SEPTEMBER

September is proving to be a crazy month!  Keenan is getting settled into his freshman year at Galena.  Let me tell you, our school system is slightly messed up.  I mean, it's week 3 of school, and the poor kid has had his schedule changed 3 times.  I understand funding is shifted, and not everything is settled before school like we parents would like it to be, but dang this is a lot to keep up with!  Speaking of Keenan, we are so happy to have him here with us this year.  He brings so much light into this house.  He is a wonderful student, delving deep into his love and passion for ROTC.  I can't wait to start attending his competitions and events.  He is a wonderful big brother, playing with and looking after Branson.  And of course, he's an amazing son.  He helps me out immensely, considering my ever growing belly is making it more and more impossible to do things like, bend over and pick up toys. 

Anyhow, back to September.  The month started with me visiting the hospital for kidney stones (*see previous post), and hasn't stopped since.  Our dear friends Adam and Ginger came to visit, and brought their beautiful daughter and cute (but highly anxious) dog Jerry Bear.  They came up last weekend for the balloon races.  The balloon races always bring me to a nostalgic place, but once you have kids of your own it becomes a whole new experience.  We woke up at 3:30, and were at the park at 5.  Branson, Kayla and I'm pretty sure even Keenan were taken by the whole thing.  I think it's safe to say we adults were, too.  After we walked to my moms for her famous pancake and sausage breakfast.  If there is 1 thing (OK, there are many, but this is one of my faves) that my mom is good at, it's cooking and making you feel at home.  The boys dozed off on the couch, we girls (both preggers) sat on our butts and my mom graciously fed us, entertained our kids, and then cleaned up.  I hope one day I turn out just like her.  She's pretty damn amazing.

This weekend is even more crazy.  Chrissy comes in Saturday morning, we are all going out to the air races, then we have a birthday party for Branson's friends (twins! 1 year old!) Wesley and Emery.  Sunday is our baby shower.  I can't believe it's already here.  My dear mother in law and sister in law have planned the whole shebang, and all I have to do is show up.  Our first baby shower was really great, but our house was filled with 60 people.  This shower will also be at our house, but with half the amount of people.  We decided to keep it more intimate, since it's our second, we aren't expecting gifts, and it's more just a celebration to welcome the first baby girl into this family. 

Moving on....the weekend after we go to Walley's through the end of the month.  We will spend a whole week out there with my mom, experiencing the Candy Dance, hot tubs, relaxation and lots more.  We will also be shooting our annual family pictures out there with Jessi Lemay (check her out, she is amazing www.jessilemayphotography.com).  I'm sure after that trip I will have much to report, if not at least great pics.