This year was the first time in my entire life I've been to the fair (at least that I can remember). It was also Anniston's first time. She loved it. Rides, face painting, treats, what's not to love?
They are such cute friends. We are truly grateful for Caris.
She's such a good big sister.
On Anniston's school days, I try to put away my to-do list and spend some quality time with Ben. Eiley comes along too of course but is usually still content to ride along in her car seat. This guy loves the park and I'm so grateful for our little pocket of time to spend together.
Every year on October 1, Sara takes the kids to get balloons, they write what they are thankful on them, and they let them go. Anniston wrote down some friends from school this year...and I'm pretty sure Sara made stuff up for Ben. I love this tradition and hope it continues for many years to come! I must say though- Ben was devastated when he let go of his balloon and it floated away. I'm pretty sure he wasn't quite aware of the consequences of letting go.
I loved this bear suit when Anniston wore it, and I love it now. Grateful for windy soccer games to give me an excuse to put this on. Can't take the cuteness.
This Fall we started a new thing. Hello Fresh. They send you ingredients and recipes to make healthy, fresh meals for your family. We love it. It's taught me so much about cooking, given me many new ideas, created variety in our meal planning, and increased my desire to cook. We won't do this forever, but for now, it's a fun new adventure!
Anniston went to the zoo with her school and it was so fun for me to get to go with her. They had a blast.
She loves him. He really does love her too.
Always loving on her.
They never grow out of wanting to play with baby things.
It's a little difficult to get things done around the house with a toddler...difficult but fun. Today folding laundry didn't go so well.
One windy Fall day we decided go to the Wichita Mountains with the kids. We just walked around and played for a bit with no direction or plan...but it was something fun and different and we were glad for the little family adventure.
Eiley loves listening to her Dad play the guitar...just like the rest of us.
Always finding little pockets around the house to get alone, make a pallet and read a book. I think we may have an introvert on our hands.
Soccer picture day. Really love these girls.
In this season of life, I just don't think I'm going to have many days where I can sit down and drink a whole cup of coffee by myself.
We wear a lot of princess crowns in this house, and they don't want Eiley to feel left out.
Morning play time.
Apparently Eiley wanted me out of there. Sister time.
In this season, Jake worked the night shift one night a week...and sometimes after a long day, that meant easy dinner and a movie for me and the kids.
Anniston is really loving dance. I finally got to watch her dance at Parent Watch Week. And I loved it. I loved watching her dance, and I can tell she really loves to do it. She listens and works hard. I don't know how long she will dance, but for now, it's a joy to watch her do something she loves so much.
Bubbles are a Bauer favorite right now.
We had the great privilege of going with friends to Broken Bow to celebrate a friend's birthday. Just adults (and Eiley). We talked, laughed, played, hiked, and really just enjoyed being together. Also, God gave us a pretty amazing sunset while we were there. I'm so grateful for good friends...and for all of the grandparents, family members, and friends that watched kids so we could make this happen. I'm thinking there may be a round 2 in our future.
Cuddle time with Eiley while we were on our getaway. She doesn't get much uninterrupted time with Dad right now so this was a treat.
I decided I really wanted some good one-on-one time with Anniston in this season. I wanted to hear about school and what she's thinking about, what she's excited about, what she's nervous about, what she loves...Anniston doesn't share too much yet, so I thought we would have special tea party dates where we could chat. We had treats and "tea", and just enjoyed being together, just the two of us. Before I brought her in to see her tea party surprise the first time, I tried to temper my expectations...she may not want to talk, she may not be that excited, she may ask to just turn on the tv or play, and that's just great. It's about making space....but it was so much better than I could have ever imagined. She absolutely loved it, she loved serving me and being served, she loved the treats, she loved the conversation. In the middle of our tea party, she stopped and said "Thank you God for this lovely tea party". Me too God, I'm thankful too. I'm so grateful for this time and for this incredible daughter You gave me. I look forward to always having little pockets with her to keep our hearts connected. She's such a Joy.
