September marked the start of preschool for Miss Leah. Finally! Isaac started almost 3 weeks before her so she had a long wait. She was READY!

 Just two weeks later, we left for our every-other-year trip to FL with my Family. Those two weeks must have been uneventful because I have no pictures from then! We flew out VERY early on a Saturday morning. Thankfully we didn't have any flight issues and were prepared with lots of snacks and things to do.

 We hit the beach the first day and never looked back to the chilly Fall we left behind at home.

 Several days we fed popcorn to the seagulls.

 We watched the sunset.

 Jake and I enjoyed some adult time. We were able to go out two nights-once with my sister and brother in-law and once just the two of us. Even though our ride was a 15 passenger van, we weren't complaining about a date in FL with free babysitting!

 We attempted to make a pool for the kids.

 And fed the seagulls-again.

 The kids looked even cuter in the sand and sun.

 We burried Uncle Eric

 See-they are so cute in the sand and sun!

 Grandpa kept the boys busy many times playing or trying to catch fish or crabs.

 We headed into Tampa to spend a day at the aquarium and IKEA. My dad had never even heard of the place; they'll be making a trip to Minneapolis soon since that's the one closest to us.

 The aquarium included a fantastic splash-pad area for the kids. Just enough spray to keep them cool in the hot FL weather.

 On our way back to the beach!

 One more sunset as a family.

 We finally had a day windy enough to try the kite.

 We rented two bikes and took turns. Here's mom and dad riding away.

 Jake and Isaac were eventually successful at catching some little fish.

 One day there was a great tide pool for the kids. It was even warmer than the ocean and nice and shallow.

 Our only crab catch of the trip.

 By the end of the week, feeding the seagulls took on a new challenge-feeding them from our bare hands. We all took a try. Isaac took a little coaxing, but finally got it down.

 Our last night we hit up a local mini-golf place that included a pond of baby alligators to feed.

 All week Jake had been trying to catch little lizards. This was his final attempt the night before we left for home.

 Even the airport in Tampa was exciting for the kids since they had a play area similar to what we have in the mall.

August

 Leah had her last little class in July-it was her tumbling class. She did quite well and decided it was more fun than dance. We will enroll her for a session next year.

We took our annual trip to Nauvoo with Jake's family. It was much of the same as we do each year, but we love going and the kids have a great time.

 The kids and I visited the zoo one beautiful summer day. I promised Isaac we would go one more time before school started and we made it!

 Also before school started, we went to the state fair with my parents. Animals, rides, shows, and WAY too much food! Oh, and Paul Ryan happened to be speaking the day we were there. Remember that guy that should be our next vice president? :(

 JCPenney offered free kids cuts in August. Other than his first haircut at 5 months old, Isaac has always had his hair cut at home so this was a special treat (and a great deal for me!).

 Isaac started Kindergarten the end of August. He was a bit nervous, but very excited and did great!