Favorite Family Shots Friday

So I've been blogging ahead lately (writing two or three or four posts at a time and scheduling them to post one per day). BUT since the in the last two weeks, we have been so insanely busy, I haven't been able to catch up on blogging all of the fun/crazy moments. Each time one happens I say to myself, "That's bloggable." But when it comes to 9:30 or 10:00 at night, when I usually have time to blog, it just doesn't warrant too high on the priority list. I've been keeping up with the laundry (a never ending chore), keeping the cats from ripping each other to pieces, and trying desperately to rest enough to get my exercise in each day. All of it feels fairly futile with our "special events" calendar loaded as it is. I should just accept it, but somehow I keep trying. There's no way I'm going to be able to recap all of the cool events and fun of the last week, so I'll just post a few highlights with little stories along the way.

This first one really does most of the talking all by itself:

[caption id="attachment_845" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Our Little Minnie"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_846" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Our "Big" Minnie?"][/caption]

Mommy and Kayleigh had a GREAT Saturday at the Post Family Farm in Hudsonville with Grammy, "Uncu" Dan, Auntie, and RYAN! Daddy was at home with a little unhappy, stuffed up Benny boy.

[caption id="attachment_847" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Swinging Away"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_848" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Riding in the wagon"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_849" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Driving the barrel"][/caption]

Kayleigh loved picking pumpkins, eating donuts (she still asks for them for snacks days later), drinking cider, driving the barrels, and feeding the goats. She talked for weeks about going to the pumpkin patch to get her pumpkin; she's spent the last few days admiring the one she picked out. AND, as you'll see later, having her first "pumpkin carving experience." This SAME weekend our favorite cousin/nephew had his FIRST birthday party. Kayleigh LOVED the bubble machine that Auntie set up, and she thoroughly enjoyed having lunch at her own little table. In fact, she carried her little chair everywhere she could around the yard. We had a great day celebrating with our sweet little man!

[caption id="attachment_850" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Happy Birthday, Ryan!"][/caption]

Here's Kayleigh wishing Ryan a Happy Birthday: 10-14 Happy Birthday Ryan

That's it for this past weekend! But there's more coming this week!! We had our first "Family Night" and Kayleigh and Daddy carved their first pumpkin while Mommy took Benny to the doctor for his first ear infection. Many more fun photos on the way.

Cousin-friends

In keeping with embarrassing people we love (see "we miss our big Sis"), I thought I'd continue with a few other people who have really come to mean a great deal to my kids. Auntie Alaina and Cousin Ryan have been weekly playdates since Ryan was ... ohhh maybe about 3 months old. So, Ben's age, probably ... The kids have quite a bit of space between them for these playdates to really be about "playing" for them. (At least right now). As soon as Ryan starts walking (I'm guessing 1 month more, tops!), they will be totally about the kids playing together. BUT they've been an amazing reprieve from the lack of adult conversation the stay at home mommy gets on an average day. Alaina has become a GOOD friend, and someone I know I can trust and count on. Plus, I love being able to watch my nephew grow up with his cousins. I pray they'll stay close and that God will turn them into fast friends! Kayleigh has been saying Ryan's name since about ... oh ... April. But, she's been a little slower with Auntie. Just last week, my heart smiled because, without being prompted, she walked up to Alaina, said, "Auntie ... come help!" And she led Alaina over to the big exercise ball in the corner. I want my kids to love their family and feel comfortable asking them for help, so this made my heart smile :). Thanks Auntie Alaina for loving my kids so much :) ...

Here's a few photos (in addition to the one posted on 'Speechless Saturday') from the last playdate. Thanks to Auntie Alaina for sending them our way.

[caption id="attachment_433" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Ruling the "roost" as the eldest cousin"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_434" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="I'm the baby ... at least for now ... "][/caption]

Thanks Auntie Alaina and Ryan for all of the fun! See you Thursday; I think it's time to swim again! :)