Insta-August

August was a sweet month, full of blessings and memories. 

We intentionally slowed down a lot, and yet it still seemed to fly by! 

- physically, I've had to take more breaks throughout the day to get my feet up, and these three never fail to find me and join in  - can't get enough berries  - just shy of 30 weeks  - little cousins chasing the big ones at the exploration place

- Even Charlie wanted in on school pics. I love seeing how much the girls have grown in a year!  - first grade  - preschool (or pre-k... does it make a difference?)  - all three looking and smiling at the same time?!?!

- this August gave us some beautiful, open-window weather, so we got outside every chance we could  - Elli is teaching Charlie to help unload the silverware with her  - a note from Elli to Cara telling her not to let Charlie into their room because she makes a mess  - Charlie mimics her big sisters, especially Elli, all day long

-Saturday morning snuggles  - the big girls earned enough quarters this month to save up for their Halloween costumes, a Jasmine and Elsa dress  - lesson planning  - we studied flight and airplanes one week, and the girls had fun testing out the different kinds of paper airplanes

- finding a shady spot for a rest on our walk  - Charlie has decided that the swing is in fact rather fun  - Charlie wants to be right with us when we do school, which can be pretty challenging, and if I leave the room for even a moment, she's getting into something  - we planted a few vegetables for a fall garden, and it felt so nice to be outside digging around in the dirt... here's hoping we can keep them alive!

- a lot of nesting happened in August, and having the bassinet set up in our room is such a happy sight every time I walk by  - playing in the rain  - Charlie was so excited about her stroller-freedom at the zoo  - can't wait to have one more little girl in these pics!

- Charlie is my snuggliest baby  - I've never been much of a nap person until this third trimester hit... now it's essential!  - playing peek-a-boo  - Daniel and I got to enjoy two whole nights kid-free for a staycation/babymoon; we enjoyed slow mornings at coffee shops, the art museum, a movie, fancy dinner-date, and uninterrupted conversation... it was delightful!

- the girls found a toad outside while I was watering the garden, and Charlie learned to say, "hop!"  - Charlie mastered saying "cheeeeeeese" for the camera this month  - my popcorn queen  - Charlie had her first dentist appointment this month and loved wearing the x-ray apron thing

- the girls are genuinely helpful around the house these days, and I love it when they work as a team  - we loved the butterfly garden at botanica  - cousins at the zoo  - I love seeing these girlies grow their friendship, especially as Tevy and Charlie can kinda keep up with the big girls 

- I've been testing out a few crock pot recipes, and this one was a winner!  - selfies... these two are best friends and already so good at pushing each others' buttons  - farmers market blooms  - despite some rough physical/pregnant days this month, I could not be more thankful for this season with my little sweethearts!