September

I am the worst!  

Can you believe I haven't blogged since the night before school started! 

Can you believe that was August?  

And now September is almost over??

So what have we been up to?

Well - In September both kids started "school".  Oliver moved up to the Toddler Room at Day Care.  It was a VERY big adjustment for him - and an even bigger adjustment for me!  I think he adjusted before I did.  Oliver loves his new teachers and his new room.  He is settling into his new routine very nicely and loves to play outside with the big kids.  It took me a little longer, but the first day that Oliver stopped crying the minute his new teacher picked him up, my transition was over too.

Eleanor started 1st grade and had 0 transition issues.  She adores school.  Adores her teacher.  Adores learning.  It's like a dream.  PLEASE GOD, let this continue!

 After one brief week of school, it was time for a holiday weekend. Eleanor and I started our Labor Day weekend by getting haircuts in Cedarburg and then bummin' around for the morning in town.  My parents had already set off on their month long trip to the Grand Canyon, so it was just E and I.  I had a BLAST with her.  I received so many wonderful compliments on what a nice little lady she was.  And she was.  She is.

Then we met up with Andy and Oliver and started north to Appleton.  My college friend, Tia, moved back to Wisconsin almost a year ago and we STILL hadn't been up to visit her - FOR SHAME!  She hosted a fabulous Labor Day party that most of us college girls were able to attend.  I tell you...what a great group of friends I have.  I couldn't tell you the last time I saw some of these ladies, but we picked up where we left last and it was like we spent every weekend together since college.  I love these girls.  They are the most amazing, most beautiful, most talented ladies to me.  They have seen me at my best and they have held me during my worst.  I miss them too much because I don't get to see them enough.  But I would drop everything if anyone of them asked me to.  Or if I ever felt like they needed me to, because I would hope they wouldn't need to ask.    

The other neat thing...was that as the moms were reminiscing and catching up, all the kiddos were playing together in Tia's amazing back yard.   These kids that are friends because their moms are friends...just jumped right in like they were life long friends!  Even little Oliver and Lucas became fast friends.  I mean - does that not just scream trouble?!

 The ladies are definitely outnumbered by boys...but it didn't stop Eleanor and Lillian from taking over the jeep and doing some off-roading too!  Again...T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

 But that weekend there was plenty of time for some household chores too.  Since Oliver's preferred method of movement is now walking, Andy needed to get caught up on some child-proofing...of course, Oliver wanted to help!

 And while we were all busy, Eleanor started and finished her first chapter book.  She picked it up and couldn't put it down!  She even told me what it was all about, proclaiming, several times, "Mom, I just LOVE reading."  Again - DEAR GOD, please let this continue!

 Oh...And Oliver helped clean up too...

 Don't trust him if he's quiet!  I thought he was playing nicely...nope...he was just emptying his wipes container.  And, like a good mom, I went for my camera, before cleaning it all up.

But gosh darn is he cute!!

This September, Andy and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary, which I kind of feel like deserves a post of its own...and if I was a good blogger, it would have a post of its own.  I mean - what a crazy two years it's been.  And I wouldn't want it any other way.  I love this man with all my heart.  And I'm so happy he decided to share his life with Eleanor and I.  And I'm SO happy Oliver wanted to join in on the fun.  I can't wait to celebrate years and years and years together!

We celebrated at home because the following weekend we had Andy's work party at State Fair park.

 Can you believe I didn't get a picture of us all dressed up?  I mean - I really am sucking at this month!  However, I did manage to talk Andy into snapping this one picture of me.  I mean...it's not every day you muster up the courage to wear a giant puffy skirt in public.  And I received so many compliments on it...I might just start wearing it grocery shopping!

As I mentioned, Oliver now prefers to walk everywhere...which makes some of our adventures last way longer than they need to...but I will never tire of watching Eleanor and Oliver walk hand-in-hand.  AH, bestill my heart!  These two!

Oliver still loves to antagonize the dog.  Karl is become much more tolerant and has learned to just let Oliver crawl into his bed...so long as Oliver doesn't bother him too much.  Oliver, on the other hand, things Karl is just about the funniest thing ever, sharing his food and toys with him whenever possible!

After spending all summer training for my 1/2 marathon with a broken running stroller, we finally purchased a new one and Oliver and I immediately hit the streets. It took him one run to get used to going out with me again - and the next run we were back in business...he falls asleep shortly after mile 1.  Looks like I better start going for longer runs if I want him to nap longer!

As luck would have it - or maybe with the help of our guardian angel - the entire Terrones family had a free Sunday in September.  So we ALL got together for some football, family, and fun!

We don't ALL get together nearly enough with everyone's busy schedules.  It's crazy.  But I can't say enough about this family.  MY family.  Yes, Eleanor will always be a part of them, but they are stuck with me too!  And Andy just fits right in and Oliver rounds us out.  Nic was there in spirit with us - even without shots of Patron to prove it!  But I just love how we can all hang out together.  I mean - that's family - and that's love.  And Nicolas wouldn't have it any other way.  

And I just had to include this photo...because this is what happens when you work for a company that produces church bulletins...the visit of our Pope was highly celebrated at work - including #FlatFrancis cut-outs all over and donuts!  

Then this weekend we started to notice fall was all around us.  Eleanor and I celebrated with some fall crafts - LOVE that she loves crafting with me!  "Mom, when did you know that you liked doing this?"  

"Doing what, Eleanor?"

"Making stuff...I'm glad I like to make stuff when I'm just a little girl"

Me too, Eleanor, me too!

 And then because the weather was SO amazing, we headed out to Fall Fest...or Harvest Fair...or whatever it's called at State Fair Park.  We had a blast just hanging out in some hay, having some hay fights, visiting the Farmer's Market, riding rides and just enjoying the nice weather before the cold of fall settles in and slowly transitions us to winter!

  And so that was September.  I'm going to try and blog at least once a week in October.
Ha!  We'll see if that happens!
Hope you enjoyed this AMAZING month as much as we did!
I hope October is as equally beautiful!