Welcome Fall…Goodbye Summer

I am still in awe every time the date pops up on my computer screen. October. OCTOBER?! Already? Where did the summer go? I guess time flies when you’re having fun moving, injured, or sick. (I won’t even get into what poor Audrey has been put through this summer at the hands of someone who pretended to be a friend :( ) It was a rough summer…but alas! – most of the trials seem to be coming to an end, thankfully.

Morning sickness is long gone and I am able to look forward to the arrival of our new daughter with delight. The house is finally starting to come together. Although the temps still rise into the 80s by day, there is a refreshing crispness in the early morning and late afternoon hours. I welcome autumn with open arms. My favorite season, even if, as Floridians, we don’t have the privilege of enjoying the beautiful fall colors.

But I do feel I cheated summer somehow — I just never really got a chance to enjoy it to its fullness. Audrey feels as if I have cheated her, too, by not sharing enough photos of “the kids” (as she refers to her younger siblings). The truth is, I didn’t think there were many to share. We didn’t really do anything spectacular over the summer — few “field trips” and such…

…But for Audrey’s sake, and as an ode to the lost summer, I will share some of the highlights among the pitfalls. Here you go, Audrey. :)

Downtown Disney

On the last Friday in May, Rob had a job interview near Orlando. With limited funds, but wanting to do something the whole family would enjoy, I asked Mikki for suggestions. That’s what took us to Downtown Disney.

The children enjoyed all of the little shops, and MOST of them were delighted by the Rainforest Cafe, where we dined for supper.

Can you tell who WASN’T?

Some other highlights were visiting with old “friends”…

…and trying on many hats.

Boy, are these two appropriate!!!
;)

June was a whirlwind of a month, complete with buying a house and preparing to move, going on a long-awaited cruise, torrential downpours, and lots of other activities, such as…

A Neighborhood Karaoke Party

Tie-Dying Fun

and Splashing Around

July brought the big move, Rey’s surgery, two birthdays, and that nasty car accident, but we still made time for these –

Creative Endeavors

Decorating Sand Dollars

Lincoln Log Compound

Dinky’s Dollhouse

In August, besides celebrating Curly-Top’s birthday, and competing in the Oreo Olympics, several of the children also participated in the local –

“Fear Factor” Competition

September came and went without many photo-worthy moments, besides have a couple of…

Beach Days

And here it is, October already…