It's a wrap!

Much like the cliche, "All good things must come to an end," Summer is on its way out here. But did it really ever show up this year? And so it is time to usher in a new season, known affectionately by many parents, called, "the school year." This time it's for real. Johnny is heading into kindergarten and to do so seems to require much organization and scheduling of multiple doctors appointments in order to gain access to the school. After the dreaded vaccinations and clean bills of health, it was time to live it up. We bid a farewell to the lazy "Summer," by visiting Six Flags. A few days later we visited the Brookfield Zoo where the Carousel and the dolphin show remain the big hit. Needless to say, I am worn out and ready for school. The kids,of course, are ready for more adventures!

New Love on a Large Scale

And speaking of the kids, Johnny and Ali worship Legs. Especially Johnny, who is planning to move to Country Ridge and live in a truck. What more could a kid want? There are horses, cats, a couple dogs...ducks, tractors, dirt...a mini zamboni for the floors, a pond, more dirt...He asks to come with me everyday so he can take care of "his horse." He even introduced Legs to our truck and worries about him when it's stormy.

What Day Is It?

Johnny is heading into kindergarten and to do so requires much organzation and scheduling of doctors appointments. Vision, dental and the dreaded vaccinations are the only way to gain entry to school. Ali decided she was ready for it all if it meant going to school with her brother. It's hard to answer your son when he keeps asking if he is going to get shots from Dr. Michelle. You can't lie, but the truth may require advanced MMA techniques to get him out of the car and into the office.So, I played blonde. "I'm not sure, John. Dr. Michelle will know. Say! Want to go bowling afterward?" He survived and both John and Ali are ready to go, although Ali doesn't seem to understand she will not be going to the "big kids'school." Atleast not yet.
1)Ali thinks the dentist is great! for now...
2)John gets a look at his adult teeth waiting to come on down in the upcoming months.
3)Legs got his teeth taken care of as well.

Congratulations Brittany!

This weekend the Aceto's helped usher in this next new phase of adulthood. Julie hosted a college graduation party at her home for her niece. Brittany has true talent. I heard her sing the national anthem years ago and I expect to see her on the big stage in years to come. It was great catching up with everyone including a few other former Mrs. Illinois' and Mrs. Illinois 2011 Zara Johnson and her handsome hubby Hank.
1) Julie and Brittany
2)Julie's back patio which is perfect for get togethers during the warmer months.

One More trip Down the Road

It was a bit of a gamble, but I took my chances and it was worth it. I took Ali with Jennifer to the Galaxy pageant which was again, just down the street. Ali is that child who,at 3yrs old, picks out princess shoes for her pajamas which she also selects. She believes in all things "princessy," and sparkly. So what better place than a stage filled with such things? We went to support our friend Robin Khayat (Ms. U.S. Galaxy) who I got to know while chaperoning Miss Illinois USA. There were a few other ladies competing that I've gotten to know including Jayne Black, Ginny Meerman, Wendi Russo and Kellie Lightborn who were all fabulous as ever. Congrats to everyone and to the new queens.

My New Man

Allow me to introduce you to MY new man. He is very tall, dark,handsome and about 20+ years worth of waiting. I barrel raced back in the day, but there was very dangerous accident involving my very young horse rearing with me. She just kept coming on back...on top of me. Later, another horse I was riding for someone kicked the teeth out of a friend. My parents had me hang up the stirrups and told me to go to college, get a job and afford the danger myself:( Fast forward through years of working and moving, getting married and having children. Finally this year I felt it was time to get back in the saddle, only this time it's on an English saddle. After some heavy campaigning by myself and even friends, John gave in to the idea of burning money for a hobby I can't resist. And so this is Legacy, also known as Legs. He's a gorgeous (biased mom here) Hanoverian and an accomplished hunter who is SAFE. And as my mom says, he's the additional child I couldn't have. He is a little piece of heaven, as is everyone at Country Ridge Stables.