End of Summer

Apparently I am a seasonal blog writer.

Cue the random updates:

Summer is wrapping up and I for one am ready for fall.  

Colorful leaves

crisp/energetic air

wearing PANTS

football games

Less humidity

CARBS and soups/chili

But most importantly - school is in session - which means . . . my husband is now earning a paycheck.  BAM!  and yes - - I am fully aware of what SD teachers make . . . but for now . . . focusing on the blessing of a paycheck regardless of the amount. 

***

Apparently I do not have a green thumb.  

The only thing in my vegetable garden that I was successful in growing were zinnias.  

And apparently they have no nutritional value.   Fail.

Boyd planted the tomatoes . . . and asked me to stay away from them.

Our barn has not yet been moved.  But we do have the concrete now poured for the basement. 

 We know some awesome people. 

***

Sister1 is now engaged and she and her boys moved to Colorado a few weeks ago.  I found some old comic books at a garage sale and sent them with for the car ride.
O loved the "Adventures! with the Brothers" or something like that . .
who knew they were hard to find?!  

Just snagged one off ebay to send back with him the next time they are around.

They seem to be liking Colorado and making friends like crazy.

But I certainly miss that little family. 

***

Our nephew Jake was here for a couple of weeks.  I felt like a REAL ADULT for once. . . making sure he was where he should be and that he was eating, sleeping and such.  

I improvised since I have very little parenting experience.  

But he survived and we loved getting to know him a little better.  

Such a fun kid.

4-wheeler lesson.

Paintball

***

We went to Rapid City awhile ago - loaded up the ugly van with Lucky Day stuff and had a sale. :)  

It was fun to catch up with all the family out there.

***

Brother2 was looking at my instagram app the other day and said: 

You only have 14 likes on a picture?

Only 40 followers?!

Ummm . . . I was not aware that I was supposed to be self-conscious about instagram!!  

What is it with teenagers and their spidey-like senses to make you feel like a loser in 3 seconds flat?

***

I have been helping my Grandma at her rental place in town.  Today Uncle Chuck picked us up in the limo and took us to lunch.  Normally, I find this sort of thing embarrassing since all 20 people who live in my town stop and stare - but Grandma was delighted and kept giggling and so I changed my mind and found it sweet instead.
(but still sort of embarrassing) 

***
 My goal this summer was to paint the house.  I am maybe 65% done.
It is a miserable job.
***

We went to Sioux Falls a few weeks ago for church and to see Brother1 and his family. Currently Caters finds me to be quite delightful so I am doing my best to appreciate it while it lasts.  I went to get her from the church daycare after the service (she did not know we were there)
I said: "I am here to pick up Cate!" and she turned around, squealed, started jumping up and down and climbing over the gate.
It was overwhelmingly adorable.

Cate modeling her new MJ

 ***

Little Ellie is getting to show more and more personality.  So fun to see her learning how to talk and express herself.  It is quite possible she will be a spunky little thing. 

Her mother certainly was.

Love this little peanut

Boyd thinks Ellie is the best.

***

My random jobs are going well.  Matilda Jane is adorable this year - best season yet!  And the Fall Lucky Day sale is just around the corner.  I'm working on a dresser today.  I don't feel the energy or the drive right now for a sale but know I would be disappointed if I didn't schedule one.

***

Is it a seasonal-change-thing?  Is anyone else feeling melancholy?  

Am I just getting old and therefore a bit panicked?

***

Betsy AND Lucy are both pregnant again. *sigh*  

Silver lining is that I stay pretty awesome in Cate's opinion for awhile longer.

Super cute, right?!

***

My little cousin Colleen is a teacher at Hamlin this year!  Go Chargers!  

She will be coaching volleyball and track and teach 1st grade.  

She is also recently engaged.  Her family all came down last weekend and we played sand volleyball.  I haven't played since 7th grade but I was amazing.  

According to no one. 

***

Speaking of the Hamlin Chargers - - Boyd and Coach Koisti organized the girls basketball team to play paintball for their "end of the year" celebration.  

These girls are tough - cannot wait to see them play this year!

 ***

I need to get back to work. 
Someone needs to keep the mayhem twirling.

A few pics of more summer randomness

Papa and his girls

I believe Boyd was "Sorry" once he started playing this never-ending game.

Boyd and Ellie

Owen went kayaking with me.  It was such a sweet afternoon.

Our neighbors across the lake this summer! 

Boys and a pool day

slip and slide!

Captain Owen taking things very seriously

Triathlon

Boyd and EJ got 3rd.  Dad and Josh got 1st.  I won't explain how dad only canoed for this 1st place privilege.

Camping in mom and dad's tree belt.  Well.. . they camped - I showed up for morning coffee.

Cooper and Brother1.  So fun watching Coop play ball.

Coopers fan club!

Boyd and G  - finalizing tent.

Oli.  This kid is always cracking me up.

  ***

My hope is to blog more often.  And exercise and do my devotions.

For some reason when there is a season change I get motivated again.  

Its like New Year's 4x a year!

Hope you all have a lovely fall. 

 Onward and upward!