September

A lot happened in September. Since it seems I'm only able to get something posted once a month I'll try to cram everything in at one time.

In September we had lots of happy events like Isabel turning 9 months old and learning to sit up and a great weekend on the beach with Rachel, Caity and Gus. We also had lots of sad things happen. Great Grandpa Clayton passed away. We miss GPA everyday but are glad he is now with Grandma Mary. We also had good friends move to California. 

Josh has also entered full job application mode - so he really has three full time jobs: his day job as a post-doc, parenting, and applying for full-time positions. 

Here are Isabel's latest pictures.

It was so hot and humid the day of the pictures but she is a trooper and smiled and was happy the whole hour.

We had one last get together with the Haley's before they took off to California.

Abram and Oliver were best buddies. 

Stella had fun playing with Oliver's little sister Charlotte.

Isabel always has a great time at parties.

Toward the end of the month we had a fun weekend with Rachel and Caity at the beach. We also made time to visit an apple orchard. We have lots of great family pictures of us but I'm keeping them under wraps for our holiday card!

 It got pretty chilly on the deck at night which required lots of cuddling.

 Isabel's first taste of sand.

A run on the beach.

Abram learning the ancient art of photo-bombing.

 For all the traveling we did in September the kids did great and had fun wherever they were.

Grandpa used to love the read the blog so it is sad to think of posting stories and pictures that he won't be seeing. I'd like to think he has a better view of all the action from heaven now.

Here are a few pictures of Grandpa with the kids this past summer. We miss you GPA!

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.