The Bus

 Christian has been looking forward to being able to ride the bus to school. The first week, I took him. The second week, Ben took him when he went into the high school, and then walked with him over to the elementary school. So, riding the bus, actually does make more sense especially since its almost the last stop prior to school!

Yesterday was the first day for the bus. We waited together, then when I asked if he wanted to go meet it by himself, he wanted me to come with. He didn't hesitate a bit when it got to our house.

Oh goodness, for some reason I felt more mixed emotions about this than his first day of school! 

I prayed for you, Christian. That you would be brave and safe (even though you don't have far to go).

It was pretty sweet when I asked how it went, 

you said, "Oh good! So many of the kids asked me to sit with them, so I just picked one."

You are gaining experience and independence everyday my boy...and I am proud of you.

Stella...and the other gals

The Greats are doing well...the five of them are still enjoying their little life in our backyard.

Lately they sure have been making quite the ruckus. I think their getting antsy about laying eggs. A week ago, Stella figured it out!! She has laid one egg, everyday since, just after noon she goes into "her" nesting box and makes her deposit. 

Stella...you are a chatty one. Thank you for the eggs...tell your relatives to get on the J O B and figure this whole laying business out.

Meanwhile, we let them out nearly everyday for several hours. They like us.

Noah was blowing bubbles to them. And they like Jonah too, he drops his Cheerios when he eats outside...and they LOVE Cheerios.

Christian REALLY likes picking them up and holding them.

Stella and Ardis are his favorite.

Ardis is practically half the size of Noah. He gets so proud when he gets to hold one.

 Christian tries to talk "chicken" to them...'bawk-bawk-bawwwwwwk'

Ardis...

she is so silly, she will follow me around the yard. I think she just wants some attention. Then Ben reached down to pet her, and she sat nestled in for a back rub. Oh Ardis..(the real Ardis might enjoy Ben giving her a back rub too, who knows!?)

Faye, Fannie, and Lois climbed up the tree house stairs. Crazies. Lois turned back around to go down the stairs, but Fannie took the slide, and Faye flew off from the slide. Christian had a pretty good laugh at them. Fannie and Faye (the brown ones) they are something else. I think one of them might be blind...it acts real goofy sometimes.

BAWWWWK! 

Well, that's the update on the 'greats'. Hopefully soon, the other four will get to laying some eggs. It's pretty fun to go check the boxes, and pick up a treat!

Back to School

The school year is beginning...

Christian is starting Kindergarten and Ben starts teaching Spanish at Hesston High.

I thought I'd make a fun day of back to school shopping with Christian. Originally, when I suggested this, his answer was politely, "Oh, you can get my things Mommy." When I was explaining that it meant he can pick out the things on the list, and then we could get a couple new shirts. He again made it sound like a favor he was giving me, "Yeah! You can pick those out for me." I didn't want to force it, but he did decide on his own that it might be alright to go. I'm glad, because we had a fun day, complete with a stop at the toy store...

"I just can't believe there are ONLY toys in here! This is amazing!!" And the 'Perplexus' that he picked out from the toy store, has proven to be a good choice.

(At Old Chicago...where he got his meal WITH a root beer! Oh man...he was living large.)

 We visited Ben's classroom prior to school starting.

My handsome fellas on their first day of school.

And Noah gets to go to Sunday School for the first time this year...

and is lovely teacher assistant just so happens to be Grandma!

Summer recap

Our summer went fast and 'not fast enough' all in the same thought.

It went fast, as it is crazy to think its already over. It was not fast enough, in regards to me working full time hours while Ben stayed at home with the boys. He did a couple painting jobs as well.

All that to say, the summer has come to an end...and all in all, it was a good one!

Christian would have spent everyday at Grandma & Grandpa's pool if he had it his way...

he LOVES swimming. Noah was less interested in the pool, more interested in playing with the other toys Grandma's house has to offer inside.

There were lots of Lego building by these three.

These two sillies and their ways...always up to something.

they were trying out my flip flops.

The trampoline was especially fun with the sprinkler set up underneath.

Oh, these three...three very special little boys.

Christian set up his own little workshop on the front porch. Noah is well on his way to being his apprentice...maybe not.

These faces...he is a riot.

Oh Christian...you can light up with joy!

This happy little guy enjoys being outside too!

Ahhh...s'mores. A fan favorite.

I am so glad for all the other moments in between.

Ben has done a very good job being at home with the boys this summer. He got my things around in the morning, and never once complained about me leaving for work. I am very grateful for him, he is a wonderful husband and loving Daddy.

Jonah [9 & 10 months]

Jonah..

we have had quite the summer.

Last month when you turned 9 months old, we were in Colorado for a family vacation.

So we'll recap the last two months.

You take the bottle while I'm at work better, but you're not the best eater/drinker when I'm gone (this has improved this last month).

Regardless, you seem to think you are "SOOO BIG!"

Some of the foods you do like are Cheerios, yogurt melts, most baby food fruits, and an assortment of table food.

You didn't spend too much of your time outside in July, just because unless you were in the pool, there isn't a whole lot to do. However, you do enjoy the pool! And you worked on those top two teeth for quite some time...they finally poked through the end of July/early August.

You are on the move. I can have all kinds of baby toys for you to play with..but you would much rather find little pieces of paper, or toys that are not for you, or something to climb against. You my dear, are not to be trusted..even in a "baby-proof" environment. The day after you turned 8 months..you climbed out of your crib, that was an obvious first clue that you are good at what you do! And now, you enjoy standing with help, and walking with our fingers. I'm not ready for you to WALK?!? You're still my baby!

 Any chance that you see given...you make a dash for these stairs. We have been moving the entire couch to block off the bottom part of the stairs, and have since used a soft chair side ways. I'm sure its a matter of time before you figure out how to climb over that. You will turn around frequently to check if I'm there, and flash a big smile showing you are so proud at what you can do!

This too has been put away, since you like to climb on it..and then make a nose dive off the sides. Silly boy. Not too worry, Noah waited for the "all clear" to be given before riding down the rollercoaster. He is especially funny telling you what to do or stay away from. "Joooo-nah, no no!!!"

Speaking of Noah, you and he are kind of pals. He likes it when you climb all over him, pull on his glasses, and in general play with him. And you can smile and laugh at both of your brothers quite a bit. You like to watch and chase after whatever it is they are doing.

You are in general, a very happy baby. The main thing has been your teeth, and I think that's pretty typical. You hang in there if you don't get a morning nap. At bedtime, when you've officially had enough, the final straw is when you see me after your bath. Then, you let everybody know you mean business about getting your milk and heading to bed!

In Colorado, a couple days after turning 9 months. You did very well on the trip, both traveling and while we were out there. Lots of family to love on you!

Handsome fella, you now have 4 teeth (2 on top, 2 on bottom). Your hair is light brown, your eyes are light blue/grey, you wear size 9-12 months. At your 9 month appt you weighed 18 lb 8 oz, which is just a couple ounces more than what you weighed a couple months ago, so we will recheck that this month. You are a healthy boy, with lots and lots of smiles.

You know your family. You show your love by reaching to be held, and sometimes eagerly open mouth kissing my face. You've recently started waving 'bye-bye' and 'good-night'. And you love it when we try to blow kisses to you. You are ticklish, and love "round and round the garden".

Lately, you have been finding me wherever I may be...and you climb up my legs and stand against me. You are irresistible :) I just wish I had a couple more arms! I'm glad you are a fan of me...I'm a fan of yours as well :)

You a like a race car getting to the dishwasher when it opens now. Although, I appreciate the effort, your help makes my work a little harder to do!

You take a nap every afternoon. Sometimes its an hour, every now and then you sleep up to 2 hours or a bit more. Your morning nap is hit or miss. It depends how cooperative Noah is at leaving you alone to lay down (that stinker is LOUD and comes in your room to check on your sleeping status prior to you falling asleep). You are a beautiful little baby. 

And sometimes, you decide that sleeping isn't in your best interest...so you stay up past your normal bedtime to play by yourself. You are getting very good at throwing balls. You like to play catch when I roll the ball to you, and you throw it back at me.

 This picture just makes me laugh...

 it didn't take but a couple seconds for you to come charging at me in your true crawl like fashion.

Jonah Timothy, we love you like crazy.

You are a go-getter, climbing, crawling, happy little guy.