Has it really been since July that I've posted? Not surprising. I'll see if I can catch up in a quick update. Get in, sit down and hang on as we blow through summer at the Beach House.

Pants flew solo to Memaw's for the first time. Too many emotions to list. Needless to say the look on her face is, "Moooom, I have to go! No time for pictures, kisses, tears... whatever!"

• Computer crashed and had to be entirely reloaded. Lost many many bits and bytes of information. I'll use this as the best excuse for falling so far behind.

Made the annual trip up to super nanny's lake cabin - recruited super nanny II - the younger sister of super nanny. Major coup! This place is gorgeous and calm and an amazing place to hunker down for a long weekend.

The Republican National Convention was held here in St. Paul. I was in heaven. This is a view just outside the Xcel Center (where the Wild play hockey). The red banner behind us covered the entire side of the center. Mister and I had credentials to attend two nights of the convention and it was an experience to remember!

Turned one year closer to 40 and got a sweet new bike for my birthday.

• Pants started school. Why was I the only mommy crying after dropping her off?
  
Missed my 15 year college reunion. Mmmm - too much drama to squeeze that in.

The leaves in October were gorgeous, so we took a family fun day to Afton Alps. The ski swap was in full swing so I bought some sweet new boards for winter. On the way home we stopped at an orchard to buy apples - and nearly brought home a kitten. Took our apples and baked this kick-ass apple pie.

Halloween came and went. SNII made this costume with Pants and she loved every minute of being "Ploodle" (Get it? Pluto/Poodle... "Ploodle" just makes more sense).And now as we settle into the beginning of a Minnesota winter we find creative ways to keep busy indoors. Pants has discovered the art of labeling (hence the masking tape label "Elliot" on the cat). I think this neurosis was passed down from me. Pity the person who stands between me and my PTouch labler.

And that friends, is Summer/Fall at the Beach House. Stay tuned for the new family docudrama premering Wednesday known as The Family Holiday Season! We're headed to Denver Wednesday for a very Karna Thanksgiving -few will know what that is, but those who do will appreciate it ;)