Safety First

     We've had a big weekend with birthday celebrations and safety classes.  Friday we celebrated Nick's 12th birthday with an at home fish fry, homemade cheese fries, pickles, cantaloupe, and blueberries.  And he requested Emily make him Black Magic Cake which she did and I am forever grateful.  Remember when I talked about kids becoming an ally.  That's the sort of thing I'm talking about.  Emily just made the cake, no hand holding from me.  It was made on time and very tasty.  She was on my side and that was a good thing.  We took the cake down to grandpa's and Uncle R and Aunt J and the boys came, too.  Nick got a socket wrench set which he was ecstatic about.
     Saturday morning Sam had violin repertoire and then a friend's birthday party.  Emily and Nick headed out bright and early for the first of a two day snowmobiling/ATV safety certification class:  8-3:30 and 9-3:30.  Then it was off to our annual BBQ supper and pie sale.  Then mass.  And even though we weren't home much Sat. the house needed a good tidying up so Warren and I did that while Emily and Nick studied for their safety tests.  Amber and Sam tired from the birthday party fell asleep on the living room floor.
     Here we are Sunday morning with lots of sunshine.  Warren took the older kids to class and now has to help Amber study for her hunter safety class and test.  Tomorrow's the test and then Thursday they get their certificate (if they pass) and have a venison feed.  I'm baking bread with the 2nd graders at church this morning as they prepare for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.  I did this last year with Amber's group at the retreat and enjoyed it so much.  Today I'll have a small group of only 5 kiddos.  After the morning activities we plan on snowshoeing and I'd really like to make a big pot of chili for supper.
     I titled this post Safety First and I'm wasn't kidding.  Tomorrow night Emily and Nick start a 6 week Boating Safety and Certification class.  It meets every Monday evening for 2 hours.  Once that's done they'll be certified to do every outdoor activity Wisconsin has to offer.
     I hope you all are having a great weekend.  If it's sunny by you enjoy it!