First Day

We can hardly believe Olivia is in Kindergarten! The only tears shed on the first day were from Leo - he was so sad to see her go, and kept on trying to go in after her.  We feel lucky that Olivia has so many friends at her school, many of them neighbors in older grades that can look out for her (she has already received a classroom visit from Patrick checking up on her). 

Further Proof

Leo reminds me so much of Harold, from Harold and The Purple Crayon. Look at his shadow - identical! 

Loves It

Leo can not get enough of playing basketball. Loves, loves it. When he makes a basket he looks to see if I saw it.  Delicious. 

Get out the feather duster

Steve is hosting a fantasy football draft tomorrow in his garage, so he has been cleaning his already clean garage. 

Hot + Sweaty + Thrilled

Strut

Maggie and Olivia sure know how to strike a pose. 

Their Dream Come True (temporarily)

 Leo can often be found splashing around in Babe's water dish, and sometimes drinking from it. (shudder).

 He is obsessed with "ba" and giggles anytime she comes near. 

 Babe has turned into our shadow, even accompanying us for the evening bath. 

Babe has been a temporary guest at our house, and Olivia and Leo could not be happier. I would even venture to say that Babe herself could not be happier - she is so sweet and calm and loves being around the kids. 

The Sweetest

Every day after Durkins, Leo comes home starving (so he hangs out in his high chair with an appetizer or two) and Olivia helps me get dinner ready. She loves to pick basil. 

County Fair Fest

One of Olivia's favorite end-of-summer traditions. 

Rainy Saturday

We were on our way to the County Fair Fest, and the skies opened up  on us. So the next best option? Menards. Turned out to be fun for everyone, especially when they already have their Halloween stuff out. 

Neighbor Jackpot

We sure are lucky to have Maggie, Pat and Grace as our neighbors. 

Loving Mother

Olivia and I have taken a break from the Boxcar Children to read "Baby Dear", every night. Bitty is now Baby Dear, who comes along for most activities - even Mrs. Durkins. And sometimes, Baby Dear likes to sleep with her "mama".

The Cutest Visitor

I remember with surprising clarity Olivia at this age. The soft  skin, curvy little body, wisps of hair curling at the neck. 

Welcome to the Faith, Ignatius

He has the sweetest little face. 

 Grampie and Leo. 

 Babies everywhere!

 The girls were in heaven in the backyard. 

 Leo moved in on Reese to try to get a bite of her cupcake. He sat on her lap right after this. 

 I moved him to his own chair to give Reese some space (notice the clutched spoon). 

What an honor to for Steve and I to be chosen as Ignatius' Godparents. We had a wonderful time celebrating his baptism with family and friends. Mike and Laura, if Ignatius starts wearing track suits and sporting a gold chain, you can blame "The Godfather."

Cuties

Cecilia, Hailey, Olivia, Esme, Finnian, Madison, Quinlan, Gus and Vincent. Not pictured: Keiran and Emmett. 

The Lake

The water was beautiful - the warmest it has been in years. Probably part of the reason the kids were in it most of the day!

Quinlan and his Ladies