Ryker
My little guy started 2nd grade! The funny thing about second grade is the boy/girl chasing games begin (at least that's when it happened for me) He told me that he plays "chasing ninja's" it's a game he and his friend made up where the girls chase the boys and they are ninja's Ha ha! I love how they put a manly spin on it. There's nothing more manly than a ninja right? Gotta love elementary.
He has been enjoying the great outdoors this September. His Papa Tod took him up camping just the two of them. He got to shoot his gun, sleep on the ground, see bald eagles, and catch fish. They even caught a rainbow one. I didn't get any pictures of them, but here he is on a trip up to Huntsville park that we made over Labor day weekend. He's my climbing mountain man!
Ryker is an amazing brother. Violet dread's it every time he leaves. They are turning into quite the pair. The other night he read her to sleep it was the sweetest sound ever.
Rykes with Jonah monster.
Munchkins up in Huntsville.
Ryker has a growing, impressive collection of rocks, coral, snake skins, dead scorpions, seashells, and other sorts of random nic-nacks arranged all over his dresser. I love his little collection, it makes me smile. He's all boy.
Violet
This lady is my little peach picker. Our tree didn't grow as many peaches this year but they were fat and delicious. Violet loves picking fruit off of the trees in our backyard.
She found a baby lady bug on one of the peaches.
She called it her buddy and then set it free.
We took the kids up to Huntsville area to visit the monastery. We bought jam made by the monks which was delish, and then we waited to watch them sing. We thought the kids would think it was neat to hear these men who never say a word sing. So we took them in the little echoey chapel and as soon as the monks began to sing. Ryker shouts "I gotta go pee!" Jonah loved the way his voice echoed on the walls so he wasn't quiet, and Violet was calling the monk's zombies. Needless to say we left. Moral of the story don't take toddlers to a place where reverence is required. It just doesn't happen. :)
(outside of the monastery)
Violet started preschool! She loves preschool and being able to see all of her cute neighborhood friends. She got a new hello kitty backpack and shirt for the occasion.
We had a field trip to ride the front runner to Farmington. Look at all of these cute kids!
Violet loved the train, she was so excited.
We arrived at our destination in farmington. The park in front of the new theatre out there is awesome. We spent a couple hours out there eating lunch and playing with friends.
I love how they decided to hold hands. Such a cute group of kids!
Hallie, Hannah, Violet, Rose, and Owen.
Jonah
Look at this stud, that dimple is killer. He found these glasses in the girl's section at walmart and could not part with them. His obsession with accesories hasn't ceased. I love it!
He loves to try to be a big kid and copies moves that his older brother does a lot. He's picked up on some of Ryker's amazing dance moves.
He has endless energy. Climbing is a favorite of his as well as his newest favorite toy: The whoopee cushion. That whoopee cushion makes him chuckle these deep belly laughs that are hysterical! He hands me the whoopee every day so he can get his fix!
Gary
He came home Yay! We love having him back. Lots of family time has been spent together. It's been good. He's a great Dad, here he is making pancakes for the kids.
He picked up a new hobby which he has been loving, fly fishing. He has been taking Ryker every weekend. Violet didn't love the fishing trip he took her on so she stays with me so they can have guy time. I love that they get to do this together.
Me
Well I got super duper sick with the stomach flu this month and Gary had to take care of me. I started volunteering in Ryker's class , and I taught Violet's class ( since we do Joyschool.) I got to have a Girl's night out at gabor brothers with some great old friends, and I started running. I only made it a half mile before I had to stop, then I walked 1 mile and ran another half mile. This will be a work in progress :0)
Also this bird flew right into my storm door and sat on my porch for a long time. Violet watched it as I went to grab a box and rubber gloves because I thought it was injured. As I went to pick it up, it flew between Violet's legs and into the tree in our front yard. I get excited about things like this Ha ha :0)
Cute birdie.
