Our Lil' Family

We haven't had a summer this busy since we bought our first house and had to basically gut it. However, we've enjoyed it, and our little family has grown.

1. Teachers really don't have 2 1/2 months off during the summer. Most teachers' summers are filled with classes, conferences, seminars, etc. Doug is flying right along with his master's. He has two classes left and will finish Dec. 26. (Most likely a day before little Ethel is born.) He went to a conference down in San Diego. He got to live the bachelor life for the week and really enjoyed it. BUT I know that he was really glad to be home and have a home cooked meal. I took two classes this summer, and they were really good. Additionally, I attended a three day conference. It was really good. However, I only traveled 2 miles down the road because mine was in good ole' Salem, OR at the conference center.
2. Madi has enjoyed her play groups, going to the park, playing with her cousins, and playing at all of the BBQ's we've either hosted or attended. Lately, when I am either brushing her teeth or combing her hair in the morning, she asks, "What are we doing today, Mommy?" She has enjoyed swimming and playing with Braelyn. She is really excited to go back to Cleona's house.
3. Braelyn started walking at the beginning of July. She loves her newfound freedom. Since she broke her collarbone, she has become increasingly cautious. She doesn't like swimming or swinging at the park. She is very much a mommy and daddy's girl. She is talking more and more. She is obsessed with Dora and Diego or "Eggo" as she calls him. The other day she belted out, "Dora, Dora, Dora, the Explorer!" It was adorable.
4. Sadly, we had to get rid of Matilda, our cat. We spent a lot of time debating what to do, and it wasn't an easy decision. She was a huge part of our family, and there is a hole in our hearts. It was one of the hardest things that we've had to do since we've been married. We just hope that she gets adopted and has the opportunity to lead a long and happy life.
5. One thing about owning a house is that there is always work to be done, even when it is a new house. With the help of Doug Sr., we cut down numerous tree limbs and some baby trees. We've (and I mean Doug) power washed and stained the deck. We still need to caulk and paint the pillars outside our house before school starts too.
6. Doug starts soccer next week and is excited about that. This year, he is going to teach 6th and 8th grade social studies. I'm excited about starting my new job. It will be interesting and different each day. I'll be working with a new principal and am up for a new challenge.

Hopefully, next time I'll have a chance to put some pictures up of some of the things we've gotten to do this summer.