Squeaky Clean

He's almost out grown bath time.  He prefers showers most of the time. 

This night he chose a bath, and when that sweet face was framed with swirling soap

 I had to grab my camera.  

Squeaky clean and oh so sweet.

I love this boy.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from the green ninja and I!

Practice makes perfect

He's filling the house with music.

Granted, it's Yankee Doodle and Rockin Robin.

Giant 2nd grader

Today was the first day of school for E-man.  He was a little nervous and a little excited and a lot sleepy.  Last year he was the new kid at a new school so there was a lot more nerves and tears than this time around.  In fact I think this was the first "first day" I didn't shed a tear at all.  I guess I'm finally accepting the fact that he is going to grow up no matter how much I fight it....na....it's still hard as heck!  He has officially become the age where getting a genuine smile from him in a photo is a challenge.  He either wants to give me a crazy eyed fake smile or pose like Rico Suave.  It took more tries than I'd like to admit to get this shot and all in the midst of rushing to get to school on time.  And since our front door photo on the first day tradition has remained in tact I went ahead and threw together this little diddy.  

It's a mess but oh well.  The point is...look how BIG he is!!!  I mean seriously he's a giant now.

I am excited about his teacher this year.  She's young and fun and kind of adorable.  

E just keeps saying she's funny and since he loves to laugh I think it's a good match.  

Well, ready or not here we go!

August Break Day 20

"Peaceful"

 

August Break Day 3

"Window"

A New Coast

After a week away with my party of 5 I am easing myself back into the daily grind.  We had a great trip up north to explore the Oregon Coast.  Such a gorgeous place full of lush forests and miles of sandy beaches. The little's couldn't get enough of the ice cold waves but we spent our evenings in a sweet yellow cozy beach house that warmed up their frozen fingers.  As is the case with most summer family vacations it's never long enough.  At least I have the hundreds of photos I took to browse through and re-live some of my favorite pieces of the trip.  I'm still picking through them to select which ones to share, here is the first round with more to come!

Growing girl

 I swear she grows another inch every time I get to see her.

She was very focused on building her lego house this weekend and with that window light filtering in I 

quickly grabbed my camera to snap a few photos of her.

A messy brand and dirty feet.  That's our Millie.

This girl has spirit.  She is determined.  She plays hard and loves big.

I do love that sweet face.

In-law Jackpot!

We planned a summer time get together with family for this weekend 

and I feel so blessed to have enjoyed some quality time with precious people we don't see enough of.  

I really hit the in-law jackpot.

This is Eden Rose, she is quite possibly the cutest girl on the planet.

I mean really.

I couldn't keep my camera off of her.

Millie made it out of the pool long enough to scarf down a hot dog.

Stealing another piece of my heart with every smile.

Papa Roger proudly looking at some of his son's work.

Cameron's half smirk.

My husband cheesing it up for the camera.

I didn't take near enough photos, sometimes I think that's a sign I am having too much fun.

I am so grateful for the miles traveled and yummy dishes shared.  It was all so wonderful.

I cherish each and every one of you.

Summer time scooter ride

The longer days of summer may just mean evening walks (or scoots) with my guys.  :)  I sure hope so.

Weekend Wrap Up

Succulent shopping, strawberry cake, a housewarming party, swimming, and x-box.  

That about sums up our weekend.  

The 107 + temps here have required all errands happen early and afternoons are spent in the house with the A/C blasting.  

That bill is going to be fun!

A Post Easter - Easter Message

So...did you have a nice Easter?

We managed to squeeze a little egg dying in between baking cookies and riding horses and watching movies and shopping for Easter outfits. 

Millie is quite the artist, just like her sister.  She enjoys being creative and had a blast coloring eggs.

Next on the agenda is this beautiful boy's 7th birthday party.  In past years I've got a tad overboard on planning and spending and making a huge deal out his birthday.  I'm afraid I've set the expectations pretty high for myself.  I am going to make a real effort not to spend so much time on pinterest this year and try to keep it simple.  Besides I'm running out of time, it'll be here in a few short weeks!

I can't believe he's going to be 7.  I know I am biased and all mommy's think their kids are the best, but as far as 7 year old boys go...he's a very sweet one. 

I am proud to be his mommy and so blessed to be the one he wants to snuggle with when he gets sick

(except of course that I in turn get sick but I'll suffer through almost anything to get to kiss that sweet face.)

 

Our Easter celebration started off with a Good Friday service.  This is something our church hasn't done in the past but I very much enjoyed starting the weekend off with the right focus.  Just like any holiday it's easy to get wrapped up in all of the prep and making sure it's a special one for your kids you forget to take a moment and focus on what it really means to you and sharing that importance with your family. 

For me, Easter is everything.  With out the sacrafice Jesus made for me I would be hopeless.

 

Easter Sunday was full of family and food and colors and smiles.  We put on our new fancy outfits and headed to church to sing praises to our risen savior.  We hunted brightly colored easter eggs and shared a delicious meal prepared by hands we love.  We gave thanks for salvation and the blessing of family that we hugged and spent much needed time catching up with.  And I personally ate way too much chocolate...like all week.  (Curse you Cadbury!) 

  

I know it's late but from our family to yours I hope you had a wonderful Easter and the truth of what it is all about resonates with you all year long. 

You are loved, beyond your comprehension.