September

I'm in a little bit of shock that September is almost over. I've had a couple of people ask what we've been up to, and I am at a loss on what to say. I know we've been doing something!

Probably the bulk of our time has been spent at the pool. We have loved swimming this summer... Harper has absolutely no fear and would be in the water all day if I'd let her. She can swim pretty well, but she still makes me incredibly nervous as she still hasn't quite grasped the concept that she could drown. Owen has turned a corner this summer too, and he's enjoyed getting more and more comfortable in the water. Of course Ethan has been a fish for the last couple of years, and that hasn't changed. 

Over Labor Day weekend we had a cousin's reunion with Chris' mom's side of the family. With Nanny gone, it's been hard to see everyone. I think everyone enjoyed hanging out and eating wonderful food. 

 My wonderful middle-brother got us tickets to the Gentlemen of the Road festival in good 'ole Guthrie, Oklahoma a couple weeks ago. In true Oklahoma fashion, it was freaking hot, but we still had a blast. The first night we saw Willy Mason, Justin Townes Earle, and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. The following day started at noon, and one of our favorite bands, Bear's Den, opened. So we sat in 100 degree weather singing our hearts out. :) Chris and Jon held our super close seats during the blazing heat so we could be close when Mumford & Sons came on. I think they would say it was worth it... Alabama Shakes was phenomenal (she gave me chills), and Mumford & Sons of course were amazing. Guthrie did a great job hosting all 30,000 people, and we owe my parents big time for watching all 7 grandkids for two days!

 Owen started playing soccer this fall, and he has loved it. Every day he wakes up asking  if it's a "soccer day". Chris volunteered to coach the team, and it's been fun watching them do soccer together. I wouldn't say their team is good...but what they lack in talent, they make up for in enthusiasm...

 This summer Ethan has really been missing his buddy, Xander. The boys were able to spend almost an entire day together this last week, and it was so sweet hearing them play together. They seem to be able to pick right back up where they left off...a sign of a great friendship.

Harper is fulfilling her role as the baby of the family quite well. She's always looking for a laugh and thinks that saying "bottom" and "poop" are HILARIOUS. Can you tell she has older brothers? She also ran off one day yelling "See ya suckas!" Oh, my. She's become obsessed with ballerinas and wore her tutu for 2 days straight. She keeps asking to go to a ballerina class...we'll see. And we tried transitioning her to a "big girl bed" by taking down the side of her crib. After 3 not so great nights, we gave up and put the side back up. Only to have the crib side break for good. We took the crib apart yesterday, and now she's on a twin mattress on the floor. It only took her 3 hours to fall asleep last night...and an hour to fall asleep for her nap today...here's to hoping it gets better....