Fall Traditions

We love fall around here.  There is so much to do, and we do our best to take advantage of all of it...especially if its great weather...which it was.  Art Prize, Robinette's, and Koetsier's are some of the fun things that we can do as a family.  Lots of fun photo-op included! As the kids get older, it's fun to be able to go places without strollers or diaper or crying...okay there is still crying, but we still had fun!

My Little Munchkin

Since Molly and Grant are in school all day, I spend most of my time these days with this little munchkin.  She is mostly a good companion with lots of smiles and hugs.  She has her share of tantrums and whining, but its amazing how after the third child, I have learned to ignore and distract much better.  She is full of smiles and belly laughs.  She loves to dress up in gymnastics leotards, princess dresses, and ballerina costumes.  She is a good little shopper and excellent snuggler.  

Gymnastics leotard and shoulder buddy

Big Bird

Ice Cream with Friends

Too bright to watch the movie

Park playtime

Tire Swinging

Underdogs

Tinkerbell

Perfect

Dancing Girl

Off She Goes

I can't believe my baby is off to school.  She started threes preschool at St. Mark Lutheran this fall.  She  only goes Tuesdays and Thursdays for a few hours in the morning, but she loves it.  I thought maybe there would be a few tears...at least maybe one of my kids would be sad to leave dear mom...but nope.  Off she went without a worry in the world.  When I picked her up, I said "I missed you Charley!  Did you miss mom?" and her response "No I didn't at all!".  Oh she has grown up so fast.  She is such a joy,  filled with love and laughter, and little naughtiness thrown in there too.  She still gives me a run for my money sometimes, but she is so good at showing love.  Perhaps I'm blacking out the tantrums and whining because this is my last little one.  Love you Charley girl.

Rapids

Grant started a new soccer league this year called Rapids FC.  He seems to really be enjoying it and I think the level of play and intensity is just right for him.  The field is at the end of our street so that is extremely convenient as he can ride is bike down there all by himself.  He has gotten a couple of goals so far and really seems to be developing some desire to play the game.  I'm so proud of him and can't wait to watch him develop his skill.

Matt and Grant

Family pic at Lansing Tournament

So thrilled to be watching more soccer

The feeling is mutual

Go #4

Goodbye Summer

We said goodbye to summer over Labor Day weekend.  It was a beautiful weekend, and we were so blessed this entire summer with beautiful weather.  It went by so fast as usual.  I know our kids will always remember these fun times with family at the lake.  Here are some pics of my children whom I adore with all my heart.

First Day of School 2012

My babies are getting big.  I can't believe how fast time is going.  Please slow down!  Molly started kindergarten this year and is going all day every day.  Her teacher is Mrs. Crawford-Poyner at St. Mark Lutheran, and she loves it!  She has already gotten a note home telling us what a pleasure she is in class.  Apparantly she has quite a lot to say in school...very important things to say.  My shy Mols is definitely coming out of her shell.  Her favorite thing is recess of course and she loves to write her name...on everything.  

Grant started 3rd grade this year...3rd grade!  That seriously makes me feel old.  His teacher is Mrs. VanZweden, and he was very excited to have her as a teacher.  Things have changed a bit this year and there is a lot more work to be done, which he does not like.  But we are working on it.  It takes a lot of time, but he seems to be coming along well.  He always loves art class and is still taking piano lessons with Ms. Nobis.  He is growing up so fast!

Summer of Instagram

Are you on Instagram?  I'm obsessed.  I love taking pics of my kiddos.  We have had a beautiful summer with lots of warm weather and sunshine.  We enjoyed lots of pool days and smiles.

Five

Happy Birthday Molly Ann!!

Mols,

I can't believe you are five already.  I feel like you should still be a sweet little baby that was so quiet and compliant.  But my how you have changed over the last five years.  You have really grown up this year, and I'm so proud of the little girl that you have become.  You are becoming a brave little girl trying new things and have gotten way more outgoing.  You had fun learning soccer and dance this past year and are so looking forward to going to kindergarten in the Fall.  You have such a big heart for others and get very sad when others are hurting or unhappy.  You would do anything to make someone stop crying.  You are the peace maker of this family for sure.  You are such a good sharer and are very thoughtful.  You no longer suck your two fingers and have done a great job sleeping without nunny!  You can do anything you put your mind to.  You are very particular about your clothing choices and like to be silly and giggle with your Daddy.  You love Jesus and love to sing.  I love you so much Molly Ann and can't wait to watch you grow up.  We are so blessed to have you.  Muwah!

Love, 

Mommy