More Pictures (for Mariana) !

Olivia and Ben both play soccer this fall.  Ben's games are on Tuesdays and Olivia practices the same night.  They always have fun with their friends Jackson and Maci--this particular night they were really wound up!
Sam and I went to the zoo again!  He is usually sleeping and misses out on seeing the animals.  I have figured out the best time to go to the zoo is in the fall on a week day--very few people are there (one reason not to work, I guess) :-)
Sam has figured out that his fingers are attached to him!  He loves looking at them and he frequently puts them in his mouth!
Ben is riding his bike like crazy now.  His soccer game was cancelled this week because of the weather, so when he got home he couldn't wait to get get on his bike!  He has been sleeping very well at night!
Sam was two months old the 25th and all he got to do was run errands with Mom!  This is his first time wearing a baseball cap--probably not his last.  Only one more week of maternity leave and then I go back to work:-(

Happenings the last two weeks

Since my friend Mariana has been asking for updated pictures, I thought I better update!  Sam is growing and changing each day!  He smiles A LOT!
Ben has stayed home with us a couple of days; he really likes going to daycare and playing with his friends, but he has also enjoyed being home.  He likes to be really close to his little brother; he does a nice job of entertaining him!
Olivia and Ben were invited to their friend Ayda's Scooby Doo birthday party, but they weren't able to go-----Ayda brought them goodie bags including these masks!  They love Scooby Doo and watch it every day!
The weather has been so nice after school, we have gotten to spend a lot of time outside in the evenings.  Sam and I like to watch big sister and brother draw with sidewalk chalk.

Birds and Cookies

I had to take a picture of these birds who are living on our deck---Ben gave me the idea to post it on our blog.  They have spent every day this week lounging on our deck-and pooping, of course!

Sam and I baked chocolate chip cookies today, but he fell asleep before we were done!  I included a picture of the cookies in case anyone doesn't believe that I actually did do some baking.

Story Time

Our new bedtime reading takes place on the couch with the whole family instead of in individual bedrooms; this allows Sam to be involved!  Olivia checks books out from the library each week, her favorite so far has been Duck for President (pictured)--she is very interested in the Presidential election, and her latest concern has been with the lady "with all the kids"--she's not sure how she could be President if something happened to the "old man".  I think we may have the news on too much!
Sam has a favorite book of his own--he enjoys the baby faces.

Lil' Husker

Sam was ready to watch the Husker game with Daddy last Saturday--Sam smiled a lot more than Daddy did!  At least the Huskers won!
Grandma Jane came over to watch the game with us--check out Sam's expression (usually means he has left a present for us in his diaper!)

Football Season!

The football season has begun!  Sam got to spend Saturday with his grandma and grandpa while John and I went to the Husker game--our first time without kids in a LONG time!  Sam is being instructed on how to say, "Touchdown!"  Olivia and Ben spent the night with Grandma Jane on Saturday and had a great time!  This weekend we're going to watch the game at home since Olivia has a soccer game and John is her coach.  Hopefully the Huskers play well, so the kids don't have to see or hear Daddy yelling at the T.V.!

Washing the car

We've always been a "car" family, but with the birth of Sam we had to get a bigger vehicle.  The kids are SO excited about our new mode of transportation.  They helped Daddy wash it last weekend; they did a great job, but of course there were a few fights over the hose!  Sam and Mommy watched and tried not to get wet.  Sam loves riding in his Baby Bjorn--neither of the other kids liked it--third time is the charm!

The Last Couple of Weeks

I forgot to take pictures of Ben's first soccer game (he scored a goal), so I took a picture of the tired  player before his bath!  Notice the curly hair!  He still hasn't gotten it cut--maybe this weekend. . .

Sam loves his swing and posing for pictures---most of the time!  He looks so cute in this hat!
Olivia and Ben are a huge help with their baby brother--not sure what Olivia is telling him, but he sure seems to be listening.
Olivia loves to hold Sam, even when he is fussy!