Somewhere over the rainbow.....

So this was not the original costume that Ella chose, but I'm so glad I decided that her other one just didn't fit right.   I think Dorothy is a very fitting costume for her this year.  With her love of puppies & all things happy this is one especially for our Ella.  She looks like a little doll & just loves to carry Toto around in his basket.  So excited to see this little one trick or treat this year!  You're only 5 once, you might as well enjoy it :)

Pumpkin Patch 2016

Well, my favorite time of year has arrived & this weekend we kicked off October with our annual trip to the pumpkin patch.  We took the much anticipated hayride out to the somewhat muddy, but always pretty patch.  The girls had a blast picking out the two biggest pumpkins in the patch they could find & they even picked a little white pumpkin for baby girl #3, which made them happy.  This years corn maze was even more challenging than years past, but the girls are fearless so they had no trouble completing it, even if it did take a little more time than normal.  Daddy is always such a good sport and typically ends up getting muddy as he is the designated pumpkin carrier from the field.  For the record, Jessica's pumpkin weighed in at 46 pounds & Ella's pumpkin was a close 2nd at 37 pounds.  We love this tradition in our family & are looking forward to seeing our 3rd little pumpkin playing in the patch next year.  Happy October to my blog readers :)

Me & our littlest pumpkin...24 weeks in this pic

#3

Well, today we went for the big ultrasound & baby #3 is a girl.  The girls are thrilled & Jessica exclaimed that "she was so happy she could cry."  Thankful for a very healthy, active little baby.  Now to find a name.....

1st day of school 2016

We had a big first day of school this year (Sept. 1, 2016).  Jessica started 1st & Ella started Kindergarten.  Both started at a different school than we were at last year and so far everything is going great.  Jessica & Ella both really enjoy riding the bus in the mornings & we are so thankful for a great group of neighborhood friends for them to ride with on the bus.  The first day was met with much excitement this year & they were so excited when the bus arrived at our neighborhood.  We are thankful for their new school & for the sweet little friends that we enjoy in our new neighborhood.  Although, we are so happy for them it is always bittersweet watching the years change & seeing our little ones get bigger.

Walking to the bus stop

The kids of Colefield Heights

Our neighbor proudly escorted the girls onto the bus as Jess quickly throws her hand up to say goodbye

Kindergarten orientation

Well, the time if finally here....our little Ella will be starting Kindergarten this next week (Sept. 1).  It's all I could do at her orientation to hold back tears.  Although, I know she is ready, I am not.  She and I had such a great year last year while Jessica was in school, running errands & eating breakfast together at Panera or Dunkin Donuts.  I will miss my little shopping buddy so much while she's at Kindergarten. In our district, she will be only 1/2 day until 11:40, so I'll still have a few hours with just her before Jessica gets home from school, but needless to say, I'll miss having a little one with me in the mornings.  Don't get me wrong it will be nice to have some quite time to myself while she's away and soon (sooner than I sometimes realize I'll have a baby with me), but I will always cherish the last year that we spent together--just us.  I am so grateful for a wonderful teacher for her, who really loves teaching Kindergarten & as an added bonus she has at least 6 little friends in her class who attend Kindercare also....so she will definitely have friends to ride the little bus with on the days I work.  Ella loved Kindergarten orientation where she got to meet her friends, see her room, & take a bus ride.  Ella is a sweet, joyful child who brings happiness to those around her & I pray her 1st year in school will give her a joy of learning.  So proud of our Ella & can't wait to see what this next year holds for her!

The big highlight, the bus ride :)