September started off on a high note. A large portion of my family gathered together at my aunt's house to celebrate my late grandfather's birthday. Family get togethers are the best. The stories, the food, the laughter, the kids running in and out, it all just makes me so happy. I am blessed to be part of a family full of strong Italian women who teach me so very much about myself and what it means to be a woman. I am grateful for their examples in my life.
I am not the only one who loves being with family. My girls relish the time they spend running wild with their cousins. Watching them embark on adventures together reminds me of all the adventures I went on with my cousins and all the crazy, funny, weird things we did. We built forts, fashioned weapons out of saguaro ribs, pretended to be pioneers, made up dance routines, acted out musicals, took modeling pictures, and made up games. I hope all of our kids have as much fun together as we did!
There were many more rainy days this month than we usually have. Since I missed part of monsoon season while I was in Utah, I enjoyed every rain drop.
I have also really enjoyed my alone time with this little nugget, We have so much fun together no matter what we are doing. She loves her chickens and collecting their eggs.
She likes to "go to school" like Lillian,
play with her babies,
swim,
practice using her super powers,
play with friends,
and snuggle her mom.
Lillian just cannot get enough of preschool. Every day she asks if it is a school day. She visibly wilts on the days I tell her she isn't going to school. She comes home with stories to tell me and songs to sing. Her excitement is infectious.
She sometimes brings home little books full of drawings of the things she is learning. This is one of my favorite pictures of hers. In this picture meatballs are raining down on her family and some of our pets, Emerson the dog and Madeline and Matilda the rats. My favorite person in this picture is Freya. I just love how Lillian draws her curly hair.
Can you tell which kid is Lillian?
One day we were able to visit Lillian at school, see her in her routine and spend some time doing activities with her. We enjoyed it, especially Freya. She was ready to jump right in with the other kids and be a big girl.
On the days Lillian isn't in school we head over to Papa's house to see the horses. The girls love to ride Beauty over to the neighbor's house to visit Bradley the miniature Sicilian donkey. We bought Bradley as a foal when I was in middle school. When we ran out of stall space for him, he went to live with the neighbors and has been there ever since. He starts braying for us as soon as we start heading his direction. He has learned that little girls = lots of treats.
The African Spurred Tortoises, Hans and Frans also get a lot of attention. They are the most personable tortoises I have ever met.
Josh had a decent amount of days this month where he wasn't working and he wasn't painting any houses so we were able to get in some family time. We really enjoy riding our bikes around the neighborhood. Lillian and I join forces against Josh and Freya to see who can go faster.
We made pizza together one night. It was a mess but we had a great time being what Lillian calls "cookers."
We attended a Hawaiian themed engagement party for Josh's brother. I know it is hard to tell from Freya's face in this picture but the selfie booth was a big hit with the girls.
Whenever Josh is home there are lots of shenanigans. Sword fights, zombie wars, and on this particular night, a creepy horse monster.
Josh and I were able to sneak away for a date night in Phoenix at the Blink 182 concert. We were worried it was going to be what Josh calls a geriatric concert but there were plenty of young people to liven things up. We have a lot of fun together. It has been years since we have spent so many uninterrupted hours alone together. It was great!
Probably the biggest event this month was Benjamin's snake bite. The poor guy was bitten by something during the night that caused swelling in his face and a seriously bloody nose. He was very uncomfortable for about a week but he remained in good spirits. I am grateful we didn't lose the little guy!
Some other highlights from the month were picnicking in the mountains with friends,
painting every tree, bush, and rock in the front yard bright pink and green,
trips to the library,
and practicing for a future job at MAC. My favorite Lillian saying from this moment was, "Freya, your makeup is kind of a mess all over but you still look pretty."
I am looking forward to all the fall activities that occur in October. I just wish it would cool down so I could put away my shorts and flip flops and bust out my boots!
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