Bring on the fall weather!

August flew by! We were so busy with playdates and lake fun I can hardly believe it is September already! Olivia is growing up so fast and we just can't believe how much she has changed in the past year. We are quickly approaching her 2nd birthday and although we've been told time and again how quickly the years pass when you have young children nothing can really prepare you for it!
She speaks so fluently and is easy to understand. Right now she is speaking in the 3rd person ALOT! It's always, "Livia wants to go to park; Livia help?; Livia eat breakfast; Livia silly!". She is so bright (really! She is! LOL) and wants to know why things are happening, when we're going to do them, and how. She is very inquisitive (just like her daddy!). We are working diligently on learning colors and shapes but she is doing really well with her numbers and letters.
She loves being outside and has recently become a daredevil on the playground going down the "big kid" slides and even attempting the monkey bars (as I have multiple heart attacks watching her!). She seems truly happy with her life and smiles, laughs, and is such a joy to be with.
We've been spending a lot of time with my friend Amanda and her daughter Emily. The girls really enjoy being with eachother and play so well together. Olivia is very compassionate and if Emily falls down is concerned that her friend is ok. It's great to watch them look out for one another and they are doing a terrific job of sharing their things (which we all know is rough at that age!).
For Labor Day we spent a quiet weekend up at our lakehouse with my in-laws. Olivia finally let me put her floaties on her and she loved swimming like a big girl in the pool all by herself. She even jumped off the side to me a few times!
In September I plan to take Olivia apple picking at an orchard in Elijay with our friends Amanda and Emily. I think the girls will love that! They have a petting zoo and live music and showing them where apples come from will be fun too!
Here are a few of what we call "Olivia-isms" that will forever be remembered and retold time and again:
"Mommy, I hold you" (when she wants to be picked up and held)
"I try it" (when she wants to do something like play on the computer, sweep, or help me)
"Choc-coco" (Chocolate Milk)
"Emi-nay" (Emily)
"Good idea" (when she thinks what she's just requested is a good idea...this one makes me laugh every time)
"Snuggles" (this means she wants her blankie and to watch her show)
"He-No" (means Hello when she is pretend talking on the phone)
...I'm sure there are many more....
We hope all of friends and family enjoyed their summer! We are getting ready for our weekends to be consumed with football, crockpots, and family fun! Fall is my favorite time of year! Here are a few pictures from Labor Day. Until next time...

 The first UGA of the season requires full attire! LOL..She was on her way to the mailbox...

 She loves putting things in and out of the mailbox and checking it again later...

 On this day she was sending her letter to Santa!