Dog Days of Summer

Hello everyone! We hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as we are. It's been hot but
Jacob, Andrew, and I don't mind. There are too many things to do outside to worry about the heat. Here are a few things we have been up to!


What a find! My mom found this pedal tractor on Craigslist. Can you believe someone was selling this for only $20?!! For Jacob, this toy is priceless. Oh, and it's not dangerous folks, Jacob just REALLY likes to wear his helmet for non-recreational things.


What are these big sticks with leaves in our yard? TREES! We're not used to having these things but in our new yard there are plenty. We have a great climbing one in our front yard. In fact, kids from all around the neighborhood stop by to climb on our tree!


Yes folks, my hair is finally coming back. No teeth yet, but at least I'm getting hair.


Here we are getting ready for bedtime. Mom thought it was pretty amazing that we were all looking at the camera at the same time!

Goodbye Efland, Hello Cary

Whew! Sorry for the delay. Moving with a 5 year old, 3 year old, and 5 month old was a bit crazy to say the least. Hasn't left me with much time to keep you updated! We are here now-- adjusting to life in Cary, NC and loving it. We're in a great location---minutes to Target, Kohls, Old Navy...all the important places. Besides the stores we have parks everywhere and miles of walking trails all around us. We couldn't have picked a better location. Rachel's school is only 5 minutes from here and there are tons of kids to get to know and play with in our neighborhood. Here is what we've been up to!

A Day in the Life of Rachel.....

Go Salem Salamanders! That's what I am now----a big kindergartner at Salem Elementary. The day came very quickly and I did it. I hopped on the bus and away I went. Mommy tried not to show it but I could tell she was sad and a bit nervous about me climbing onto a bus where I didn't know anyone. It's cool mom, Miss Linda the bus driver got me to school safely and as you know I'm having a great time.....except for the day I cried in music class because I didn't want to sing. School is great, we eat lunch in a cafeteria and have recess. I was a little concerned this morning because I hadn't learned to read yet but mommy assured me that they would teach me and it would take AT LEAST until next week : )


My first day


Waiting at the bus stop


My bus stop


Here we go....congratulations Rachel!



So brave!! Can you see me?

A day in the life of Jacob....

She's in school, she's in school!! Ok, in all fairness, I miss my sister a bunch but it is nice to get the run of the house for once. Mom and I have been busy exploring our new area. We've found lots of parks and walking trails. I love seeing Rachel get on the bus in the morning (because the bus is cool, not because she's leaving....honest). We have a lot to talk about when she gets home. She even told me about the boy on the bus making "foo foo" sounds with his armpit.....man I can't wait for school.

Ok, so maybe I'm a little too big for this thing...you were right mom

Swimming with Daddy at our neighborhood pool!

What is Jacob doing? Nothing, just sitting in Andrew's Bumbo seat.....with gardening gloves on....and his bike helmet

A day in the life of Andrew.......

Wake up....eat.....play.....eat.....sleep.....eat.....watch my brother play trucks....eat.....you get the picture right? I'm 5.5 months old and doing great! I absolutely love to be outside (except for those pesky mosquitos). I've rolled over a few times, I'm really trying to get to those little bitty legos my brother and sister play with. I'm sure Jacob will bring me one if I smile at him enough! I've been experimenting with new tastes as you'll seen in the pictures below. I'm not too keen on anything yet....all I know is the Beef Stroganoff mom made for dinner the other night looked a whole lot better than the riff raff she's feeding me.......

Congratulations Meg!

Mommy and Daddy must not be scared of ANYTHING! They packed Jacob, Andrew, and I in the van and drove the whole way to Massachusetts. We only complained and asked "are we there yet" a few times. Honest. It was a very important trip though so we couldn't miss it. Aunt Meg is now a college grad! I was a little confused as to who watches Meg when Grams and Papa aren't around but mom explained to me that Meg didn't need a babysitter anymore. (See Quote of the Week). Anyway, we had a great time and we were so glad to share in her special day. Way to go Meg!!

Happy Birthday Jacob!!

We had been asking mom for months if the strawberries were ready yet. Well, they must have known it was my birthday because we drove by and sure enough, those red ripe strawberries were ready for me to pick them. Rachel and I ate a few along the way but how can you resist? Then we went home for some cake and presents. My wonderful big sister was there "just in case" I needed help with my presents. I've made a note to myself to make sure and be there for her on her birthday. Anyway, the next day we were on our way to Massachusetts for Aunt Meg's graduation. That's where I got birthday party #2....thanks Papa and Grams! All in all, it was a good birthday and I'm super excited to be 3!


Workin' hard in the fields

3 candles just wouldn't cut it this year. I was insistent on 5.

Let me try it just to make sure it's not poison.

Mom and I



I think this picture says it all. Happy Birthday little man!