6 Months Old!

Wow- today the girls are 6 months old! I can't believe how fast time has gone by! I thought time flew with Zac, but it's going even faster with the girls. I am so fortunate that I am able to stay at home with them for a few more months before I go back to work in January. There are so many changes in their first year of life. I am blessed to be able to experience their "firsts."

I got half a smile from Valerie.

Birthdays!

Sunday we celebrated September and October birthdays at Grandma Linda's. Uncle Randy, Uncle James, and Zac's birthdays are in September and Uncle Dan's is in October. There are so many of us now (19!), we just do presents for the kiddos. Zac had a blast opening presents, but his favorite was eating the chocolate cake! Well that, and playing in the ball pit once Dad blew it up at home. Thanks a LOT Uncle Nick, paybacks is all I have to say!

Fall Fun Fest

Ryan had to work on Saturday. So Grandma Beth and I decided to take the kiddos to Fall Fun Fest in Blue Springs (think Santa-Cali-Gon, but smaller). We didn't realize how warm it was until we got there. There was NO shade! Surprisingly the kids did really well. The girls slept in the double-stroller- I should have taken a pic of Grandma pushing it! Zac walked, because I didn't think he would sit in a stroller. I hadn't been to Fall Fun Fest in years! I saw several people from high school/facebook there. There were a lot of mommies pushing strollers, haha. Next year will be a better time to go, since Zac will be older and the girls will be a year and a half. Wow- now that will be a fun time! Zac feeding the animals in the petting zoo area.

Weekend with Loved Ones

Zac snoozing in the car. We had a busy weekend with family! Saturday morning Ryan and I loaded up the kids (and the trunk picnic table, diaper bag, toys for Zac, snacks...) and headed down to Osceola for a family reunion (my side). It was a 100 miles each way. The kids did great! We were both kind of nervous- we even packed earplugs, haha! The girls slept the whole way and Zac did for the most part. There was a rented shelter at a park. The weather was so beautiful! The kids played on the playground while the adults visited. It was great seeing everyone. Unfortunately, the reunions have gotten smaller and smaller... Afterward we went to the Lowry Cemetery to visit Grandpa Settle and Aunt Charlotte. We pulled weeds and Mimi Donna, Aunt Becky, and Cousin Karen put new wreaths and flowers on their headstones. I'm glad we were all their to pay our respects. On a side note- you gotta love Hannah- whose 9 or 10 years old. It was all quiet when all of a sudden she blurts out "Daugherty's dead?!" There was a huge headstone with someone with that last name on it. She has no filter whatsoever! We loaded back in the car and headed home. I was so exhausted, I could have gone to bed when we got back. Of course, that didn't happen! Sunday we did our grocery shopping. On the way to Ryan's folks, we decided to go to Park Lawn Cemetery to visit Ryan's grandparents. That is a huge cemetery, but also very beautiful. The road winds around and there are ponds throughout. We saw even saw geese wandering on the grass. The spot is so peaceful where his grandparents are buried, by the water. We then had dinner at my in-laws. Zac and his cousin Matt have so much fun playing together. It's fun to watch to boys play together! It was a great weekend spending time with family, those here physically and spirituality.

Photo Shoot @ Portrait Innovations

Last week I got the kids' pictures done at Portrait Innovations in Lee's Summit. My friend Melissa came and helped me. The occasion is for Zac's 2nd birthday and the girls' at 6 months. I did it a few weeks early, but that's ok! I'm surprised at how well they turned out. Vanessa was the most smiley, Zac was hit or miss, and Val was pretty cooperative.

Labor Day Weekend

Unfortunately Ryan had to work on Monday, so this was just another typical weekend for us. The kiddos are too young right now to take anywhere. The girls' feeding schedule has us trapped! Saturday we did a few things around the house. You don't own your house, your house owns you! There is always some project or home improvement that we find ourselves doing. Sunday we had dinner at Grandma Beth's. The girls love picture time! Vanessa on left.

Time for Preschool!

Zac had his open house at preschool last Wednesday, August 26th. He was a show-off. He sat at the little table and then went straight to the toys! Friday the 28th was his first day! He was clingy at first, but then played. He is the only boy! When I picked him up he was happy to see me! I asked his teachers if he cried when I left. They said no, he was just mad, haha!