the stomach bug has landed

We are in the throws of a stomach bug. It's gross, probably my least favorite aspect of motherhood...aside from having the bug myself while caring for my kids, which FORTUNATELY has not yet happened (thank you Lord).
So far its nailed Dave, Andrew, and Caden (who threw up on our living room couch, rug, silk pillows, and laptop last night...probably couldn't have picked a WORSE place). With birthday celebrations looming later this week, we're hoping/praying it clears soon.

new year, new girl

Andrew has a new crush - and someday he will kill me for writing about this, but I can't help it. Apparently he takes after his father, who had a girlfriend every year starting in preschool. I caught him looking at this picture the other day with a goofy grin on his face. I asked him what he was looking at, and he pointed at Ava (sitting next to him in white) and chuckled. He went on to tell me about how great she is, while I did my best to hold my composure. It was incredibly funny, cute, and shocking all at the same time. Oh, and apparently there is some sort of reciprocation - he at least has best friend status ;). If this is what he is like in preschool, I can only imagine how insanely gone he will be over his wife (Lord willing) someday.

Fall Fun

It's hard to stay inside this time of year. A bit of what we've been up to:

Apple picking last Saturday morning at Homestead Farm.

We rode out with the Choi's, so I had the rare opportunity to sit in the backseat between my two boys - we all loved it. Dave was sick, so stayed home with Will (who enjoyed a long nap in a quiet house).

Munchin as we picked.

Andrew was a serious picker.

Happy boys - Andrew still in picking mode (he was much too busy to stop for this picture).

We picked Fuju and Pink Lady - yum.

Couldn't pass this up.

I was shocked we actually got a picture with normal facial expressions - it's so much more fun to stick out your tongue.

We stopped at Rocklands Farm (just around the corner - location of our wonderful summer CSA) on the way home for their Artesian Fall festival.

I was too busy eating extremely yummy food to take many pictures, but did nab this one of the boys eating popcorn with our dear friend Janis.

On Wednesday I got to accompany Caden on his very first
field trip - pumpkin picking back at Homestead farm.

He loved the hay ride....and throwing hay on the hay ride. :)

Enjoying a snack with his class at the end. A sweet friend from YCF was kind enough to watch Will for the morning, so I was able to enjoy time with just Caden.

Dave took the big boys to Great Falls, VA this morning for a little adventure, so I could get a few things done around the house (it was wonderful...and so productive).

Exploring their museum.

Notice the "cool" pose.

Crazy, sweet boys.

Andrew took this picture - had to include one of my handsome husband.

And couldn't leave out this precious face!

Our next door neighbors gave us a super fun drum set that they've outgrown. Andrew set it up next to the street, and played his little heart out. For those who are aware of our neighborhood dynamic, this is extremely funny. It has now taken up residence in our basement ;).

Stepping into Fall

Life has been too busy to document these past few weeks. We're stepping into our Fall routines/weekly commitments, and Dave has been gone the past three weekends (ycf retreat, presbytery, and then officiating a wedding this last weekend). We've also had something going on most weeknights - dinners with friends, a date night, church, studies, etc - fun, full, and wonderful.

The boys are both LOVING school, I've enjoying getting back into my weekly Bible studies on Tues and Weds, as well as MOPS every other Thursday. We're enjoying being outside before the weather get's too cold (I usually forget my camera, or when I have it, forget to take pictures!).

We're also in a more intense season of parenting, particularly with our precious middle child. He has such a sweet and tender heart, but seems to lack any sort of self-control when it comes to hitting. It's hard to be three.

ALSO, Will officially qualified for services with Montgomery County Infant and Toddlers program earlier this week. He was supposed to start today, but we had to cancel because both Dave and I have colds (oddly, the kids are all fine...praying it stays that way). He'll be seeing an occupation therapist (for eating, drinking from a cup, speech), and a physical therapsit (fine and gross motor) two times each a month.

We've had pizza/movie nights the past 3 (or is it 4?) Fridays. Two with dear friends, and then one tonight to survive mom and dad's crud ;).

The ladies (and Chase - Kelly was not amused....love it) of our YCF Bible study last night. We enjoy having this crew in every week. The men meet downstairs, the ladies upstairs - it's a sweet time of fellowship.

Family Portrait

There is so much I could say about this. I'll let the picture speak for itself.