Life Lately

We are all back in the swing of school and activities.   We are busy......running club on Monday nights, choir on Wednesdays, soccer practice on Fridays and games on Saturday.   But it is a fun and joyful kind of busy.   We are trying to soak up every moment and every memory because time just keeps getting faster and these little girls are changing every single day.   Here are the pictures from the past couple of weeks........

We took the girls out to lunch and had chocolate milkshakes to celebrate Susannah and Peter's first big soccer game of the fall season.   

Chocolate shakes with a view of the Potomac. 

SA wanted to make sure she got every last drop.   

Saturday afternoon naps are the best.  

This little one has become such a beloved member of the family.   

We have had unseasonably warm weather the past two weeks so the girls have enjoyed a couple of last hoorahs with the baby pool and sprinklers.  

Meadow enjoying her mud pie. 

This one loves water time in the backyard. 

Mudpie making keeps these two  busy for hours. 

It took a few weeks, but we finally got a fall picture in front of the school sign. 

SA has been really into playing dress up lately.   Susannah loved this dress too and it makes me smile every time SA puts it on. 

Another Sunday afternoon in the backyard.

Sister love.

Sarah decided to get her rain boots and umbrella just in case a stray shower cropped up unexpectedly.   And that is her new big girl backpack.   She is so proud to have one like Susannah's.  

Peter and Susannah have been practicing soccer in the backyard.   

She is really improving.  

Love this picture.

SA is happy in the pool.   All Day Long.

This little girl has emerged from her shell over night.   She talks non-stop and her personality is big and hilarious.   Her newest phrase is, "Mommy, I'm getting so boring."    

Stirring up some pancake batter for pancake night. 

Susannah rides her scooter to school most mornings and Sarah Avery loves chasing her.   

Can't beat this view as a way to start my day.   

And that has been our last couple of weeks.   We love and miss you all!   Happy Fall to everybody!

First Days of School

The school year has officially begun and we are all enjoying our new routine.   I still notice a tiny lump in my throat at drop off most mornings, when I realize how fast time is flying and how absolutely full of gratitude I am that the girls get to go to such beautiful schools.    But I've managed to refrain from completely embarrassing myself or them with an actual public breakdown so that is a relief.  ;)   Here are the pictures......

The weekend before school started both girls had birthday parties.   One came home with a ring pop and one came home with a whistle.   I  would call it a tie if I had to decide which of those party favors I loathed the most.   

One stains everything and one makes my ears bleed.   But these smiles almost make the misery worth it.  ;)

Labor Day lemonade stand to raise money for Harvey victims was such a fun memory.    They raised $54!

And then it was the night before Susannah's big first day of 1st grade!  

 We sprinkled the ready confetti from her new teacher under her pillow before bed.  

Chocolate chip pumpkin bread is the perfect fuel for first grade.   

Susannah helped make her first day sign and was so proud.   

It takes my breath when I see how grown up she looks in these pictures.  

We all walked her to school for her first day.   The first day is the only day parents are allowed to go to the classrooms.   Last year we went in and took a picture of her at her desk and helped her find her cubbie.   This year, before we got to her room, she told us she didn't need help and left us standing at the door with a quick hug and a wave.   It almost did me in.....Peter had to escort me out the back doors or the school so I could collect myself.  ;)

Susannah's school has a tradition of a school wide ice cream social the first week of school.   

Its a fun time with friends, but also crazy chaotic.   

The weather has been absolutely perfect so we walked to church on Sunday.   

The girls shed their church shoes for the walk home. 

Thanks Grammy for these adorable dresses.  

We spent Sunday afternoon in the backyard.   Peter grilled while the girls played with play-doh.

And then Monday brought SA's first day of school.

She had to represent on her first day after that big Notre Dame win.   

She was so proud to get started like her big sis.   She has an awesome teacher this year and she is loving it already.  

This year she gets to take a lunch just like Susannah so that is a big highlight for her.

So there you have it.   Back to school 2017 is complete.    Peter is coaching Susannah's soccer team and that starts Friday night, so lots of fun still ahead.  Love and miss you all!