Already

I was walking out of work tonight and noticed a tree across the street from the hospital. Its leaves have already begun to change colors. They are changing to a pretty red color. I think it will be a gorgeous tree. But, I can't believe that it is not even September yet and the leaves are already changing colors. I love fall, but I am not ready for summer to be over. I feel that this summer was spent too often indoors. Zander was sick with Mono for a while, then we moved so I was busy packing and unpacking. And I am still unpacking. Well, I guess fall is creeping up on me.



Today my husband took Zander to the splash park. My sister, Abby, and brother-in-law Andy wanted to go too. Zander of course loved it. Brian didn't take any pictures, but I am hoping to steal some from my sister. Wish I could have been there, but I am glad they all had fun.

End of Summer Picnic

Today we headed to our friends' house, Tanya and Bob, for an end of summer picnic. I worked for 4 hours from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then we headed to the picnic a couple hours after I got off work. The picnic is usually the last weekend in August, but it was pushed up to this year. Tanya and Bob decided to try a different weekend to have the picnic because they say it rains every year on the last Saturday of the month of August. Well, it rained today, but only in the morning and it was beautiful weather the rest of the day. Zander had a blast. They had 3 little pools set up for the kids as well as a sprinkler, so that is where my son spent most of his time. He loves water, and he loves playing with other kids. He loved the water and the toy lawnmower. We had a great time, and can't wait for the party next year.

Zander loved this ball, and he kept throwing it in the pools as well as other balls.

Tanya and her son Christopher

The adults had fun playing volleyball.

Playdate with Ava and Meeting Someone New

Zander had a playdate with his friend Ava this morning. My friend Amanda came over with her 2 daughters, Ava and Audrey. Ava is 2 months older than Zander. And Audrey is only 6 weeks old. This is the first time I met Audrey. The playdate was a little rough. Ava and Zander fought over a couple of toys. Zander has some push toys that he got from my mom that absolutely loves. Well, Ava loves them too. First, Ava wanted both of them, and every time Zander would try to take one of them Ava would cry. Ava wanted both of them even if they were just by her side and she wasn't using them. Kids at this age don't really understand sharing yet. We were able to distract them, but then they fought over a puppy dog. I had a solution for that. Zander has 2 of these toys that are similar, a puppy dog by Fisher Price and then "Scout" by Leap Frog. Apparently that did not completely take away the crying. Oh well. It was so nice to meet Audrey. After an hour or 2 we went and got some lunch and then ate at the park. It is soooooo hot and humid today.  We only lasted about 45 minutes at the park, and we all were drenched in sweat by the end of our park time. I didn't get many pictures of Zander and Ava because most of the playdate at our house either one or both of the kids were crying.

Little Audrey Emily

Both Zander and Ava wanted the puppy dog

And in the left of this picture are the other 2 toys they fought over earlier.

Zander gave up on the puppy dog, but Ava has tears in her eyes.

Oh, I forgot, they fought over the sprinkler too.  After a while all Amanda and I could do was laugh. 

I hope next time they get along better.  We did have fun at the park. 

Road Trip for a Bridal Shower

My mom, my sister Aubrey, and I all took a day trip to Fort Wayne to attend my cousin Mandy's Bridal Shower. She is getting married October 23rd, 11 days before my due date. I am hoping I will be able to attend. We had so much fun at the shower, and on the car ride there and back.

The Bride and Groom to be, Michael and Mandy

My adorable nieces, Julia and Alyssa

The three pregos, my cousins Melissa, Marci, and Me

Jessica, my cousin, with her new baby boy, Caleb

The cousins picture, Jessica, Melissa, Marci, Mandy, Allie, and Aubrey

Caleb, what a cutie!

Photography and Some Fun in the Sun

I love photography. I love taking pictures, I love editing them, and I love looking at them. Okay, I am not crazy about the editing process. It just takes too long, but I love the finished product. I have a lot to learn when it comes to editing. I hope to do photography on the side. So, I have recruited some of my friends kids to practice on. Jen came over and brought her 3 adorable children for me to photograph. It was a scorcher today, but they were troopers. Here is a preview of some of the photographs I took.

   

After the photo shoot, Zander and I headed over to my friend Racheal's house.  Racheal has 3 girls, and they are all so helpful and loving toward Zander.  They want to do everything for Zander including changing his diaper.  We had lunch over at Racheal's house and then went swimming in their pool with them.  Then it was back home for a nap for Zander.  Zander only slept one hour today, and only took one nap.  Now he is up, and I have one unhappy camper.