Day 273/365

(Photo taken on saturday 10/1)
The kids wanted to play at the park after Andrew's soccer game.
I walked around to find Katie sitting next to Andrew enjoying his post-game snack.
Little buddies.

Day 272/365

It was a beautiful sunny day today.
With cooling temperatures and rain in the forecast we seized the moment and went for a family walk.
I got lucky and caught this sweet moment between Matthew and Dan.
Possibly one of my favorite photos ever.

Day 271/365

"I'm all done with strollers!"
Katie declared today when we went to the mall.
My little girl keeps growing up.

Day 270/365

Katie and Grace after pre-school.
When Mick was spied through the van window, there was no keeping the Bug inside.
A short "walk" and some petting was in order.

Day 269/365

Ever since Andrew was 2 he has had an affinity for yellow flowers.
Daffodils, Dandelions, Black Eyed Susans....
I love any flower clutched in those little hands.

Day 268/365

The kid were very excited to help me decorate for fall.
Their excitement was really fun.
Katie keeps saying, "I want to look out the window and see if it's Halloween."  :)
The countdown has officially begun!

Day 267/365

Andrew's first soccer game!
He had a great time!
He was more comfortable on defense ~ not one to steal the ball away.
But he had a GREAT time running around, and I smiled a LOT watching him.

Day 266/365

Sweet Brothers.
"Sports Attire" day at school today.
Go Blazers!

Day 265/365

And I wonder why I'm doing laundry all the time.

Day 264/365

Haircuts for the boys ~ picture day tomorrow!
Matthew refused to pose with Andrew because he looked like this....



And it was embarrassing. (Already!?)
You think that's bad, you should have seen Mama!
Oh the horror. :)

Day 263/365

Joined the 21st century today.
Dan brought home an iphone for me.
This is what it says when he calls.
...to the ringtone (Sinatra's) "The Way You Look Tonight."
The song we danced to at our wedding.
My general ringtone: "Singin' in the Rain"
As a reminder to myself of the attitude I hope to keep this upcoming rainy season.

Day 262/365

KITTI IS LOOKING AT THE CAMERA AND SMILING NICELY!!!!!!!
This is remarkable in itself.
But look at the GREAT craft!
The face cracked me up.
"Mama, her face looks weird."  :)
3 year old crafts are the BEST.

Day 261/365

I have not read all of the Chronicles of Narnia.
Matthew and I started the series today.  He reads to me then I read to him.
I'm really looking forward to reading these books with him.
It's fun having a child old enough to experience this with.

Day 260/365

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
I'm ceasing my mourning of the passing of summer and jumping into some of my fall favorites.
Add a pumpkin spice latte to this photo and we'd be good to go.

Day 259/365

The last large baby item to leave our house.
Many naps and nights were spent in this pack 'n play by our babies when we traveled and little friends who came to visit.
An era has passed.

Day 258/365

Katie started Ballet today.
A dream come true for the Bug.
Mama too.

Day 257/365

Matthew made a "mixer" out of legos.
He mixed up chocolate milk for dessert after dinner tonight.
The kids all took a turn ~ it worked great and even made foam!
He is definitely our little engineer.
Just like his Grandpas.

Day 256/365

I'm a rule follower by nature, but I'm sorry Regal Cinemas....
Why would I pay $3.50 for M&Ms when I can buy them at Walmart for 98 cents?

Wool socks and a cardigan are my other movie going essentials.
I slip the socks on my feet after I sit down.  It's always so cold in there!

I had a great time at dinner with Michelle ~ Happy Hour at Gustav's.
And a second viewing of "The Help." 
The movie is good, but the book is REALLY good.

Day 255/365

Andrew is all boy, but his tender side came through with his first library book selection from school.
Just happens to be one of my favorite children's stories.
Andrew and I both have special childhood stuffed bunnies.
Probably why we both love this book.
They are after all, real.  :)

Day 254/365

Katie wore one of my favorite dresses to church today.
I couldn't resist a photo of all the pink bow-ness.
On a side note ~ Matthew helped collect offering today at 11:00 church service!
So neat! ~ Such a big kid!!

Day 253/365

Batman and Superman celebrate Noah's 6th Birthday at JJ Jump.
The kids had a blast!
Happy 6th Birthday Noah!!

Day 252/365

I LOVE the big smile on Andrew's face in this photo.
HE'S the big boy riding the bus now.
He makes me heart happy.

251/365

Crunchy leaves and Dandelions provide endless entertainment at the bus stop.
Oh, the simple wonders of the world....

Day 250/365

My little helper assisted with baking Noah's birthday cake today.
She licked the beater.
Clearly it won.

Day 249/365

First day of School!
Everyone had a great day
Matthew ~ 2nd Grade Ms. Ford
Andrew ~ Kindergarten ~ Mrs. Sawyer
Katie ~ Preschool ~ Miss Beth ~ "Gummy Bear" room

Two Milestone years made for an emotional day for Mama.
But it was a great day all around.
Such relief!

Day 248/365

School starts tomorrow!
Matthew:  2nd Grade
Andrew:  Kindergarten
Katie:  Pre-school
Everything is ready to go!

Except me.

Day 247/365

A delighted Kitti "helps" Daddy mow the yard.
Dan gives me many opportunities to think to myself,
"What a great Daddy...."

Day 246/365

A Belated Birthday celebration with Shannon.
Shopping at Bridgeport, Lunch at Pastini's, saw "The Help."
We talked nonstop from 10am until 7pm.
One of my very favorite days of the year with one of my very favorite people.
A wonderful day.  To say the least.

Day 245/365

Clinging to summer with both hands.
I'd like to have many more of these warm, carefree, playing in the backyard nights.

Day 244/365

A remorseful Matthew swings with Gus and Blankie after he lost his new school planner at Back-to-School night.
I'm sure it will find it's way to his class.
And yes, he was comforted.