Wow. How are we in September already? As you can tell, I'm slacking on the blog. I don't know if it's just a lack of time, or a decline in interest to write in light of everything else that seems so much more pressing these days, but I am going to attempt to update at least once a month. If for no other purpose than for my own reference in years to come.
August was almost as busy as July. Or maybe busier? We had 2 sets of company, a friend from Ohio at the beginning of the month, and my grandmother (dad's mom) for the last 2 weeks. My dad officially retired from the military (after 32 years of faithful service!) and we had a ceremony and big party for him. We went sightseeing in our own state, visited a "beach", topped a 14-er, rode the Carousel of Happiness, picked apples from our tree to make apple butter and apple sauce, and started school. Oh, and Drew learned to ride his bike without training wheels. Oh yes people, we're growing up and moving on at a pace that seems too fast at times.
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| Feeding ducks at a nearby pond. Love summer evenings! |
The boys are doing great. The biggest change for them has been school. We're all loving it, though. Summer was a bit hectic for us and unscheduled, so we're relishing the routine and structure school brings. Both boys are enjoying the academic aspects of school, too. Evan accomplishes 4 solid hours every day (3 in the morning, 1 after lunch), and Drew does a mixture of his own assignments and listening in to what Evan is doing for the morning. It's been a little over a week now and so far, so good. We're figuring out the best routine for us and trying to maintain a realistic attitude of "it's only kindergarten!" (even though most of his work is on the first grade level...)
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| In "the crack" at Garden of the Gods |
Colorado is a wonderful state. Seriously, I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. The mountains and the lakes, the crisp blue skies, the pure grandeur that surrounds us. It's amazing. We drove to the top of Mt Evans with our friend, Miss Amanda and were just in awe at how far you could see! The view was spectacular -- I'd forgotten what being on the top of a 14-er was like! That same day, we stopped by a great farmer's market and splurged on Palisade Peaches -- oh my my...they were worth it!
My dad's retirement ceremony and party was wonderful. How great it was to celebrate all that he's been and done for the military. All the places the Lord has taken him, used him, and grown him. We were very proud to be there and witness the momentous event. I made the poster pictured for him in tribute to all the places he'd been in his military career (minus his deployments/TDY) and he loved it.
A super-treat for the month was having my grandmother come to visit for 2 weeks. She was a great help around the house, loved playing games and reading with the boys, and offered her free babysitting services to us. So we took her up on that a few times and were able to celebrate our 8th anniversary with a nice lunch out.
In other news, Drew is riding his bike all by himself. Scot had been saying for a couple weeks he thought Drew was ready, but I wasn't so sure. Well, lo and behold, in under 20 minutes at the track, the kid was going the whole way around (1/4 mile) by himself without falling! He did a whole mile by himself and was quite proud of himself (us too!).
Both boys are still huge helpers. Evan has started helping with the yard work/mowing, and they have both started truly helping in the kitchen. Each week I try to have them help me make dinner. It's slow going at times, but so worth the sweet memories we're making with it. Our newest adventures are apple-centered as we realized this past month that we have a huge, lovely, producing apple tree in our backyard! As in, my second batch of apple butter in the crockpot as I type and my house smells aaaamaaazing! Love that fall is in the air!
And lastly, the Carousel of Happiness. Such happiness it caused us. A very unique carousel tucked away in the mountains. We went up with friends, rode the carousel, played at a park, had a picnic near a stream, rode again, and had a grand time at the "handmade candy candy-shop"! It was a wonderful way to end the month.
