Today ushers in the first day of fall, but the weather here in the heartland is just gorgeous. We are in the midst of an Indian summer with the temperature in the low 80's, no wind, and just the time of year that is so wonderful before the harsh reality of winter hits us.

I am enjoying my time with the girls while Holly is at her world lawyers' conference for her company. Attorneys from their offices in China, Brazil, Switzerland, the UK, Russia, and all over the United States are in Chicago for a four day event. Last week she was in D.C. for a conference on government compliance.

We have been having lots of fun plus a few challenges as well. I had forgotten how much "fun" it is to get kids to do their homework...plus Little Buddy informed me that she had to put her head down during art at school. When I asked her why, she said that she had been talking but so had everyone else. However, she said that she was the only one who had to put her head down on her desk.

When I asked her why the others didn't have to, she replied,

"I was the loudest one."

I had to smile because she and Big Sis could challenge the most powerful Met diva with their voices, which are LOUD and carry like one would not believe.

Holly is constantly having to remind them to use their "inside" voices. The more excited they get, the louder they get until one's ears begin to hurt. And when both talk at the same time, it is a cacophony of noise that can set the steadiest of persons on edge.

However, I will miss them terribly when I go back home, so I am enjoying their loud little voices while I can.