And Then...

Daddy was gone for two weeks.

And after asking Gram to help (because three kids solo right now?? no thanks), we:

learned about the airport

went to a turtle class

made monster eggs

dressed BabySlimJim in pink

learned to sit up

went to the dentist

went swinging

went to Policewoman storytime

walked downtown

found a ladybug

rode in a shopping cart for the first time

pushed up

had a two night sleep over

took a bath

went to Gram and Grumpy's 

played in the leaves

wax dipped leaves

smiled

went in the hot tub

and tried rock climbing

They Make Me Smile So Much My Face Hurts

A Weekend of Birthdays

To end the weekend of birthdays, a quick recap of all the festivities.

Friday we took LittleL.G. to storytime at the firehouse, which she loved. 

Gram was here and Grumpy arrived in time for cupcakes and singing.

Saturday, we had a small backyard get together (which quickly turned into an all out unicorn party, complete with pinata). 

Sunday we went to a playground for MiniM.E. (and Daddy?)

And of course there were lots of cake, cupcakes and presents and cute babies wearing hats. 

I think it was a hugely successful birthday weekend. And birthday weekend always starts the whirlwind of the holiday season... here we go!

Happy 6th Birthday MiniM.E.!

You grow so much every year but somehow you seemed to grow so much this year. You've grown from a shy kindergartener into an outgoing, smart, funny first grader.

You make me so proud in so many ways. You are silly and smart, quick and eager to learn, sympathetic and empathetic, proud and determined, helpful and caring. You seem so much older than your years that just now require the use of fingers on two hands. Sometimes I forget you are still just six and I get frustrated when your emotions run wild and the tears stream down your face. But I am so impressed with you in the moments when we can talk like adults or when you take care of your siblings, when you jump into something new with so much ambition or when you sit quietly reading chapter books. 

I love watching you go about your days, whether it's playing with your siblings or creating something, playing outside or reading a book. I feel so fortunate I get to spend all day every day with you. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Happy Birthday LittleL.G.

Happy Birthday to my newly "middled" child. You have fallen so fantastically into your new role. You are such a sweet and caring big sister and you never fail to keep us laughing and entertained. You've grown into a smart, hilarious, entertaining preschooler. 

I love watching you try to be a big kid like MiniM.E.; learning to "read" and write and ride a scooter and take dance classes. I love watching to make BabySlimJim smile and laugh. I love the way you help whenever you can. And I love how you brighten every day. Happy 3rd Birthday!!

Apple Picking

It's hard to believe that it's mid-October and we haven't been apple picking yet. With school and three kids life just gets in the way...

But it wouldn't be fall without it, so today we met up with some friends at Bowman Orchards for some end-of season apple picking, ice cream eating and playground playing.

I'm so glad we made it!