September... my how time flys!

September. Where did it go? As fast as it got here, it disappeared even faster!

I have spent the month fluttering about house and home trying to get things pulled together as much as possible prior to my returning to work. As much as I'm looking forward to adult interaction, it rips my heart out to have to leave my babies again. At least they will be together. 

Here are a few candids from the month!

Cora and Daddy sneaking a nap together

 Modeling their monkey jammies together

 Trying to get some good pics on the nice camera. Not a very successful day...

 Cora modeling the dress my sister and I were dedicated in.

 2 month QUICK photo session

 Big brother wanted to be like little sis. At least it kept him stationary so he wasn't under foot while I tried to make dinner.

 Exploring on an exceptionally warm September day. 

Gotta get him outta the house to play and work off energy!!!

They have Big Brother, Little Sister shirts. 

I wanted a picture. 

Jack did not. 

This is the best I could muster.

Jack and Mama had a date at home.

We had hot chocolate and cookies.

And then I had a little something stronger to soothe my sore throat I had thanks to Jack sharing his cold with me. 

Spying on the neighbors. 

Going to soak up as much life as possible during my last week of maternity leave.

It goes by WAY to fast. 

Black Butte 2016!

We did it again!

Family trip to Black Butte Ranch 

We packed in SO much fun throughout the week and made lots of fun memories!

On our way over to Black Butte, we made a stop in Culver so Granny and Poopa could meet Cora.

And so Poopa could give Jack some "pain pills." 

Papa hanging out with the Grandkids

On our way out to hunt for golf balls along the golf course

Having some pool time with Mama!

Grammy getting her Cora snuggles in

We got to go to the fire department and enjoy a little kids event they put on. 

Jack got to put out a "fire!"

Helping Papa make waffles for breakfast 

Hanging out by Paulina Springs and playing in the creek for a while

My boys chewing on some grass

Jack was a natural when we took him for a horseback ride. He looked like an old pro!

Bye bye Black Butte...

 ....Thanks for all the fun!

August

The weeks are flying by.

Between feeding Cora and trying to keep Jack busy and having fun, we go to bed pretty tired and get up not QUITE rested enough. 

But life is FULL.

Here is our latest glimpse into life :)

Cora making use of her bassinet made by Aunt Kathy!

 We got a load of wood chips delivered (on one of the hottest days of the summer, yuck)

Jack didn't want Daddy to have to do all the work, so he made sure to get out there to help spread them in the yard.

 Trying to get in some Mommy and Jack time at Multnomah Days. 

Here we are doing a little arts and crafts together,

 and we made sure to get a little snack time and rest in too!

 Cora had to get an ultrasound of her hip. Her pediatrician thought one of her hips felt loose. Unfortunately, the results were inconclusive and we go back again soon to get another scan.

Jack is such. a. boy.

I do a lot of laundry.

Cora had her first play date with her friend Violet. 

The girls didn't chat much but their mama's sure did!!!

Brave! (or stupid?) Beach Trip

Well, Cora took her first vacation on Monday. Our destination was Manzanita, and it was just Mama and the kids for the day meeting up with Grammy, GG Faye, Aunties Kathy and Suellen and Auntie Lisa and cousins Brayden and Hannah. It's a tradition that we go each year and I wasn't going to go since Cora is so new... but then I couldn't bear to miss out. 

Not knowing if I was being a brave new mom of two, or just stupid, we headed down the road and said multiple prayers for a safe, fast and GOOD trip!

We did make great time and surprised everyone at the beach that we had actually showed up! 

I wasn't certain I was going to make the trek until that morning, so I hadn't shared that we were even considering it. 

 We arrived early-ish in the morning so we spent some time at the house playing in the morning...

 ...and enjoying the beautiful view and weather. 

Once it warmed up and the rest of the troops arrived, we were off to the beach!

 The three amigos

Les soeurs

(Best sister who ran to the rescue when Jack face planted in the ocean)

 He was having SO much fun running around and laughing and playing!

 Doing my best to keep the sand from pelting Cora's face and sun from scorching her skin

 After the face plant in the ocean and getting all wet, combined with the wind blowing sand everywhere we had to call it quits after only a short time on the beach. 

Very sad. 

We did our best to extend the stay with a towel to block the assault of sand...

 ...but alas, we lost the battle and chose to trek back to the house with our fussy bunch. 

 Playing in the water table was much more fun, and we still had a pretty good view

  4 generations!

Cora, Christine, Missy, Faye

 I guess we can throw Jack in there with the girls too!

This was Jack at the end of the day.

Have fun much buddy?