"S" is for September

We try to take a trip to Whitefish Dunes at least a couple of times a summer for a few reasons. One reason is the take-your-breath-away-this-makes-me-feel-small moment at the first sight of the lake. Another; Gretta loves the water and pretty soon the only water she will get to play in is her bathtub. Finally; Digory does not like the water (at least going in past his knees...do dogs have knees?), but this specific beach is dog friendly a mile down from the parking lot. He pretends it is one massive water dish.
Collecting shells...
Notice that Sam is oblivious to his surroundings except for the strap on the backpack.
The beginnings of a sand castle
Back at home munching on broccoli...snack of champs.
These two are so unpredictable. Either hugging or pushing the other away. Can you guess who dictates in this relationship? :)
Sam's 5 month picture. He is such a goof. He giggles easily, even for strangers, and loves watching his big sister. He is starting to sit up without help but still has an occasional spill. No teeth yet, but lots of drool...

I had to put this one on here. It wasn't even planned; it just happened as I took the photo. Grets has been really "digging" Sesame Street lately, and has a few favorite characters including "so-ee" (Zoe), "nuf-me" (Snuffy) "er-nee" (Ernie of course) and especially "elllllmmmmo" (Elmo). She is really catching on to a few letters (A, O, G, and B to be specific), and if you ask her what her favorite color is, she will say "booooo" for blue. She can point to blue things, and even asked to wear the blue sweater below. Her friends name is "wi-wa" (Wila, a neighbor down the street), and if you ask her what B-A-B-Y spells, sometimes she says "bae-bee" but more often says and over-exagerated "DDDAAADDD!"(the first word we showed her how to spell) then laughs.

These big eyes melt my heart!Checking out her "new do"

Hanging out with dad
Stinky feet!

September first was Grandpa Stoffel's birthday. We went to the cottage on Bear Lake to celebrate with him. Gretta's getting ready to swim, & sporting her all-time favorite hat (I found it at a rummage sale!).
Jumping off the dock with GampyAnother summertime favorite...corn on the cob

Taking the wheel


Gretta insists on wearing her "Barbie" shoes. They have the name Barbie on them, and she heard me call them that once. Now she calls them Barbies.

Mom and Sam enjoying the ride

Hats from Gampy from the Milwaukee zoo...


A late night walk...past bed time, but worth it!
Before we left for the walk, Gretta had a bath, then I painted her nails. She wasn't sure what to do with her hands now that her nails were so pretty. She is ALL girl.

Today was a memorable day for us...Gretta and Sam were dedicated to the Lord!! We had an opportunity at church to explain our desires to raise our children to love and fear God, and asked for prayer as we go through this journey with much appreciated help from our family and church family. Many thanks to our family and friends who supported us today, and a special thanks to our heavenly Father for entrusting Sam and Gretta in our care.
"Sam, say cheeeeese!!!" -Gretta

Gretta wearing her new dress from Grandma GG
Soooo big!

Our friends Dave and Joy also visited this weekend with their daughters Ruby and Sadie. We had lots of fun attempting to get Packer player's autographs, swimming in the pool at their hotel, and trying to catch up in the midst of 2 babies and 2 toddlers :) Below Tim and Dave are holding Sam and Sadie...both four months old.

Christmas in August...thats what Great Grandma called her time with Gretta earlier this week. Sam, Gretta and I all went over for a delicious summer lunch, and Gretta stayed the night. Despite a long night and a missing pacifier, I think their time together was well worth it!
Gretta excited to play at Great Grandma's house

Sam getting some boxing tips from Great Grandpa
Couldn't be more content...book in hand and a pint-size rocking chair
The humble beginnings of our first (well...second, really) attempt at a vegetable garden (these are the before pictures taken in spring)...


With Great Grandpa's assistance, of course
Very weed-less, very nice
...and Va VA VOOM!! Just a few months later, the results:
Peas, carrots and cucumbers oh my!

Bunnies are not as cute to me as they used to be. After nibbling away our first round of peas and beans, we outsmarted them (so far) with a double duty fence
We had a visit from the Neumans earlier this month (or was it late July? my memory is fading!) Tim reading a story to Gretta and Ezra...his mom and dad were at Packer family night with his two older brothers. Ezra got to stay up later than normal (almost 8!) and loved the pizza we had for dinner. Gretta giving her teddy bear a piggy back ride...upside down.

Gretta trying to read Sam a story...

Not without hugs though.
Watching the Pack Attack practice. This lasted about as long as it took to take the picture...I forgot to bring snacks, so back home we went.