Some people enjoy sleeping in on summer weekend mornings.

Other people (aka my Dad) enjoy waking up those of us who like to sleep in, so we can then wake up the fish who are also still sleeping… because the sun isn’t even awake yet.

That guy is a dedicated fisherman… always early to rise. But I’m glad he’s my fisherman… because once I gain consciousness, it is pretty neat to slow down and watch the sun rise peacefully, before the rest of the world gets itself in a big, unnecessary hurry.

Thanks for making sure we don’t miss these precious moments of summer, Dad.

Genesee waited almost a month for her Land of Natura birthday party to come to fruition, but, I think she’d agree: it was worth the wait! Genesee invited Annalia and Miley for a sleepover, and the next morning, I got to pick up Jake and Danny to bring along. Thanks to Auntie Cha Cha and Uncle E, we have platinum season passes, so we got in for free, and once we passed the gates, we ran toward the water and never looked back! It was an absolute blast, and definitely a highlight of the summer… we’re so grateful for generous relatives, fun friends, and soft pillows to crash on at the end of an exhilarating day!

Guess whose muscles got invited on a road trip to help move Ashlee into her new digs for grad school?! Mine, of course. My gym workouts prepared me for this moment, but I think the Nicolais also wanted me along for my great personality and comic relief. I was so excited to be the fifth wheel that I forgot to pack clean underwear. Whoops! It always stinks to leave something behind, but that oversight was extra stinky (if ya know what I mean).

I was happy to help my cousin get settled in, and even though I’m proud to see her spread her wings and explore more of our big world, I’m sure gonna miss that girl around home. Luckily, we made lots of special memories working out and playing golf this summer, so I’ll be hanging tight to those until we meet again.

Good luck, Ash! You’re gonna kick grad school’s butt!

On July 26th, my sister turned 9. To celebrate, we threw her nine parties. Not really, but it felt like it.

Genesee got lucky since Auntie Cha Cha was still here on the eve of her birthday. So, Cha Cha planned a Mexican birthday party, complete with homemade guacamole, Mexican rice, tortillas, and quesadillas! It was delicious.

Then, on G’s actual birthday, I had to travel to Eau Claire for AAU basketball tryouts, so afterward, we made another party of it and went to the mall, Action City, and a Mexican restaurant. (Because you can never eat too much Mexican food.)

On the following weekend, we celebrated mom and Genesee together, and made a trip to the Mall of America and got to experience a MNUFC soccer game!

It was a month of festivities, but that girl probably deserves the extended celebration. I don’t always know how to be good to her, but I do love my sister, and I have to admit: it’s been fun to watch her grow… literally. My sister is TALL! But that’s not all. Here are some other fun facts about Gigi Luigi:

• She likes to straighten her hair these days.
• She retired from playing goalie.
• She’s really good at spending money.
• She is still the goofiest girl around.
• She continues to be in love with ice cream.
• She loves Needohs and all things squishy.
• She wants a pet bunny. Or a guinea pig. Or a hedgehog.
• She wakes up happy (even though she’s still a night owl).
• She loves to bump a volleyball around.
• She’s my favorite Fortnite buddy.
• She’s super thoughtful and always wants to make people feel loved.

Genesee really is the best! I’m not sure my 12-year-old brain can fully appreciate her, but I know I’m gonna mature into a brother that realizes just how lucky I am to get to spend my formative years with someone like Genesee.

Cheers to my sister’s last year in the single-digit club!