Summer is officially over. Though I'm normally sad to see summer go, this summer felt very much like the rest of our year with John in summer school, so without much remorse, I say goodbye to mildly humid days (thought we had a BEAUTIFUL summer without much humidity at all!) and welcome to all Fall has to bring with the change of colors, cooler temps and in our house...Marching Band! Here are some pictures capturing the events in the our house in our last days of summer and the beginning of Fall...
Waterskiing with Friends...
We are so thankful to have made some wonderful friends here since our move to IL a year ago. They have seen us through some of the craziest times in our life, even having just met us! Here are some pictures of us waterskiing with some of those friends on their boat right before John started Marching Band camp. It was great to spent some good time with friends right before the beginning of school!
Ryder watching Daddy in the water...
Ryder tubing with his friends...
Cole checking it all out...
Mommy and Cole tubing :)
John wakeboarding...
Gramma and Uncle D visit...
We were SO thankful to have our family visit during Band Camp when John was gone all day and late into each night! In the week they were here, we only had dinner at home once with Daddy, but loved, loved, loved having Gramma and Uncle D join us during that time! I was especially glad they both got to come to once to Cole's class at school and see him in an individual and group therapy setting. :) Here are some pictures from our time together...
On our way to a Famous Dave's BBQ dinner with the band...
(Ryder was SO exited to ride with Uncle D in his truck)
Cole and Uncle D outside the band building on campus...
7 month old Cora Grace at the BBQ :)
7 month old Cora Grace at the BBQ :)
Uncle D and the kidlets...
Gramma and Ryder reading after church...
Gramma and Ryder reading after church...
Gramma and her grandchildren :)
Marching Illini at the Urbana Sweet Corn Festival... The first Band event of the season! We were so thankful to get to join the festivities by walking alongside the band on the parade route and watch from the front row as they performed for the crowd that gathered :)
John, looking official :)
The Marching Illini Graduate T.A.s (minus 1)
Blocked up and ready to march...
John pushing the boys in the stroller while walking alongside the band on the parade route...
Drumline...
John pushing the boys in the stroller while walking alongside the band on the parade route... Drumline...
John conducting, "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
This was the first day we felt a chill in the air! It has since gotten a bit warmer again (low 80s), but it was fun to feel the beginning of Fall in the air!
The boys LOVE their Daddy! Marching season demands a lot of time away from home with nightly practices and games almost every weekend through the beginning of November, so when Daddy's around, everyone lights up!
Cora is now 7 months old...still so sweet, sensitive, smiley and flexible (both in her personality and her body! She can chew on her toes!) She's also SO close to crawling! She can roll across the room and wiggle to get when she wants, but a few times this week I found her in her crib on all fours ready to go anytime! I almost have 3 little monkeys loose in my house...oh boy!
Mother and daughter :)
We're excited for the beginning of Fall. Fall is a very busy time for all of us with Marching Band, and school for Ryder and Cole but we look froward to the excitement it all brings for our family and the blessings God brings us in the midst of it all.
We're excited for the beginning of Fall. Fall is a very busy time for all of us with Marching Band, and school for Ryder and Cole but we look froward to the excitement it all brings for our family and the blessings God brings us in the midst of it all.
There are more opportunities to practice our patience, sharing, independence, endurance and through it all I know God wants to give us a steadfast spirit. Not one that pretends they are Superman (though I know Ryder wouldn't mind!) but one that takes deep breathes that exhale our shortcomings and inhale the promises of God...
More updates to come...all stories of God's faithfulness to our family of five, with three children ages 4 and under, during a crazy Marching season with two in school...stay tuned! This is about to get good! :)
Danice your kiddos are so cute!tedl
You are a Gem of a Daughter in Law! Your attitude of embracing all of Life's challenges knowing that the Lord will sustain and train throughout leaves me at peace...you are the perfect mama for our grandbabies! May the Lord serve you peace, abounding joy, and hilarious laughs throughout this journey in Illinois! I love you, Danice!!
You are a Gem of a Daughter in Law! Your attitude of embracing all of Life's challenges knowing that the Lord will sustain and train throughout leaves me at peace...you are the perfect mama for our grandbabies! May the Lord serve you peace, abounding joy, and hilarious laughs throughout this journey in Illinois! I love you, Danice!!