Family Vaca Up North!

For the 3rd year in a row, we went up North to Grand Rapids with Sean, Brenda, Liam, Lucas, and Grandpa Pat and Grandma Kathy. What a GREAT time. It's so fun to see all of the kids play together, especially now that they are all another year older and a lot more interactive. We enjoyed the lake so much, as well as about a million other things. Enjoy the pics! I'm too tired to write captions, but you'll get the idea. :)

Health Update

Well, it's been a busy summer! Hence me not keeping up with this blog.

Overall- my health has been GREAT!!!

-Had a breast MRI this month. ALL CLEAR!! Woohoo!

-Also had my 4-month oncology appointment this month. They drew my labs and every thing was perfect. My tumor marker was normal, and they re-checked my estrogen since I had that little scare with it being high earlier in the year- and it was perfect, as well.

-Seriously- I cannot even tell you how much easier this is getting with each test that comes back good. It is nice because every few months when one of my tests is about to come up, I am ready to get checked. I start to get paranoid and worry a little....but like I said, with each of these tests coming back clear, it's getting less nerve-wracking.

-What's next? I have a full body CT scan (I've been doing those once a year) in November. Then, my oncologist says that that will be the last one if (WHEN) it comes back clear! She said that 3 years out from your diagnosis, they don't do them anymore. Yay!

-Otherwise, I have weaned myself off of ALL of my stomach medications! I am so excited! I have some iffy days with my stomach, but nothing bad enough to make me want to go back on my medication. I'm eating pretty much whatever I want now.

-I also continue on the Tamoxifen, which is fine. Except for some mood swings (poor Greg) and getting hot pretty easily, I can't complain. Almost 1.5 years down, 3.5 to go....ha.

That's all! I'm doing GREAT and am very happy to report it!

Steve and Krista's Wedding Reception!

As you know, in January, we went to Jamaica for Greg's brother Steve and his wife Krista's wedding. This past weekend, they had their reception back here in MN at Krista's family's loft. We had a great time! We definitely don't get to see Steve and Krista enough, and we got to see lots of other family (some met Simone for the first time!). There's not a whole lot of pics since we were chasing Simone around, but enjoy!


Family photo with Rod and Mary Kay, Steve and Krista, and Greg, Simone and Nicole.


Krista and Steve are expecting in October- we are so excited!!


Simone coloring with Veda, one of Krista's nieces.


Steve and Greg. You can't expect them to get a normal pic together.


Krista and Greg


Some good conversation.


Just a side note- I was excited that my hair is finally long enough (kind of) that I could get it done for the reception!


Back view- it's getting there! Now, if I could just figure out how to do this myself....:)

What a great time. We're so happy for Steve and Krista!!!

Gotta Love Summer!!

Wow, this summer is going by waaaay too fast already!! We are keeping busy doing tons of fun things. Enjoy the EXTREME amount of pics below. The more recent ones are towards the bottom.
Simone is now just about 20 months old- I can't believe it! Such a big girl. :)


SImone likes to sit in the fridge. Guess it cools off her tush on those hot days.




On Daddy's shoulders!


Simone with a bunch of the neighbor kids at our neighborhood Memorial Day party.


Simone playing with her buddy Jack!


Breaking out the kiddie pool!!


Playing in the sandbox with her friend from across the street. We got this sandbox as a hand-me-down from our neighbors last year, and now Simone is old enough to use it!



At Grand Old Day!


Ahhh, my little blue Saturn. Finally got rid of it. Sold it and you know what? Don't even miss it because I have a wonderful new car that I LOVE!


Big girl going down the slide by herself!


Simone likes to stand on her head- in weird places. She actually can do a somersault by herself now!


Simone feeding Elmo lunch in her highchair. :)


At Back to the 50's! Simone liked looking at all of the old cars, and this was the first place where Simone walked around most of the time (instead of riding in her stroller).


Playing with cousins Liam and Lucas at Back to the 50's.


Taking a break with Grandpa Pat at Back to the 50's.


Simone and Mommy looking at the Space Needle- Simone loved it!!


Big girl walking next to Mommy.


Playing in the puddles on a rainy day!


Friend Kendall pushing Simone in her car!


Simone always helps with the laundry.



Simone helping Daddy wash his truck on Father's Day.


Such a good helper!


Eating ice cream with Grandpa S on Father's Day.


Swinging with my friend Braden!


At the water park!


Simone's new whale pool! Sometimes it's more fun to bounce on the side of it than actually swim in it. :)


Simone likes to help Mommy water the flowers.


Mommy playing with Simone in the pool!


Swimming with Daddy.


In a jumpy castle with Daddy at our neighbor's 4th of July party.


Our friend Jesse and his little boy, Nolan.


Daddy, Simone, Beth and Nolan waiting for our neighbor's fireworks show to start!


Watching the fireworks. They were a little too loud for Simone!


Ahhhh...fireworks!


With Grandpa Pat on the 4th of July!


Playing with Mommy in the sand at cousins Bill and Anne's house!


Playing with my cousin Luke on the 4th!

We still have so much more fun stuff planned- we can't wait! Hope you're all having a fabulous summer!