September!

Right now......We're making calendars and getting organized.......starting off on the right foot!

 The chore system in action......

They love reading. L brought a big bag of Elsa Boskow books, I love how she introduces them to new things.   I love capturing the little moments.

 They're really into playing cards.

 and inventing things (not pictured: the shovel he used to clean up).

 visitng with Gammie and Grampa for the long labor day weekend.  The peanut butter bars they cooked up are to DIE for.

 He loved how he got to stay up with the grownups and play cards. 

 and they got to play with all Grampa's toys.

 I'm not sure who liked it more......the big kid or the little.

WE had an awesome visit with Grandma.  We had lunch an awesome conversation.

 Of course there was our annual Labor day trip to the watch to watch the sunset on our summer.....

 Wearing skirts more than shorts these days. 

 Riding bikes to the bus stop every day.

 Swim season starting (and we have a carpool this year!!)

 

 and a once in a lifetime swim with Olympic Gold Medalist Jason Lezak!

 Cub scouts and Soccer....Oh my!

 He LOVES playing goalie.

 We all helped plant memorial trees for our neighbor who went home to Jesus much too soon.  The was spreading of the ashes, song and prayer, hugs and friendship.

And last, but not least, we kicked off the cool nights with a fire.  Friends and kids running around in by backyard fills my cup to the overflow.  Here's to many more night like these :)

20 January

 The long weekend lens......I took the night off on Friday (thinking we might take a long weekend away, but alas, didn't plan anything-too rainy for skiing).   Boy can I get a lot done at home when I have a day and an evening where I don't have to run off anywhere and the weekend seems so much longer!  Friday night was haircut night and he told the stylist he wanted his hair like the big photo on the wall.  I think it was a win.  He's going to be a  heartbreaker, that one. 

 then onto the Friday night showers, they always need the dog to come onto the bathroom with them in case a monster jumps out of the closet and tries to scare them while the are in the shower. 

 and then Saturday morning She got a check up. 

 and there was some snow playing.....on a very cold day (it's 40 one day, 10 the next!) while the oldest was at a swim meet on Saturday. 

 and then we settled inside for some coziness.

 Sunday we got all dressed up for the big game and had a sleepover at our friends house. 

 He's one amazing cook (and gave me permission to post).  The Cheesburger pizza and BBQ chicken pizza are just awesome.  I think we've waited the last two years to eat those again. So, So good!

 Then onto our cozy spot on the couch to watch our team kick some royal behind.

 Yep, onto the super bowl in two weeks.

 Monday, we were going to head up skiing, but the conditions were slushy with all the rain AND no one felt like getting up early, so we decided on tubing instead cause we are super fun parents and our kids deserve it. (insert emoji with tongue sticking out).  

 Yep, t-shirts, when it comes to being teen boys, these two represented.  (and they DID get cold by the end of the day.)

 L was tall enough for his very own tube for the first time, and just totally rocked being all on his own. 

 

I'ts always a super fun time.

 

helmets not required, but they are good for holding goggles on.

Not sure how we got to January 20th already (and haven't skied once :(  ).  But here,  we start the time of year when we can't even remember what warm weather feels like. My motto is just to keep planning new adventures to look forward to.    Here's to just falling in bed at the end of an amazing weekend with friends.  Can't wait until the next time.