There’s no denying is anymore.  September has arrived and no matter how much we but it just can’t be here yet, or didn’t school just end?? it can’t seriously be about to start again . . . there is no turning back. James begins in five days.  One final weekend together as our first summer as a family of four . . . and then the mundane begins.  

On a positive note–that means paychecks twice a month again!  And who can complain about that?  

One thing that we definitely enjoyed this summer was our pool.  We didn’t take a family trip of any kind.  But we got to go on a mini-vacation every day when we stepped foot in our backyard and watched Brayden turn from a unsure little boy who wouldn’t step foot into the pool at all to a confident pro who runs and jumps off the diving board all by himself while yelling to infinity and beyond!

He’s also a big fan of jumping off the steps.  

And for the first time yesterday, he swam across the width of the pool while sticking his entire face in the water, coming up to beam radiant smiles of happiness while giggling and taking a breath for the next submersion.  

This summer has had its ups and downs.  Brayden entered into a therrible threes stage for a few weeks–he seemed to skip right over the terrible twos.  He tested our limits and pushed our buttons and attempted to wreak havoc.  We stayed consistent with our discipline and for the time being have thankfully been returned our loving, compassionate boy.  He still walks the thin line sometimes, but what three year old doesn’t?  (or at least that’s what I tell myself anyways).  

Carter is getting his first taste of real summer weather, now that the summer is coming to an end.  With a heat wave this week–four days over ninety degrees–and a broken air conditioner, the boy has been a ball of sweat since Monday night.  Having a virus that started with a fever and now includes a rash doesn’t help the matter much.  A ball of sweat with red splotches all over.  Makes for one miserable baby.  Just what we need.    

Can you see the two little teeth poking out??