September 2013

September started out with a final nod to Summer. On Labor Day we took the opportunity to get out to Branched Oak one last time. We were able to have the Spanglers join us. We had been trying to find a time to go with them for the past year. Finally we were able to make it happen, and what a wonderful day it was! It was beautiful and sunny, and the kids had a great time. The Spanglers were adventurous and fun. The kids made it look like no big deal when trying water skiing, and so my kids were up to the challenge also. The Spanglers have been such wonderful friends and examples to us!



Our Schedule has been full of fun and uplifting activities. Monday nights have included Family Home Evenings and Eve's soccer games. Tuesday has been dance (ballet, jazz & tap) for Eve, and Tae Kwon Do for Sterling. Sheri and Christian and I hang out at the library. Wednesday has been soccer practice for Eve. Thursday has been chess and science club, soccer practice for Sterling and dance for Sheri and Eve. Friday has been date night and movie night. Saturday mornings has been soccer games for Sterling, Saturday jobs, and occasional soccer games for Eve. I have also been training for a half marathon which includes exercising most mornings at 6AM (3 of the days/week with my wonderful friend Emily). I have also received a pretty heavy church calling - Relief Society President for our new Lake Cunningham Ward. All this plus everyday upkeep of cleaning, organizing, piano practicing, school work, and meal planning/prepping/cleaning etc. and you have one busy beehive. We have really enjoyed it. Oh and we have also been enjoying Harry Potter #5 in the car as we travel to and from activities.


The picture with the older 3 kids was on 80's day at school. Fun! Isn't Christian growing so big? Speaking of growing . . .

Christian turned 1 year old! We celebrated with cupcakes! He got one with frosting the following night. We sure adore him!


Christian measured at the pediatrician at about 20lbs (50 percentile), and his height was 89th percentile. He loves pat-a-cake, Old MacDonald Had a Farm, peek-a-boo, and getting into every cupboard possible when I am working in the kitchen. He does not like his car seat. He loves fruit, graham crackers, and will eat most baby foods. He has learned to sign "potty" when he is filling his diaper. Now if only I could get him to go on the potty. :) He has also been enjoying our walks. He likes to find dogs, and has learned to say "woof woof". My favorite thing is when I get him up from his crib and he gives me a big hug. He is such a sweet baby! I love him so much and am grateful to be his mommy!

August 2013

August has flown by! I will briefly share some of our exciting news.

Our trees are bearing fruit!



We were happy that the Owens came to visit in August! We weren't sure we were up for more travel after July, so they were very nice and offered to come to us. Here are some fun things we did over the weekend.

We spent a day in downtown Omaha looking at different sites along the Missouri River including the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge that crosses over into Iowa, a neat visitor's center, and the Gean Leahy Mall slides. In the evening, Matt and Matt went to watch a ball game at at the local restaurant while the rest of us hung out and relaxed.



The following day (Saturday) we went boating at Branched Oak Lake near Lincoln. It was actually quite chilly for August, but we enjoyed the day out and the great company!


Sunday, they headed home (about 8 hours). It was a short visit, but such a fun time! I am so glad they were willing to put in all this effort to be with us. They are such dedicated friends and we are blessed to have them!

School is back in session!
Sheri started kindergarten, Sterling 2nd grade, and Eve 4th grade. They grow up so fast! I will miss having my Sheri Berry at home, but she will grow and be able to have so many enriching experiences! I know it will be great! She didn't seem scared at all! She has been very tired transitioning to 7 hour days at school, but I know she will get used to it soon.



Sheri also started taking ballet and tap classes. She loves to twirl and tap, and sing in her leotard whenever she gets the chance!



Soccer, dance, and Tai Kwon Do have started again in full swing. With all the activity, Christian learned some skills of his own . . . walking!

He also climbs stairs and can come down backwards by himself (we still spot him.)


On not such a happy note, Christian has shown sensitivities and had reactions to various foods. He broke out in hives, had swollen lips and itchiness when he ate peanut butter (urgent care visit), and also has had swollen lips and itchy eyes when he got small tastes of milk and chocolate. It is too early to say for sure if he is allergic to these things. We hope to have some allergy testing done soon.

In the meantime, he is such a sweet baby. He is easygoing, curious, playful, patient, and brings all of our family joy! He is a sure fix if someone wakes up on the wrong side of the bed.



One final event was the Conagra Foods annual picnic which was held at the Henry Doorly Zoo. I haven't renewed my zoo membership this year yet (since March) and so it was fun to go. We focused on the rides since we haven't done those yet. We rode the carosel and the train. Con Agra provided lunch and snacks for all the employees. We wanted to stay longer despite the heat but had to get back for other activities. We did squeeze in the aquarium just before leaving because it is AWESOME!


Matt has enjoyed working for Con Agra foods. They have been a great company to work for! In December, the Mills portion will be joining other milling companies to become Ardent Mills. This will be an interesting change. We look forward to the future and hope the new company will be as great to work for as Con Agra Foods has been.

Happy August everyone!