Sharing a room

Bonnie has been wanting to share a room with Riser for a while now. We have always wanted them to share a room at some point, but when we tested it out about 6 months ago we felt Riser wasn't quite ready yet. We decided to commit this time and move the kids' beds into the guest room (much bigger than B or R's rooms) and move the guest bed into Bonnie's (old) room. 

I had a feeling they would do well, but I can't believe just how well it's gone! We put them to bed at the same time, close the door and don't hear a peep. The bedtime routine is so much quicker and easier now. Bonnie no longer tells us that bedtime makes her sad (she used to tell us this every night), in fact she tells us she is happy at bedtime now. We have had no issues waking up in the middle of the night and they are still sleeping almost just as long into the morning. We still have some more furniture/closets to transition but it's been about a week now and we are all loving the new change.

Camping

One of my college roommates is moving to Austria in a couple weeks, so we pushed to get a girls trip planned for a few of us before she had to leave. We ended up in Gordonsville, VA at Shenandoah Crossing Resort. It was beautiful! We saw gorgeous sunrises, there were plenty of beautiful places to walk around, and a cute little town nearby to explore.

Our camp site

It looked like a fun place to go back with the family. There were cabin rentals, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, golf carts, kayaks, carriage rides, and plenty more to do.

It was so fun to catch up with some of the girls. It had been a pretty long time since we've all been together. Hoping this spurs an annual get-together for whoever is nearby and available!

Hurricane Ophelia

When Ophelia blew through, it was a nice excuse to slow down and get some family time at home for the weekend. We don't often stay in the house or indoors most of the day, so it was a welcome break in the normal flow of our days. We did lots of cuddling and watching movies. 

We of course did lots of playing. 30 minutes into being cooped up, our house looked like this. 

I went for my morning walk and got some pictures of our neighborhood. This was down the street from us.

Our boat dock was completely covered, and the water was creeping a fair ways into our yard. All kinds of logs and random debris would float down our canal.

I'm thankful our house is on a hill and we haven't had to deal with as much of the flooding as a lot of our neighbors! We are lucky. 

September extras

September has brought back routine to our days. My bible study, small group, and moms' groups are all back in session, which means Bonnie is back in her 'class' which she has been enjoying. The start of this season has felt a little different, as a lot of her little friends are now in preschool and her cousins are all in school full time - so we are seeing different faces and making new friends! I have also been feeling renewed desire to delve into quality family time at home, as opposed to feeling like I always have to be busy doing something or meeting up with people. These kids never stop growing, and we are soaking in the sweet toddler days. 

We tried to get in lots of playdates with friends before school started and we wouldn't see some of them as much.

We are back on our walks, digging in the dirt. 

We've been doing lots of unstructured preschool learning at home.

One of Bonnie's new classes is basically a whole new girl gang for her, which I love.

A close friend of mine is part of a homeschool group and is always inviting us, so we have benefited.

Balloons make some of the best entertainment.

More digging in the dirt.

Riser continues to love chasing the chickens.

It is always fun to see what Bonnie has been up to during quiet time on a day she doesn't nap. She can make some of the most elaborate stories. 

Not many things keep this kid quiet or sitting still during dinner. Corn does. 

When I say Riser likes to be in the middle of everything, he literally will climb on anything or anyone to be in the center of whatever is going on. This happens all the time.

Little man has been having a hard time with drop offs lately in the nursery, but otherwise enjoys his class.

Bonnie has been drawing a lot more. People and rainbows are her specialty. 

I feel like all I do all day is try to clean up and play damage control from whatever this boy has gotten into. If he can climb it, throw it, rip it, break it, squish it, push it, slam it, or smack it - he will. 

Meanwhile this girl is sweeter and sweeter by the day. Constantly complimenting, helping, encouraging, supporting, and loving on us. 

Playing dress up and doctor are two of our favorite past times.

Despite cousins being in school, we have still been able to do some walks with Aunt Katie. 

Eric has been catching some exciting fish.

We have continued to enjoy the beach, even in the cooler weather.

Bonnie and Riser have been playing so much more together, which is so fun to watch.

Our neighbor has a swing attached to a giant tree so it goes really far in either direction. It's like the swings at an amusement park, and the kids love it!

So long September!