Loving Fall

Fall is my favorite season, with the mild temperatures and beautiful array of colors found in nature. And, it is the perfect time for camping and wiener roasts! So, last Friday Matthew built a fire and we enjoyed the company some family and good food. We can't wait to do it again, and hope that we have the chance to pitch the tent this fall after harvest is over and sleep outside in our own perfect camping spot down by the creek. 

Warming a bale of straw

Emily and Matthew are getting the fire started.

Cousins. This trio has a lot of fun together. Can't wait until all the cousins are big enough to run around together!!

The hot dog chefs!

I'm Surrounded

Disclaimer: Eli never sleeps with stuffed animals in his crib. Animals were only added for this photo.

Eli is Three Months Old

Can't believe how quickly three months can go by. It is hard to remember life without our treasured Eli. He entertains Emily and Megan every day with smiles and chuckles and they love to hold him and play with him. His newest trick is rolling over, and we can't keep him on his tummy anymore! He LOVES to be outside. He and Megan are stroller buddies in our double stroller -- a good walking workout for me! Here are some photos of our "Little Mister."

Eli in the Middle

I expected that we would work around Eli for homeschooling this year. And we do -- literally sometimes!!

Stronghurst Labor Day Race

Our Labor Day tradition the past three years is to drive up to Stronghurst and run in their 5k race. The first year we ran it, Matthew won it. This year, he won it again. This year Emily, Megan and I ran the 1-mile race because their little legs aren't trained for a 5k yet. Maybe next year. The weather couldn't have been more perfect -- a beautiful cool morning. : ) Thanks to Grandma Kathy for pushing Eli around in the stroller and taking photos for us while we ran! 

Matthew at the start.

Looking strong!

Emily grabbing a hug after finishing her 1-mile

Megan and I ran together.

Butlers on Wheels

The weather has been absolutely beautiful outside. After a long stretch of 90+ degree temperatures, we have enjoyed the cooler weather lately. We have been taking bike rides almost every evening that we are home and playing outside for longer periods of time. It is so nice to enjoy the fresh air and get some great exercise and spend time in God's beautiful outdoors. 

Emily and Megan riding their bikes with Matthew

Essie LOVES to go for runs, so she always joins us!

We usually have at least one cat follow us too!