Grace Jumps a Thousand Times

We are enjoying this bit of nice fall weather we are having!

Both girls love to be outside.  Today Grace had a ball hanging out in the front yard while Jason sealed the front porch.

The chairs sitting in the lawn became fun places from which to jump!

One, two...

Three!  (or most likely, threefourfivesixsevenEIGHT!)

I couldn't love this girl more if I tried!

Clara Helps

Clara loves that she can walk!

She loves to help.  She likes to take dishes out of the dishwasher and put the silverware away.  She often brings me things and says "thank you!"  

Pumpkins and Garage Doors

It has been a while, so sorry folks!

I tried to do a fall photo shoot and it only turned out so so.  Clara wouldn't look at the camera, and Grace wouldn't stop twirling her hair.  But they sure look cute in the outfits handmade by my talented friend Kathleen!

Grace hasn't mastered the art of smiling for a camera.  At least you know when her smile is genuine!

Grace loves this pumpkin that she received at preschool.  Here she is burying it so that it will "grow and we can turn it into a giant smoothie!"  You'll like that, Dad!

A couple weeks back, Jason decided he was going to paint the garage door.  A short time into scraping, he dislodged a huge rotten chunk and abandoned that idea.  Jason installed this new garage door in under a day.  He is so handy!  Grace loves the new garage door and loves to point it out to any visitors, neighbors passing by or mail people.

The old door has not found its final resting place yet.  Things have just been far too busy with the work season in full swing.  (I think that is part of a weight bench on top of the heap.)

Clara is walking up a storm now!  She loves to push things like this tea cart, but she is comfortable toddling around sans walker too.  Some of her new words include Pumpkin and Bandaid.

Sweeties!

33 Years Old!

The love of my life turned 33 yesterday!

I gave him a new bicycle seat, and here he is back from his first ride on it!

Anne's Baby Shower

Gini and I threw a baby shower for our friend Anne!

She was there for our showers and now it is her turn!

We did a bicycle theme because Anne loves to bike!  But probably not right now in her current state, I'm guessing.

Jason graciously allowed me to steal his bicycle wheel to make this ribbon sculpture.

She received many lovely things including this "Team Llama" bib and onesie set.  Anne and David call themselves Team Llama (don't ask, I don't know why) so this is perfect for their new team member!  

Baby showers are a blast to plan.  I wish I had way more time to craft up a million decorations, but I think Gini and I managed to pull together something quite respectable.  We make a good team!

Second Day of School!

Grace enjoyed her second day of school!

Avery was sick the first day, but she was ready to go in a big way today!  Grace is being a goofball as always.  The girl in the middle is our neighbor Ada!  We've had a few play dates and she is a sweet girl.

It is going to be a fun year!  I already have homework.  I'm bringing the snack next Tuesday!

First Day of School!

Grace started preschool today!

She seemed to really enjoy it!  

I don't know what I was worried about, but I was a bit of a wreck while she was gone and I wasn't expecting that.  I guess it is conditioning me for future milestones!