Hello Baby!

How are you this afternoon? Do you like your new blanket so far? It's not perfect, but it should keep you warm anyway. It's seen lots of sun, heard lots of your sister and brother laughing, and felt lots of breezes blowing already. That way, even though the first part of your life out here will be cold and dark, you can still be wrapped up in a little summer, right? :)

That's your siblings you hear screaming now--they're going down the twisty slide. I love these peaceful times when they're busy and I can sit and feel you--to me it feels like you're already here with us, I can't wait until everyone else can meet you.

We're off for a bike ride now, Baby! The path is sun dappled and winding--it's peaceful and cool here in the woods!

Your brother likes to stop and look up at the tall, tall trees--he says, "See the sun up there, Mama?"



We can only admire it for a second--there's Abby, calling for us to hurry up before she gets lost "out here all by myself". On we go to the river!

The water is cool on our feet--do you hear the gurgly rapids and the big kids splashing?

They could play and explore here for hours.

I don't mind the view either...

Back on the road again, Baby. You're telling me it's supper time. And shadows are getting long--

And look, there you are again, Baby!

Even though you give me a crazy shadow and we got up four (4!!) times last night to use the bathroom, you're still worth it, only 3 more months!

Ahhh...that's better.

Hear that? Home. It sounds so nice...we're slipping back into familiar rhythm, stories, coloring, making, baking.





I needed cheery, summer potholders. But now I think they're too cute and white to use, durn it. "Making" helps me "find center" again after busy times. So do cookies.

This afternoon just might bring a trip to our favorite park to ride bikes on meandering paved trails, or maybe we'll just head to the lake...

Aaaand the Fun Ship Sails On...

to Como Zoo and Conservatory! We spent a hot and exhausting, but oh so fun day at the Zoo with Aunty Pug (Karolyn) and cousin Kristine.



After touring the zoo(but missing our polar bear friend who is spending some time in Detroit while his crib gets a state of the art re-do), we hit Como Town--the zoo's little amusement park. The kids had a fantastic time running ride to ride and getting their thrills! It was sweaty hot, but it seemed most people were sticking with the zoo--most rides the kids were able to walk right on, with little to no line, which was fantastic with the heat!

It seems we've crammed a whole lot of summer fun into the last month--Grandpa Rob came for a visit, we took a little trip to Duluth, Abby went to Valley Fair with DuMonts, the circus, the zoo, movies, eating out, lots of fireworks...just a whole lot of running and being busy. While it's so fun, and we're making lots of memories, and I'm so grateful we're able to give our kids these fun times and experiences, a very large part of me (and the kids too) is craving the rhythm and routine of being home.

Our curriculum from Sonlight arrived last week--it's beautiful, and we're ready to dive in tomorrow. We're set for a week of pulling in, a refresher course on minding our manners, remembering that not every day requires a fancy adventure or sugary treat. It's time to point the kids back to the basics of being content at home, relishing routine and rest.

So. I'm looking forward to the updates this week being homey and peaceful...I hope your week's beginning is pleasant and your hearts are content!

The Circus Came to Town...

With pony and elephant rides, a show, cotton candy, we did it all!! Abby was so thrilled to be on the pony-horses are one of her "things" lately. ("But it wouldn't go faster, Mom, why?") The show was noisy, sparkly, funny and circus-y with tumbling, juggling, acrobatics, clowny antics, balloons, fancy-prancy horses and elephant tricks. The sky was a little rumbly, but threaten was all it did and we enjoyed our evening!

The Missing Winks

Hello little Blog. I'm sorry I've neglected you so sorely these last several months. I promise, you'll be seeing more of me again. There's a time management issue (namely: Staying Up Too Late) that needs to be resolved. The problem has been identified and steps are being taken to remedy the situation. This little problem has created all sorts of ripple effects across our days, affecting all of us, including you, little Blog. Supper has also been affected and has been suffering with offerings like pigs in a blanket and mac n cheese, plain buttered noodles, and pancakes. Complaints have been registered and are being processed. Perhaps the only entity that has NOT suffered is PBS Kids, who has seen a significant increase in free time as I try to grab the missing winks in the afternoons.

Again, I apologize, Blog. Complaints are being registered from all sides and are being processed--they will be addressed in a timely manner, and your turn will come.

Remorsefully,
The Wink Waster

The Real Deal

Doc Olson took pity on a doubting, obsessive-compulsive mommy and did another scan. There. Is. No. Doubt.

With my mind at ease, we've begun the official baby prep. (Bj calls this "shopping". :) ) The "Before Baby" to do list is shortening by the day--a couple more cupboards and closets to organize and I'll only have sewing, shopping and some cooking/freezing meals left to do! Nesting, nesting...

Homeschool curriculum is on its way, scheduled to arrive tomorrow. We're flying through Pre-K materials right now, I'm anticipating Abby will be ready to begin a Kindergarten language arts in September. I've been pleasantly suprised to find the addition of schoolwork an easy blend with our routine. Most days Abby asks to do her schoolwork, and is usually finished in no time. Alex is happy working puzzles, coloring, or doing other manipulatives along side us at the table.

There's a quick update--there've been other happenings too, but we're off to a church picnic at the lake!

Late Night.

3:50 a.m. Up with what I'm assuming to be Braxton Hicks contractions...not painful, they just started enough of a back ache to keep me up...thought I may as well do something useful with the time, since I'll surely be useless tomorrow.

So, here's a few swimming lesson pics...I realize they're not great, but meh.

After lessons, she comes grinning, "Mom!! Did you see???"

How was everyone's Fourth? We had a wonderful day with friends, fireworks, canoe rides, splashing in kiddie pools and staying up waaaaay past bedtime!