September

It's September, which means I'm nearing the end of my busiest month this year (since maybe Feb./March anyway). It really was nuts though and today was the first day that felt sort of like things were getting back to normal a bit. Thank goodness, cause of last Thursday, I was about DONE.

Things were looking a bit more "up" on Friday and slowly got better through the weekend.

I'm still waiting on seeing Libby in her full ballet clothing, but she did wear it on Tuesday (I just missed it.) And she really likes ballet! Here's the leotard.

On Friday, my mom spent the night and we got up early and hit a tasty, girly spot for breakfast and went shopping for my birthday. It was a truly lovely day. We walked, talked, tasted olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette and enjoyed each other's company with virtually zero distractions. I even did some shopping for the kids - and boy did we say, "cute" a lot. And we even took a selfie to make friends and family on Facebook jealous. Ha. 

While we were shopping and playing, Daddy was playing with the kiddos. They had a picnic in the front yard and I got these photos while we were out. 

After all that fun, we had friends over to kick off football season with the WINNING UGA v. Clemson game. We had a great time with the Fuller s (though we missed their babies) and the Arnolds... who brought both brownies AND banana fluff... Ryan and Libby really had a fun time together.

Throughout these days, Matthew has practiced his walking. He also keeps practicing putting block shapes through the right holes (or having you do it), bringing us books to read and playing the xylophone.

On Sunday we went to visit Gigi and Papa for Papa's birthday (tomorrow). Libby and Gigi had fun at the playground and sprayground, Michael and Papa had a nice time on the golf course and we all had a good time together. I even got some work done from there! The Gordon's friend and neighbor brought Libby a surprise and Papa had one when we got there, too. A big, fat green caterpillar and a snake skin.

And Diddy captured a surprise for Libby, too. A box turtle which Mimi brought with her on Tuesday when she came to babysit.

So, Monday, we took it easy in the morning since it was a holiday and celebrated the news about the birth of Kellen Doyle in the wee hours of the morning. Then I went to work for a number of hours while Michael and the kiddos enjoyed time at home together and at the pool! But working on Monday has made such a difference in getting back in my groove. Plus, we grilled some delicious beer can chicken Monday evening and it was SO good... again tonight.

Last night, the turtle kept us entertained, but Libby did decide to go ahead and let the little guy go before school this morning. We returned him to our creek and I think he's going to do just fine there.

Shortly after that last photo, he burrowed into a pile of leaves.

And school's going great for Libby. She brought the "letter bag" where you bring in three items that begin with the letter of the week, home last week for "M" and volunteered for it again today for "Y." Yes, she volunteered to bring in "Y" letter stuff. We came up with yarn, daddy's yellow jacket Ga. Tech ball cap and a photo of Diddy on a yak from his visit to China. I have no doubt that photo will have all the 4's talking tomorrow!

I also finally got some video of Matthew walking! I'll try to get those up on YouTube for tomorrow.