The Rivers Ripple

It's blog time again!  Welcome to fall (maybe, as here in Kansas we've still had some rather warm days this week)!

The biggest happening in the Rivers family is this (whom we might know the gender of--just have to catch one of the girls and they will probably tell you):

Dan has been working, working, and playing band gigs a LOT this summer!  He's enjoyed the opportunity to play and we've even gotten to hear him on occasion.

Sarah has been preparing for MOPS which started this past Tuesday.  We have a small group, but it should be a good year as I actually have people to watch the kids this year (this is a critical element for a day group which we struggled with last year).  I've finally got energy back now that I've hit second trimester in my pregnancy and am tackling organizing and soon will tackle some painting projects.  I'm still getting to the Y a couple times a week, although my workout schedule has changed since my very favorite class got cancelled and my work out buddy moved.  So...life is changing!  In most of my other time, I play with girls, keep house, etc, etc.

Olivia is in her second year of preschool.  At first she missed her teacher from last year, but seems to be enjoying her year with new friends.  She goes 3 days a week.  Olivia has been in gymnastics academy at the Y and likes to learn the new skills (she's almost got her partial handstand) and I think she's trying to figure out how she can get to do some of the big girl bar skills.  She also requested swim lessons again this fall so she's been working on her swim strokes this month.  In between school and her activities, she's been enjoying the new neighbors (playmates!), coloring pictures, playing a variety of imaginary things, and just being.

Kinley, now 2.5 years old, is soaking up the MWF's with Sarah while Olivia is at preschool.  We often play Lalaloopsy's.  We are going to Music at the Early Childhood Center on Mondays.  She also loves to color pictures (and her skills are more advanced than Olivia's at 3), play a variety of imaginary things, and spend time playing with Olivia.

Brisco is currently suffering from allergies, but overall has been doing well.

 Highlights from our summer included:  VBS for Olivia,  lots of swimming/water play, a trip to Branson with Dan's parents, and just enjoying the relaxed days.  We are looking forward to many things this fall, but one of the most anticipated is our trip to Walt Disney World in October!