Tae Bo

I couldn't pick a favorite so here they all are. V and E's new favorite time killer. Notice too cool big brother in the back who couldn't stand not being a part of the video. Also, notice at the end the shirt comes off, it's serious.

Opening Day

It's that time of year where women all over the state become hunting widows. Actually, it's not that bad for me. It's definitely Dennis' favorite thing to do, but he doesn't go out everyday...in fact he was only out opening day so far. This year he decided to take each of the older two out to the tree stand with him. J went in the morning and E went in the evening. Surprisingly it was J who was able to be the most still and quiet for the two hours. Not our E who can play quietly on her own, or when we watch a movie actually sit and watch the movie...unlike my bouncing boy. The guys saw quite a few deer and I'm sure that helped. I wasn't there in the morning to get a picture of the boys, but I did get one of E and Den before they headed out


priceless.


I loved how her face and curls were peeking out, but she was not in the mood.


There was lots of enjoying the outdoors that day.

Visiting Thomas and Francis (they split the name between the two)

(j was there when they banded the bull and I said "oh they're castrating it today?" and J responded..."no mom, they're not killing it yet.")

Friday night was a farewell gathering for Michelle (blondie) who is moving to France. Chocolate, coffee, prayer and girly giggles = a good night.

Sunday was our annual outdoor church service and these girl ran around chasing kitties. I was a judge in the chili cook off. Food judge/critic would be my dream job.

Spent Monday with sister in law Gina and these boys spent some time getting used to each other. They actually did pretty well for a couple of 2 year old's in their prime.

V loved Misty.

Love this laugh.

Camping

Last weekend we went camping with the world's happiest baby.



Yes, we ALL slept in tents.



We all went for a hike.




Explored with cousins.



Grew from boy to warrior. (sadly i do not have a picture of when they painted their faces with purple poke berry juice)


Growled for mom's picture.






Did some sound of music re-enacting. (she just learned this in music class at school, w/ motions.)



Then it was time to pack up and head back.



Soccer game Sunday. (She's headed the right way in this picture, woo hoo!)



Monday night Bible study with world's happiest baby. Thank you Aunt Liz for the hat!

courage and love

E had a baby tooth pulled today. It had an adult tooth growing behind it for a year and it didn't want to budge. She was so brave!!


BEFORE

AFTER

People keep asking how V is doing w/ B.

You can see that he likes to share. He loves him.

So far so good.

So...B is pretty much the best baby ever. This is him right before bed. He was smiling and cooing away, and he fell asleep while I was brushing my teeth. Every night is about as easy as that one was. Though he does like to stay up LATE.

Around here....

As you know there have been some changes in this household!


This little man has entered our lives and so far everyone is pretty happy about it.


Mom is here and I don't know what I'd do w/o her! She has helped so much w/ all of the kids and has been taking care of tons around the house. She brought our old keyboard w/ her and is teaching the kids how to read music.



Dance season is now over. E had her recital last Saturday and did great. Earlier in the year she said she' d like to try soccer in the fall instead of doing dance again. She has said this before but usually by the time the recital comes around she changes her mind. This year was no different except that we already signed up for fall soccer so definitely no dance next year! I am a little sad, but I think it will be a nice break w/ the new addition.


This was the best video I could get at the dress rehearsal..of course the sound tech turned the music off too soon...but still I was proud! She can be such a stubborn toot, but when she gets on stage she commits!







Went back to the birth center for a male procedure and was able to snap a pic of where he was born. (yes, it was in that tub!)


bath time...not loving it.


Sister is always looking on.



We took him out for some sun the other day...


and V found a little friend. Can you spot him?


This baby bird was hopping around our porch and hanging out in the comfrey.


He ended up hopping right on by the cat's (name diddle) nose, and he didn't seem a bit interested in the live meal.





V and the bird had a conversation.



and one more baby fix...

Baseball and stuff

J has had a couple of games now and if you ask he'll tell you that they've won them all so far. Technically they still don't keep score at this age, but you better believe that the kids do!


Batting is definitely is favorite part.


He's always ready to be a part of the action.



He actually pitched the first inning of a game. Four strikes! He really got into the form of pitching.



The other night the kids were giggling and talking way past lights out so I went in there with camera (lights still off) and aimed at their beds and this is what I found.

J couldn't handle the flash.




This was at J's baseball opening ceremonies. V pretty much calls any drink of ours that isn't water "coffee". It is actually coffee in Den's mug. Are we starting him too young?

Come sun....please....

When the weather is dreary, dull and cold, this is the kind of stuff that makes you laugh harder than necessary.


But then your brother in law throws a surprise party for his lovely wife and you have another reason to go out and laugh.

Then another brother in law makes you smile because he still refuses to eat his peas.

THEN, the sun comes out and everything looks a little better and brighter.

Your daughter puts it well when she see the flowers bloom for the first time and exclaims "this is the best day of my life!"

Then there are days of real warm weather and everyone is enjoying it.

Bike rides,

walks and wagon rides,

birds fly north to proclaim the coming of spring,

love is all around.

Baseball too.

But all that play in the sun can make you tired. So you catch a few winks BEFORE your son's cello concert.

Or you take silly pictures of you and your goofy daughter.

Then you catch your son on stage, setting up and try not to squeal with delight that he is sitting right in front of you on stage.

You also try not to laugh as he feigns seriousness while he waits for the program to start.

But you do beam with pride when he starts to play.
(this is the last piece they played, a combination of all the twinkles they learned)