Tis' the Season...

...for all things fall. We can't get enough fresh apple cider, crisp air, apples and donuts. We've been to the orchard three times this year, which is pretty impressive for us since I think we got a late start! After a couple weeks of sickness, we needed to get outside in the sunshine. It was a added bonus that Mama was here with us too! :)

We spent some time feeding the animals.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, both girls have school. These mornings can be pretty chaotic. It's usually in the moment when they have their backpacks on and are ready to go that I suddenly SEE them. Sometimes it's stops me in my tracks and takes my breath away.  My two little girls growing up so fast...

Baby snuggles and some Dancing with the Stars

Juliet had her first sickness visit and her first wellness (one month) visit in the same week. Good thing we live really close to our doctor's office and really enjoy the doctor and nurses there.

Nagymama kept busy making the girls' Halloween costumes while she was here. Every stitch sewn with love. Here is a sneak peek at the first part. We have some very excited supergirls who can't wait to try on the final product.

Oliver is not lonely when the girls are at school. He is always hanging out with his friends. One of these things is not like the others...

Naptime with Daddy and Oliver

Our girls can play together for hours. They are always dreaming up new imaginative games. Most often, they are playing moms, school or sweet shoppe (where they deliver me Macchiatos), but last weekend they rearranged Juliet's entire room and created a bookstore. They moved furniture and created a reading corner with couch cushions. Abby sat at the cash register, while Ella took care of customer service. Abby used her microphone to announce the sales ("Attention! Everything is now 5 cents." Attention! Everything is now free!"). Ella used her charm to greet everyone who entered their store and ask if she could help with anything. :) It is so much fun to watch them play!

As Mr. Rogers once said, "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But, for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiYy4Ct76LY 

It's the best when you have great friends who sneak you videos of your kid in gym class. Thanks Heather! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rr8_vDCO8E 

We have all been missing Mama pretty badly since she left. We baked an apple pie later in the week. Ella was very concerned because Mama wasn't here to have any. Ella even asked me if we could send Mama a slice of pie in the mail. Then, this coversation happened. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aZqqRUEDMA

Nagymama Time

Nagymama landed in NY for a three week visit. She split her time between our house and my dad's. It's always a treat when we get that much time together. We were all excited for her visit, but the girls' couldn't hold their excitement in.

When Nagymama and Papa pulled up to the house, I was nursing the baby (which I should note Ella still refers to as "milking") and I called out to the girls so they would greet them at the door.  Ella ran to the door and Abby very seriously informed me that she was getting ready. Ten minutes later, she ran out with her hair done and fresh lip gloss on. It was really sweet. Her family was here and she wanted to get ready.

It didn't take long for Mama to get this little one in her arms for the first time.

Then, it was Papa's turn to meet Juliet.

The girls were so proud to introduce Mama to their new baby sister.

Look at those big eyes checking him out...

Photoshoot with all of her siblings...furbaby included.

And then asleep in her daddy's arms...

These two. <3 p="">

Is it any wonder I've started calling her "Dolly" and (Lovie) "Dovie"? Look at that face!

Abby's dance teacher, Ms. Guin, called to invite Abby to dance with her Sunday morning as a part of the worship service at Guin's church. Abby was one of four girls who danced with Guin to "Ever Be" by Bethel. She really enjoyed the experience and did an amazing job (especially considering the fact that she learned it two hours beforehand). :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBW4whNxvHk

Abby got a new pair of boots this week and they make her look 16! She looks so grown up and she loves every minute of it. The sweetest thing is she wanted those boots because she said wants to be like me. How cute is she?

Having Mama here was so helpful. She cooked, ironed (all 27 of Joe's shirts), did dishes, sewed Halloween costumes and anything else she could find to do. She is like the energizer bunny, still running circles around me. But, the best part of having her here isn't what she does for us, it's the time she spends with us. It's watching her snuggle and play with our girls OR having her company with me throughout the day. The girls woke up every morning looking to have a breakfast date with Mama. While I waited in line at the Target Starbucks, Ella grabbed Mama's hand, pulled her to sit down at a table and asked her what she wanted to chat about. Abby wanted to sew with Mama more than anything. I'm thankful for every minute of that quality time.

A good friend's mom, Mrs. B, sent us a really fun care package this week, complete with hooded towels for our girls. Mrs. B made one for Abby when she was born and sent one for Ella and Juliet this time. The girls love them.

Sisters: Built in Best Friends