Insta-September

Some snapshots of our September:

{9.4.17}

Operation "Fastest Road Trip Ever!" was a success. To Boise, ID and back in less than 30 hours. (About 6.5 hours each way, with stops.) So worth it to celebrate my Grandpa's 80th birthday! My Grandpa Knowles is wonderful, and loves his family so much. We are lucky to have him and to be able to celebrate with him. #thesekidsaresogoodinthecar#iloveroadtrippingwiththiscrew#backintimeforchurchbutsotired

{9.9.17}

Lydia got invited to her first school-friend birthday party. I thought they had just invited everyone in the class or something, but as soon as we got there the mom told me that Lydia is his best little friend at school and that he talks about her all the time. He specifically had requested that she be on his team in the nerf gun battle. (She's talked about him, too, especially because he has similar allergies to some of her cousins.) I awkwardly hung out for a while to make sure I felt comfortable leaving her alone for the party (can we talk about that? How are you supposed to handle letting your kids play at strangers houses?) But it was so cute to see her play with her first real friend not arranged for her by me or by location. I know I post a lot about Lydia's milestones growing up, and how it makes me feel as a mom, but I hope that when my other kids read it... They know I have those same feelings about their firsts. These are just my first firsts. Now I'm rambling, but really... Growing up is so fun and also so hard!

{9.10.17}

Six months old for this sweet babe. Life with him is the perfect mixture of soaking in how little he is while being amazed at how big he is getting. It's the best. He's super chill, easy to make smile (but reserves his laugh for special times/people), and only has one rule: "Get me in my bed for the night on time and at my own home." We sure love our Baby C! #calebsamuel

{9.13.17}

Cleaning out my car (looking for my lost wallet, boo) and I found this Polaroid of David and I that we got at a wedding a few weeks ago. I sure love this guy. He is everything. Clipped the picture to my visor and I smile every time I see it. 

{9.18.17}

Purple Day at Kindergarten today. Here's the story of the muumuu: When I was in 1st(2nd?) Grade, my Grandma and Grandpa Walker went on a trip to Hawaii. They brought me back this purple muumuu and I looooved it. When it was time for school pictures, I begged my mom to let me wear it- but she said no. So rebel that I am (ha, this is the most rebellious I've ever been in my whole life), I packed that muumuu up in my backpack and told my teacher that I needed to change before pictures. Imagine my mother's surprise when I came home from school (because of course I had forgotten to change back) wearing said muumuu. Ha. Luckily my mom found the humor in the situation and bought the photo instead of being angry at me. When my mom was down here last week, she somehow started telling Lydia this story and I was able to dig through my cedar chest to find it. Lydia begged to be able to wear it for purple day. So even though it was a bit big, I couldn't really say no. Especially because my mom has said many times "I should have just let you wear it!" I try to be a mom who says yes, whenever it's possible to say yes... And secretly it's brought a smile to my face as I've watched her be so excited about it.

{9.19.17}

Family pictures be like: 😍😱🌳😔. But no one fell in the mud today, so I'll take it as a win! Thanks for all the outfit input, we had a great mix of blue, green, and maroon. Hoping @mayfallphoto can work her magic!

{9.20.17}

insta-david

Post family picture fun at the park. Lydia loved climbing in a giant tree. Austin wanted to go down the slide a million times. Lydia and Austin played together at the end and both kept saying, "let's do our together thing", which means sliding down the slide at the same time. It was so fun. Thank you Shantel for getting outfits ready and everything set up.

{9.23.17}

insta-david

Happy birthday, Austin! I had a great day with you. We built with blocks in the morning. Went to eat pizza for lunch, and you even got a drink. Then we went to "the animal fair" (Austin accepted boondocks as a plausible animal fair). You loved the slides and skeeball and the milk jug ball toss. I love you.

{9.23.17}

Oh Austin. Three years old looks good on you. We've been celebrating all week and you've loved every second of it. Popping balloons, going on special adventures, and a few special treats along the way. (you are so easy to please: a couple of Mike and Ike's in a balloon and your face lights up like it's a huge thing). We had a rough night last night, but that meant I got to wake up cuddling you in our extra bedroom- being the first to wish you a happy birthday. You definitely know how to celebrate, and it melted my heart when you insisted that Lydia, Caleb and I should come on your birthday lunch date with Dad. You are funny, and kind, and you looooove presents. Happy birthday sweet boy, I'm so lucky to be your mom! 📷:@mayfallphoto

{9.27.17}

I know it's kind of old news now, but I can't get over the fact that this boy is three! We had a little party for him on Sunday and he loved opening his presents and telling people that it was his birthday. His cake was perfect for his car-track loving heart. Initially he said he didn't want a car on it, but then requested to be able to drive his little remote controlled car on the road. All the sudden Austin feels bigger: his legs are longer, his words are clearer, his heart is more sweet. I just have to wonder what it is about a birthday that makes a child grow so much more than a regular day!? We sure love our Austin-boy.

{9.28.17}

Went to a fancy dinner last night where I got to see this guy awarded as the 2017 UACPA Rising Star🌠. One person is chosen by board members of the Utah Association of CPAs "to honor individuals that exemplify excellence and dedication to the UACPA and the CPA profession." I could not be prouder of @davidpeaden. I have to pinch myself that I am really the one that gets to go through this life with him. I know he's amazing, but it's always extra amazing to see when other people recognize that as well . Also, this dress from @shopcarissamiss 😍😍😍. (I told her I was hoping for a fancy dress for this event and she special ordered the fabric, customized the pattern, and rushed it to be ready the day before my event. It was perfect!) #eidebailleycpa