RIP Patrick Lucey

RIP former WI governor and US ambassador Patrick J. Lucey. He was 96.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

LK and PD walked with the me to the grocery store to stock up for a Mother's Day BBQ, storm clouds be damned, and dang if we didn't pull it off for Lisa- even if it meant LK and I stood for in the rain for awhile watching the chicken cook, a towel over our heads like miserable sentries in a far off jungle. Now that the rain has stopped Lisa's out there making s'more's with the kids. Happy Mother's Day babe!

Our 2013 Christmas Card Photo Shoot

On Black Friday 2013 (November 29th, if I remember correctly) #TeamSlap headed to a nearby park to take the photo that would grace our annual Christmas card. The idea was simple but neat: form a pyramid with the lil' ones at the top. A friend and her daughter took the photo for us.

Now, while we were happy with the shot and used it over the holiday, I regretted that it wasn't of sufficient quality to become *the* #TeamSlap photo, which can be blamed on unfamiliarity with the camera. If we ever get the opportunity again - before the kiddos are too big for my old bones to support the pyramid - I'd like to take it again. :)

Can't believe the kids only have a month and a few days left of school. Fastest year ever! Best year ever! Watching them mature and develop and take on new opportunities and experiences with bravery and finesse has been a joy. So proud of my bookends GC and LK and my centerpieces OJ and PD. Team Slap, whoop whoop! - Lisa

Community

RIP Community . . .. you were a sitcom worthy of the great ratings that never came your way *sniff*

Our van is acting up again, temporarily stranding #TeamSlap - minus me - and leading Lisa to launch an epic salvo at my inability to keep it roadworthy this week. In fairness, we are T-minus 9 hours until payday and a date at the garage

Obi Wan: "Only a Sith deals in absolutes." Yoda: "Do or do not, there is no try."

Peter Frampton is playing State Fair on Aug 6th - anyone interested in going?

Junie picks out a First Communion Dress - May 2nd, 2014

Next year our little Junie is receiving her First Communion, and in longstanding #TeamSlap tradition we hit the after-season clearance sales to pick our her dress a year early. Big sister YaYa went along and snapped these pictures as we hit several stores at the mall.

All the dresses were beautiful, and this next pic aside so was both Junie's mood and the experience!

Here's the winning dress. It was never Lisa's choice, but in her words "after two other daughters, I know enough to know it's not about me. She feels beautiful in it, and that's what matters the most." Personally, although I liked all - or almost all - of the dresses, and certainly all the ones pictured here, I did think this one had a certain panache that fit Junie's personality. 

Afterwards, the four of us dined at Buca Di Beppo. 

Congrats on the dress Junie! I can't wait to see you wear it next spring! XOXO