We've been there before...

and we're going back. It's that time of year. The time when we pack up and head to a lake/mountainous area w/ Den's fam. The kids LOVE it and ask about it all year. We've been going since J was an infant. These pics are from 2005 and I can't believe how small they are! We'll be back in 5 days.

To: Daddy.... Love, Me

Cooling Off

Den took the kids to the big pool today so V decided he'd like to give a demo on how to cool off when you have to stay home with mommy so you can get your nap instead of going to the big pool.




so simple! It's more fun when you get others involved, see below.

When all else fails, strip and run (aka streaking).

Gross Love

A dear dear cousin sent me a gift. I opened it during lunch thinking it must be something to do with the baby. I was wrong.



Can you believe it? Quick back story...we are both pickers. I'll leave it at that. But even my normally iron stomach could not handle sampling one of these bad boys. But my oh so brave soon to be 10 yr old nephew was willing to try some. Verdict...he liked it! They smelled sweet and are probably yum...but I still don't know if I'll do it!

But thanks abs, I feel loved!

The girl is there....

but this post only features photos of the boys.


For breakfast we made this...


from J's Star Wars cookbook. (though it was really a single sun toast as we have giant farm fresh eggs)


And this is what was left on J's plate. He did end up eating it w/ more toast.




It was our first library day of the summer! I love how V saw everyone reading and after many attempts of trying to get his siblings to wrestle, he decided that he would join in w/ Goodnight Gorilla.




Den took this last night....so glad he did!



Baby B fix.

For those of you that are wondering we have survived a whole day and a half w/o my mom and I think we are going to make it! I really think the summer is going to fly by and for the time being I'm loving having the kids home all together until school starts.

Last Week

It's a week of lasts. Last week that my mom will be here, last week of school, last baseball game on Friday, etc. I'm ready for the kids to be home for summer and yet I feel like I need one more week to figure out how I'll manage 4 kids all at once on my own. But I suppose on the job training is the best kind.





We've had some storms and the last one we had left us a treat! (it is a full rainbow but this all that I could fit in my camera)



Den took J out for his first how to handle a gun/hunting lesson. (unloaded for those of you that might worry) Den said he took it very seriously and followed all the rules.

A trip to mom mom's is not complete w/o a ride on the four wheeler.

V was really into finding potato bugs.

He's also showing more interest in his baby bro.

Dad was here for a few days and the kids LOVED it. I don't know if it was the most relaxing time for Grandpa, but I know he loved it too!

Sister looks innocent, but check out V's hair.

He didn't seem to mind.

We went mini golfing w/ mom and dad. Free plastic clubs for under age 5, V was in heaven!

Baby dedication at 2 wks old.

Last day with Grandpa.

They were visiting on the couch... J="V, we live on planet earth. Can you say planet earth?"

J was entertaining B while I crushed strawberries for jam.

Catching some fresh air while the kids attempted to fly kites.

A moment of success!

Who needs a roller coaster when you have the spin cycle on a washing machine?

33

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...

3 days

I spoke too soon...

born May 16 @ 4:25am

8lb 15oz 21 1/2"

welcomed and loved by his family

In case i don't start with hello....

I'm not officially overdue until Tuesday, but when I saw this I had a flashback to my other pregnancies. I'm gearing up.

mama's day pride

and one more to come...sigh....