The Official End to Summer

After what feels like the shortest summer yet, the girls headed back to school this morning. They were both pretty excited and a lot of nervous. Katherine probably got only a couple hours of sleep last night thanks to her nerves. She is ready to have the first day of 7th grade over so that she can relax a little. Kora was happy to get to meet her teacher on Monday so that she didn't feel as nervous. Poor Kallen has lost her entertainment during the days. Luckily she naps so much that she won't really get a chance to miss them before they return home. Katherine's school day starts a 6:50AM with the bus and ends when the bus drops her off at 2:40PM. Kora leaves at 8:30AM and gets back home around 4:15PM. Another school year is under way!

Summer Goodbyes...

As Eric had acquired a young, eager car for Father's Day, we all knew the time would come to say farewell to our old, reliable Saturn. We are happy to say that we raised a nice bit of money for United Way as we auctioned off the infamous car. I took one last drive, got far too emotional than is acceptable, and remembered some fantastic life moments. Eric drove that Saturn across the country to marry me in Washington, DC. We drove it back to Utah to finish with school. We brought both Katherine and Kora home from the hospital in the Saturn. That Saturn was our only car up until just 5 years ago. We were sad to say goodbye but happy to know that the Saturn has found a kind, new owner who intends to drive the car for several more years. Plus, we were granted visitation rights...

Summer Hiking

Eric and I insisted that the family get out to really enjoy nature at least once this summer. Kallen loved the baby backpack, Kora ended up as our enthusiastic trail guide, and Katherine wondered aloud--often--when we would be returning to the comforts of home.

Summer Swimming

The girls and I spent most of our summer just hanging out--much of the hanging out involved water. Katherine got into sunbathing, Kora could swim all day long, and Kallen found she really enjoyed splashing.

Kallen is 6 months old!

Kallen officially reached the half-year mark.  Her check-up at the doctor went well.  She has officially become our largest 6-month old child weighing in at 14 pouunds, 1 ounce.  She is absolutely loving her veggies--all of them.  We haven't started on any fruits yet.  We are pacing ourselves since we have found out that she is allergic to peanuts, eggs, and wheat.  Fruit may be the only source of variety we  have to offer her in the next year or so.  Kallen's schedule has become even better as she eats breakfast, lunch, and dinner and then a pre-bed bottle.  She still sleeps from 9PM until 7 or later each day.  She's such a fun little girl.

Red, Rhythm, and Boom--Happy 4th of July!

While the weather made us all nervous, we were fortunate enough to have a nearly completely dry 4th of July celebration here in Mason.  Credence Clearwater Revisited(2 of the original group) was the music for the night.  The activities and food kept the kids happy until the fantastic fireworks show.  Kallen absolutely loved her first fireworks--she has no negative issues with loud noises.  *Katherine ditched the family early on in the evening to spend time hanging with her girlfriends so she doesn't appear in any of our photos.*  

Kallen and her toys

Kallen has become amazingly active these last several weeks.  She loves to be in her exersaucer, hang out in her Bumbo seat, go on bike rides, and chill with her sisters.  She's also been packing on the weight.  She now sleeps from 8 or 9 PM until 7 or 8AM.  I am really loving this routine!  I think it all started once she discovered she could sleep however she wanted to--she's a belly sleeper now. We are looking forward to her 6-month check-up next week to see how much she weighs and discuss all her food allergies--she apparently has a few.  I'll keep you posted.