SEPTEMBER in a nutshell

September came and went in a flash!

We got back into the swing of things with school schedules and finished out our days at the pool.

When Bree's not in school, she makes a great sidekick at whole foods...

These two nuts like to dress up in their Halloween costumes daily and go visit our neighbors, The Williamsons. Wade is so protective of Bree and (usually) holds her hand in parking lots...

We spent a long weekend on Hilton Head Island with some great friends. The kids had a blast with constant playmates. I don't know if it was harder to keep the kids or the dads out of trouble??

Bree's learning more and more about accessorizing...

Wade got to play at the park with his girlfriend Avery. They don't get to see each other as often, so it was a special treat...

We lived it up at The Fair. Bree was barely tall enough to ride the "little" rides...

We celebrated Lauren's 4th birthday with Rapunzel...

Of course, Wade wanted to be Spiderman when he heard costumes were going to be involved. And when he puts on Spiderman, Bree insists on wearing her elephant costume. I could do nothing to make her wear the adorable Rapunzel costume I got for this very occasion. 

But somehow, Nonna got her to change midway through the party. There's my princess...

She even let Rapunzel paint her hand and face...

The boys were on a recon mission against Rapunzel. They wanted nothing to do with the princesses.

What party is complete without the pinata?

Nathan, Lauren, Michelle, and Wyatt

Wads is 4 1/2!

Our big boy is 4 1/2 and could not be more proud!!!

Wade, you have been waiting to turn 4 1/2 because it means that you're just that much closer to 5. I guess cool things happen in your life when you turn 5? We had the best summer on-the-go and you enjoyed every minute of it.  You are becoming more responsible, patient, understanding, and utterly hilarious with some of things you say. 

You like to help in the yard, whether digging with Daddy or "mowing the lawn" with our neighbor Lyall

Every day brings a new outfit or costume. It helps if the costume is already a pair of pajamas, but if not, you've been known to sleep in your Spiderman costume....commando.

We spend a lot of time playing outside, even if it's raining (we can still splash in the puddles!)

You have inherited "the tongue" from my mom, Nonna. I don't care what you're doing, that tongue has to be out. It's completely genetic mannerism that comes straight from Nonna :)

You learned how to do "arm toots" and now the life of the party. You just can't do it enough.

You love playing army (here with Rowan). You line up your army men and plow over them with your tank.

You are just getting back into school and we're so excited to see what you learn this year. You're finally interested in writing, cutting, and coloring. You're even starting to write in cursive like Ms. Lorri's been teaching you.

We're starting your first "positive" experience with organized sports. You are SO excited about playing real baseball (even though it's still T Ball). More on that later!!!

You are still the sweetest big brother I have ever met. Bree idolizes you and you let her be a part of your big boy world. You ask her to come play with you, try to make her laugh, make sure whatever she eats doesn't have milk in it, check on her when she falls, and you truly love that sister of yours. Bree is one lucky girl, and I'm an even luckier mom that I get to witness your loving bond as you grow up together.

Wade, we love to watch you grow and explore your world every single day. We're just so happy that we get to do it with you. Love Always!!!