Running into Fall

The calendar still says August, but our life says it's FALL! As much of a summer girl that I am, I love fall just as much. Football, cool temps, sweatshirts, pretty leaves--I'm so ready for it all. We're beginning to settle into our new routine around here. School's going well, although I'm afraid Braylen's teacher knows him a bit too well. See, she's our neighbor, and her husband works with my husband. I guess that's what happens when you live in a small town! Anyway, she wrote a note in Braylen's planner on Friday that describes him so well you'd think she knew us or something. :) She said, "Braylen has AMAZING ability! Working on following directions and avoiding unnecessary talking." Ha! Now it's not just his mom and dad telling him he talks too much! "Unnecessary talking" is our new catch-phrase around here. :)

Kaleb's played 2 soccer games so far and he's having so much fun. I wish you could be here for these games, Grammy and Grampy! Next best thing are pictures, so these are for you.

Kaleb and his trademark "thumbs up" to Daddy on the sidelines!

Aaron watching the game from his chair

Ginger had a big week this week. Let's just say we won't have to worry about raising any more puppies around here. :) I had quite an interesting time explaining this surgery to Braylen and Kaleb. Thinking back to when I read them the story of Marley, I reminded them that even boy dogs need to have this surgery done. Big mistake! Their next question was, "You mean boy doggies can have puppies too?" Oh man. It all went downhill from there... Ginger, however, is doing well! Honestly, I couldn't even tell she had anything done. She has as much energy as my boys do!

Ginger at 20 weeks

Last Sunday, Aaron became my first son to be stung by a bee. Poor kid was just minding his own business, and next thing we knew he's screaming! No harm done though, as he recovered quickly. Still, I felt the need to take him out for ice cream during Kaleb's soccer practice that day. Anyone who knows me well knows I'll use anything as an excuse for some ice cream! Another thing about Aaron this week--he loves killing flies with his bare hand. He'll slap 'em so fast they don't stand a chance. Ginger snaps them out of the air; Aaron smacks them to smithereans. I might not need my fly swatter anymore. :)

As Kaleb grows, it's fun to see him reach some milestones of his own. Braylen paves the way, and Kaleb waits for his turn. This week Kaleb learned to mow the lawn! Derek helped him turn the mower, but that's about it. Kaleb did a great job and felt so proud of himself. Derek's so good about teaching our boys responsibility early on. He knows how much of a boost it is to their self-esteem when they see themselves doing things that Daddy can do. :)

This weekend we've enjoyed a visit with some very good friends. They live out of state, but we manage to see them several times a year. They have a little boy who's not quite 2 years old, and a 6 week old baby girl. I just loved our visit together. I know our friends are weary--little ones do that to you. And I don't think they believe us when we tell them it goes so fast...that's just something you figure out for yourself. I snuggled with the baby as much as I could. I'll honestly admit I liked giving her back at bedtime. ;)

Shocked to see me holding a pink bundle? Looks so strange to me!

One more week with Aaron at home before he starts his second and final year of preschool. He keeps telling me, " This is your last year with me at home Mommy!" As if I needed reminding. I just love my little boy being home with me for one more year. He has such a fun personality. Even though it wears on me at times, I wouldn't trade this year in for anything. Next year will be so quiet. Let me enjoy one more year of my boy's noise. :)

Aaron's got spunk!

This is what happens to little tyke cars when boys outgrow them. They even give rides to little brothers!