The beauty of backyards

Well, here we are at the beginning of October, finishing up our first month at our new house.  It has been a month of unpacking, organizing, adjusting and starting new endeavors.  Kyle's new job is going great and he loves teaching math all day.  The kids and I are ending our 4th week of home school.  This has probably been a bigger adjustment for me than the move but we are getting the hang of it and the kids are having a great time.

First day of school breakfast

There is lots to share and talk about from the last month but today I'm just going to tell you about one of the biggest blessings of our new home... the backyard.  My kids will play outside in whatever size space they have, but an almost two acre yard has been so fun, especially with this amazing weather we have had the past month.  We are still eating out on the patio; in fact we ate dinner outside tonight.  Love it!  Here's a little peak from last Friday...

Looking towards the house...

Debbie loves it too; running through the woods, laying in the sun in the front yard and chasing after squirrels. This last weekend the boys were cowboys and spent the day moving their horse camp around the yard and setting up their cooking fire for their pots of beans.  We've also been able to do some school and art projects on the picnic table.  Gotta do it while we can!

Cook his pot of cowboy beans

Lizzy making play dough cupcakes

I think I've always loved the simplicity of playing in the backyard.  You can have some pretty big adventures back there, no matter now big or small.  Here's a few of my favorite backyard fun photos from the summer.  I think they're just too cute not to share.

Fudgesicle 

love me some Lukey pie

and my sweet sweet Isaiah man too

 funny guy

She melts my heart

grape popsicles are her friend

Happy 4th!

Love this one

sweet cousins in grammy's back yard

sweet cheeks

I love my life

Alright, now that I got those pictures posted I am ready to admit that it is fall.  The pumpkin spice candle is out and we had pumpkin muffins this weekend. Bring on the apple cider and cozy mornings with coffee and the beautiful fall colors.   I have a feeling there is one more thing our new yard will be good for.... raking up and jumping in leaves!

The Calm Before....

I'd like to be writing a really creative blog post right now.  I wish I could share these fun pictures with catchy commentary and a fun theme.  But here's the truth... I've got nothing.  My mind is filled with thoughts of packing our house and Kyle's classroom bulletin boards, and home school curriculum  and returning library books and gymnastics registration and lost bills.... you get the idea.  What I do have is lots of pictures of August and fun times with family and friends.  We had a really nice couple weeks of respite before the craziness of the fall season kicked in.  That craziness started this week.  Kyle had his new employee orientation yesterday.  Yes, for those who haven't heard Kyle has a new job teaching 6th grade at his former elementary school in Tumwater.  Crazy.  As much as he will miss his high school students at Mt. Tahoma, he is really excited about this new venture.  They called him to interview before he even saw the job posting and since we already had made a decision to rent a house in Tumwater this felt like the Lord's confirmation and provision.  So..... we are moving this weekend!  There will be some adjustment ahead- some really fun things, some harder things- but before I think about that and the 10 lists I have written down throughout my house, here is a little peek into our vacation this month.  The calm before the storm.

We enjoyed the Thurston County Fair with Nana and Papa.  Shaved ice and horse rides... can't get much better.

Luke had an awesome Spy Party for his 6th birthday

Secret Agent spy name shirts

Spy Games

Camping with the Cochrans at Pearygin Lake- yay for time with buddies from across the state

Lots of playing, sand building and relaxing on our own private beach... cause it was HOT

Ice cream in Winthrop

Chillin with his morning brew

A quick trip to Omak to harvest from the garden and swim at Camille's...

... then back to the Methow to hang out with most of my family (missed you Eric and Meghan!)

Grammy Bee and the grand kids

Debbie Dora enjoyed her vacation too

Caleb's getting some chubba lubba

Birthday buddies- turning 6 and 60!!!

New birthday duds

Going on an expedition

Ahhhh....morning coffee on the porch

Luke's froggy friend

the girls and grammy

Eagle Crest Resort with the Bernards.... four adults, six kids and two dogs bonding

Hiking at Lava Butte

Paddle boarding in Bend

Lukey

Isaiah

Jubee and Buddy

Family photo shoot... more of these to come

So there you have it.  Lots of fun memories made and traditions continued and hopefully started.  I kind of wish we could stay in summer mode a little longer and postpone fall a tiny bit more... but, time does not stand still, so I better get to work.  We're planning on taking this new season by the horns and I'll be sure to try to keep you all updated.  Cheers to a great summer!