Loving September-Sort of

We're loving this cooler weather, but I am surprised to still be getting mosquito bites. We've been taking more walks, bike rides when it's not raining. I'll jog with Ellie in the stroller to pick Kayla up from school when we can. Saturday we went out on the Douglas trail for a couple of miles. Nate pushed Ellie in our stroller, Kayla rode her bike, and I jogged next to Kayla. Sunday I took Kayla to the Northwoods Orchard with some friends. I think we've already eaten 1/2 a bag of the baby Gala apples.






What I haven't appreciated about September so far is that Elyana has been feverish and coughing. We are on day 8 now. Thursday they said it was Bronchitis. At Urgent Care over the weekend her lungs sounded good, but they are thinking that there was an underlying flu virus. I'm waiting for the Motrin to wear off today to see if the fever is actually gone or if I need to take her back in tomorrow. From the lack of sleep getting up with her in the night, we're worn out. I'm starting to get a sore throat and am fighting not to come down with whatever Ellie has. She's missed her first week of preschool. I'm praying that she can go back on Wednesday. We've been eating tons of Popsicles around here. So I think this picture is a good summary of our September so far.


Next week we are scheduled to have our 2010 family photos done by our good friends Scott and Jen with Midwest Lifeshots. I'm really excited although I have no idea what we are going to wear and am now praying we'll all be healthy.

First Day of Second Grade

This is right before Elyana burst into tears. She was going to miss Mikayla. Poor Elyana has a fever and a cough and it looks like she'll be missing her first day of school tomorrow. She was also crying because she wants to go to school.


Nate walking Kayla to the crossing guard.


Cute shot of Nate and Ellie.


Last minute hugs goodbye! Very sweet!


The teachers came out with their name on signs to meet their classes. Here is Kayla's new teacher, Mrs. Winters.

Labor Day Weekend

The girls started our weekend off early by going to the House of Bounce. We got there right when it opened and had the place to ourselves for an hour! I'm always amazed at how sweaty the girls can get! A friend of ours that moved away wrote on her blog recently about something her little boy said, "I'm so sweaty, it's like I peed all over myself!" Too funny! Nate worked the sound board at church all weekend and I taught Ellie's Sunday School class. My assignment was Adam and Eve. It seemed to go well. Sunday after church we all ventured to explore Niagara Falls Cave. I felt like it was a great workout. I was hungry and sweaty afterward and we followed it up with some frozen treats at Dairy Queen. Nate and I took turns napping when we got home. Here's a few photos from our cave tour. I think Ellie's eyes are closed in most of these pictures.

The playground in front of the gift shop.


The Waterfall.


One of the many steep stairways.


An actual wedding chapel deep inside the cave.


Tourguide showing us "baby" (50 year old) stalactites.