fall

The kids new school shirts with their year of graduation.

 

 Ari playing with Austin.

 Lexi bought Ari a new pram stroller for her birthday. We were a little impatient and gave it to her early.

 Kyler bought Ari a Lego zoo set.

 Game 3--go Pixies!

 Lexi #8

 Game 3--go Chimeras!

 Kyler #11

Another week has sped by. We planned Ari's party. Hard to believe our baby will be 2 so soon. Life has been busy with the usual. Jared leaves for a week long trip tomorrow.
The weather has become perfect--just that crisp bite in the air with the sun still shimmering above, the leaves are changing into their fiery counterparts, the holidays are beginning to dance across our minds.
Happy fall, everyone!

fun with friends and soccer

Ari's hair is long enough to do a few fun things now. However, she refuses to sit still for pictures.

 

 Kyler made a vinegar and baking soda 'grenade'

 Ari and I met up with some friends, their toddler daughters and newborn sons. We had coffee and went to a kids club for the girls to play.

 It was a great day!!

Today my dad joined us for the kids 2nd soccer games of the season. He must be good luck because every game he attends, they win.

 Kyler's game

Ari and papa

 Lexi's game

Kyler helped me by taking pictures of Lexi's game. Unfortunately I didn't catch many of Kyler's game as Ari needed to use the potty a time or two (she is doing great at potty training--has been accident free for over 2 weeks now!) and the field is much larger.

Hard to believe in 3 short weeks Ari will be 2!!

Lexi's birthday and beyond

We took the kids disc golfing.

 Pat and Vaughn came to visit us from California!!

 Pat has been a major part of my life since I was about 4. I love her so much!!

 The birthday cake I made Lexi. My plan was to use different colors and incorporate flowers. I asked Lexi her opinion and she came up with this idea. It was a first for me, letting her help. It was a great time and she loved her cake, so I was happy.

 Lexi's slumber party! I made the girls chocolate covered strawberries. Some with pink sprinkles and some with nuts. She was in Heaven!!

 Waiting on her friends to arrive!

 The girls gave each other make overs. We did pedicures and manicures, too.

 Present time!

 I sewed 8 bags and let the girls decorate with buttons and paint. They turned out so cute!

 Thanks to grandpa and grandma for Lexi's outfit and matching one for her doll Lilly, too.

 Using her birthday money (thanks Endo family!!), Lexi bought her first pet. A gerbil she named Austin.

 As a last summer family outing before school began, we headed to the coast.

 Flying kites

 Kyler's friend joined us.

 Happy birthday Lexi!! And first day of 2nd grade!!

 Kyler's first day of 5th grade!! Last year in elementary school, wow!!

 Jared, Ari and I visited Lexi's class to bring birthday treats. She was so happy!

 I decided to try my hand at a fall wreath. My first ever attempt.

 Kyler's first soccer game--The Chimeras

 Lexi and her friend Khloe.

 Kyler played very well, their first game was a victory!

 Lexi's first EVER game! The Pixies.

 Apparently it's boring to Kyler and Ari watching Lexi warm up. Kyler is nearly asleep and Ari is wearing Kyler's shoes, sitting on a ball, with an orange in her mouth.

 Lexi played SO well!! She is a natural athlete.

Summer is over. School is back in session. The kids were fortunate enough to get their picks on teachers--we know it's going to be another great year!
Thanks to those who remembered Lexi's birthday, it means a lot to her, and to us!
And now we have less than a month before Ari is 2, wow!