Old Friends, New State, Same Good Times

The Howells.  They're from the same county we're from, but we didn't meet until Hawaii.  We endured the 15 month deployment together.  We had lots of fun dinners, game nights and adventures.  We have continued to keep in touch and see each other when we can...although the visiting has been few and far between the past few years.  Now they live in Grand Rapids...about 5.5 hours from us.  That's doable. 5.5 hrs to see friends who might as well be family is no big deal at all for a 4 day weekend.  So the first one we got, we headed to Michigan. 

Although it feels like i've seen them more--social media and frequent phone calls can do that--i actually haven't seen this little one since she was about 18 months and the twins were 2.5 yrs old.  Now both 5 years old the girls can easily play together with no age gap issues. 

and it was great to finally meet this little one, Ruthie.  She's a book lover and Uncle Mike was happy to oblige. 

and their newest addition, Beniah! he was 4 weeks when we came to visit--perfect to snuggle with! 

 my matching littles 

it was a beautiful weekend and the kids had a great time playing

obviously our get togethers are slightly different than our hawaii days, pre kids, but they're still good and in some ways it feels like nothing has really changed. 

we're just missing some Sweatland and Davis kids and this would be a perfect picture.  Maybe we can make that happen someday???? 

no one likes goodbyes... Adelyn was sad to lose her playmates, and honestly i was sad to say goodbye too.  But i have no doubt over the next 3 years we will be doing much more of this.   Bye for now Howell Team, we'll see you soon!

Preschool for Davis

The twins weren't the only ones to start new things this fall.  Davis is attending a half day preschool 2 days a week--similar to what the twins have done the past 3 years.  Davis has been going to drop offs and pick ups for all of those 3 years and was more than ready for it to be his turn.  

He's in a 2 year old class--he misses the cut off for the 3 year old room by 5 days.  He'll be the oldest in his room, and no doubt he'll run the show.  Those poor newly turned 2 year olds aren't going to know what hit them! 

There was no drop off blues on this morning for our little guy.  He walked right in, ready to go, didn't even tell me bye! 

-with his lead teacher, Mrs. Ennis-

and although he had a fun first day, i think by the look on his face he was glad to see me too! 

 and i think it goes without being said that i was happy to see him and hear ALL ABOUT his first day.  

All That August

The Arsenal had a 5K early one morning...like EARLY.  Macky and I opted to sleep thru it.  Mike got the other 3 up though (at like 5am) and they all ran the race...no strollers!  Mike did carry Davis a bit, but he did a lot on his own too.   Mike may or may not have bribed them with a treat afterwards...

  our neighbor had a birthday party complete with her very own pony.  nora was in heaven.  i fully expected her to come home announcing that she wanted a horse.  no word of it yet, although it's not her birthday yet either! 

 

 the weather here has been amazeballs this summer and we've been spending a lot of time outside enjoying it.   i just love this sweet picture capturing a fun evening with my family. 

 

 Macky "us"ies 

 the twins had swim camp at the Y--their first real swim lessons.  They did a great job, Nora passed the first level and will be ready to move up next time.  Holden needs more work in beginners level, but for a kid who was absolutely TERRIFIED of water a year ago, he came out of lessons voluntarily putting his face under the water.  While the twins had lessons Davis got to play in the water with Daddy one day.  He was SO EXCITED.

 slow mornings of cuddling are the best--and with our new schedules, they're had to come by these days

 bedtime stories with Daddy

 Macky loving his glowworm while watching his aquarium.  How he falls to sleep every night.   Heart.Melted

We have a great children's museum in this city--its a super fun place to spend a free morning or have a play date.  Davis runs from exhibit to exhibit, but Nora and Holden usually really focus in on one thing.  Like Nora and the Veterinarian's Office. She sure loves animals! 

 Macky conversing with his roommates

 and practicing his crawling moves too! 

 Daddy date to the carwash....yep, that's free popcorn while they wait and alone time for Mommy!  Win. Win. 

This sweet duo giving baby Holly a birthday party. I cut them a little cake and got them some candles to make the party more fun! 

 we call this KNOCKED OUT

Macky's first swing at the park.  He is definitely a fan!

and we added a new lizard to the collection, meet Spots our Leopard Gecko.  He's a bit bigger than i liked at first, but he's grown on me.  We've had some trouble with keeping the little anoles alive since we've moved...not sure why, so we thought we'd try a different kind and see how it went. 

 Macky playing with sweet Charlie, our friends new kitty

 on the day before kindergarten officially started the twins spent the whole day outside make believing and playing.  they were so sweet.  can't believe these 5 years have gone so fast.  i could have listened to their sweet laughter all day. 

Our first dentist visit in the QC were a little different than we're used to.  The kids are going to a pediatric dentist and the amount of things to do in that office was insane!  They didn't want to leave! 

 

 The dentist told me "they had the best oral hygiene of kids their age that he has seen in a long time"  i took that for code to "go get some ice cream" :)