A bit behind...

I can't believe I got so far behind...I will do my best to catch up.  So much has happened lately! 

The kids started school...to say Jack likes school is an understatement.  He is sad on the weekend when there is no school!!

 He has a great teacher. 

 

 

Hard to believe but Fernie started preschool as well...

She is still catching on to the school thing, I think she would rather stay home and play with Caroline and I!

This wee one enjoys her alone time with Mom! 

 Someone was sleeping in MY chair!

 You never know what you might find at the store! 

 I had to share this picture because Jack was sitting by one of his friends (we were behind them) and Fernie just had to pester him!!  I'm thinking this is ONLY the beginning!

 "See Mom, I can be like the big kids!"

 Love her smile, she loves when Dad twirls her.

 Two cuties!  (Sometimes a princess has to wear two tutus at a time!)

 Silly girl.

 We had a garage sale a few weeks back and my mom sold some jewelry...well Caroline thought it would be best to try the necklaces on before selling them.

 Time to try out the new park.

 

 

 He is one determined kiddo.

 I had the wonderful opportunity to chaperone Jack's first field trip - the Fire station!

 ALWAYS time for reading with Daddy.

 

 Love this picture of these two chasing Daddy around the yard.

 Best slide in town for crazy hair...

 

 

 Such a happy girl!

 Big changes for Jack this month.  The tooth fairy paid him a visit.  Funny story:  On the first attempt to replace the tooth with some coins, the tooth fairy woke Jack up!  Zack told Jack he was checking to see if the tooth was still there!!!  Second attempt:  SUCCESS. 

 

 Aaaaaand this big guys turned 6 TODAY!! Happy birthday buddy. 

We love you so much! (more pictures to come after his party tomorrow)

 Our biggest news of the month is that there will be another Pelham arriving in April.  We are all very excited.  Fernie has chosen the following names for a boy or girl baby:  Buster and Necklace.  We'll keep you posted on our name selection! 

 To announce our news at work, Zack took this message cookie to the office...

 

 Happy Fall!!!

 

Final Countdown...

I feel like I should queue up the song - The Final Countdown!!  It's running on repeat through my head as I type this!  This month for me is a countdown to sending this guy to Kindergarten - sniff, sniff.  Despite that sad thought, we have had a great last month!

Jack loves doing the monkey bars and does better each time we go to the park. 

 Fernie is ALL girl.

 Caroline figures if others can climb up the slide, why can't she!

 "Can I go down this slide any faster?"

 Caroline is NOT be left behind in any activity.  Drinking from her cereal bowl - CHECK. 

 "If it's good enough for my brother to wear, it's good enough for me!"

 Give her a cute hair-do, a necklace and a few bracelets and she is one happy lady.

BEST way to keep the keep the sun out (and protect the tiara!) 

 

 

 

In early August we took a short trip to Minneapolis. It was two-fold:

1.  Spend some time together as a family

2.  Visit the Children's hospital for a check-up for Caroline's hydronephrosis.

I am pleased to report we were successful on both missions - we had a GREAT time as a family and got a clean bill of health for Caroline and DON'T NEED TO GO BACK!!!  They gave her the A-OK!

Praise the Lord for a healthy Caroline!

Our appointment was on the last day we were there, so the other three days we visited the zoo and the Mall of America (not to shop but to ride the rides!)

 

 Is there anything cooler than going to the zoo with your older cousin?!?

 

 Jack is giving me the thumbs up!

 Thank goodness for a Daddy who goes on rides!

 Jack and Fernie got to go on one ride unaccompanied. 

 Perfect fit!

 

Fernie found a friend! 

After three days without naps and running all cylinders, this was our view from the front seat as we headed out of MN!

 

 

 Family movie time...or a Doc McStuffins episode!

 What fire chief doesn't need a good assistant?!

 Fire!  Fire!

In addition to Fernie's happiness, she is a very compassionate person. 

"Do you think I could get on this bike?" 

 L.O.V.E

 This was my view as I was leaving the house one evening...I wanted to turn back around and stay home! 

 All summer we have been anticipating Zack's work picnic.  We knew there were going to be horses there and to say Fernie LOVES horses is an understatement.  Actually all three really like animals.  When we let Caroline out of her car seat she ran directly to the horses all by herself.  Fernie thought it would be appropriate to dress like a cowgirl for the occasion and we weren't about to stop her!!

 

 

 

 

 

 I wanted to show the magnitude of this "sandbox" - the kids loved it!

 Seriously, can she be any cuter???

 

 Watching Fernie ride the horse.

 

 

 

 My loves!

Well as I said at the beginning, my countdown begins...This sweetie starts preschool next Tuesday.  I can't believe I will just have one kiddo with me two mornings a week. 

And this BIG guy will start Kindergarten on Thursday!  I don't know where the time went and I think if I could stop time right now I would!  I have prayed all summer that God would prepare their hearts and their teacher's hearts for this year.  I prayed that they would both have great relationships with their teachers and that they would be respectful to one another.   Please pray for us all as we make this transition!

(Gulp, I need to get my box of Kleenex now...)