Aidan is Three!

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I can't believe my baby is three! He is SUCH a fun addition to our family! He is always good for a smile and keeps us on our toes! We love him SOOOOO much! He wanted a T-ball party this year. It was his very first "friend" party. Grandma and Grandpa got him a new T-ball set, and the friends came and helped break it in! We are so lucky to have such cute, fun friends for Aidan. They had a great time running around in the backyard and eating baseball cupcakes. I had a lot of help (thanks, ladies!!)...and Aidan was SO happy to have celebrated his birthday in such a fun way. We're SO glad Nana could be there!

Volleyball

Austen's playing volleyball again this year. She's really worked hard and finally got her serve down!! The last time she had the ball, she got 5 or 6 over the net and scored the winning point! She's still working on her other skills, but it's fun to watch and practice with her. (We've been out in the not quite large enough back yard practicing serves... good thing we have nice neighbors to return the ball!) I told her that she might have a little volleyball talent in her blood since she has two uncles who are pretty AWESOME at the sport. Either way... it's fun to watch her have fun. She was SO excited when they won... she's definitely got spunk! :) And yes, that is Aidan in the BOTTOM of his stroller.... ANYTHING for a laugh!

Playdates

I am a HUGE fan of playdates! I have always loved setting these up for my kids. It's a total win-win situation! The kids have a blast, the moms get a break once and a while, and moms and kids both end up with treasured friendships. Austen and Noah both did playgroups and STILL are friends with those kids! Aidan and Ellie both LOVE their playdates they have scheduled each week. Aidan started his first playgroup this month and he asks almost daily when it is time for playgroup again! Good times and good friends... what more can kids (and moms) ask for??




















































































I had to add this page about the most anticipated playdate of all... KINDERBEAR!! My kids have always brought the bear home on the most boring days!! You have to write in KINDERBEAR's journal, and it's always been hard to make it sound like we had an exciting afternoon, especially if I was teaching piano! Well, Ellie got the WHOLE weekend to hang out... she was so cute with him, and I even had time to make a little scrapbook page for his journal. Yea!

Camping.. finally!

We have been trying to fit in a camping trip all summer! It never happened since we were busy doing lots of other fun things!!! SO, we SQUEEZED one in this weekend. We told the kids earlier in the week, and I'm telling you it was all, especially Aidan, they could talk about! They were SO excited!

We have not camped all together for a few years, and our camping gear is in SERIOUS need of updating! We had THREE sleeping bags for the six of us! I brought lots of blankets and warm jammies, but we were ALL cold. Poor Corey got up before 6:00 to go and start a fire to get warm. (and I was happy because he stopped putting his cold feet on ME!)

Aside from a mediocre night's sleep, however, we had SO much fun! As we sat around the campfire eating s'mores, talking and laughing, I was so happy! We were having a great time together with absolutely NO distractions! (computer included!) :)

We have not been camping in a while because, let's be honest, it's a lot of work no matter what, and even it's even worse with babies!! (and it qualifies as certifiable torture if you are pregnant!) However, I told the gang that we have officially entered the CAMPING phase of our lives! Corey and I both LOVE to be outside, and we used to do lots of camping, hiking, mountain biking, etc. Then came the babies and this all dwindled. But, I'm happy to say that we're back!! This summer has proved it. Aidan is still chattering non-stop about sleeping in the tent. I just hope that next time we are a little warmer!! :)

Yes, Corey did bring an ENTIRE tree back the the campsite for our firewood!! I thought the kids were kidding....

Labor Day Adventure

We woke up today and decided to head over to Sequoia National Park. We live so close to some amazing parts of the country, and we had never been to the southern part of the park. The highlight of the day was seeing the famous Sequoia, "General Sherman". Standing there and looking up at it was incredible. Even more than that, the tree has been there for 2200 years! Imagine what it's been through and seen.

We had a great day just hanging out together. The kids were able to complete another "Jr. Ranger" program, their sixth one this summer!! We have all kinds of badges, and they really have learned a lot. I love that they have so much fun exploring and learning new things.

Aidan kept us ALL laughing... he is SUCH a boy! Every few feet, he would have to bend down and pick up a stick, a rock, or just swish around some dirt. It was almost a compulsion!! Needless to say, it took us a long time to get places! And that's ok! :)