A Nice September Evening

September is...well, it's just nice. Know what I mean? The sun's still out. The trees are still green. The sky's blue, and the breeze is just right. 

The big girls started soccer on Saturday. We had a pre-season picnic with our team, the Unicorns, and this morning, Emily begged Chris to play soccer with them after work. 

So this evening, The girls headed to the park with Chris, and I hung out with Elizabeth in the perfect 72 degree air with the sounds of crickets to keep us company. (I did it!)

Addie's telling Keegan all about how her dad is the soccer coach

Yep. Feeling pretty proud.

Squirt. You.

Shin Guard Ready

Hands. Toes. (she's adding them to the person)

Happy September to you!

April Randoms

We had lots of fun in April....

Broccoli Beard...Don't you wish YOU had one?

Wrestling with Dad

Indoor Picnic

Washing Dishes

Bedtime Snuggles

Baby in a Bag

Please, come to Addie's store. I think I've bought everything in it. She needs new customers.

I planted a bulb garden out front. Sometimes I force my children to stare at my work.

Naked shopper! Aisle 2!

Beauty Salon...a current favorite. Don't worry, the scissors are for playdough.

My Dishwasher Unloader

Kitchen Mischief

Steamboat 3

On the last day in Steamboat, we all put on our shades of blue (thanks for the idea, Christa!) and posed for some family portraits.

The Paltes

The Hicks's

The Kelemans

The Petersons

The Bob Nicolls

The Tim Nicolls

Dee Dee's Family!

 Since early morning fishing was a big part of Chris's relaxation on this trip, I just have to include some of his solo shots. Looks pretty peaceful.

 

 

Goodbye Steamboat! We'll be back again next summer!

 

Let's Go Fly a Kite

On a windy day in April, we grabbed the kite and walked up the street to the park to see if we could get it in the air.

 

 

 

More Fall Fun

I put a bench out front this year with a pot of purple mums and some Halloween decorations, and it quickly became a favorite gathering spot for Emily and Addison. Every time we got out of the car, it was straight to the bench to say hello to their scarecrow friend and see if he'd like a bite of pumpkin.

Addie's getting ready to jump!

Scarecrow gets a kiss

All smiles!

Emily's looking pensive

But some sunglasses will crack her up!

Leaf Collecting

After the leaves in the front yard had really accumulated and begun to get crunchy, we did some raking and the girls had fun playing in the piles.

Addie shows Emily how you can put leaves up your shirt to tickle your belly

 Happy Fall!

Fall Fun and Family Photos

 Back in October, we met up with Dylan and Britney to take a walk along the cottonwood trail to enjoy the leaves and have Britney take a family photo. It was just the perfect day to be outside. The colors were so vibrant...the leaves a perfect bright yellow and the sky a deep autumn blue.

We started out getting a few shots of the sisters by one of our favorite big trees.

 Then Emily found a branch, and Dad taught the girls how to fence.

 Thank you, Britney, for capturing these great family photos!

After the photo session, it was time for a walk to the playground.

Cal was still waking up from her nap in the car

Dad pulled the girls in their wagon

Swinging on the big girl swing!

Uncle Dylan's good at pushing!

 Emily found the perfect monkey bar.

Addison wanted to get as close as possible to baby Annalea.

What a beautiful day!