September extras

We had a couple of really hot days in September.  One day after school we played in the fountain.

 Leo picked out Grace's outfit and hair bow this day.  He said she looked like a present.

At evening playgroup, Harrison wanted to pull Grace around in the wagon. 

 at the playground 

 that face!

Harrison's Lego school bus (with stop sign that extends out)

 Grace & I had lunch with Leo at school.  He loved showing off his little sister!

apples

I love this time of year.  Apple picking is one of our favorites.  It didn't really feel like Fall because it was hot and humid but we still had a good time.  We picked Granny Smith apples this year. 

 It was even more fun with Lizzie there too.

Apple cider donuts were a hit. 

One of the apples of my eye!

North Carolina weekend

We had a wonderful weekend in North Carolina.  My dad and his wife were driving up from Myrtle Beach and we drove down from Virginia to meet them in Raleigh.  We toured the LDS temple there.  You can see interior pictures of it here.
 

Then we played at the hotel pool.

My dad grew up in this area so we took some time to drive by the house where he grew up, his old high school, etc.  One of the most special things for me was visiting the grave sites of his sister (who died at 4) and his brother (who was born and died the same day).  I was named after his sister and Leo's birthday is March 27, the same as my dad's brother.

We caught the ferry on the way back.  The sunset on the water was a nice end to the day.

throwing crackers to the seagulls

We had a great visit with Papa Larry and Grandma Denise!

history lesson

Jeff joined staff from all branches of the military for a Staff Walk of a Revolutionary War battlefield.  He brought Harrison with him, who volunteered to assist the officers briefing the battles.  Harrison was happy to help and never complained about the four hours of walking in the sun.  Jeff said everyone was impressed with how well Harrison behaved.

 Harrison's never done anything like this before and now has a new love of American history.
He even found a turtle along the way.

phone dump

some pictures that were on my phone, taken over the last week or so

Harrison lost another tooth.

These boys are something else!  While Jeff was cleaning the garage, they tried to sell shells and bottles of water.  We don't exactly live in a high traffic area.  They sold one water and three shells (all to the same person).

this girl 💖

Leo thinks that wearing his hat backwards makes him look like a DJ.  He wanted me to look like one too.

I had all the kids wear red, white and blue on September 11.  I love how sweetly Grace is looking at Leo!

I couldn't get one picture of them all looking in the same direction.

Grace's natural resting foot position.

 

on a nature walk and at the library for story time

Leo asked if he could bring balloons in Grace's room for her to play with.  Then Leo asked me to put Grace in her crib with the balloons.  Next thing I know, Leo has jumped in there with her.  This is the first and last time Leo will ever be in her crib!