The White House: September 2015

It seems as quick as beach towels and swimsuits hit the stores they are changed out for school supplies and pumpkins. Though we all know I love fall, I must admit I was a little sad to see summer come and go. The lack of posting is due to a summer packed of visitors, trips, pool days and enjoying time with two crazy toddlers!

We started off in June by celebrating Madelyn's 3rd birthday. This year she celebrated her birthday with about 8 of her friends and a princess themed party. Aunt Katty made a surprise trip from CA to be here for her party followed by Grandma and Grandpa coming to help celebrate her actual birthday. Her birthday seemed to stretch a whole week and was filled with great gifts, lots of treats and excitement. Each year it is harder and harder to believe she is another year older and acting more and more like a little girl vs. a toddler.

July was a busy month, starting with Nana, Papa, Aunt Nat, Uncle Ry, Beckett and Cameron here for week over the 4th of July. Normally we are in Iowa this time every year but were so excited to have them in MD this year. Considering we had 4 kids under 5 it was nothing short of crazy but we all loved every moment of it. It was music to my ears to hear the cousins playing together and wish we had these moments all the time.
Shortly after my family left my best friend Kara and her little girl Lilly came to visit from Chicago. Madelyn loved having baby Lilly here to be her "little sister" for a few days and as always hard to see them leave. Though our trips together have changed over the years now with the little ones, we always have the best time together.
Next, we packed up and headed to the Outer Banks for a week at the beach with the White side of the family. The week was a blast and very relaxing. The kids were at such a good beach age and we are thankful to have a lot of extra hands so Derek and I could get some relaxation at the beach as well. This is always one of our favorite weeks of the year and such great memories are made.

On to August, which was filled with short trips to the beach (we love living so close) a lot of pool days and even a quick visit from the Clukeys (friends from Charlotte). And after months of craziness time to get back on the house project wagon. We are making progress but still have the biggest one yet to tackle... the kitchen.

Madelyn is now back in school and loving every minute of it. She has her 3 bff's in her class this year, Ellie, Lilly and Kate, so she is in heaven. She will start soccer and swimming again this week and dance next month. I am not sure how we will keep up with it all once Gabe starts activities but for now we love seeing her in each one.

As much as we thought Madelyn was all girl, Gabe is all boy. I am holding my breath for the day we have a broken bone, his favorite thing is jumping off anything he can find (couches, tables, etc). He loves to run and tackle/wrestle and of course loves the dirt/outdoors. He seriously the happiest little boy and LOVES to wave at everyone. His begs to sit on the front step and wave at neighbors as they drive by. The big news for Gabe over the summer is he finally got teeth!! He has to bottom teeth and just this month the top two have cut trough. We were starting to think he would never have teeth.

Here are a few pictures from summer 2015!