The fort!

We have been debating for several months on whether or not Alex and Reed "need" a fort/playground in the backyard. The answer is apparently, "yes"! The new fort was installed today, complete with slide, rock climbing wall, fireman's pole, steering wheel and telescope. They were both super excited to play on it for the first time and Alex asked if we could keep it. Reed's favorite is the slide and Alex's is the fireman's pole. We had to come in because of the rain, but they can't wait to play on it again!

Good as new

I love to buy second-hand toys for Alex and Reed. Mainly, it saves money, but often "older" toys are just cooler than the new ones. This weekend we picked up a gently used kitchen and they love it! They love to make dinner while I do, even though some of their ingredients are a little interesting! Here they are, enjoying the goods. (Also, please note Oliver on the bed supervising the whole show).

Alex's soccer game

So, last year we tried soccer, but Alex never quite made it out onto the field. This year, things are looking much better! With Brian as the team coach, Alex was running and kicking with the team on the field. He even handled the mud with no problem! They don't keep score, but Brian says that Alex's team won. Oh, and Reed had a good time cheering everyone on.

Labor Day at the Lake

We wrapped up the summer with a great weekend at the lake. Alex and Reed had fun playing with Chloe (and with Duane, Anna, Daurie, Kath, Craig, "Little" Craig, Aunt Christie, Grandma and Pops)! It was a full house, and a fun filled weekend. We played corn hole, fed the turtles and fish, swam in the lake, went out on the boat, grilled out, played in the kiddie pool...whew. A very fun (and exhausting) end to the summer.

This particular weekend also reminded us that just two short years ago, we took our first trip to the lake house. Only then, Reed was still in the NICU and Alex was Reed's age. Big changes since then!

Soccer practice, take 2

Alex has started soccer practice again. And this time, it's going much better! He is playing at his school, so he knows a few of the kids on the team, and the coach is GREAT. These pictures are from my phone, but I had to include because they are playing "shirts vs skins". Alex is the one without the shirt in the black shorts. I would have bet my life that he wouldn't take off his shirt to play soccer, but he did!






Oh, yeah. And Reed likes soccer practice too!