Pumpkin Patch

We had a beautiful day for our annual trip to Caroyln's Pumpkin Patch in Liberty! This year Brian's parents were able to come along as well which made the trip even more special. We headed out to the patch early thinking it might be crowded since it was opening weekend and the weather was so perfect. We were pleasantly surprised at how slow it was, we could not have had it any better...no lines and no crowds, just how we like it! We enjoyed the petting zoo, feeding the goats (Lilian was brave and let them eat out of her hand this time, too), playing on the playgrounds, riding the tractor, taking a hayride to pick out a pumpkin, and riding the train. I love making our own little traditions as a family! We have taken sis here every year of her life and this year we got to add Graham to the tradition. I carted him around in the bjorn and he was a happy camper just watching everyone and taking it all in. He was so comfy on the hayride that he fell asleep. Lilian loved having grandma and grandpa there to show them all the pumpkin patch had to offer! Brian and I actually decided to buy the season pass to Carolyn's since they were half price this weekend so we plan to go back a few more times this season! Hooray for the coming of fall!

Found!

In the last few days Graham has found his toes! He has been loving putting his hands in his mouth (constantly) for a few weeks now, but now he has mastered both his hands and feet! Mostly he just holds his foot and hangs out like that for awhile. He likes to show off when he has learned something's new! There is just something so adorable about a baby playing with their feet! His other new trick is he is able to hold onto his ball and have it make noise on his own.

Fall Fun Fest

This weekend was the annual Blue Springs Fall Fun Fest. I've been going to it since I was a kid so it is fun to now be full circle taking our children and starting our own traditions. Just like I used to be in the parade every year Lilian is carrying on the tradition! She walked/danced in the parade this year with her dance studio, The Pointe. They asked the moms of the little ones to tag along as well so I walked in the parade as well! She loved it and got so excited when we saw Brian, my parents, and Amelia. She wanted to stop in the middle of the street and talk to them and give hugs! Graham enjoyed his first parade watching from the sidelines! It was beautiful outside and the perfect day for it!









We went to lunch with my parents after the parade since it was packed around the fair. Brian and I decided to go back with the kids and walk around when it was less crowded. We returned Sunday morning which was perfect. Lilian got to ride a few rides and we indulged on a funnel cake and fried Oreos! Yum! We ended our Sunday with a Chiefs win for their home opener! What a great weekend!

Play Dates and Visits

Graham and I are still enjoying our time off together...only a few more weeks until I am back at work (boo!) so we are trying to squeeze in as much fun as possible! We have enjoyed some fun play dates with friends these past few weeks. My college friend and sorority sister, Missy, and her son, Emmett, came out to play one morning. Missy has an older son, Grant, that is seven weeks younger than Lilian and now our youngest two boys are about seven weeks apart as well! Emmett was born in early July. Of course the boys just laid together and looked at one another, ha, but Missy and I enjoyed catching up and sharing stories of our lives with newborns and juggling two kids!


We also enjoyed having lunch with Ashley and Cindy one afternoon. Ashley's youngest, Bennett, is five days younger than Graham. It will be fun to watch these two grow and change together. Ashley is a teacher in Blue Springs too. It has been fun to be on maternity leave at the same time! We plan to get together again before we both go back in October.





My friend Rebecca and her baby girl, Maxine, who is seven months old also came over one morning but we forgot to snap a picture! We also ventured out to Nannie and Ross's house one morning to visit them. I envisioned visiting them more often but with Graham still not enjoying the car rides it has put a damper on that! Luckily, he fell asleep before our drive so we were able to have a peaceful drive to their house! He gave Nannie and Ross lots of grins and liked watching the tv!

Farewell Summer

It is always a sad day when summer draws to a close for us...back to work and routines and farewell to our days of playing, running errands, and staying in our jammies as long as we please! Though this summer was very different than last, having a newborn added to the mix, we still managed lots of play dates for Lilian and fun memories of our family of four! We had a weekly James Walker play date with friends from work and their little ones which I loved. We enjoyed picnics at the park, story times at the library, and walks at Burr Oaks. A special thank you to grandma, grandpa, and the Johnsons who hosted Lilian up in Iowa for a week after Graham was born to let us adjust to a new baby in the house and give Lilian some special attention! She loved spending time with her cousins going to the Omaha zoo, the farm, and pool! Another special thanks to the Ackersons who many times allowed sis to tag along with them to the zoo, movies, or park when Brian was teaching summer school and I had my hands full with Graham. I know Lilian loved spending time with Amelia, Drew and Coco. We are thankful to have such awesome family and friends! Its crazy to think ahead to next summer and picture Graham walking and giving Lilian another friend to play with! This summer will always hold a special place in our heart...we welcomed our precious baby boy, watched Lilian grow into an incredible big sister, and began our journey as a foursome! Thank you for another great summer and so many blessings! Below are some pictures of our summer fun...

First Dip!

Graham took his first dip in grammy and pop's pool on friday night! The weather has been near 100 degrees every day so it was the perfect weather for it! We have been spending our friday nights this summer over there enjoying the pool, company and yummy food! We waited until the pool was shaded and put Graham in the water. We were not sure what to expect because he is hit or miss on his baths lately. He does not mind them usually, but he also does not love them, so we crossed our fingers with the pool! The best part was just watching his funny expressions as more and more of his body got wet. You just wonder what they are thinking as they experience things for the first time! He did awesome...did not cry at all, gave a few grins and smiles, and seemed to relax when we put him in the baby float. It was the first of many times in the pool for our baby boy! We hope he loves the water like us!