Living life.

6/21—We went strawberry picking.  Josh really got into and picked most of what we bought.

Afterwards we got a carwash, and Ella HATED it.  She screamed and cried bloody murder.  Poor baby.

You know you live in a weird family when the pickle juice is gone before the pickles.  lol.

6/22—Saturday night we went to our Bishop’s house for a night on the farm.  The kids LOVE going there. 

Luke and Christopher riding a horse.

6/24—I’ve discovered that this little girl likes to sleep with her hands under her bum.  Thought it was kind of a fun fact about her.

There.  I think I’m all caught up.  No one do anything cute or go anywhere fun and maybe I can stay caught up for awhile :)

XOXOXOXOX

Father’s Day Weekend—June 15 and 16

The Saturday before Father’s Day, Darrin really lived it up as a father.  He took his boys on a bike ride to a local park and then to the driving range that night with Cold Stone afterwards.

I very much appreciation the kind of dad that Darrin is.  He loves to spend time with his boys.  He likes to have fun with them.  He’s definitely the “fun” parent around here.  I’m grateful for the balance he provides.  I prefer to stay home, work and get things done.  He’d rather play than work.  You need both.

And Ella hung out and watched.  She was being cute.  as usual.

On Sunday morning the kids and I made breakfast for Darrin and got his present all ready.  And hey. Don’t judge the wrapping paper.  We keep it real around here.

Happy Father’s Day Darrin!  We love you and appreciate all your hard work and sacrifice to provide for our family. 

Rain gutter regatta and the last day of school

June 12 was the cub scouts last activity until September.  They had the rain gutter regatta and BBQ.  Always a fun time.

Josh had fun racing, but I don’t think he ever won any races.  We’ll have to work on that for next year :)

June 13th was the last day of school.  Everyone (even me) was glad to be free of the busy-ness that the school year brings.  Now we’re ready for summer!  Bring on the fun!

Andrew was really excited (read: embarrassed) to let me take a picture of him with his teacher.  Not sure how many more years I’ll be able to do it.  Silly boy.

Children’s Museum—June 11

When Josh and Andrew were little we went to the Children’s Museum all. the. time.  We even had membership. 

In the last couple months, I realized that poor Luke has never been there…such is the life of the third child.  I vowed to take him before school got out. 

He loved it and had a great time!!

Ella’s birthday

I was giddy the night before Ella’s birthday wrapping her presents in Hello Kitty wrapping paper.  Do you know how long I’ve waited to wrap girl presents in girl wrapping paper???? :)

Ella loved opening presents and was very good at it.

Hudson came over to give Ella the present he picked out.  Looks like a proposal to me, don’t you think??

This is what Ella thought about it…

On her birthday, for the first time ever, I went in her room to get her up from her nap, and she was sitting up!!!  I know that sounds weird for a 1 year old, but I’m excited for the milestone!  And then she got up on her knees.  Go baby go!!  We did lower her crib for the first time ever later that night.

Ella, how old are you????

Giant cupcake for the baby.

Ella loved the cake, especially the frosting.  She was a pink, sticky mess when she was all done and went straight into the bathtub.

Happy birthday sweet girl!  Love you to pieces.

Ella—1 Year

Oh baby.  You’re now one years old.  How can that be? 

Words cannot express the joy and light you bring into my life and our home.  Throughout the year, I’ve tried to cherish every moment and have no regrets.  I feel I’ve been successful.  It’s been a wonderful first year and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

You are special.  I hope you always remember that.

I love your cute personality.  You’re serious but know when to smile and laugh too.  You know what you want and when you don’t get it, you cry and scream.  You’re scared in new situations and often don’t handle it well.  You just started shaking your head no when you don’t want something.  I have a feeling you’re going to be quite stubborn which you come by rightfully.  You still have a binky and a favorite blanket.  We have enough formula for you to have one more bottle and then it’s adios to the bottle.  We’ve started you on whole milk already, and you’ve transitioned just perfectly. 

You’re scared of carwashes and scream like a madwomen.  You like my phone and the home phone.  We can’t trick you with the “play” ones anymore.  You’re smarter than that.  You know a couple signs: milk, more, all done, and eat.  You’re most ticklish under your neck.  You hardly ever leave your bows in your hair.  I have to put them in and then distract you quickly.  You have eight teeth and then 2 molars that have poked through. 

A day or so after your 11 month birthday, you started rolling over.  You did it all the time for awhile, now you don’t do it quite so much.  You mostly just sit and then reach far to get something until you’re on your belly.  You try to crawl, but not luck yet.  For now you just cry and squeal until someone sets you back up.  Then you do it again. You went to your first physical therapy appointment this week.  You weren’t very cooperative there, but the therapist determined that you have low muscle tone.  She wants us to start with physical therapy once a week for 12 weeks.  She also wants us to apply for Early Intervention for the gross motor aspect.  As much as not crawling or walking makes the baby stage seem longer, I do think these are important skills you must learn :)

Ella—we love you.  Can’t wait to see what the next year brings. 

Happy Birthday baby girl!!

And a huge shout-out to Becky Ann Photography for taking Ella’s pictures.  They turned out awesome!!  Thanks Becky :)

Spring Soccer

the spectators:

These two little kids spent LOTS of time at the soccer field this spring. 

Yay!!  Go team!

The umbrella was usually always in use.  Sometimes for sun….

and sometimes for rain.

And princess Ella was always riding in some sort of carriage whether it was the wagon or the stroller.

Josh:

Team: Feet of Fury (U9)

Coach: Coach Francesco and Assistant Derek

Position: Mostly offense.  Played goalie once. 

Party: Godfather’s Pizza

Andrew:

Team: Hillsboro United (played up U8)

Coach: Coach Mark and assistant coach was dad

Position: Played all

Party: Local park

Awards: Won the “golden boot” award one game for having the most goals and for excellent play.