September

Those September pics that were too cute not to share but didn't make it into a post.

9/3/15

Emptied out her book crate to snuggle in with a book

 Labor Day weekend, we had Biscuit while the Rozelles traveled

  On a walk!

9/10/15

Chic-fil-a after a traumatic vaccine (5!) experience

 9/13/15

Haddon Lake Park on a Sunday afternoon

 Me and my girls!

 9/15/15

Haircut at Kidz Kuts (3rd one ever)

 9/16/15

Second day of school (first one fully on her own)- walking with confidence

 9/20/15

Wanting to show off her "complicated bird feeder" (made of pipe cleaners) that she made in Sunday School, but not wanting to show her face

The Shore

The Pope was in Philly this weekend.  And while it would have been cool to see him, we really didn't want to fight the traffic and crowds.  So we went with the Rozelles for our first trip to the Jersey Shore!  We went to Long Beach Island (LBI).  It was a cool day, but not cold.  Not super great for swimming, but still a great day to hang out by the ocean.

We started on a gorgeous beach, ocean-side.  However, the wind was insane, and it wasn't possible to swim.  The sand was whipping us, which scared Jovie.  Then the seagulls came when we tried to eat, and she was inconsolable.  So this beach wasn't going to be a winner.

 The only pic before she lost it.

Thankfully, Mike and Jeff found a beach and playground on the bay side.  It was a chance to redeem the beach experience for Jovie.

The girls enjoyed playing in the sand, and playing on the playground equipment.

 Eventually, Jovie got brave enough to put her toes in the water.

 And from there, she got braver and braver.

 Finally, a full-fledged swim!  Too chilly for us, but these girls loved it!

Then we went to Barnegat Lighthouse.  It was windy, but so, so beautiful.  We enjoyed the beach around the lighthouse, climbing up to the top, walking along the pier, watching a wind surfer catch some serious air, watching the people fishing, and getting hit by a wave.  It was really wild and fun.

Best attempt at a family picture

 Barnegat Lighthouse

These troopers climbed all 217 stairs, no complaints.

 Views from the top

 It was a little windy up there

 But so fun!

 217 steps conquered!

 Walking along, exploring by the lighthouse

 Left by someone else, but meant for us ;)

  On the pier

Photo bomb!

After a fun day of exploring, we went back to the Rozelles, ate some yummy grilled fish, salad, corn muffins and pasta salad.  A wonderful Saturday!

Apple Picking!

We are so, so ready for fall!  And so apple picking is a welcome activity.  Throw in meeting our friends from DC, and we had a wonderful Saturday!  The Mongellis met us at Lohr's Orchard, which is almost exactly in between our houses.  And, they have you-pick apples CHEAP!

The girls loved picking, and also had lots of fun reconnecting.

                                                

 Baby bumps!

 After picking, we went to a nearby park for a picnic and play time.

What a great Saturday!

First day of 4 year old pre-school!

Even though it's a new school (New Beginnings Learning Center) and a new year, Jovie prepped like a pro for school this year!  It seemed like she may have had a little bit of nerves, but she was excited, too, and didn't put up any fuss.  She, of course, did want to wear her long, long dress.  I think it's her confidence dress.  :)

 Walking in like a pro

 The first day was more of an open house, with Mommy and Daddy getting acquainted with the teachers and classroom, too.  Jovie also created her bag that will hold all her projects for the year.

Successful first day, with hopefully many more successful ones to come!