September Has Ended

Justin had a birthday and I happened to be at school eating lunch with Olivia when lo and behold, he walked outside to eat lunch also which happened to be 100ft away. So we enjoyed eating lunch together, all the while missing Isaac.

 This was his box in a box in a box in a wrapping in a wrapping.

 This is what was inside (not the tablet).

 And here's the dinner that takes me 20 years to make because I always forget how I make it cuz I only make it once in a blue moon. (yes, i'm following the recipe each time) However, it is delicious and even the kids like it! Dilled Turkey Cutlets, or was it Dilled Carrots and Pecany/Limey/Dilled/Twangy Turkey Cutlets? 

 E&I picked out their clothes for the next day.  Awww....

 Just because Olivia wanted some pictures of us matching. (maybe cuz the boys match so often???)

 Water coloring coffee filters...

 ...to make Joseph and the coat of many colors. Which turned into a whole family with nice coats. Thanks Aunt Tara for the idea!

 Elias watching Isaac play on the tablet, gun ready for anyone who may cause danger.

 Awesome neighbor Kristin who helped make 2 chicken tetrizinis and 1 giant bowl of rotini salad! The two girls were tough sports, they stood there for almost 2hrs helping me!

 Gramp and Nana came for a one day visit. The was the only picture I got. Olivia had done Nana's hair while she was sleeping.

 Fun meeting Gma...

 ...and Gpa for random get togethers during school days.

 E, I, &O helped our neighbor do some yardwork (although this picture doesn't really show it). Not sure how much work got done, but they kept her ears busy!

 Took Elias to the zoo and saw this bear. You could stand at the glass where the dark line is at the bottom left of the picture. It was way cool and the closest I've ever seen a bear here, but Elias didn't want to get out of the stroller. I guess I don't blame him seeing the bear claws.

 Zoo snack.

 Also at the zoo. For some reason, sand doesn't gross me out when it's cool outside.

 Scottish/Irish Festival in Dandridge. They were watching a dog parade.

 Fun to listen to, but a little on the annoying side after a long while.

 Kid area was right next to stage area...hence leaning toward a little on the annoying side.

 1st time Gma has ever gotten her face painted! I convinced her to get a football since Gpa was home watching the game!

 Isaac playing some random girl a game of checkers.

 He chose the ladybug. It's so cool to see him make decisions that are not the same as Isaac or Olivia.

 Olivia also got her name on the other cheek.

 Pretty sunset at G&G's house.

 We've spent quite a few Friday nights their since J has started his EDS program back in August.

 After going on a hunt in a dark room for Elias, I found this during the "last check" for the night. Despite what it looks like, Isaac insists that the floor is cooler than his bed, and therefore "chooses" it some nights. I would have to agree with him. 

House

So way back when...in June...we moved.  We are now offically 2minutes from J's work! ...and the kids school! Yahoo!  After midnight the night before we got the moving truck, I was looking around the house for Justin.  This is where I found him. Isn't he great? Digging up my favorite daisies to bring with us. My heart thumped with love! Plus I laughed because he totally reminded me of one of our favorite movies Dick and Jane. Ever seen it??

And one of the best surprises was our bestest Ohio friends came down to become SURPRISE moving assistants! It was SO SUPER GREAT to see you guys and SUPER GREAT to have your muscles and AWESOMER SUPER GREAT that you just couldn't stay away and came twice!! ;-) THANK YOU BEYOND THANKFULNESS!!!!! Rah Rah for Todd and Kristen!!!!

Enjoying the backyard.

Fires will be a little better in the fall, but hot fires are fun too when you get marshmallows!

When we first moved in, Isaac would take things to color out to the swing. Those are muscadines over the swing. Grapes.

We found out that bamboo creates very big, quick fires and produces shotgun sounds as each compartment of the bamboo heats up and explodes.

I know you'll be here soon Fords, but I finally got around to taking a few pics of the inside for ya! Living room area. The sun room has become the toy room.

There ya have it. 

Hello 2nd Grade and Kindergarten!!!!!

My sister and kids were here for Olivia's first day of school. She wanted braids and the same dress she wore for K and 1st Grade. I couldn't find my camera battery charger since moving so all I have are pics from Tara's camera. She has more, but I couldn't open them. So I stole these from her blog!

 There is a pic somewhere of just O in her dress. Still fits. 3 years and counting! Maybe that's why her and Isaac look like twins when they walk around together. Same height.

After unloading some more boxes, the battery charger was found! This is Isaac eating breakfast the first day of full day Kindergarten.

 Justin leaves about 10minutes before us to get to school....which happens to be connected to the same school O&I go to!

 After picking out a cool ninja turtle back pack, we found out that all K in this school have to carry a red tote bag. At least we won't have to buy a backpack next year! (hope he still likes the turtles)

 He made it to his classroom.

 His teacher, Mrs. Harris. SUPER sweet.

 Isaac loves school. He's a go getter and ready to conquer the world. And he already has a best friend Kory. They have the same shoes. Justin was able to walk over for both the kids first day of school. That was special for them.

 And this is where Elias stayed while I finished the dishes on the first day home alone, wrapped around my leg. He REALLY misses his playmates.

I can't believe both kids are in school. I didn't cry on I's first day (probably because they didn't send a sentimental love poem home with handprints like they did for Olivia), but I'm still sad and miss him everyday. Olivia too. But it is also wonderful to get time with Elias to do 2yr old things.

Last of the Summer

Well, it's not technically summer since my sister and her kids came on the first day of school for Olivia...but these are summer-like activities.  And since Isaac had such a staggered start with K, it was still like summer.

So. Kids eating. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are all getting bigger!

 Backyard fun! They kept running in from the back tree line. I believe right after this picture was taken, Logan and Elias were crying because of a collision. Oops.

 Justin took some time to spray them as they ran by.

 ...and when they got close.

 G&G came over to watch the gang while Tara and I got to do some shopping for our new house (more pics to come in later post).  Looks like Legos were the hit. Thanks Gramp & Nana for saving all J's legos from when he was a kid!

 There were different variations of outfits throughout the 5-day visit. My kids don't dress up much until Logan and Connor come. It's definitely funny to see what they come up with!

 My kids discovered their favorite trees while the cousins were here. I wonder why they picked these?

 The next few are just more outsideness.

 ...done all in love of course...

Me and sleep pictures. I liked this one. Yes, maybe when he's three he'll get a real bed. But for now, this works...kinda. And in case anyone was wondering...our old neighbor Sherry made the custom pillows for the boys! Thanks a million!!

 Olivia managed to get strep throat for the first time in her life. So she stayed home from school and we had to have something to do. Why not paint yourself?

 All the pictures we made had to have our hands, fingers, knuckles, or fists in the picture somehow. 

 One day after "Kindergarten camp". Head under bed. That rhymes too! 

 The very last day of summer for Isaac before going to school every day, full day. Elias was practicing writing his name. He makes all those lines for "E-L-I-A-S". He spells his name while writing each line. If you click on the pic to make it big, you may be able to see the yellow "elias" with correct amount of lines. Issac is such a good teacher! And thanks new neighbors for the dry erase board!!