Sam is 1

We had a simple and wonderful time celebrating with Sam Saturday.  As of his first birthday Sam continues to be a pretty chill happy guy.  He does not sleep through the night-  more a problem for the family than him-  and he is scooting!  He gets all around!  He waves which I love! And definitely loves to eat.  Sorry I can't get the pics up from his day but we had Chickfila for lunch.  He got a pass at the frosting during singing so I can't imagine what he would have done with his very own smash cake and then we had Dinner at home after his big day.

A more current photo of him courtesy of Beth Wallace Photography:

Difference a Year Makes

I have told many people in the last week it's amazing how great I feel compared to where I was a year ago.  Last year at this time I was extremely huge with Sam inside me while Nate was trying to kick off our ministry.  It was a full time of our lives to say the least.  And I can honestly say I am enjoying this fall much better so far:). I just feel like I am in such a better place now.  This fall has been fun!  A few highlights:

Olivia returned to her wonderful school this year and she is so clearly so much older this year than last.  She has a few returning friends and tells me so much more about her day.  I love the little girl she is becoming (most of the time).

Ice cream with good friends last week.  The Weather did not admit it was fall till this week so last week we went to Atkins with our good friends for an afternoon ice cream run.   What I love about this is it's an example of how much more settled we are here, two years in-  we have many good friends and I am so grateful!

Last Friday I spent the day with my wonderful friend Beth and her kiddos.  She captured this adorable shot of Sam.  Again just an example of the amazing friendships I have been given here in this stage of life.

Olivia's fashion continues to impress!

I find comfort in motherhood through moments-  this was a brief moment where they were all playing trains this morning.  Hope for their future as best buds!

And one of the best things about this fall is our staff team!!!  They came tonight for dinner and Nate gave them haircuts!  We also have the wonderful Laura Parker!  After bath time the guys were practicing music for navNight so I let the kids come listen.  It was awesome. 

What a wonderful ABUNDANT fall :)

Re-Entry

After traveling overseas it's always hard to re- enter America let alone rejoin a very busy family life!  So this time around Nate and I tried something new and I think it helped us all tremendously re adjust to having Nate home.  First-  we booked a hotel!!!  And not just any hotel-  one we have wedding memories at.  I got to get there early and have time alone!!!!  After spending 16 days with my kiddos!  I literally jumped with glee when I entered the room!!!!  I thought I would nap but I think was too excited!  Instead I worked out, took a shower!  And read a book- almost a whole book!  Then I waited at the airport...  Nate and I even got to go out to brunch before picking up the kids At his wonderful parents house.  Thank you in laws for watching our kids!!!  

Then Monday we tried to spend the day as a family with a trip to look park.

We survived!

In just a few hours Nate and I will reunite at a hotel in Boston after the longest separation in our marriage!  Nate has been in Croatia serving on a team reaching out to Roma children while I have been with our kids traveling all over mass and nh.  To say we are excited is an understatement.  Thought I would post a few pics about what the kids and I have been up to.  

Nate left Sandy Cove early to fly out of Boston.  My mom stayed the rest of the weekend with me where we got extra pool and playground time.

A snake Olivia and I found on a walk!

Olivia really leaned how to swim the last couple weeks!

Once we made it back to amherst Olivia had a week of vbs while the boys and I shopped, took Isaac to the dentist, napped, played...

Trips to Groff parkAnd a trip to the doctor for SAMs cold:(

Many afternoon play dates in our friends' backyard.

A day trip to NH to see my best friend from college and her family.  Long day but totally worth it!

And we didn't watch any tv till Thursday...  And then we did...lots!

Olivia sang the vbs songs Sunday at our church.

Then we spent a few nights at grandmas.   We had dinner with all the aunts and uncles at friendlys and a trip to grandma'a church playground.

Then lunch with our other side of the family at small farm and dinner in Bolton.  

On a rainy wed we lunch at Chickfila - so fun!

And splashing in puddles once the rain ended.

Coloring together while brothers napped.

Those puffs may still be on my floor... Please don't judge:)

And ending with a trip to nana and papas.

4:30 AM

So in the last 4 years I have seen Probably every hour of the night go by while awake, but last week was one of the most memorable.  

On our last night at Sandy Cove everyone was fast asleep - including Sam who was having a great night for my not sleep through the nighter when we woke up to the fire alarm!  

My mom was with me at this point as Nate had already headed to Croatia so she grabs Isaac and I get Sam and Olivia and we head out into the hall-  my mom a bit ahead of me.  We get to the first lobby-  almost outside, when someone fully dressed says good morning to us.  

We pause.  The alarm is not going off.  We are the only ones in the hall.  In our pajamas with three sleepy kids.  What?!?!?

We go back to the room.  No alarm.

I call and go to the front desk.  No one is there.

Pretty sure there is no fire.  So we decide we better try to get some sleep.

Just as we are drifting off-  it goes off again!  Just our room!!!

I find someone downstairs who had no idea what to do.  She suggests I take the battery out?!?!  Finally she calls the on call maintenance and no answer:(

We try to go back to sleep and I pray it won't happen again.  And it doesn't...  Till 7!

At that point we get up and go to breakfast.

What a night!!!