September, 2024

Just a little evidence of His existence...

Our girl was invited to watch the new Twisters movie for her friend's birthday and also to a sleepover for her cousin's birthday. She is loving softball and getting some pretty good hits in for being a newbie.

I made a concerted effort to dial back the iPad usage this month. It can be tempting to just give our kids devices, can't it? But as I dialed the usage back, Aug started saying "I'm bored" which was definitely a sign they have had it too much. Kids need to be bored in order to develop their creativity. Thankfully, before long, he was happily using his imagination to build a pretend campfire at Sissy's batting practice:

This month, we held Aug's 6th birthday party, a month after his birthday so that his class could be invited! We had a great turn-out. Did I tell you he's going by his middle name, Aug instead of Cha? Originally, that was my plan since Aug and Aut go together so well. But we started out by calling him Cha which really stuck...and he will always be my Cha, though I'm trying.

Our son picked the theme, which was "Army theme." Around that, we structured an epic water balloon and water gun fight. The kids absolutely had a blast, and his Dad really got into it! I love how good my husband is with children. He works so hard managing our household and all aspects of our finances, trips etc. He often doesn't go with us to places like Disneyland (because he doesn't like going, and also to save money on a pass) but when he get's into things like their parties or coaching a team, he's all in and it shows. He is such a good sport, and so fun with the kids.

I can't help but think he picked the theme because of my father's funeral earlier this year and the military honors/salute that he received. I thought it might be appropriate to place a photo of my father on the dessert table, but wanted to run this by Aug since it is his party. When I asked him if he wanted to photo of grandpa from his parachuting days on the dessert table, he said no. Understanding this and that the focus should be on him, since it's his birthday I understood, and was not going to push the issue. He then said "Because I don't want it to get messed up or dirty." Bless him. When I explained that it was safe because it was in a frame, he was excitedly all in. 

Group photo! Can you spot Nathan?

Here's a photo of my hubby, with Paige and Big Daddy!

The rest of this month was amazing, as we jumped back into the routine of school, flag football, softball and swim. Even though it was unseasonably warm, it began to feel like fall with these activities. Our girl got her braces off, we hosted a few swim dates with friends, hiked with my brother, had dinner at the Orange Mining Company, went to Disneyland a few times, and I saw Brett Michaels and Vince Neil with my best friend. 

Just look at your beautiful smile, Bean.

Goodbye, September. We'll see you again next year.