3 months

Cora is 3 months old.  It is hard to believe!  She is developing a charming and sweet personality--smiles, "talking" and even a little laugh.  She is very strong and likes sitting and standing up.  She has rolled over a few times, but not intentionally. I am trying to encourage her to learn to roll from back to front first! Everyone at three months:

Third Week of August

Jens is that lucky kid who starts school and gets to celebrate his birthday the first week.  His big day was on Thursday.  We had our normal birthday breakfast--decorations, pancakes, orange julius, and presents.  It is a good way to start the day!

He took chocolate chip cookies to share with his class.  That night we had a picnic at the park with friends.  Jens wanted spaghetti, which is a little tricky to take for a picnic, but we managed.  

 The Harrisons brought their plasma cars, which were a real hit.  I sometimes had to look away as they zoomed down the hill with no shoes on!

 In between playing, eating, and present opening, Jens fielded a few phone calls.

 For his cake this year we went with homemade chocolate cupcakes filled with pudding and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.  They were very delicious.

 His favorite present seemed to be the air pocket space fillers.

 Until he realized what the aqua pod was--a soda bottle launcher.  We had a lot of fun with that.

 Happy Birthday, dude.

 Sylvie and I have found things very quiet with Jens gone for school.  One day we had a picnic.  Everyone was invited and received gifts.  It was very fancy and fun.

 We managed to lose two bottles in two days--our poor neighbors must wonder why soda bottles are raining down from the sky.  The little girls were watching and chanting "Go, Jens, go!" as he pumped up the air pressure.

 Cora is a delight.  She is chubby and squishy, as a baby should be.  She is sleeping long stretches at night and seems to be settling into a routine.

 This was picture day.  Jens chose his Hawaiian shirt to wear.  It looked very handsome.

 Sunday fashion show--this dress was Sylvie's from Brenda Bradford.  It is still cute 4 years later!  Here's a then and now:

 Sunday night at the park doing--can you guess?  More aqua pod launching.

Second week of August

August is a kind of crazy month around here.  This year we had Jens's birthday party before school started up.  He invited a bunch of friends to a party at Sky High, which worked out wonderfully well for us.  The kids had a great time running and jumping, and they weren't doing it in my house.  

 Jens chose a Gummy Bear cake, after the most irritating youtube song we've ever listened to.  It was a hit.  All the kids wanted pieces of eyeball, shoe, or underpants, though.

 I can't believe Jens is 8!

 Cora was an angel, sleeping the entire time we were at Sky High.  Good girl!

 We opened presents after the party at home.  Thanks, friends!

 Fascinated by Jens opening presents!  (Not really).

 Sylvie had her last week at Trick's.  She enjoyed doing all the activities.  S

She was especially good at "stick and finish" where you raise your hands up.

 I finally went back to church!  I took my time about returning, which I feel great about.  More people should take their time!  The girls finally got to wear their matching dresses, which Sylvie was over the moon about.  Cora didn't seem to have much of an opinion on it.

 Also on this Sunday, Jens was feeling extra kind. 

Cora is still pretty stingy with her smiles, but we caught a little of one.  She is wearing the cutest skirt made by our (grown-up) friend Cora.

 Jens started back to school August 12th, which seems very early, but it is a hot time of year, so better in school then sitting in our house making me crazy.

 Third grade with Mrs. Marxen, here he comes!

 Cora hanging out in her stroller on the way to the park:

 Someone took my phone!

 Sylvie playing Jens's card game while he is at school.  There was a lot less fighting that day!