Milo!

We surprised the kids with an early Christmas present... a new kitty!!  We tried for a "U" name, but no one could agree... not surprising... Ursala, Ulysses, ect... No thanks!  So we agreed on Milo.  And we love Milo.  He's perfect.  Kids are enjoying their winter break with him :)  Counting down the days until Christmas and spending time with family!  Yipee!!!!

sneak peeks!

My sweet friend, Amber, took our family pics... these aren't the best ones, actually!  I'm saving those for Christmas cards and Christmas gifts.  But wanted to give a few sneak peeks!  Fun to be in this "big kid" stage.  We felt it at Thanksgiving for the first time.  Three kids entertained themselves, for the most part, and mingled/hung out with the adults/ order cousins!  So fun!!  Oliver still attaches himself to me every chance he gets, but I'll take it.  We still had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend together as family.  Love my people.

Hawaii

We had the very best vacation last week in beautiful Kauai.  It was perfect.  The weather was perfect.  We did fun things as well as just relaxed. It was a memory of a lifetime.  Thanks to family for taking care of our kiddos while we were gone.  I was ready to come home and kiss their faces.  These are a few of my favorite pics from the week. 

Happy Halloween!

FALL!!!

 We love fall!!!

Today we went on a "crunch walk" with Nana.  So fun!!!

I'm amazed every day how the Lord gives us the capacity to LOVE.  I am overwhelmed and grateful that I can love each of these kiddos fully and equally.  There is such a special place in my heart for each of them individually.  Again feeling so thankful and so blessed that we get to love, play with, and raise these kiddos.  Thank you, Lord, for each of these little blessings.  And thank you for FALL!

And with that... I am left with only one at home... :(

The older two have ROCKED their first week of school.  Eli was exceptionally tired the first couple of days, but has adjusted to the 7-hour day very quickly.  Addie loves everything about her class, her teacher, her homework, etc.  She has that spark again!!  Izzy started this morning and walked in with zero tears.  Her mama had a few on the car ride home :(  They are growing up crazy fast.  Love walking through these "firsts" with each one of them.  Hope for many more.

summer days come to an end...

It's been so fun to see these kiddos interact this summer.  They all fight, of course... they have their moments where I want to scream or pull my hair out... but for the most part, they really love each other and take care of each other.  I've seen Eli and Izzy really connect this summer, becoming the best of friends.  Addie has done an amazing job at taking care of Oliver.  Fun to see their little bond.  And Oliver just adores Eli.  Many mornings I'll walk in the room to see him sitting in Eli's lap, watching a show or just letting Eli rub his back.  I am so ready for them to be back in school, but at the same time, I will miss the days we just get to hang out and be together, with no agenda, no schedule, no rushing around.  Love these four.  Looking forward to the year ahead and watching them grow. 

Eli is 6!!

Happy 6th birthday to this handsome fellow!  I love my Elias James.  Here are a few facts about this crazy kid...
Favorite food- pizza
Favorite show- Justin Time
Favorite color- yellow
Favorite sport- soccer
Favorite thing to do outside- play football with dad
Best friend- Audrey Weber
Most looking forward to (regarding kindergarten)- recess
When grows up, he wants to be- football player
If could go anywhere in world- Mall of America

Love this guy.  Happy Birthday, Eli!  Looking forward to another great year!
So blessed to be his mama :)

I love this man with my whole heart.  Had a blast running Tough Mudder with him this last weekend. So much fun!!  So blessed to walk through life with him. 

updates

 Izzy and Eli-- best friends, these days.  Love to watch them interact with each other, play with each other, and comfort each other when sad.  This pic is exactly them this summer.  My sweeties.

 Spending time at the beach and in the water!  Eli and Addie have tubed a couple times this summer.  Hope to do more!  I love having these two around all day, every day.  Although some days feel very long, I'm trying to treasure the moments, realizing these two will be off to school in a month and a half.

 Oliver- my main squeeze.  Walking, talking, etc.  Blonde hair, brown eyes.  He's a catch!  Sleeping well.  Eating well.  LOVES being outside.  Loves snuggles and kisses.  He's amazing.

Soccer season finished up this week for both Addie and Eli.  What fun experiences they both had.  We will miss Addie's team-- they were such a family.  Great girls.  Great coaches.  Great parents.  Looking forward to next year already!! 

Thank you, Lord, for these unique and incredible kids.  Thanks for allowing us to raise them.  Thanks for blessing us with these gifts for a short time.  I pray we love them as you do. 

Yesterday was Eli's Jesus birthday.  We celebrated with him cause one year ago he committed his life to Christ... best decision he will ever make!  I can't wait to see how the Lord will continue to shape and mold him and use him to reach the lost!  This kid has an incredible heart for other people.  I know that is the Lord working through him.  Happy day, buddy!  We are so proud of you!

Happy 8th bday, Addie!!

This girl is such a gift!  So beautiful inside and out.  She has a huge heart for people and for Jesus.  Looking forward to having her around this summer!  Love you, Addison Noelle!

Erik and Bri's wedding!