Our summer of fun finally came to an end. Thankfully, we ended on a really good note. Eric had labor day weekend totally off, so we went hiking at a new park, Rocky Face Mountain, and then Eric let me have all of Monday to go shopping. It was pretty glorious (well, except for still being a size bigger than I want and fighting Labor Day crowds. But at least I was kid free).
Samuel thought this humongous mushroom was the coolest.thing. ever.
Levi loved "hiking" in Eric's backpack. ;-)
The next couple of weeks brought a lot of changes. We went from being blissfully schedule-free to having stuff to do 5 days a week. Samuel started preschool 3 days a week, we started a new Bible study (BSF, which we love so far!), and Samuel started children's choir at church, which he also LOVES. There were definitely tears and tantrums and a few near-breakdowns on all of our parts (especially since Eric had to work the weekend after Labor Day and we saw him about 3 hours all week. Mama was TIRED). But we survived, and gradually got into a groove.
Samuel and his new teacher, Ms. Amanda, at Open House.
And his BFF, John Tyler.
This picture killed me - It's just from the last couple of years, and doesn't include his first year at ABC when he was just 7 months old - Levi's age now!
I did keep Samuel out the first Monday of preschool so we could go to Salem Gymnastics' free open play day. It was a hit for sure. :-) Sadly, I don't think I got any pictures as I was too busy wrangling kids. haha. I also kept him out to go to the dentist one Monday, and he totally amazed me! Seriously, I have never been prouder of that kid! He held still, got his teeth cleaned, didn't shed a tear, and was totally stoked to pick out a (pink) Dora the Explorer tooth brush and a bouncy ball. And yes, I will be holding the pink toothbrush story over him 10 years from now.
We also went to the Apple Festival, one of our favorite Winston-Salem events. Samuel had an apple cider slush, we all went through the petting zoo, and had fun making funny faces out of fruits and veggies. We also went to the Texas Pete Festival downtown that evening, another local fave with lots of yummy food and live music.
We also had fun playing at Hanes Park, going to the gym, drawing with sidewalk chalk, and enjoying what should have been the last few weeks of summer weather (but surprise! It's basically been summer in October too). Oh, and there was plenty of block building in underwear and playing with Snapchat faces going on as well.
Mommy (because I have hair, duh), Samuel, Levi (who Samuel is holding) and Daddy. Notice Samuel's particularly huge teeth. He thought he was pretty funny for that one.
Levi is unimpressed by the elevator room at the gym.
Panera Bread had free bagels all month, so we spent a few Saturday mornings hanging out there.
Samuel also started getting an allowance, so we've made many a trip to the dollar store (right next to Panera) for him to spend his earnings.
We also made cupcakes. Because I'm a pushover who loves to bake.
Levi finally started sitting in high chairs and grocery carts. Where in the world has my little baby gone? I swear he's growing like 10x faster than Samuel did.
The boys loved learning to play ball together.
This baby giant is wearing his brother's 18 month old clothes from a few summers ago. I've been a little obsessed with making these side by side photos to show just how giant he is.
And also photos showing how he and Samuel compare at the same age. People are always telling me how alike they are, and it's true, but they have SO many differences too!
We got to hang out with our sweet friends the Riccis a few more times before they left for Germany! Samuel loved spending time with Daniel and David SO much this summer, and I loved getting to spend time with sweet Traci. I'm so grateful for their friendship. We're going to miss them!!
I finally started reading again. I'm making it through like a book a month right now, but I have lots of pictures like this on my phone since I'm too time-crunched/lazy to actually write down quotes. Haha.
Levi started sitting in the bath instead of laying down. He's a pretty big fan of splashing the water. Samuel's always been brave with the exception of water, so Levi might be the one I have to look out for!
And sweet little Levi turned 6 months old, which just doesn't seem possible. We took some official 6 months/family pictures with our friend Lisa. They turned out amazing! I'll post them later.
Samuel learned to make his own PB&J.
And I have to add this story - Samuel learned a song at school. "I wish I had a little red box to put my brother in. I'd take him out ::kiss kiss kiss:: and and put him back again!"
Soooo..... long story short, this happened.
We wrapped up September by heading to Kentucky for a whirlwind visit with Eric's family, but I'll save that for another post. :-) Not a bad little month! Here's a few more pictures I love that basically capture our life this month - messy, silly, but mostly fun. :-) And no, my boys never wear clothes.
