Early in the game - still optimistic

This year, the annual Notre Dame tailgate was vs. Michigan State. The day was definitely a day of high and lows. We arrived in South Bend (high) and had parking issues (low). We got on campus early for pictures (high) but the kids weren't the most cooperative (low). The food at the Carlsson tailgate was great, but we missed the kickoff. The Irish made an impressive comeback of 21 pts but lost in overtime. After the game, everyone gathered for something to eat before heading for home. This year, Matt and Sally Gulde came with their daughter Francis, and Matt and Jenny Olsen came with their son David. All six kids (3 Lucas, 1 LeCocq, 1 Olsen, and 1 Gulde) had a great time at the Winnebago with the grandparents during the game, and we had a great time at the game. Going home, the drive was longer than we could make, so we stopped in Crete to camp out at Grandmas. Next day we worked our way home, and had a park stop on the way. The ND game day turned into the ND weekend, but everyone had fun. Just have to keep priorities in line and remember we can cut the grass some other time.

The roof is going up!

The roof is starting to go up, and I am glad I am not trying to figure all the angles. I am just amazed to see when the next rafter comes up that it fits just like they expected it.

Support the Arts

With Carly in school every day, Matt and Margaret have more Mom time. Matt loves to dot paint, and Margaret is starting to join in with the fun.

How much banana can I fit in at once?

Margaret decided to have a banana one day, and was eating it fine with Mom's help. However, when we weren't looking, she decided to put the rest all in her mouth and not bother with taking smaller bites. It turned out ok, and due to my delay getting the camera, we missed most of the better pictures.

Watch out preschool, here I come.

Matt started preschool this year. He was very excited to be able to wear his Thomas shirt, and his backpack is blue like Thomas, and they have a Thomas train at school, etc.. See the Thomas obsession here. And by the way, he has recommeded we paint his bedroom blue (like Thomas). After dinner on the first day of preschool, we had a banana split celebration.

Matt at Little Blessings

Matthew is prepared to start at Little Blessings the 2nd week of September. We recently went to meet the teachers, explore the room, and have a cookie. While we thought Matt would be shy and not want to let go, his new teacher and aide got him to open up and play in no time at all. He said upon return home, "I was a little afraid, but now I am happy (to go to preschool)"

Margaret using walker

Margaret, after recent removal of her cast, is having no trouble adjusting. She now can stand behind her walker and get around with no problem at all. She can also ascend stairs and has even worked on descending.