Stinker

You'd think we would have learned to keep the camera somewhere else. But we haven't. Maybe we just like getting these surprises every now and then. These are the latest self-portraits by Abe. He doesn't even hide what he's doing anymore. When I saw him putting the camera back on the upstairs desk and I asked him what he was doing he just nonchalantly replied, "Playing with the camera." And this is what I found...

Dear Baby...

I want you OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With love,
your mom

First Grade

It really isn't fair to have your first born start first grade when you're 8 months pregnant. I grabbed my sunglasses for coverage as we walked Lilly into school. She's so confident and excited and although she claims she's a little shy, I didn't see any of that this morning.

Lilly in her first day of school outfit.

I might have started getting a pit in my stomach on the way to school. I might have had to put on my sunglasses for a moment indoors when we dropped her off in her classroom. I might have also noticed that sunglasses don't cover an ugly quivering lip and chin and was able to regain my composure. I might have hit Kelly in the shoulder when we got outside and he kept telling me it was okay to let it all out now...and I did. But only for a few minutes. And although sometimes I wish time would speed up and grant me a little more freedom, I don't really mean it. It's going to be a great thing to have her in school all day, but I'll miss our time together. Big changes happening in our home now. Onto another chapter in our lives.

A Tradition

We started a little tradition in our home of getting the kids a few new school clothes and letting them open up their bags the night before school starts. It's always an exciting thing to get presents, and last night the kids seemed particularly happy. It only helped that we had beautiful stormy weather and Vivaldi playing in the background while Kelly grilled us some steaks. It was such a nice evening.

I had such fun picking out dresses and cute things for Lilly. She seemed to like all her new things only her new pink converse high tops weren't sparkly and there wasn't anything with a horse or unicorn on it. She tried to be very diplomatic about it when she expressed her dismay. I, on the other hand, was ready to take back everything I bought her when Kelly stepped in and talked to her about gratitude. I tried to be very diplomatic later that evening when I promised her I wasn't going to buy her anything for a VERY long time and if she wants anything she'll have to earn it. It was all done with a smile and I think we're on the same page now.

Abe was just a delight to watch. He loved opening up his bag and seeing several new shirts to wear to preschool, which starts next monday. After ripping off the tags, he tried on his new clothes starting with a spiderman shirt. I think it was his favorite. And you just can't go wrong with tractors.

The kids played outside in the cool breezy air til it was dark, then off to get baths and Kelly gave Lilly a blessing to begin the new school year. It really was a lovely day.

Let Them Eat Cake

During the second week of our break, my sister, her kiddies and my mom all came for a visit. Since I've been horrible lately about taking pictures I don't have any of the two little girls in gowns going to the "ball" or the two little boys playing outside smashing bugs, or any of them jumping on the bouncy castle. But I do have pictures of 3 out of the 4 kids frosting and eating pink butterfly cupcakes.

It was fun to have them here and we're glad to live close enough to family that a trip to see us doesn't require packing up a u-haul, only filling up the back of a mini van. Thanks for coming to see us sister and mother dears and for watching my kids and cleaning my house and doing my laundry! You're welcome back anytime!

Busy Two Weeks

We've been fortunate during the last two weeks to have some of my family come and visit. My dad came for a few days during the first week after school ended. I warned him that I might not be very nice due to high temperatures and ever growing appendage (a.k.a. the baby). Most likely he'd be fine, I told him, but I couldn't guarantee kindness to my children, my husband, or any random stranger. He still came, and I think I did okay, but since I can't remember anything, I can't be sure.

One of the highlights was taking the kids to the carousel. It's one of Lilly's favorite things to do and until recently Abe would always say, "too fraid, too fraid" when we'd mention taking a ride. I guess he's become a bit more courageous and now loves to hop on a horse that goes one mile per hour.

Some favorites

NO EXPLANATIONS NEEDED!!

On second thought, I confess that we're only slightly worried about this one...

But we love how he makes us laugh!

(photos taken by Grandpa B. during a recent visit)