She's 5!

Madelyn had her first friends party this summer. It was an afternoon filled with fourteen friends and a whole lot of games, water slides, trampoline jumping, piñata smashing, presents, cake and a new bike. Maddie was in heaven! I have no idea how my mother did six of these every year! Happy Birthday, Maddie! We love you and can't believe you're off to Kindergarten this year.

"Mom...

...I want to sleep like this tonight."

Busy, Busy, Busy

I hope that everyone can forgive my blogging absence - it seems like every time I sit down at the computer to blog, I remember an email that needs to be sent, an activity I need to plan, or a calendar I need to update. About three months ago I was called as the Young Women's President at my church, and since then my computer has a whole new use. It's a calling that I love SO, SO SOOOO much, but one that keeps me very busy.

On top of that, we are dealing with Rob's news. Apparently, he's 16 weeks pregnant! We're really excited, and expecting baby #4 to arrive late December or early January. We can't wait to find out what he's having - and have already started discussing names. Here's a little view of what's going on inside his tummy (with the exception of the anatomy - that's a LITTLE different in his case. We're still working out the kinks on that one).


And here's a view of the outside. If you ask me - he's showing a little earlier than normal. At first we thought it might be twins, but after a couple of ultrasounds and hearing the heartbeat - it looks like it's just one gigantic baby.


And don't even TRY to tell me that your pregnant husband doesn't own a mesh tank top.

(Okay, so maybe I'm actually the one carrying the baby...but it IS his mesh tank top. I SWEAR.)

Summer Thus Far

Thank goodness summer is finally here! It was only about a week ago that the weather here warmed up enough to actually break out the kiddie pool. But now that we're actually hitting the high 80s on a daily basis we're spending as much time in the water (and apparently drinking contaminated water) as possible.



The kids first thought that jumping on the trampoline with water was the best thing ever, but have recently realized that playing under the trampoline while water showers through is even better...AND Ella can play too.






Just posting this makes me want to slice up some watermelon, and slap on some sunscreen. I am LOVING this time of year with my kids!

Thanks for being a

Waterfall Hiking

New-Baby-Couch-Sleeping

Baseball Playing

Snowman Building

Book Reading

Medicine Giving

Bowl-Hat Wearing

Train Riding

Back-Yard-Tent Sleeping

Two-Kid-Pool-holding

Snowball Throwing

Insect Handling

Always Playing

kind of Dad. We really are the luckiest family in the world. Happy Father's Day!

Photo Shoot

I love to look through, and giggle at, the pictures that Maddie takes of herself when she's on the computer. There are literally hundreds of them. Some silly, some very posed, and by looking at these, I'd say we're adding artistic to the list. Here is my most recent find:

It's all fun and games until I stumble upon some that I forgot to erase:

Baby Birdy

Jude (who is known in our family as a "good finder") found a little baby bird in our backyard. Super cute for pictures....super scary for someone who is terrified of moths, butterflies and birds.

(I'm obviously talking about Rob).



(The third party filming this video obviously had some major issues with speed talking and wing anxiety)

First Love

Jude has a little girlfriend. They were friends first, but it seems that at Maddie's graduation they decided to take it to the next level. When we arrived at the graduation Jude saw her and said, "Mom, I love Chl.." then stopped and looked down like he knew hit was too soon. I asked, "Jude, do you love Chloe?!" He just nodded and smiled.

Aren't they adorable?!



(He just noticed this post and said, "Mom, Chloe is pretty!)

Before:

After:


(What's with the thumb? Is she practicing for her future head shots/real estate agent stock photo?) And naturally we couldn't take a series of photos without her having to do "crazy eyes." It's a trademark move.

How does Maddie feel about it?

"This is probably the cutest I've ever been."

So humble.