Farewell summer!

Tomorrow is officially the first day of fall, so today I had to take one last "official" summer swim.
The pool is down to a briskly refreshing 72 degrees, so none of my fellow family members would swim with me. (one advantage to carrying a few extra pounds is that one can swim and be a bit better "insulated" from the cold than other folks). Gret was over and even went jogging, but couldn't bring herself to leap into the chilly water. Actually, once I got it, it felt really great... and I got a bit sad to see the end of summer. Soon we'll be closing it down for winter, but not yet... this week it's supposed to hit 82 or higher each day.

Speaking of this week... it's been dubbed "National Stay at Home Week" - how very convenient too, since it is the start of the season premieres on television. I know I am anxiously awaiting the new season of "ER", my perennial favorite. I am also hopelessly nuts about "Dancing with the Stars' and have picked the winners for the past 3 seasons! My latest favorite is "America's Got Talent" - and I can proudly say that I picked ALL of the five finalists! Now my dilemma, which one to vote for in the finals! Oh no! I can't choose!!!! Reality TV reminds me of the old days of Carol Burnett and Ed Sullivan. Variety shows of all types used to abound... and I rather miss that sort of entertainment. There was something so innocent and "family" about seeing regulars do comedy sketches and watching new talent be showcased.

Well, enjoy your first week of Fall.... the leaves will be falling down in no time!

Up, up, and AWAY!

We were all bobbing in the pool last night enjoying the last official night of summer, when Sydney decided to dazzle us with her latest accomplishment. She was playing peek-a-boo with her papa and I from her vantage point in the playpen placed at poolside. And that was when she decided to use the mesh sides of the playpen to leverage herself up to a standing position! We all cheered, perhaps a bit too loudly, and she tipped over and plopped back down into the mattress. However, she was ready to try again, much to the delight of herself and all her loyal fans. Look out world, she's going to be WAY more mobile now!

Look at the grin... she knows she's done something big!

My Baby Girl's New "Nest"

I have been SO busy this week with school and out at the vineyard that I really have been a blog slacker. Two weekends ago we were able to scoot up to St. Joseph, Michigan and see the new home of Kate, Nate, and the kids. It's a BEAUTIFUL and really cool home right in the heart of town. It's got historical character everywhere you look and LOTS of space for three kids and a dog to play! I am hoping that Kate won't mind if I post a few photos from that weekend here... she won't be online for another 10 days yet - and I know HER pics will have all the finishing touches with pictures on the walls etc. I have just captured "early move in" and basic wall painting - so enjoy.... We are SO happy for the kids in their new "nest"!

This is the front view... pretty huh?

This is the kitchen looking toward the back door...

And here is the view looking toward the front of the house in the kitchen.

This is the dining room. It's HUGE!

Here is the boys' room.... love the way their beds look in here.

This is Kate and Nathan's room... you could hold a barn dance in here!

Another view of their pretty room... note the fireplace!

Here's the living room.... looking toward the French doors that lead into the kitchen.

Here's a slightly different angle to the living room so you can see fireplace #2!!

Rhylah's room is all sweet and pink and here she is snoozing in it!