September II

Trying to learn to like the stroller on our morning walk to school.

Little chunk is filling out her tummy.

She likes to put her hands up by her face when she smiles

 like Wallace from Wallace and Gromit.

or a Japanese beckoning cat 

Jonah can't stay away.

She's so little when you see her with an adult.

All snuggled up in her soft blankie.

Happy girl

Big stretch

She is so precious

Awake or asleep

Oh my!

What a big girl trying to sit up.

Cute bandana scarf to catch some of the spit up that soaks her clothes.

Getting a ride on Perry

Pull out a phone and they can all share a seat cushion.

I helped run the stake street fair again this year. Perry's favorite part was the cotton candy.

And they loved the crafts.

Scott's cute doll.

Ready for some games.

Jane was so sweet in this dress, I wanted a picture with her before she soaked it. So the parking lot it was.

My mom and sister bought the dress in Paris before we had kids and it's been patiently waiting in the closet for Jane.

It was worth the wait.

I bought the tiny pink moccasins for her blessing outfit and she wears them almost every day.

Oh hello there little angel.

She loves her daddy.

I love her giant diaper bum. These are size ones. Most of her diapers are eco friendly brands and the prints are so cute.

Perry is trying out Jonah's slippers because they light up.

Asleep in her car seat in her summer romper.

The kids were having a planking contest with John and Jonah won. He is a strong, solid kid.

Perry only likes one piece shortie jams at the moment.

We get to school a little early and the boys play on the playground until the bell rings. I was watching Scott hesitate, then consider the monkey bars for a while before going for it. He made it to the end before jumping down and I was so proud of him for trying something scary.

Cutie little snuggle bug

I asked Perry to hold Jane's bottle while I got the diaper bag and locked the van to be ready to go in the store. He said he wanted Jane to go back in my stomach because he was tired of holding it for her and she was hurting his ears (she screamed the whole drive over, like most times she's in the car). 

Sorry, bud, not happening.

Though she was a lot less work back then, it's much easier on me having her out.

Plus I get to share these joys with John better.

And we can look at her perfect, beautiful little self all the time.

No regard for personal space.

Putting each other down for another nap.

My aunt sent sweaters and the boys wore them the next day. It's chilly enough in the mornings for sweaters, but they still wear shorts because it heats up by the afternoon.

Granger hair, don't care.

Jane's face here cracks me up.

Checking out the colorful chair seat.

Perry has gotten closer to John since we brought the baby home, which is good for both of them. I'm still his favorite, though.

Getting in some good Daddy time.

We all try to soak as much Jane time in as we can every day. And sometimes night.

Yosemite and Britta's

Every plan we've had to visit Britta in her new town outside of Yosemite has been thwarted by illness, inclement weather, or having a baby, so we were excited to finally make it out to visit. They took us to their lovely community pool.

The gates are link fences so you can see the amazing views from the pool deck. I couldn't get over the beauty all around.

Britta got a turn with the little love.

Their house is amazing. The yard is huge and the kids loved running and playing freely. I would really, really love more outside play space for the boys at home.

Charlottle shared her tractor.

She and Jonah had a wild ride, brave soul.

Just so picturesque.

They also loved her nerf guns and created a band, performing a musical treat for us after dinner.

The kids had a slumber party and we had a bedroom to ourselves downstairs which was great for getting up with Jane.

Then the next morning we took the shuttle to the park. We didn't realize it was free national park day, so the shuttle and entrance fees were waived.

It was a longer ride than I anticipated, but the kids did well with lots of games I made up like taking turns listing things from a category.

It was all worth it to be in the park.

We picked a trail and had a nice, slow pace while the boys climbed every rock.

and I fed Jane.

The happiest little hiker.

The kids were in absolute heaven.

I love getting them in nature. Open space to play and explore.

We made it to Mirror Lake.

Let the rock throwing commence.

We love the majesty of Yosemite.

We had a picnic lunch at the slightly dried up lake.

With our dirty hands.

Sweetie Jane enjoyed front facing in the carrier.

Entertaining the kids on the walk back.

Many sticks were involved.

We motivated the last stretch with the promise of ice cream.

Success

Then we went through the visitor center, where the little kids played and Scott read everything he could.

I was impressed with the honest, thoughtful history of the park since it was not flattering.

Our little cutie

She was so happy to be outside. And held all the time.

We took the shuttle home, then Dan barbecued dinner for us. 

The boys loved playing new games.

Charlotte loved the baby. 

Jonah loved the dogs.

We stopped on the way back to visit Katie and her family and it broke up the drive a little. We timed the drive as best we could so Jane would nap and not scream the whole time. We had a great weekend. It was nice to spend time with my friend and we enjoyed Yosemite. It went too quickly and we're looking forward to going back already.