goodbye! But that wasn't the tough part, the actual painful part is every day after, when you are heading to McDonalds or Burger King and think to invite them only to remeber they are gone. Or when you get excited about local school or sport activities and remember they aren't here, those are the tough moments.

British Soccer Camp!

2010-08-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ashton was able to participate in the British Soccer Camp! He loved it! They did so much with the kids to get them engaged in the game. Ashton will definately be doing this for as long as they have it! Our rule, you can do soccer camp when you are eight! So Jack will only have to wait two years before he can go!

Fishing for the First Time!

2010-08-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

My brother took us fishing for the first time! It was awesome, each one of the boys caught a fish. They had an amazing time, they had to learn a thing or two about patience, but it paid off when they reeled in their tiny little Rock Bass! We did release them back into Lake Superior, all were fine with the exception of Jack's there is now a one-eyed Rock Bass in the Chequamegon Bay!

The Great Outdoors

2010-08-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

in our backyard!!!!

WAKO Friendly Valley Beach Day 2010

2010-08-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

What fun to be had in the sun! Especially with good friends on a great beach, thanks WAKO!

TJ in the Hospital

2010-08-02T09:11:00.001-07:00

July 6th TJ was admitted to our local hospital for iv antibiotics and fluids. He had pneumonia yet again. Thankfully his time there was short, just two days and one night. We were excited to be going home and thankful the dr didn't make us stay an extra day (he was considering it). Sadly, TJ got pneumonia for the first time when he was four months old, it was the month of July in 2006, he gets it about every four or so months. So he shouldn't have any more pneumonia issues until November! :)
TJ had a lot of company while in the hospital, and we can't thank our friends and family enough!

Feeling better!

Fourth of July

2010-08-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

We spend out fourth of July in Mellen, WI. This year was extra special because it was the 100th year reunion of the Mellen Public School. There were many faces our family had not seen in years. Mellen is the school Jesse graduated from, as did his parents. We had a wonderful time, even though it rained for most of the day. The fireworks were wonderful, as usual TJ slept through them, fourth year in a row!

Singing in the Rain!

2010-06-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

The boys had a lot of fun playing in the rain! I had fun capturing it with my camera!

This was before the rain, the kids had a blast just playing at the Purple Park. When the rain started we drove home and grabbed some warmer clothing then came back to enjoy the raindrops!

Beach Fun

2010-06-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

Jackson Started Basics of Baseball

2010-06-27T09:34:00.001-07:00

Ready for some baseball action!

Baseball buddies

Jackson missed the cutoff date for T-Ball by one month and five days. He still wanted to play and was willing to give basics a try, it's the first step in the baseball process. Next summer he will play t-ball which is a little faster paced.

Trampoline Fun

2010-06-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

Dad putting the finishing touches on the trampoline. Boys are watching intently.

Bounce Time!!!

Even Dad is bouncing!

Golf Camp 2010

2010-06-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

All 3 boys were able to do golf camp this year! It was a blast!

Baseball Game Fun

2010-06-20T11:24:00.001-07:00

Ashton's Baseball Game

2010-06-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

Enjoying Ashton's baseball game with family and friends.

Playdate Farewell!

2010-06-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

We had our last playdate with the Anderson family at Prentice Park. Our friends moved to Michigan and they are sadly missed!