Leaves, Leaves, Everywhere...

Now that fall is here we have been spending a lot of time outdoors trying to reign in our leaf problem. The boys, however, do not see it as a problem and love playing in the leaves.

Quinn is not yet interested in the leaves 

 

We also made a visit to St. Ambrose to visit Kaylee for family weekend.  We had a great time...highlights included swimming in the hotel pool, running on the practice football field and spending time with family.

Also, happy 19th birthday to Aunt Kaylee!! Love you!!

Pumpkin Patch!

Last weekend, we headed to Hollowayville for the day for Golden family pictures.  After the pictures (and a quick nap), we went to Boggio's Orchard to enjoy the pumpkin patch.  The boys and Quinn had a great time and were excited to hang out with their cousin Elsa!

The whole crazy family 

Ryan with the ducks and goats 

This was the closest Connor was getting to the camel... 

I've been finding corn all week... 

Big slide 

Having a snack with Elsa!!

One Month Old!!

Quinn turned one month old yesterday.  Everyone is adjusting well to our new addition.  It's made easier because Quinn is a pretty easy baby...and decent sleeper.  Let's hope this trend continues.

Time for your checkup...

Quinn had her 2 week check up on Thursday.  She's up to 8 lbs 6 oz...still smaller than her brothers were at birth!! She's grown half an inch and her head size is still on the large side (87th percentile).  Overall, she is doing great and making the transition to three kids quite a bit easier.

God's Child

Really going against our normal tradition, we baptized Quinn this weekend.  Normally we would wait until she was at least six months old but since Jack was being baptized, we figured why not combine the two baptisms.  We were honored that Gina, Kaylee and Michael agreed to be Quinn's godparents.  It was a great celebration of two great kids!!

Quinn is wearing the same gown I was baptized in (along with my sisters and mom!) 

 Jack's turn!!

the Godparents 

Family picture!! 

The Golden side 

The Sand side

Quinn Elizabeth

On September 22nd at 4:03 pm we welcomed our little girl, Quinn Elizabeth, in to the world.  She weighed in at a dainty (compared to her brothers) 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long.  Everyone has been doing great and we are adjusting to life as a family of five!

Quinn Elizabeth Sand

Memaw and Papa 

Ryan meeting Quinn 

The newest threesome (we are working on getting a better picture) 

Quinn with Grandma and Grandpa (and Daddy) 

Hanging out!

Slowly but Surely

Slowly but surely we have started getting a few things ready for Baby Sand and are continuing to prepare the boys for the big change to come.  About a month ago, we moved Connor in to Ryan's room.  Connor wasn't quite ready for a big boy bed so we just moved his crib.  It worked out pretty well until Connor started getting another round of teeth and kept waking up at night. Things have calmed down since then and the past few nights have gone pretty well.  Ryan has been really interested in how the baby is doing and when it's going to come.  Connor doesn't understand why he's run out of room on my lap!!  T minus 2 weeks!!

Becoming more independent...insisting on eating by himself!!

 Fingers crossed they are checking expiration dates!

Plotting against us

Creature Power!!

Ryan's latest obsession is a PBS show called Wild Kratts.  It's basically two middle aged men who teach kids about animals in both real life and in animation.  Last weekend, the Kratt brothers (Chris and Martin) were appearing at Brookfield Zoo...and guess who got to go!! Of course, it was the hottest day of the year but the whole family made the trek anyway.  As Matthew said, it was kind of like the Beatles for young kids.  The announcer thought there were 17,000 people there...I'm not sure about that but it was definitely a lot of kids!!  Ryan now knows more animals and facts than I thought possible.  And of course, when he "plays" Wild Kratts, he is Chris because Chris wears green.  Connor and Matthew are always Martin!!

 Pre-Wild Kratt kangaroo watching

Excited (and sweaty)!!

Happy with his cheese stick

Doing some light reading

Say cheese!!

Champaign Trip!

Last weekend, we took a family trip to Champaign to visit Nolan and spend some time on campus. We even made a night of it and enjoyed the pool at the hotel.

Uncle Matthew & Nolan 

Ryan was obsessed with his "little hands" 

This is about as close as Connor wanted to be...he was much more interested in the dog! 

Wrestling break 

U of I 

Picture by Ryan Sand - Undergrad library 

Picture by Ryan Sand - Quad

Nolan Antonio Cervantes

New cousin!! Welcome to the family Nolan!! Born 7/31 at 8:19 am.  8 lbs 20 1/2 inches long!  Connor and Ryan can't wait to meet him and teach him how to play all sorts of sports!!