[they're back]

today my girls started school!  hooray!  it was time.  

they were so excited they could hardly contain themselves!  

i melted at the sight of them dressed so cute in their formal jumpers, white peter pan collared shirts, knee high socks and penny loafer shoes this morning.

their uniforms are the cutest things ever!

rushing to make it on time for their first day, we frantically searched for a decent umbrella to protect us from the sudden torrential rain.  it was crazy!

it really felt like fall today.  love it.

and i can't wait for one of my best friends to have her baby tomorrow!  

i'm full of all kinds of happiness today!

*here's another photo shoot i thought i'd share.  view more here.

[you would even say it glows]

the kids had been asking when we could camp before school starts.

their dear sweet daddy camps monthly with the scouts and frankly doesn't feel like setting up the tent one more time. lol. 

but you know you have a great dad when he does it anyway (after a crazy busy work week and can't keep his eyes open) knowing his little descendants will be thrilled beyond belief! 

we set the tent up early last saturday evening with great anticipation.  out came all the stuffed animals, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, games and treats.  rudolf watched from above (yes shari, this is yours from your garage sale one of my kids bought earlier that morning - lol - they can't sleep without it)

i sat inside watching the glowing tent from our back windows...  just me and my chest cold coughing up a storm.

they had a grand old time playing games, cards, and watching movies.

i was sad to miss the festivities, but it was fun for the kids to have a little "dad time".

i enjoyed the comfort of my own bed :)

unfortunately sam said that that was the worst night's sleep he'd had in a very long time.  sorry lover.

you're an amazing dad sam.  the kids and i say thank you!

[she's got skills]

she's underwater and she's a maniac!

we're so proud of her!

all smiles emanate.

i can't even begin to express my joy!

i've had three recent dreams that she's drown.

talk about freak out!

there are no guarantees, 

but knowing this skill could save her life.

after two amazing lessons, 

(never wanting to put her face in before) 

she was able to swim to the side and pull herself out.

now she is rolling over on her back on her own!

thank you dear becky!

we love you!

*if you're interested in becky's amazing private lessons, let me know and i'll forward you her contact info.  as long as she teaches, i will never go anywhere else!

watch this video of their california swim school

[baby boy]

remember myles?  i just can't get enough of this little man!  he's so super delicious!  

maybe if we have a little boy, he'll look just like his little cousin :)

my ultrasound is scheduled for september 22!

ahh, i'm tempted to not find out the gender and be big surprised... we'll see, the kids are way excited to find out.

more photos here

[mad for muffins]

the other day i had an intense desire for blueberry muffins.

pregnancy is so awesome.

i asked for suggestions on facebook as to where i may find such delicious desserts - because that's what you do on facebook.  

have a question and need it answered in a jiffy?  facebook.

thankfully sheri came to the rescue!  she suggested starbucks since one of my stipulations was a drive-thru (there was no chance i was changing out of my jammies that day!)  brilliant!

so i spent ten dollars on baked goods; i thought about it for a half a second and quickly realized i didn't give a darn.  i had my muffins and they tasted so good!

knowing full well that the kids would be all over them like a rat on a cheeto, 

i made sure to have my fair share first!

eat your little heart out kid!

mmmm

crumbs

get your own muffin!