Busy times, as usual!

It's been so busy around here that I haven't had a moment to post!  The only reason I can right now is because I'm sitting in Starbucks waiting for a clothing while my saintly parents watch the boys!  Sam has been really enjoying soccer lately and seems to be learning a lot.  I'm thinking the park district might need some smaller practice pinnies!

Bamma's projects are probably the highlight of Sam's week.  He's been digging penguins lately, can you tell?

 Little man has been cradling his "babies" lately, adorable!

 Isaac and I had a rare morning together alone as I switched working days and was home on a Thursday when Noah and Sam both have school.  I think he liked cruising around with mom on his own.  (NO, HE IS NOT REALLY DRIVING, WE WERE PARKED!)

I took the big two to the the Waterbury Fun Fair.  They behaved so nicely and didn't pout when we missed out a the balloon lady, how could I say no to candy bars?!

 Noah won a raffle to have a special school day lunch with his music teacher Mrs. Hughes!

Big guy turned 18 months!

 This is the best group picture I could muster that day!

His personality is so funny.  He's loud and boisterous at home, quiet and shy/smiley when out and about.  He has lots of words, ditched the pacifier, is pointing at everything and saying, "this!" and is scooting up and down the stairs like a champ.  Our baby is getting BIG!

Cooler temps call for some warmer headgear.  This stayed on his head all of about 15 seconds.

 This is how we bake bread at the Rodriguez house!

 Dapper dude got a nice little cut from Daddy!

So, on we roll looking forward to all the fun Fall has to offer!

Giddy up!

The weekend after Labor Day is always the Rodeo weekend in Fort Madison, Iowa.  I've been going for over 10 years now, and the boys are starting to look forward to it each time.  Isaac got a little snuggle time in with big bro before school on Friday.

 The drive on Friday night was less than pleasant due to some storms, but we made it there and woke up on Saturday to Noah losing a tooth at breakfast!

 The boys donned their matching cowboy shirts (don't know how much longer I'll be able to convince them to do this) in preparation for the parade!

 Noah brought his rodeo hat purchased 2 years ago, Sam tried out Isaacs (yes, his bitty head still fits in it!).

 A tad chilly this year, but nothing will stop us from THE CANDY!

 I'm not sure if Leo was more excited about trucks or about candy.  Pretty sure it was trucks!

 This kid, ridiculous!

 After some nice afternoon naps for all Rodriguezeses, we hit the actual rodeo with the two older ones.  Our friends Ron and Debbie generously offered to babysit Isaac.  When we got there, Sam finally picked out a rodeo hat that fits him more appropriately!

 The two BFF goofballs of the weekend!

 Leo shouted, "Did you see that!" about 83 times, it was adorable!

 Who's ready for sugary rodeo food?!

 It was so nice to finally have Daddy there after a 5 year hiatus due to working Saturdays.

 Pretty sure the highlight for the kids is always the cotton candy!

 Noah Rodriguez: Ghetto Rodeo Style

 Evie got a rodeo necklace just like Ayla and Kyndal!

 We made it all the way to the end with no epic meltdowns, success!

 Even Miss 2 year old, I can't be stopped, Lydia made it!

 Our room had a ridiculous tub right in the living area, so we took advantage of it on Sunday morning to wash off the stickiness and dirtiness that is rodeo.

 We geared up for the Bears opener with some jerseys.

 Lining up 8 kids is no easy feat, and this is without Tyler's 3 girls!

 It's still amazing to me that it used to be us three ladies, Andrea, Michelle and Me.  Now look at our collective brood.  CRAZY!

 The kids had a great time Sunday morning collecting acorns and playing with their friends.  As always, it was over too quick and we were back in the car heading home.

Till next year, Fort Madison!  It was a great time!

First day of First, First day of Preschool!

Lots of firsts around here.  Last week, Noah kicked off his first week of First Grade!  He was a little bummed to find out that his BFFs Nico and Kosta are not in his class, but nonetheless he was excited!

 It was a rare first for me, being able to take him on his first day!  It happened to be on a Wednesday, so we walked him over to Waterbury Elementary!

 Big first grader lines up in the morning and has a lunch and everything!

His teacher, Mrs. Henry, seems very nice and LOVES to read to the kids!

 Sam also had his first day of soccer class with Coach Bob and Coach Alex.

 Look out, one cool dude coming thru!

 Labor Day weekend was calm.  On Saturday I took the gents over to Bamma and Bampa's for a playdate with Emmett (grandson of some of their friends).

 Isaac taking his posse to the park!

 The boys loved Emmett, who is just a week older than Isaac, it was a great day!

 Sam is a master big wheeler these days.  He pedaled a whopping 1.36 miles while I walked!

 Then it was Sam's turn for first day fun!  He starts preschool!  With his summer birthday, we held off until he was four, so this is his first time at school.  My parents took him over to the Roselle Park District for his first day with Ms. Meghan!

 He had a great day and came home to do a pinecone penguin with Bamma!

 Here's his first day handprint from school...

So, the school year is officially underway.  Here's to another great academic year for everyone!