we made these! The girls decorated them so I can't take full credit.

We took this empty box (I just didn't have the heart to throw it away)!

On Saturday we had to get the house ready for an open house from 1-3pm. Mom and I were exhausted after all the cleaning. We just wanted to take a nap but we had to leave for a few hours. So I said the thing I wanted most to do was to get apple fritters and apple cider slush at vaughns apple orchard. So that's what we did! And here are some pics from the time we spent there. It was the perfect weather by the way. just a little rain. And i completely binged on fritters. oh well, I'd do it again if I could.

Every Friday the girls anxiously await the sound of the glorious bells that announce the ice cream truck's arrival into my parent's neighborhood. For many, many weeks it has been a pursuit attempted in vain. Until this last week. We heard the bells. All of stopped short (except for baby sears who had no idea what was going on). And for a moment time stood still. Then we all ran to the door and flagged him down.

My designer jeans that I'm obsessed with.

Olivia my little snuggle girl.

The girls helped wash dirt off my car. Baby sears tried to help but he just chased bugs all around.

On Tuesday everyone was up bright and early (as usual). Olivia announced 'I feel like pancakes!' So my mom and I decided to take the kids to Cracker Barrel up the street. It was a good high fat, calorie feast. But the kids did great. And I even got a compliment from an elderly couple as they were leaving the restaurant on how well behaved the kids were. score!

So after we ate (and I was bloated out of my mind!), we played some checkers outside. Well, I say 'we.' But I mean that Ellie and Nana played on one board. Olivia and Reagan played on another. And I watched baby Sears run up and down the porch. Oh, and I took pictures. If I don't, who will????

So after awhile I realize that Reagan and Olivia's game has turned into cupcake store. Olivia says 'how many cupcakes do you want?' hmmmmmm. interesting way to play checkers?! But I wasn't about to interfere! I just call it the two and three year old version of playing.

We went to Sheridan's tonight to let the girls run around. They were cooped up in the house all day. They didn't seem to mind. But once we got there they just couldn't contain themselves. Running, jumping, climbing. All out hyperness for almost 3 strait hours. And when I finally put them to bed they were still that sticky sweat all over. I think they'll sleep hard tonight!

Sears and Reagan have a love/hate relationship. Since Reagan is only 2 she doesn't always understand her baby brother's ways. But Sears joyfully hits her on the head and screams after her none the less... They like to play on the steps together. And maybe (in their own secret language) they ponder the pros and cons of being the younger siblings.

I took several shots of Sears while he was standing in the yard. These were within seconds of each other. I just thought it was so funny how many faces he made is such a short time!

Sears got his first haircut today by Aunt Katie!!

This morning I read:
"Which is harder: to do or endure?
I think to endure is much harder, and our Father loves us too much to let us pass through life without learning to endure. So I want you to welcome the difficult little things, the tiny pricks and ruffles that are sure to come almost every day. For they give you a chance to say 'no' to yourself, and by doing so you will become strong not only to do but also to endure."
{from the book A Very Present Help by Amy Carmichael.

I'm not 'enduring' a huge trial by any means. We are trying to figure out the details of the move. I have no idea where we will be living. And every time I try to figure it out the property manager or some other person I call tells me it's too soon and to call him when I can come to town. So my hands are tied and I have to just sit, do nothing, and trust God? It's so uncomfortable feeling out of control. But reality is, I'm never in control. I'm just in an illusion of being in control. And by the way, saying 'no' to myself isn't fun. But God help me to sit still and endure.

Went to the red barn farm today. it was awesome weather and hardly anyone else was there. I'm going to miss the fall in the midwest. It's my favorite season here. We have to come back for the apple cider slush and apple fritters on the weekend when it's crowded. Can't wait

We went on a picnic/hike today at briarcliff. it was perfect weather, finally!

eating some popsicles with the neighbor girls.

I was alone with the kids on labor day. So we got a pizza and went to the park. I made it to the car just in time. Because everyone started to have a melt down once we got there. It was perfect weather and an almost perfect day. We wish daddy could have been here with us!

My dad's last day at home before he drove to Phoenix to start his new job. He's going to miss baby guy. And we are going to miss my dad watching him all the time! They had some major bonding time. It was super cute...

One awesome benefit to living at my parents house is all the amazing food we get. Here is a shot of potstickers my dad made and froze for me to make for the girls whenever they ask. Which is a few times a week!