First Day of School!

The past few weeks have been full of big changes for our family -- the addition of Margaret Rose to our crew, Joe's adjusting to returning to work in a new elementary school position at Oak Hill, and most recently Siena's first week of preschool!  Although she expressed a bit of trepidation leading up to the big first day, as soon as she was through the door she didn't look back.  As we all could have predicted, she LOVES school!  I'm still trying to adjust to the business of getting three kids out the door on time three days a week, but I'm realizing that it really is the best scenario for the older girls -- Siena gets to spend a few hours having fun away from home, and Libby gets some more one-one-one time with Mommy (something I think she's been craving since Margaret has arrived).  Little Margaret may be the only one suffering, as she's often spending all morning in the car seat (a place she hates) and as a result really isn't napping well.  I'm sure we'll all fall into a routine soon.  It's strange to accept that this is the beginning of YEARS of shuttling kids to and from school and other activities.  Another phase of motherhood has begun...  Congratulations, Siena!

How we started the morning. 
It seems Siena is just as much a morning person as her mommy.

Ready to go!

Heading into school with big sis.  So sweet!

Blurry photo, but are they cute or what? 

Visit from Cousin Henry

We had the ultimate visitor over Labor Day weekend -- Cousin Henry!  He and his parents Auntie Em and Uncle LJ made the long drive down from LaCrosse, Wisconsin to meet Margaret Rose and spend time with the cousins.  As it was a rainy weekend and we had lots of nap schedules to work around, we had a lot of low-key fun around the house.  Needless to say the girls loved every minute!  Auntie Em and Mommy even got to enjoy an afternoon out without the kids at the London Tea Room in St. Louis.  It couldn't have been a better visit and we can't wait to see them again.

Hi Henry!

Love snuggle time with Auntie Em

Libby's favorite activity with Uncle LJ!

Siena loving time with her godmother

Pilo o' Cousins!  I love this one.

Aunt Emily meets her new niece

Catching Raindrops

Race with Daddy

Siena and Libby ran their first race this weekend, participating in the Cross Country Family Fun Run at Villa (Daddy's work).  For the past two years Joe has pushed them in the jogging stroller, but this year they ran all by themselves!  Way to go, little runners!

Margaret meets Michael

Margaret was delighted to meet her first buddy this week, Michael Joseph.  Margaret and Michael's mommies are in playgroup together, and Michael is the last of the playgroup baby boom to arrive (4 new babies in just a few months!).  Michael was due 3 weeks after Margaret, and we figured they'd be even closer in age since Margaret was 11 days late.  Michael decided to take his time as well however, arriving 10 days late and weighing 10 lbs 14 oz!!  Needless to say at one week old he's already bigger than 4-week-old Margaret in these photos.  Michael has two older brothers to Margaret's two older sisters, so we're already planning prom dates.  

Backyard Campout

So much to blog, so little time!  Thanks for being patient as I attempt to catch up...  After a record-setting sweltering hot summer, we were so relieved to welcome some cooler weather in mid-August.  We celebrated with our first backyard campout of the year, and the girls couldn't have been more excited.  Roasting marshmallows over our new fire pit only added to the fun.  Yum!