Finally Fall

We have finally hit a cold spell, I think that fall is here. We started this week in the low 90's but ended with some very fall like temperatures. I am so happy for jeans and hoodie weather, we had chili for dinner tonight and I am loving it. The past month has flown by, school is in full swing for both of us and we are keeping busy that is for sure. I just got back from spending a week at 6th grade camp with my students. It was a good week but I am tired. I am however, finally starting to feel better. This pregnancy has been very different than my last one and I was extremely sick, but hopefully I am done with that part. We head to the doctor on October 19th to find out the sex, so I am counting down the days. My camera hasn't been working lately so I don't have many pictures. I will try to get a new belly shot soon, my little belly is showing.

Matt watching some tv while Brian tries to get some more sleep

 Playing in the bath tub

 One night we heard a loud noise, turns out Matt fell out of his bed and landed by his closet, he never woke up. But we had a good laugh and just had to take a picture.

Matt decided to take a bite out of all of my "Matoes" on day, I wasn't too happy.

 My best friends from high school came to visit during the last week in August. I haven't seen Lauren and Jill in years. We all live in different parts of the country and have stayed in touch via facebook and email but it was awesome to actually spend some time with them. We talked all weekend and it was like no time at all had passed. We went out to eat, toured around St. Louis, went to Ted Drewes (Lauren I need that picture), took a Brewery Tour, and headed to Busch Stadium to see a Cardinal's game. It was a wonderful weekend.

 Daddy and Matt on the Brewery Tour

 Jill, Lauren, and Matt at the game

Matt made the score board at the game

Death brings Life

As most of you already know my mom passed away a few weeks ago. It was very sudden and most of my family was in complete shock. Many questions where asked, why God? Why my mom? Why so young? But ultimately we knew we didn't need these answers because God has a plan and he causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28) So instead we have turned to God and decided to look at the positive. My mom had a great life; she met and married the love of her life, was blessed with three daughters, got to see all of us walk down the isle and say I do. She was there to witness her first grandson being born and spent two wonderful years with him. And she was able to learn that a second grandchild was on the way. Yes that is right, with death comes life and we are choosing to celebrate my mom's life and the life of Baby Gardner #2 due March 5th. While this is a bitter sweet time we know that my mom would be so proud. We love you mom.

My mom with Matthew earlier this summer

 Me at 12 weeks pregnant (Matt wanted to be in the picture to show everyone where the baby is)

Matt's 2nd Birthday and Soeder Family Visit's

Matt's birthday fell on a Saturday this year and we had some special visitors. My parents, grandma, and sister, brother-in-law, and their dog all made the drive to St Louis to spend the weekend. We had a great time and loved every minute with our special guests.

Matt was so happy to have Louie staying with us for the weekend, after he left he walked around the house looking for the dog for days. And yes, the dog actually stayed in my house (big deal for those that truly know me)

 Ken, Jamie, my Dad, and Brian went to the Brewery for a tour one afternoon

 We can't forget about Ted Drewes, it was Uncle Ken's first time

 On Saturday afternoon, my family took Matt so I could get ready for the party. Matt got to go up in the Arch for the first time.

 The weather here has been hot, so Papa decided to cool him and Matt off in the sprinkler

 Aunt Jamie decided she needed to cool off too

 I just love this picture, look closely and you can see my dad's facial expression (just makes me laugh)

 We headed to Sho Gun for family dinner to celebrate Matt's birthday

 He loved it, they even sang to him

I can't claim these but they turned out so well, I just had to post them.

 Some of the decorations

 Can you tell what the theme was yet?

 Happy Birthday Matthew (my baby is two, where did the time go?)

 Nana and GG enjoying some cupcakes

 He just loved his nerf arrow gun from Aunt Sue and Uncle Anthony (from Ohio), it was the hit of the party



Matt's 2 Year Pictures

A few weekends ago we had a friend of ours take some family pictures. She did a great job and we were so happy with the results. Here are a few of our favorites.

Matt's 1st Tubing Ride at the Lake

Lake Trip for the 4th of July

The weather was perfect this past weekend for our annual trip to the Lake. We had a blast, Matt loved every minute of it. Chase and Jill came with us for a few days and Matt loved having a buddy to play with.

Matt and Chase on the boat

Showing off his new shades
Playing in his pool on the dock

Ya-Ya, Matt, and Chase on the tube (Matt's first tubing ride)

Going tubing, the boys loved it

Taking a break from the sun

The Byrne's came over for a visit and we went on boat ride and to dinner

Here are the boys on the tram

Taking us for a boat ride

Watching Elmo

Botanical Gardens with Friends

Last week Jill, Hillary, and I took the boys to the Botanical Gardens to play. We had a great time, the boys loved it and can't wait to go back again.

Trying to get a good picture of the 4 of them

Blake, Aiden, Chase, Matt

Trying out the big slide
Climbing on the bridge