August 2023

 Our month went by and I am writing this in October because life is going so fast I can not keep up. At all. A newborn and 3 elementary aged kids is a season that is more of a blur than having all my 3 littles at home with me. I am loving life though and all that this season brings. There just isn't a free moment though. But that is probably why this blog is so important to me. One day, I will want to remember and explore this time. And this will help me. 

Here was our August:

We made a trip back to my hometown and saw all the aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. It was so good to all be together.

The baby just keeps growing and keeping life fun!

She also won't stop growing and hit the 4 month mark! Such a sweet, happy baby. She lights up when she sees us and loves to show she's excited by shaking her arms and legs as fast as she can. She is trying to wave and make kissing noises. We are so, so lucky she is ours and are all still in shock God gave her to us. 

We are always on the look out around our house for things in nature. An example of life in nature. A bird's nest complete with 2 eggs and also a baby bunny in the grass.

Nature also brings storms and that sometimes means cleaning up. I spotted the kids one morning outside working as a team on picking up fallen tree branches. 

As we approached back to school and the official end of summer (to us) we celebrated with a night out at a restaurant, a rare treat for our family!

We try to make food fun around here. Recently our household has been really obsessed with energy balls and bars (the above is a copycat perfect bar). The kids celebrate any time this is made. Payton has also been learning to make these on her own with no supervision from the adults. A real win in our book as the adults still get to participate in eating the treats made. 

                                                           

I mastered the art of cinnamon rolls! This is a true feat for me as I have worked for years (and failed) to figure out a recipe that works for us and makes beautiful rolls. This was a huge deal for me after a decade of no success. And they are dairy free so that Jayden can enjoy them, which made him so happy.

                                                             

We also tried a new recipe: Pumpkin chocolate chip bread. It has been fantastic and has been made several times since the first bake. 

                                                             

                                          

                                                           

We got the kids out to the pool and they met up with some friends! This was the first time Avery swam, too. Otherwise she had gone to the pool many times previously to sit poolside with me and watch the kids complete swim lessons. 

Jayden on the eve of going to school. Why can't we keep the kids little forever?!?! The next morning after this was taken, he headed to kindergarten. And I can still cry thinking about that day and how it was for me. He had a great time though. 

                                               

                                               

                                               

Then, I blinked. Summer was over and the kids (all 3 of them) are in school now. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. It seems like they should all still be home with me climbing into my lap all at once and begging for another story to be read or a show to be watched. How true it is that you never really know the last time you get something until it's over. I'm praying for a good school year and that they shine their light as brightly as I see it shining at home. 

Jayden still loves a good activity at home. He wasn't feeling well one day so he stayed home from school but perked up that afternoon. I pulled out an activity for him to do. We ready curious george goes to the dentist and then made different mouth puppets. 

We got outside one afternoon and played while we waited for Daddy to come home. 

I was also able to run the kids to the children's museum one evening after school. It was so good to be back and do one of our favorite things. 

We got out for a night of smores. 

The boys were playing outside and I saw them get the stroller. I went out and took this picture and asked them what they were up to. Jayden was Riley's baby and Riley was taking care of him. Their imaginations never cease to amaze me and I am almost always entertained by observing them play. 

One day by total accident all 3 kids wore their shirts to school that we used to announce Avery would be added to our family. They begged me to pick them up from school with Avery in her outfit. And, so I did. They of course wanted to get a picture of this moment. My heart melts. 

We all agree that this was the best mic drip we have ever witnessed.

One day on the ride to school, Payton asked for my phone. I later found the above pictures. These girls found a way to stay entertained on the ride to school!

That was our August! Fast, fun, a blur and now we are back in the full swing of school!