September 30, 2016

September 2016

Here's what a busy September looked like in the McQuinn house:

*A weekend in Sargent, Texas*
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Back in our Beaumont days, Matt and I spent a many weekend in Sargent,
but we haven't been back since we took on the role of 'parents'.
We took the girls out for Labor Day and were reminded how much we enjoy spending time there and
LOVE being by the water.
The girls were fans as well.
Both loved the boat rides, catching some Zzzz's en route
and Lauren ran and giggled the entire time.
Until this happened.
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*First Day of School*
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Lauren started a Mother's Day Out Program two days a week.
She goes to school from 9-1:30 and even packs a lunch to eat at school.
She had been excited about the idea of school all summer long,
but I have to admit I was quite nervous about actually leaving her there.
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But my strong confident girl walked right in without so much as a double glance at Mom.
I was so proud of her.
And she loves school.
But the love for learning can make a girl tired.
She typically can't stay awake for the 10 minute drive home.
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Mornings are a little quieter without big sister,
but little sister and I manage to keep busy.
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*Sunshine & Yummy treats*
September is hardly fall in Texas,
so we still spend hot summer days at the park,
followed by cold treats.
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Caroline has continued to be a good little eater and was pretty thrilled with her first ice cream experience.
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With each new food she tries,
there is one thing that stays consistent...
She's a messy girl.
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And she has become quite comfortable with the 'sink' bath.
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*Iowa v. Iowa State Game*
It's a big day in our house.
It's the one game where our house is truly divided
and we started a tradition with Lauren in which we let the girls choose who they will root for.
Lauren immediately chose the Iowa dress,
which broke my heart a little bit,
since she's been 2 for 2 with ISU.
But I held out for Caroline.
But she followed sister.
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Dad had two little Hawkeyes to help him cheer.
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Maybe next year?

*Swim Lessons*
Lauren finished swim lessons this month with Miss Paige and we are so proud of our little mermaid.
She has made so much progress and is so confident and comfortable in the water...
except the back float.
She is not a fan.
Her scoops and kicks get her across the pool
and she has blown us away with her ability to hold her breath!
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*Dance & Library*
Now that summer has come to a close we are starting to see a bit of our routine return.
Lauren has started dance again
and Toddler Time at the library has returned.
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*Auntie Alysa & Beyonce*
Auntie Aly paid us a visit in September to attend the much anticipated Beyonce concert.
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She even helped kick off Lauren's birthday celebration...
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Meet Tinkerbelle.


September 25, 2016

July

July was a busy month for this little family.
Busy traveling, hosting visitors, and trying not to melt in that Texas sun.
It's hot.

And somehow each year I manage to forget how hot it really gets...

4th of July in Chicago
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Visit from Grandpa & Grandma
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A few of our other July highlights... swim lessons,  baking in air conditioning, park visits, ice cream dates, baby snuggles, and testing out the new mini carts at the grocery store...

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September 21, 2016

37 & 38 weeks

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It's football time, ya'll.

The Iowa v Iowa State game is the biggest college football game of the year in our house.
I'm not sure if my husband would completely agree with this statement,
but let's just go with it.
We started a tradition with Lauren and let her choose her game day gear,
Iowa or Iowa State.
For the first time in her life, she chose Hawkeye colors.

And her sister did the same.

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At least they know how to pick a winner...

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September 6, 2016

Summer of Sisters

You guys*...
This blog.

This blog is a little sad.
She's become a baby book/weekly baby scrapbook spot,
not the the family memory keeper that I aim for.

But I have intentions.
And a to-do list that will change that.

While I wasn't great at posting this summer,
I promise it was for good reason.

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These girls.
These sweet, busy, curious, strong, and loving girls kept my hands full this summer.
And my heart...
well, it runneth over.
We made a lot of memories this summer and will share some highlight soon.

Big sister started school today.
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She is going to a Mother's Day Out {MDO} program twice a week.
So this busy mama, finally found some time to take care of some of those items that never get crossed off her to-do list.
Like this blog.
As soon as I get over how quiet my house is on Tuesday & Thursday mornings,
this blog should be back in action.
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* Or guy.
Dad?
You may be the only one still checking on us.
Thanks Dad. xoxo