He walks

It is time.

We're gearing up. And really, very excited!  He took three steps today. This is the third one on film.

"What Else?"

One of Naomi's favorite questions. As in, "What's for dinner?" "Meatballs, cauliflower, potatoes." "Hmm, what else?" Or, "What are we doing today, mommy?" "Well, I think we'll run to the library and the food store; maybe the post office." "Okay, What else?"

So, this is the "what else" that we did this summer, to some degree anyway, leading into the start of the new school year. 

 A whirlwind trip through Jackson where we had to bring the kids to see our old college stomping grounds at Belhaven. Phil and Leif are admiring the men's NAIA national championship trophy,

 while Naomi and I enjoy the lake behind my two-year college home.

A quick trip to Grandma and Opa (sans Phil unfortunately), means swimming, 

 eating,

 Opa's favorite popsicles, 

 and more swimming.

 We had a superb visit with Uncle Joel.

 Even though Leif had hand, foot, and mouth, he remained a cheerful part of the excitement.

Naomi found a pair of reading glasses at Half Price Books and got a kick out of calling herself, "Grandma."

 Enjoying dinner al fresco.

 We met up in Fort Worth with the Petersons to enjoy some Coopers Pit BBQ.

A July visit from Nana and Papaw meant reading and riding. And fun and games.

 We also have spent a lot of time perusing shelves at the library, 

and stretching our imagination in the empty sunroom.

A trip to the botanic gardens in Fort Worth with cousin Jessica was a huge hit. 

 Making the most of dinner prep when mommy is present and not present at the same time: salad spinner and corks. Good times.

 Picnic time! Both kids enjoyed the opportunity to not be forced to stay at the table while eating. I will enjoy this more when the mercury drops 10-20 degrees.

 LOVING a quick, unexpected visit with the cousins!

 There is never a dull moment with 6 kids - 7 years old down to 10 months.

This is a scene that really could be any day of the year, except that I usually don't have a cart per kid. So, I am enjoying help at Target and making the most of applesauce-in-a-pouch.  

Looking forward to posts where we are wearing long sleeves, though I have no complaints about the summer either.