Raising Schuurmans: Sweet September

September was a sweet month here in the mountains of North Carolina. We got to go to the Gun Show, Marcus turned five, we had visits from grandparents, and Baby Stella and her matching bows get cuter by the day. All that on top of starting Marcus in his Kindergarten work (officially) and Titus practically potty trained himself. Seriously, it was amazingly fast. I'm so grateful! Below are some pictures that we captured this month, along the way.

Bows and Toes - so cute!

Bread men in the making.

Cousins! Marcus, Titus, Stella, Hunter, & Tyson

Eating junk food at the Gun Show (another reason it's fun)

Corrupting their cousins to eat junk with them.

Hanging with Granddad

We also got to meet sweet baby Axl for the first time. He was born one day before Stella.

Marcus LOVED playing in the camper.

Holding hands - awww!

Titus was so tired he LITERALLY fell asleep like this.

Playing in Grandma B's front yard.

Hunter and Tyson got in on the camper action...

...and of course loved it, too.

Tyson had fun with Aunt Leah

Our last Tourists game of the season and the boys got ice cream!

After two weeks keeping his pull-ups dry, Titus wore big-boy underwear and never looked back!

Marcus teaching Titus his shapes and colors.

Granddad and Granny know our boy well. They got him this Cardinals cap for his birthday.

While Granddad was in town, we got out Marcus' BB gun and shot a few pop cans.

I'm not sure who enjoyed this more...

Yes you are, little one.

Another outfit...another matching bow. I seriously haven't bought ONE bow. They've all been given to us. Again, I'm so grateful!

For Day 1 of Marcus' birthday week, he got a big set of poster markers.

Sweetness.

On Day 2 we went to the WNC Mountain State Fair.

That's one big tractor tire.

Grandpa and Grandma Schuurman were in town, so it was extra special.

I snuck this picture of them holding hands as we walked through the fair. All these years later, they still like each other!

Titus LOVED the pig races.

It lasted all of 15 seconds, but it's hilarious, I tell ya.

Day 3 took us to Skytop Apple Orchard.

This was last year's picture. :)

It's an orchard that's LITERALLY on top of the mountain. The views were great (even the mountains looked good...)

Hay Ride!

Photo Credit to Grandpa Schuurman :)

Bamboo Forest - so fun!

Perfect fit!

For Stella's first visit, we need to see how much she will grow for next year.

Playing Chutes and Ladders is fun for all.

Balloons for the birthday boy!

Day 4 was the day he could pick out any toy of his choice (within reason) at the Toy Box.

Lunch at Firehouse Subs with Grandma

He's been talking about it for months. All he wanted was a Jason Heyward jersey.

So we got him one. The smile on his face says it all.

All decked out and ready to play.

Day 5 was go-carts at the Fun Depot!

There they go!

Mini bowling was included, too.

Even Titus got a turn.

Grandpa and Grandma Schuurman with their newest granddaughter.

"This place is so much fun!"

Unlike Marcus, Titus is a big Jays fan.

The day after Marcus' birthday, we dressed up like pirates to get free doughnuts at Krispy Kreme.

Two dozen free doughnuts just for dressing them up.

Grandpa and his little stinkers.

With half their grandkids.

Three generations of beautiful Schuurmans.

On Day 6 we had a small get-together with a few friends to celebrate this adorable boy turning five.

I went ONE day without putting a bow on Stella and TWO people said something about my "son," both within 10 minutes of each other. Never again will I let that happen...