Autumn

We are settling into our new school routines, Sully continues to rock preschool with a few bumps here and there. On the days he resists, he quickly comes around when he sees his friends. Greta remains hesitant, but the tears no longer start the minute she wakes up, she is able to hold them off until the moment I'm ready to drop her off. She is always happy to see me after school and has even talked about how much fun she has at school. She snuggles nonstop when she is home, just wanting to be by me (which is so sweet).

I'm certain I spend twice as much time in the car compared to previous years. My trusty old car is definitely getting some use in its old age ;). Fortunately it is well lived in and well loved. 

Dave and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary on 9/25. We had a fancy meal at home followed by a homemade '7' cookie cake, which was a major hit with the kids. With all of the traveling and coming and going, home was exactly where we wanted to be. Its been a busy and fun 7 years. We are looking forward to this next phase of enjoying kids and life together, and taking the time to reconnect as a couple and a family now that some of the busyness has passed. 

Sully's soccer has been a fun family event, along with other sports activities for cousins and friends. Autumn is a great time to spend crisp evenings bundled up playing outside. Dave was talking with Lauren last week and said something that really resonated with me. He was talking about Sully's games and how proud he is to be out there as spectator dad and said 'if some could've taken me out to that field 6 years ago and said 'fast forward 5 years, which one of those boys is yours?'" He talked about how life has taken us for this joy ride and how he is completely taken away with the fact that he gets to have his own boy in the game. He is totally right. We are lucky to be the parents and can't wait to watch all three play someday. Sully has been practicing with Isaac on the evenings our schedules allow and has shown lots of improvement. He no longer runs away from the ball, in fact, he even had a goal attempt, it was so exciting to watch. He has also mastered his 'thumbs up' to me at the sideline. 

Last, but certainly not least, Nowayjose, our scarecrow returned last week. He looks as fresh as ever (in spite of spending the last 10 months propped up in our garage ;)). Everyone is excited to have him back as it means Halloween (and Piper AND Greta's birthdays- wow!) are just around the corner.

Seven blurry years. (Photo credit: Greta :)

Dress up.

Sully (in the green sox) getting in on the action. 

Courtney and Andrew came to watch, a fun surprise. 

Afternoons at the park.

Team Connelly with Coach Isaac. 

Pumpkin patch. 

Nowayjose makes his return while Piper naps. 

Costco fun with these two.