Fall 2017

Snapped a few photos to put in some frames at home.  Turned out pretty nice, if I do say so myself!  Kids cooperated, so that helped ;)  We are in such a fun stage of life right now.  Not having a baby stage anymore is kinda refreshing.  Everyone plays on their own, everyone can tell me what they need, and everyone helps each other ... most of the time :)  We love fall and the holiday season it leads into.  Looking forward to creating many memories as we wrap up 2017.

My crew

There are days that are hard.  Days I fail them as a mom.  Days where no one wants to be around each other.  But there are so many good days.  These kids truly love one another.  They take care for each other.  They support and encourage each other.  They make each other laugh.  They cry when one is sick.  They are each other's best friends and I am so grateful to have them in my life.  Blessed. 

Happy 8th bday Eli!

We adore you, Eli!  We are so proud of who you are.  We LOVE being your parents.  We LOVE watching you grow and mature.  Looking forward to another year with YOU!  Happy birthday!

Summer!

Loving summer!!  Some days are long with everyone home... and yes, there is lots of fighting some days... but overall, the kids are really enjoying playing with each other.  We try to do some adventures :)  Enjoying the days outside.  Love this crew.

Happy 10th birthday, Addie!

This girl is amazing.  I can't believe she is 10!  I still remember the day she was born :)
I admire this girl for who she is.  She loves life and lives life to the fullest every single day.  Her joy is contagious.  She loves others well and is well-loved by others.  I am excited to see what God does with her this year.  Love being her mom.  Blessed by her every day.  Happy day, sweet girl!

Oliver is 3!

This boy is growing up too fast!  What a sweet, gentle-spirited, little man.  We just adore him.

Fave food- mac and cheese
Fave color- red
Fave movie- Big Hero 6
Fave thing to do outside- blow bubbles and jump on trampoline
Fave song- Lullaby
Fave sibling- "Addie and Eli and Izzy and Mom"  Ha!!!!  LOL

Potty trained in two days-- amazing. 
Naps at least 2 hours every day-- amazing.
Loves to snuggle-- amazing.
Loves to make us laugh-- amazing.

We love you, Oliver!  Happy 3rd bday!!!!!

tradition!

Three winters in a row!  I will make these kiddos smile for the "sled picture" every year until they are old and gray :)  It's tradition!!  Thank goodness for the little bit of snow we got this morning because I had yet to capture the sled pic for this year.  Yikes!  Got it just in time :)  Thanks kids for being so willing to say "cheese!"  ;)

California!

 A few of my favorite pics from our week in California for my brother's wedding!

 Jac and Jeff!!

 Izzy and Lucas

Eli and Brandt dancing the night away!

We had an amazing vacation.  So fun to be a part of such a special day for Jeff and Jac.  So blessed to call her family.  The kids were great.  Nothing was normal-- late dinners, late bedtimes, naps in cars, restaurants they didn't love, etc.   But they rolled with everything.  They were incredible.  We made some great memories.  Kids favorite two things... dancing at the wedding and Knott's Berry Farm amusement park.  Oliver's favorite was running from waves at the ocean.  Loved our time.  Thankful for family.

Happy Birthday, Izzy!

Our Izzy is 5 tomorrow!!  Yay!!!  What an amazing girl.  Izzy is the sweetest and spunkiest girl I know.  She cares deeply for people.  She's always quick to bring one of her siblings something to cheer them up when they are sad.  She puts others first- always.  Her smile can light up a room.  She gets so excited about the little things.  She's crazy social... wants to be around friends constantly.  She keeps me on my toes, being #3 in the line-up.  But I love her to pieces.  Happy Birthday, Izzy Mae!