The last day of September

Hard to believe that September has come and gone. Especially around here with our 90 degree day! September is busy, but enjoyable. Everyone has settled into their routines and thriving. The kitchen is not yet finished, but will be soon. The yard has had a branch or two trimmed out... the leaves are falling and we are raking and collecting. School is good for everyone; a bit frustrating at times for Mom, but all is well. I wonder what October will bring?

Right now...

the cabinet doors and drawer fronts are being reinstalled in the kitchen! So excited. Will post pictures when they are all hung.

Now, I can put all of my kitchen belongings back into the kitchen and clean up the living room, otherwise known as the temporary kitchen.

Soccer Weekend

Soccer finally began this weekend. I'm coaching Stefan's team, the Outlaws. I have 6 little boys on the team. They had a great game. They won 16-1. Stefan scored 10 of the 16 goals. He towers above the others and has really picked up some good skills. These boys really enjoy playing the game. I don't have any pictures of Stefan playing since I was coaching. I'll have Joe takes some next time.

Some of the kids on Joey's team have now played together for three years. They are really starting to get as a unit. In his age bracket, they travel to different local soccer clubs to play. Their first game was in Battle Ground. They won 8-2 and Joey scored 3 of the goals. He has a wicked left foot kick and was able to score from the left side with it. He also helped to set up several goals for his buddies.This is Joey (#9) with a buddy. Joey had just scored and his buddy had helped him out. They had just finished "chest bumping" ... which is not good sportsmanship. We'll put an end to that.

Emmi's first game ended up getting canceled, so her coach ran a quick practice with the girls. She will play this Friday night as well as Saturday morning. Emmi on the left.

First Day of School -- Emmi

Here is Emmi's first day of school picture. She missed the first two days of school because of strep throat. She loves her class. She is part of the Dandy Dolphins, one of our PreK classes. She is helpful, outgoing, friendly and makes sure that she gets all of her projects completed.

Esther Short Park

The last day of summer before school began. Posting this a few weeks late, but I love these pictures. The kids played hard that day at the park... enjoying friends, sun and water.

Joey and Stefan cruising and splashing through the water.

Carrying Emmi... just for fun.

Emmi drying off... doesn't she look so peaceful?!?!?

Stefan drying off... very tired, ready to head home.

My future?!?!?

He's big... big enough to drive his own bumper car. When did that happen? Is this a glimpse into my future... "Mom, can I borrow the car?" Slow down... not quite ready for that.

Stefan drove a bumper car as well... he was still just short enough that I had to ride with him... thus, no picture.

Winding Down...

Cherry Tomatoes

Slicing Tomatoes

Orange colius


Red Colius

Enjoying the benefits of a garden... vegetables, fruit and flowers.

While Daddy's away...

the mice will play. I decided to try my hand at grilling. We grilled zucchini from the garden and chicken for Bento. Joey came out and said, "What are you doing? That's Daddy's job." Yes, it is Daddy's job, but sometimes you just have to try. I must say, it wasn't up to Daddy's par, but it was good. And everyone ate. They even ate some zucchini. It wasn't their favorite.

Summer fun at the property!

Molly loves the property. She hangs out, goes for walks, and wades in the creek. Jeep was so happy... I didn't get any pictures of Jeep. I think that he was just moving around too quickly!

Stefan taking a break from playing catch with big brother and Jeff.

Joey decided that he didn't want his picture taken, so he kept shoving his finger up his nose. Like that is going to stop me?!?! Now, he has a picture with his black eye and his finger shoved up his nose.

Emmi loved hanging out with the big girls. She loves Nicollette!

Happy Birthday to Joe and Emmi!

Tante started mailing the kids packages... so now they all want to get their birthday present in the mail.

We were finally all together to celebrate Joe and Emmi's birthdays. We had a wonderful dinner that started with roasted garlic and crab soup. Emmi requested "libs" (ribs), mimi mac, and green beans. I made a rum cake for dessert for the adults (although the kids could eat it as well) and funfetti cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for the kids. The best part... Tante was here for a visit.

First Day (a week late)

The boys were so excited to start school. They were up and ready to go. New supplies, backpacks, etc.

Somehow, Joey takes the cake with "First Day of School" stories. He himself has had a good laugh over these... so there is no harm in sharing them with all of you!

#1: I drove to school behind the bus to help Stefan get to class. Joey says to me... don't you come to my class (well, of course now I have to go to his class too!) After I get Stefan settled in, I head down to make sure Joey is set (when he was in 1st grade he said the same thing and went I went to check on him he was in the doorway like a deer in headlights). So, I enter his room and put my hand on his shoulder and tell him to have a good day. He turns and says, "What are you doing here?!?!?!" Another mom is standing nearby and said Joey, look at me I'm here taking video and pictures of my son. Joey just turned away, completely embarrassed.

#2 The kids get off the bus that afternoon. I see Stefan, I see all the neighborhood girls, but no Joey. I yell to the substitute bus driver to check for Joey... she can't hear me. So she crosses me across the street. I start to walk up the bus steps when Joey finally realizes that the stall is for HIM! He leaves the bus totally embarrassed. (traffic was held up in both directions) I ask him if he had fallen asleep or if he was just chatting with friends... "... no Mom, I was just daydreaming."

Oh, boy... what a year this will be!

and... Stefan just had a good day!