Now, we're BUSY!

Wow. So all those other times that I've claimed that we've reached the busiest possible time...those were nothing. Life is moving so fast. The whole "days are long, years are short," has evolved into "days are fast, years are faster."

Mostly it's just life: lots of fun family/friend things (pool party, Giants games, dinners, etc.) + lots of busy (mostly fun) work things + all the other needed stuff (though my definition of what's "needed" has shifted some, as evidenced by the number of toys on our living room floor right now).

Some of the big things:

E started Pre-K in mid-August. He's going every weekday morning. So far, he seems to be having fun...too early to tell about the learning aspect. Well, fun while he's there. We're still in transition into this new chapter...getting ready, eating, packed, and out the door the door on-time M-F. Figuring out the "reality" of our new situation is going to take some time & a test of our parenting skills. That said, I'm really excited to see how much he learns & grows this next year. With how much he grew in last year's couple of days a week of school, I can't imagine what's in store for us with this expanded program.

He also joined the SHARKS, an under-6 soccer team. It's pretty cool that they play on this mini-field and only have 3 players per team at any time...allows for a lot of play time. We've only had a couple of practices, though E is pumped about it - first game this weekend! Again, I can't wait to see how he develops, if T-ball was any indication.

J is getting more expressive by the minute. She's a hoot. And her will continues to grow right along side her. She's capable of so much already (e.g. washing her own hands, feeding Bailey almost entirely by herself)...as long as she decides it's what she wants to do.

A couple of weeks ago, she started ballet class. The videos of her are so stinking cute (*completely objective observation) and she really likes it.

They are both loving having Nana & Papa here full time. We've been staying down at the "Lake Castle" one night(ish) per weekend. It's fun and it sort of forces us to relax a little (though the state of our house may be suffering from the lack-of-chore time). Still, I think I'll remember sitting on that deck under the stars with a glass of wine and a good conversation or book much more than knowing that the laundry is all folded (it's not, nor will it ever be). They hosted their first dinner party over there when Uncle Shaun and Uncle David were visiting and I can safely say that Nana & Papa passed with flying colors.

We (FINALLY) got to take their little jet boat ("Bumblebee") out for a spin on the lake. As expected: J has yet to fully accept it.  We took it for a slow tour of the south lake with her and I think she'll warm up to it as she gets older. We're not talking full on fear, just a quiet reluctance. E, on the other hand, giggles almost the entire time. It's hard to hear underway, so I yell, "Squeeze my hand if you're having fun." And there's always a hard squeeze at the end of that sentence.

Last weekend, we got together with the Pilgerams & Karnes families up at Kyle's folks' "Cabin" up in Arnold, CA. By cabin, I mean a massive and beautiful house tucked between lush woods, frog-filled ponds, a private lake, and the cutest little stream. It fit all 8 adults and 7 kiddos (all five year-olds and under). Kyle's mom has the house fully outfitted with toys, lake/pond clothes in every child size, and a kid book collection that would make any public library proud. We hunted for frogs, ate like royalty, spent the afternoon at the lake, played on the swings, made s'mores and had a BLAST (as we always do with that crew).

Phew. See, we're busy. But NOW must be the busiest time ever.