Three Step A Mile

Watch Out World Here He Comes

While we were in Idaho, James was beginning to stand on his own as long as he had something in his hands.

He is now walking and Grace will tell you, "He walks three steps a mile." 

9 Months Old and Walking

Sledding In June

Although it snowed in June while we were in Idaho, Edwin showed us a new way to ride a sled inside. One needs slippery sleeping bags, a set of long stairs, and a bunch of kids ready to laugh.  I took James down the stairs once and he had a great time too! 

Kaylee Joe (age 5)

Jessica Marie (age 10)

Grace (age 4)

Anne (age 3)

Kaylee and Jessica are my nieces and they were staying at my mom's house for a few weeks with me. 

We enjoyed playing together.

Time In Colorado

We spent a few days in Colorado with Ben, Shanna, and the boys.  We enjoyed some shopping, playing outside with the water, eating delicious food, and relaxing on Sunday.

Anne practiced her photography skills on Uncle Ben and Aunt Shanna.

Edwin and the kids played with the water guns and slip-and-slide.  James and I sat in the swing and took pictures. Ben cooked the meat.  Shanna did all the other dinner prep. Ahh yes, I sat.  It was a great day and we were glad to be out of the car and outside playing.

Grace licked her foam ball snow cone, while cousin Rohan balanced his and shot Uncle Edwin with a water gun. 

Bruce was happy with a ball in his hands or jumping off something tall.  This picture of Ben is my favorite. 

He is chopping wood for our campfire so we can roast giant marshmallows. That confused look is either from something the kids are doing or something random we said.  I love that simple, mundane tasks are instantly complicated when the children are out and about and the adults are conversing. Such is life.

The marshmallows are nearly the size of a baseball.  They made a huge mess, but we can handle a mess from time to time, especially when it is a delicious mess.

We're Home Again

It's 7:15 pm and the beds aren't made for the day (but the sheets are finally out of the drier).  The sink is filled with soapy suds and the dishes are waiting to be washed.  Edwin took the kids out for a minute and told me I was free to do anything I wish.  Here I am in my messy house with a few minutes to myself and back to blogging!  It's good to be back and I'm excited to post our vacation.  We just uploaded 300 photos... you my dear readers will only see a few of them because as cute as I think my children are.....you don't need 50 photos of James in the bathtub!

For now I'm going to quit procrastinating and go wash the dishes.  Edwin will be home with our crazy kids soon and I am off to enjoy a night of volleyball with the local women in 20 minutes.  So here's to blogging, and here I go to the kitchen.

Punishment....

When we first moved into our new place I tried to encourage the kids to play outside.  However, four years of apartment living is not an easy adjustment for little Grace.  Whenever I told her to go outside and play she would ask, "Why am I being punished?" 

I decided to help her enjoy outside.

Picnic Lunch

Rocket ship Refrigerator Boxes

The Glorious Swing Set

The New Slide

Gardening

Hula Hoops with Daddy's work

Our Campfire Pit

Lightening Bugs and Roasted Marshmallows

Water fights

Some of our newest additions include a slip and slide, a swimming pool, and summer treats like ice cream cones, Popsicles and an endless supply of lemonade.   Yes, the yard is becoming a place to enjoy freedom, laughter, outdoor wildlife, and romping about.  Sign me up for this kind of punishment every day!