Last Minute Family Get Together

My sis-in-law called Scotty yesterday and invited us to have pizza and ice cream with them in a quaint little nearby town, their treat! Food and family - how could we refuse?  It was the first time all of the cousins were together with all the parents at the same time.  The kids were smitten with their twin cousins and we enjoyed a nice stroll and chat.  Mighty nice!

Our Second Little Lamb

Since Joy is officially 2 1/2, she started Little Lambs at our church this fall.  Yesterday was her first day in this big kid class.  I can remember when Micah became our first Little Lamb.

Fall!

On our way to church today I noticed some trees along the way had leaves that were changing colors, and coupled with the chill in the air I'd say fall is in full swing!  The start of a new season has brought about a new school year, and Micah and I are enjoying a unit study based on the 50 United States this year.  The whole family has begun Bible Study Fellowship - the start of Matthew has been great!  Micah's such a big kid this year - he's going with Scotty for the mens'/school age children class; I still take the younger 2 with me for the womens'/preschool age children class.  Along with school, work, household duties and Bible study there's always time to play, have fun, and enjoy a family adventure here and there.  Here's a little peek at us (well, just the kids - they're the cute, photogenic ones). ;-)

Climbing buddies.

New Hot Wheels from auntie Sarah!

Working in the "quarry."

Made our own "Pea Patch Island" while studying Delaware.

My "Sous Chef" - making peach crisp for our Delaware dinner.

Micah's State Quarter Collection from great g'pa Ruth - great resource for our study!

Joy "checking on Noah" (emptied complete tote of soft toys into crib)!

STICKER QUEEN!

Making pancakes.

Strawberry Shortcake are her "cute ones" from g'ma Sovilla. LOVES THEM.

Loves her new shades from g'ma Sovilla too.

Mr. Jazz's Apples

Our next door neighbors have an apple tree that produced quite a bit this year, and they said we could pick as many as we wanted!!  So with buckets in hand, the older two and I ran over to pick "Mr. Jazz's apples." (Our neighbor's nickname).  We had fun, and now we've got to get crackin' in the kitchen - I'm thinking some apple butter and apple crisp...

Mom's Visit

My mom flew out for a visit the last week in August and it was a.maz.ing.  It was a full, quick week but oh so wonderful.  I was able to help my sis-in-law with my twin nephews for a few days, and Scotty and I were able to have a weekend getaway - something we haven't done since, well, having kids!!  Mom pretty much acted as our Au Pair, but she and the kids enjoyed it so much, I don't really feel so bad. ;-) 

Family pic, take 1

Family pic, take 2

Early b-day celebration with g'ma Sovilla.

Water play at Pastor's house with friends!

G'ma's boy for sure.

Water snake in pastor's lake!

First boat ride for Micah and Joy on Pastor Steve's boat.

Say it with me again, "G'ma's boy."

So began our "Super Dim Sum Date"

Roller Coaster (lost my baseball cap on the first drop)!

Water Park!

Dots - self-inflicted frostbite on the tongue.

Shivering Timbers, take care of my hat.

22nd floor of the Amway Grand Plaza.

Lake Michigan.

Rosy Mound hike to the lake.

Lost his first tooth on the way to church!

My cute twin nephews.