Playing Catch Up

With the leaves falling off the trees, I am reminded of how quickly time goes by.  I am reminded of the changing of seasons and the changing seasons of life.  I am reminded of how the trees must go dormant to prepare for new life in the Spring. I am reminded of how much I love cool days and frosty nights. I am reminded by my sister that I haven't blogged in a really. long. time.

Yes, I know this. Yes, I haven't been keeping everyone up on my life.  Yes, I have been napping, er, I mean getting things done while the kids nap in the afternoon.  Yes, blogging has taken a backseat. Yes, I am going to do a photo dump to catch you all up on what Our Plain Life has been like. Yes, everyday this week (!) I will be playing catch up.

On last month's episode, we left you with our Master Bedroom redo.  A lot has happened since then.  We had some special family members come out to visit.  My oldest child somehow became 8 years old without asking my permission. School started and pool days ended. We've been playing outside and just enjoying the cooler temps.

SOOO....first things first!  Our special visitors.  Since our sister-in-law was spending an extended period of time up in Iowa with family, she decided to take a drive down South and spend some time with us.  We were super excited to have Mal and her family crash at our home for a few days.  There were 8 children under the age of 8. Crazy? Yes. Fun? Absolutely!!

We went to the normal sights in the area but most of all just enjoyed each other's company. When we went anywhere, we just made sure that the total sum of children added up to "8" and then we were good to go!

Spent some fun time at the pool with these sweeties.

Being educational (and very very hot) at the Farmstead

17 months apart but about the same size!

It's wild in here!! (Thanks Mal for this pic!)

Doing some fishing with Uncle Dan (Thanks Mal for the great pic!)

 The Whole Crazy crew (Once again, Mal, photographer extraordinaire, got a great pic)

Last quick group hug before the cousins hit the road

And just for fun...

August 2012 (Aidan just about 7 and Annika just about 8)

July 2006 (Annika just about 2 and Aidan about 10 months)

Thanks Mal for making this special trip.  We loved having you and already looking forward to next time!!