Little Bit of Everything

I went a little collage crazy here but there were a couple good groups of photos. I bought and ridulously large container of animal cookies at Sam's the other day. Of course everyone had to try them out when we got home. Here are the snackers in action with cheesey smiles, toothless smiles and a whole lot of sibling love.

Natalie is a poser....here is the proof. The gritty teeth pose below is her best attempt to flex her muscles. You should have heard the growl that went with it. Priceless!

Go Vols

We spent Labor Day weekend this year in Nashville with some family...or as my kids like to say with 'The Cousins'. We speak of my sisters' kids as some sort of famous rock band. My kids get giddy with excitement over seeing them and hang on their every word. It was a fun restful weekend which also happened to be the season opener for Tennessee football! We did not make it to Neyland Stadium but we were in the great state wearing our orange!! (Cousins Rachel and Cohen pictured here)

Fun At Sunset

We got the kiddos dressed up and took them to the some open fields in our neighborhood for a little photo shoot (Thanks Chiara and your new cool camera!). We have been really bad about getting professional photos made and this is our attempt to catch up. Watch out family....you are gonna get some copies of these pictures soon!

Kindergarten Begins

We took Ian to his first day of Kindergarten this morning. Dad took part of the morning off and we walked our big guy into his class. In true Ian fashion he walked in confident and ready to go. There were no tears, although I (Mom) had a weepy period when walking out of school. It was a happy cry because our boy is right where he is supposed to be and we are thankful!

Natalie probably would have stayed at school too, if we'd made arrangements. She really misses Ian when he is not around. They have their moments of tormenting and fighting but big brother being gone all day will be a big adjustment for her too. The first three days of school are only half days. We picked Ian up after lunch and below you'll see a picture of them snuggling for a cartoon.

Our Michigan Friends

We made last weekend a three day event and traveled to visit our friends The Blasko's up in Grand Rapids Michigan. Their oldest Kole was born just 5 weeks before Ian and we've had lots of adventures together over the last several years. We had an awesome time hanging out and enjoying the weather and good company. On the way back home, we drove to St Joe Michigan and hit the beach. I have two words for you BIG LAKE. The kids love playing in the water together!

Dressed For Camp

My kids love their back packs and getting geared up to go on an adventure, most of them imaginary. One day, they were pretending to get ready for camp. Ian got his new swim goggles on, back pack all loaded...t-shirt optional I guess. Next, I heard him telling Natalie that he will get her stuff for her. Its 90 degrees out and she comes to me wearing a winter jacket with her back pack. I should have asked if they were going to the same camp! ha-ha

Grab Your Blanket, Let's GO!

Natalie and Ian play very well together despite gender difference and almost 4 years between them. Everyday, they will disappear into his room to play something while I'm just in the next room with my Mom ear finely tuned. I heard footsteps going between rooms and was vaguely aware of the blankets/stuffed animal friends from Natalie's room traveling next door to Ian's room. Imagine my chuckle when I find them all wrapped up camping out. I overheard Ian making big plans for Natalie actually sleeping in his room...including snacks they would have. They were both taking it seriously.

This was take two at the slumber party...moved up from the floor onto Ian's bottom bunk. The more pillows and stuffed animals...the better!