AnaLeah's First Dip in the Atlantic

 It seemed like the perfect evening to escape to the beach.  With Fall fast approaching, we wanted to take full advantage of these warm evenings.  We all enjoyed the beach at "Golden Time."

AnaLeah got a chance to let the waves tickle her toes for the first time....

Levi was racing around the beach playing tag with all of us....

Jude was up to his old tricks....

Jude couldn't get enough of the water....

Jude was quite the daredevil on the rocks....

AJ loved the feeling of sand on her feet.....

Hanging Out

 Now that Jude is in school, Levi, AnaLeah and I get to head out on adventures of our own.  Here are a few shots of us passing the time....


Levi was so proud of putting this Simba puzzle together at the library....

 FOUND YOU LEVI... trying to hide from me at the pet store....

Waiting for Daddy to get home from work, enjoying the beautiful weather!

Just being cute....

 Learning to balance on a two-wheeler....

AnaLeah's Dedication

 Every day both Joel and I feel completely blessed to have been chosen by God to parent 3 wonderful, beautiful, children.  This morning we were able to stand before our church and have AnaLeah dedicated.  We promise to raise her to the best of our abilities to be a child of God.  We are so thankful to have both friends and family that will help us along every step of the way.

(The dress that AnaLeah wore for her dedication is the same dress that I wore for my baptism.  My Aunt Nona made this beautiful dress more than 34 years ago... There is no way that she could have known how special this dress will always be.)

Butterfly Play

 Since the beginning of school this year, Jude has been learning (and teaching us) all butterflies.  This week we were privileged to attend his play all about the life cycle of butterflies.  As you can see, Jude made his Monarch Caterpillar costume.  He was one of the only caterpillars in the show.... This little caterpillar was trying to hide from the camera.

Soccer Mom

 It's official... My title can now be deemed "Soccer Mom."  Jude decided to hit the field and give soccer a try this season.  Each week players and coaches get to practice for 30 minutes or so before they jump into some 4 on 4 swarmball.  Jude is having a great time meeting new friends and kickin' the ball around!

 

A Fishing First

The perfect way to end Jude's Labor Day weekend was to go on his very first fishing excursion.  Joel and Brian took their eldest sons Jude and Henry out to Kingman Farm to try their hands at fishing.  The large mouth bass were biting like crazy.  The boys had a spectacular time catching the fish and playing with the "wormies."  (Catch and release was the name of the game.... the boys also liked releasing the worms into the pond before they left, giving the other fish something to chew on.)

Just 'Cuz

 The boys love to "swing" on by Uncle Dave and Aunt Chris's house....

They were super psyched to find that AJ loves to play cars with them out in the driveway!  I think she's already planning our next road trip to MI.

It's moments like these that just melt my heart.....

 

  

Play date on the floor....

Too cute!