September

 

Mama Judy got us some back to school donuts!

Carter was excited to get back to school

Bus stop crew

Brielle is starting high school and early morning seminary!

We packed a lot into Labor Day weekend. First we went "camping" in a state forest cottage. We had fun cooking hot dogs and s'mores over the fire. We worked on a puzzle, relaxed, and went on a couple nature walks/hikes.

we spotted fish in the stream, several caterpillars, and a wood turtle who looked injured. He seemed to get around okay but we tracked down a park ranger to come help him out.

We came back home to attend a wedding open house of some friends in the ward. They made their backyard pavilion look so fancy!

another friend decorated the cookies and they were amazing!

After church on Sunday we drove to the beach! This time we tried Wildwood Crest New Jersey. The Mexican food right by our vacation rental was delicious and the sunset walk on the beach was amazing!

Carter threw up overnight but seemed okay the next day 🤷

In the morning we got yummy donuts and apple fritters from Britton's Gourmet Bakery and spent some time on the beach. It was windy so we didn't spend much time there. We explored the boardwalk and got some lunch before heading home.

The next weekend we traveled to New York to celebrate our newest nephew/cousin Daniel at his baby blessing!

First we met up with Eric's family and Grandma at the Bronx Zoo

Carter requested to see the Okapi (he had seen a show about them) and we managed to find one!

We saw giraffes and mandrils and gorillas and a few other things but then it started pouring! We took shelter in the carousel and eventually all got back together. We then drove to Brooklyn to grab some dinner and then attend a Candlelight concert in a beautiful church. The string quartet performed Taylor Swift songs!

Sunday was lovely with the baby blessing and then spending time at Eric and Natalie's home. Estelle is learning the flute so Lily was showing her some techniques.

Daniel is a cutie!

With school and extracurricular activities back in full swing things have gotten very busy! 

Brielle turned 15 on the 15th! I checked her out of school with a couple friends for lunch. She was excited to leave campus for lunch! Her friends made her a cake and dropped it off while she was at dance. 

We also had lots of nutcracker rehearsals and other events. On one Saturday, we had a Relief Society activity, dance practice, a play date for Carer, a piano recital at our house, Brielle attended a party, and we hosted a tailgate for the Elders Quorum! Phew!