Scattered September

September is quickly disappearing - it's fall already!
We have been busy, but are not documenting life very routinely as of late.Here are a few of our captured moments.

Shannon and Mitch have enjoyed the many storms we have had this month! Major downpours mean puddles, thunder means watching the lightning, and power outages are "scary" and an excuse to get out of bed. There's always a new excuse . . .

Speaking of bed, Shannon got her new one and Mitch got a new mattress. The room is set up for slumber and it sometimes happens. Seems like Shannon is part puppy, though, and really prefers to sleep as part of a litter - either in bed with her brother or her mother.

Both dads have recently come down and completed home improvement projects - painting the exterior trim and replacing the patio roof. Many thanks! Mitch was pleased to help both Papas and they graciously allowed him to join in!

A classic fake cry.
This leads me to our recent fun event - 2 nights away from the children! We escaped, had some adult time, watched the Huskies, and have now returned to our reality.
Still love the kids, but really loved the time away!

Daycare Delight

The kids at Lorry's love to play "Ring around the Rosie" but with Mitch in charge, it becomes more of a "Wing"!

First Day of Preschool!

Mitch started preschool this morning!

I took the morning off so we could make this a special day. He and I went out for a doughnut and chocolate milk together before walking to school. The entire time he kept telling me how excited he was. "I can't wait!" was an oft-repeated refrain. In the above photo, his arms are his fire hose and he is super pumped! We even hid a contraband kitty in his backpack for added security.

When we got to the preschool, his friend Quinn was arriving, too. Almost instantly, Mitch stopped his grinning and became more clingy and hesitant. Just try to get a nice smile now!

However, Avery arrived and began to show him around like a little expert. Having Quinn and Avery there already will be a big help, I'm sure. When I left, they were coloring and he seemed okay with my departure. No tears for either of us! Here's to a year of learning, confidence-building, and friend-making. At breakfast he prayed for help sharing at preschool.
When I picked him up, he told me, "I can't wait 'til the next day! I love school!"

Labor Day at Lake Pierre

We had a lovely long weekend in northeast Washington at Lake Pierre with the Johnson clan.Last year was our first visit to this spot and we happily returned for an extra night!

The kids LOVED the water in all its forms. Here they enjoyed a row with Papa, returning from the marsh with turtle sightings, fish, and ducks.

The weather was perfect - warm and windless - and we lathered on the sunscreen and enjoyed!

There was a new floating trampoline which drew much attention. SJ was fascinated, Jack jumped bravely from the side, and Mitch pushed Bryan in with gusto. Eventually all of us had a chance to enjoy it, the row boat, the paddle boat, various floaties, and the dock.

Mitch could not be convinced to jump in, but he enjoyed being there and floating around on an inner tube.

There was a tow rope on the paddle boat and Mitch caught a ride! You can't tell, but SJ was in the nude underneath her float coat.

A nice beach fire closed out our last evening! Star gazing, story telling and skinny dipping capped off the night in high style.

S'mores! Might be the reason Shannon didn't sleep well . . .

Squealing with delight with the cousins!

Chad managed to catch a lovely cutthroat trout on a bobber, much to the delight of all.

A roaring fire!

The grandkids. Note Dave's shirt . . .

Here we all are bidding the lake adieu. We are ready to return next year!

And a final stint in the boat for the boys. A rare moment of water time without life jackets. Mitch really never wanted to take his off, choosing even to wear it to dinner.

We had a great time!