Making the Most of August

So this will be yet another random updating of things we've been up to the last two weeks or so. Last Wednesday night Cody and I went to a movie premier, One Fall, that was partially backed by Richard Smucker. It was a fun night of getting dressed up, getting our picture taken on the red carpet and watching a free movie with free popcorn.

I have been nesting with the other two kids' rooms. I'm not sure if that is still considered nesting but I'd like to have their rooms "done" before the next one arrives and I never get anything done. So here is the latest with Pepper's room. I made the curtains and if you don't look to close they're pretty perfect.
I made these letter boards shortly after Pepper was born. It only took me over two years to complete this project. Let's hope it is not a trend.

We got these shelves, pink baskets, chair and ladybug lamp at Ikea at the beginning of the summer. I love, love, love them!

Another view of the curtains. I will eventually replace the plastic shelves with somthing a little nicer but they work for now. I must admit, I really love decorating this room. Poor Morgan keeps wondering when I'm going to get more stuff for his room. Boys are just harder to decorate for I think...or maybe it's just that my brain works in pink.

During the summer every Thursday morning we have headed to the main library in Akron for their fabulous storytime. I wanted to make sure we had at least one educational weekly scheduled activity and this one has been perfect. Two weeks ago it was a music theme and the kids were given instruments and had a little parade.

Last week was a dance theme. Pepper and Morgan really enjoyed both weeks. So fun.

Two Fridays ago we headed out to Loyal Oak Lake with the Smedleys for a morning of swimming and playing. It was a perfect day and not too hot but enough sun to offset the slightly chilly water.

There was a slide in the water that Pepper must have gone up and down a couple dozen times. Such a water baby.

This last Friday, Aug. 12th, was Family Day/Open House at Smuckers. After naptime, we drove out to meet Daddy at work and have a fun outdoor dinner.

There were a lot of tiny flies, which did not make the meal super fun with bug-aphobic Pepper but we were all just excited to be with Daddy.

We got to tour the buildings and see a lot of the new construction. We also got to take a tour of the original Smucker family home that sits at the front of the property. It was really fun to see but it was a little crowded and full of antiques. Not fun with two curious little kids running about. Luckily, Pepper wore her squeaky shoes so she was easier to keep track of. Here's a shot of the dining room. In the back there is a picture of Tim and Richard Smucker as children, just like in the commercials.

Saturday, the 13th, we headed back out to Orrville to go to the train show and rib fest. We did this last year without Cody so we were excited to go again this year with him.

That is the old train depot behind them, which is now the railroad museum.

Despite their faces, both kids said this was their favorite ride.

Next we went on the big train for a very slow, yet air-conditioned, trip. The kids were a getting a little tired and hungry but once it started moving they had fun. The trip was made a lot more fun by our new friends who just moved into our ward at the beginning of the summer. Krista, the mom, is due the very beginning of October. I'm only slightly jealous:)

Waiting in line for the track car rides. Pepper's feet just keep growing this summer and now she is into some of Morgan's hand-me-down shoes. Luckily, she doesn't seem to mind and just gets excited about new shoes.

Cody, Pepper and Morgan squished into the front of the track car.

I thought this was the best ride because these things really cruise down the tracks.

Anybody have any idea what this weird bean tree is? We changed Pepper's poopy diaper under it and I thought it looked like an alien tree.

And finally, one shot of Cody enjoying the rib fest. Unfortunately, by this point we were all tired, hot, cranky and it was nap time. So we didn't get to enjoy the live music and bouncy castles that were also there. Oh well, there's always next year!

I know for some of you the summer is already over but I am glad we still have a few more weeks left. This summer has flown by as has this pregnancy. I am already at 29 1/2 weeks. This little girl will be here before we know it!