Summer Week #1

Its been a great week.  We are moving out of post partum mode into fuller functioning mode.  Thank goodness- can't stay there too long or it'll make me crazy.  

After lots of wonderful help after the baby came, we have finally been on our own this week.

It's been nice to get into a little of a routine (afraid to speak too fast), walk again in the mornings, and I have enjoyed the time with alll of the kids.  I've tried to be intentional with our time, "plan the work and work the plan", and its been nice.

Its been a good groove with swim team in the morning, a late morning-midday activity, naps :), and then VBS in the eves.  Its been really sweet.  I've been trying to be realistic with what we can do and not overdo my expectations so I can be present with the kids instead of in my agenda. 

My Uncle Richard and Aunt Jane came to visit!!

 Morning swim team- Peter is second from left.

We made some progress into a baby routine and schedule.  

It worked well to feed this guy while the big kids were swimming.

We had playdates with friends.

Benjamin went for his first dip and slept through it- high maintanence I tell you.  ;)

 Mike got to play drums for VBS this week.  We all loved it.  The kids and I loved watching him and he got lots of comments about not knowing he could play the drums.  So more drumming may be in his future.

I love the community aspect of VBS week and seeing all of the grown ups act crazy to bring the Gospel and God's outrageous love to our kids.  And it was pretty sweet to sing and worship every night of the week.

Hail Jesus, You're my King.  Your life frees me to sing!

 The Village People led worship for Kingdom Come VBS 2014.

Mike got to wear his Moroccan Djalaba for his costume. :)

 And that is a wrap!

There could be less blogging in our future??

and more hanging out w/ this chubbiness!

"Special Drink" / Special Day

Pete woke us up this morning by telling us he had made everyone a "special drink".

It had bananas, Cheerios, marshmallows, water and milk.  He'd also set the table for everyone with their drink in a mug and a spoon beside it.  Sweet boy.

Doesn't that look appetizing?!

 Daddy and Peter went log walking.

The kids rode their bikes to and from a nearby park (with Daddy)!

Last Days of K

These two...

Peter can be sooo sweet to his sister.

Lily loves it that Peter can pick her up.  She had him do it when he left for school.

I think this is a good reminder that he will FULLY come around for the baby.  ;)

We went into his class for an indoor picnic at the end of the week.  He was sweet and so happy that shwe were coming!  They were so cute and happy to see each other.  Peter ran over to her at the door to greet her.  She was happy to sit with him at his seat.  And he got a birthday ribbon- summer bday- that he was thrilled about and told me about the days before it was the day.)

 This cutie pie has been Peter's best friend this year.  He has talked about her more than anyone.

Seriously, isn't she cute.  If only it could always stay this sweet and innocent.

 THE LAST DAY:  Lily and I went in to pick him up b/c we had to get his med.  I felt so emotional about it all.  We will not be there next year.  This felt like the day that made it all final- the end of all official ties to that area of town, apart from friends.  (We certainly didn't move far so I know its not that big of a deal.)  It just felt like such a bittersweet day to know we won't be there next year.

a final peek in his class... he is in the orange shirt.

They do a cute thing where the walkers gather on the front lawn and wave good bye to the buses for the final time of the school year.  We could've done it but I couldn't.  I would have been a bawling mess.

So we took pics out back instead.  :)

 Daddy worked from home so it made the day feel even more festive.

 We went to lunch at CFA.  There was some disagreement about who would sit beside the baby and who'd sit the back with Daddy.  They both wanted Daddy.  So there were three in the back.  Such a wonderful Daddy!

 Thankful for a great teacher this year and nervous for summertime!

A Perfect Ten {One Month Old}

Our Benny Bear, Benny Baby, is one month old.

He has been an easy baby.  So far he just eats, sleeps, and grunts occasionally.  

We got our first smile at 3 weeks old and he is doing a little cooing for us.

I am enjoying all of the squishiness and Mike sometimes has to tell me that its time for bed, to stop talking to him late at night.  

I love seeing you stretch when you wake up, smile after your milk, and seeing your rolls grow, 

 We went to the doctor this week and you are a perfect 10 pounds.

Weight: 10 lbs (50%)

Length: 21 inches (25%)

Head circum: (75%)

All of that body kills me.

 Sissy can't get enough and had to join in for the photo shoot.

 Even the back of his head is cute!

 Get it, boy!

 This is a yawn... 

It just doesn't grow old to hold this sweet baby and hear that living, breathing sweetness just across the room at night.  And to feel that increasingly chubby body against me.

Little man, it has been so fun to have you.  We are so glad to have you as part of our family!!!

Adventures with Daddy

In case you haven't heard, we have a creek behind our new house.

It is Mike's most favorite part of our new house.

He takes the kids on regular adventures back there.

 One weekend they walked it around to the main road.  They found animal tracks so Peter made it into a mystery (he's been listening to too much Nate the Great & "Jack and Annie", as Lily calls it)... the mystery of the animal tracks.  Here is his puzzled face.

 They've been to Busch Gardens a few times with friends.

Today's big news... they captured (then released) a cray fish and a tad pole.

Memorial Day Weekend 2014

Paw and his oysters

 Uncle Henry and Aunt Barbara were there to meet Baby Benjamin

It was the inaugural weekend for the new boat...

 The little man joined us on the dock a few times.