Yard Sales

I mentioned in Maggie's swimming post that we held a yard sale the last day of July. That was a Friday morning and we really had no idea how an early yard sale would go on a Friday. It happened that I recently saw something about August 8th being national yard sale day so I told my mom if Friday didn't turn out well, we could always hold it again the following Saturday. Well we did pretty good, but she was already sold on the idea of having another one, so we did.

Both sales combined, we made about $950. Now I'm not a huge fan of yard sales, but that have been a pretty effective fundraising option and I don't have to ask family and friends to come to more events and donate more money. With all our yard sales this year, people have been very willing to donate items, so it seems like a win-win-win. People get rid of their stuff, yard salers get great deals and we raise money for Maggie. :) Below are a few pics from our sales.

 Maggie was selling some baked goods. She would ask in her

sweet little voice, "what would you like?" One lady told us we knew

what we were doing- who could turn that down?!

 mom selling 'til the very end

 second sale

 someone at my dad's work gave this to him! He told a story

about taking a walk with Maggie in the wagon and how it was getting old

so they brought this to him :)

Back to school for Will

Will's first day of school was Wednesday 8/5- a half day. Second grade. I just can't believe it... Kindergarten and 1st grade flew by so fast. My little man just growing up. I dropped him off the first day, of course, walked him to class and took pictures. He doesn't have as many kids from 1st grade as he did from Kinder last year. But he did know a few kids and one of his buddies from last year got a seat next to him. Though I think they already had to separate from talking too much. :)

Then he was off Thursday and his first full day was Friday. He ended up coming home sick, so it was only a half day for him Friday as well. This next week will really kick into gear and we'll get a preview of what the year will be like. I know cursive is on the curriculum this year and I'm happy about that, didn't think schools taught it anymore and it's a good skill in my opinion.

Anyway, I'm sad my little man is already back in school and in 2nd grade! But he's excited about going, so that's good. I'm hoping to get a little more class time this year than last and more lunches- I had more time in Kinder than 1st and I like to see him during the day. :)

I love you my Will Will little man! Here we come second grade!!

Maggie swimming

My mom wanted to have a yard sale at her house in June but couldn't make it happen, so I offered to help her when I got home. That was today. We weren't certain how much traffic we would get on a Friday but the first person showed up after 6, even though our start was 7 and we stayed steady most the day.

Toward the end, the kids were ready to swim so Rachel got in with them.vAfter awhile she called me over to look at Maggie who was holding on to the raft but otherwise swimming alone. Then Maggie wanted to get off the raft and told Rachel to "let go!" So she did and Maggie held herself up in her little floaty. She wasn't ready a few weeks ago and now here she is, doing it all by herself. I'm so proud of my sweetheart, this girl is amazing!

                                                                        

Baby Allie- 11 months!!

Only one month shy of the big ONE year old mark! I cannot believe my baby girl is already 11 months old. It's just crazy how quickly time passes but I'm so grateful to have a healthy, growing baby girl. Here's all about Allie at 11 months:

• You FINALLY cut a tooth! Praise God, one of your bottom teeth came through at about 10 1/2 months and the one next to it is right on the cusp, so it'll be through soon. 
• In addition to pulling up to stand on furntiure, you're also now standing up on your own- in the middle of a room- you squat up and down up and down, so cute
• You're cruising a little on the furniture but not in super speed mode yet
• Still wearing 6-9 month clothes and size 2 diapers. I've put you in a few 12 month outfits, the length is good but otherwise they swallow you :)
• Love that table food and you're getting more and more- every time you see us eating something, you want to try it too! You still get some chunky pureed baby food 
• You nurse in the morning and at night and mostly eat 3 meals with snacks after nap times
• Sleeping is good- you're such a better sleeper at home. At night you lay down between 7:30-8:00 and usually sleep 'til 6-7am plus you take two naps- morning and afternoon, both between 1 1/2 -3 hours each. If your morning is 2 1/2, then your afternoon will be shorter and vice versa
• You are getting more talkative, still plenty of gibberish, but also saying mama, dada, bye and more
• Just love interacting with your siblings- Will holds you as much as possible
• You still love playing with toys, especially in the playroom. That keeps you busy for awhile

I love you my sweet pea precious baby girl!! Could you slow down time a little? Oh you're growing so fast. In no time at all you'll be going into second grade like your biggest brother! Goodness. :)

Enjoying the summer

Keeping with the trend this year, I haven't been taking as many pictures as usual. I still take plenty, but often forget my camera. Still, we're enjoying the summer even without proper documentation of it. :) I missed nearly half already, so I'm trying to make up for lost time. We made a little bucket list and are checking off many fun things. Swimming and spending the night with friends/family is always a top priority!

 Allie's 1st time in the pool and doesn't mind initially, but then

changes her mind

 still doesn't want to get in....our little sideliner

 Jake enjoyed playing fetch with this little boy- he was sweet

to keep diving for the pool darts Jake threw in

 Maggie wasn't quite ready to float in the pool by herself (we would

stay nearby regardless, I just mean hands off) so she spent a lot of 

time on the steps and loved it!

 Allie got a nice, cool spot in the shade after her quick dip in the pool

 And I don't think even he knew what he was pouting for, but 

gave me a big 'ol smile after taking this pic

Some more cute pics playing at swimming at Grandma's. 

So much sweetness of Allie

 One of the dogs tore open this tennis ball and Jake thought it was a great hiding/holding 

place for little Legos! I love our little engineer :)

 Maggie had a little more freedom in the pool with this little floaty chair Grandma bought

 Gave Allie another shot in the pool...she lasted a little longer this time

 Maggie went under water and loved it!! She's full on fish now :)

So far summer is going great. Moving by quickly, of course, but enjoying it while we can!