August

August was just as busy as July. Grandma Linda came to the rescue and stayed with us for a week while Josh went to a conference. It was a lot of fun to see the kids have one-on-one time with grandma! 

Josh and I also got to do something we've been working toward while grandma watched the babies. We ran our first 10k together since we've had kids. We have a long way to go to keep up with Abram, Stella, and Isabel but we've really been trying to get back in shape.

This is our pre-race picture - notice how pale and happy we are.

Post-race 'glow' 

While grandma was here Abram also had his first sleepover. His best-friend Oliver spent the night and they had a great time. Here they are showing off their pizza. Oliver and his family are moving to California in a few weeks and we are trying to get in as much time with them as possible.

We also took grandma to the blueberry patch (I told you I was obsessed with it!). My little field hands sorting out the stems. Notice that Stella's mouth looks like it might possibly be stuffed with something.

We also headed to Abram's preschool for their end of summer picnic.

Abram's job that day was to ring the '5-minute bell.' He did a wonderful job, if I do say so myself.

Stella really got into the construction equipment.

Here are Abram and Oliver.

Stella had to jump in the picture too.

They sang a few songs which were adorable.

Before I knew where she had gone - find the 2 year old who decided she was 4.

Here is our family picture from the picnic.

Isabel was pushed past her limit and was so tired when we got home she kind of got out-of-control angry. Good thing she had a grandma who has a special touch and was able to lull her into peaceful submission. Thanks grandma!

July

I'm just catching up on some pictures from July. I stopped working for the Iowa Cancer Consortium at the end of June. July was my first month as a full-time stay-at-home-mom...could I use any more hyphens? I could have used an extra pair of hands that first week - Stella helped herself to some cereal while I was nursing Isabel.

She was quite proud of herself.

The kids were also very proud of the tomatoes they've been growing all summer. They eat them as soon as they turn the slightest bit red.

We also found a local organic blueberry patch that I fell in love with. Our freezer is now stocked with blueberries and we've made blueberry: jam, syrup, muffins, cinnamon rolls, scones, and anything else I can think of to throw blueberries in. I really cannot believe how delicious these blueberries are!

I even put the kids to work picking but Stella somehow always ate more than she picked.

Delicious!

That is one serious picker.

Look mom!

We've also made several trips to a beach that is on the Notre Dame campus. It is a perfect size for the kids and has some paddle boats to take out.

Abram really enjoys jumping in the water and seeing how far he can 'swim.'

Back to the blueberry farm with friends!

Erin, Donny, and Drew visited us from Iowa and I convinced Erin it would be great fun to pick one night while the guys took care of baths and putting the kids to bed. 

We also made a quick trip to the zoo in the rain before they had to head out.

Vicki Visit

We made it back from our Iowa/Omaha trip and the house seemed so quiet. We were lucky Aunt Vicki came for a visit last week while Josh went to a conference in Denver.

Before he left he and Vicki took Abram and Stella to Lake Michigan.

We also headed to the park before the weather got so hot.

Stella took this picture of Vicki - which turned out so beautiful.

There was lots of swinging in the backyard.

And when it got too hot we hung out in the air-conditioning.

Don't worry, we didn't have a 4th child, that is just Stella's doll in the chair. The kids were playing 'horse race' and galloped throughout the house - keeping Isabel entertained.

We also went bowling - which was hilarious and fun.

Once papa left we got a little girly and painted our nails.

And ate treats.

Aunt Vicki treated the kids to pony rides at the zoo.

Stella hopped right on.

We lost the kids near the lion and monkey cages.

We found them again just in time for a train ride.

What a great day and great trip! We miss Aunt V!!!