the kids

Well, I should say the "big" kids, since Blake isn't in here. I needed help setting up my lights before a shoot, so the "big" kids jumped in and goofed off. Here's one that's not too goofy! And one that is! LOL!

Vacation Bible School!

Wow, I'm tired! We had VBS this week, and it was exhausting (I was the photographer for the week), but fun! The kids had a really great time and learned a lot! Max was in the nursery, but they brought the older kids in the nursery out to recreation time and music time. It was such a blast to watch him sing along and do all the motions! He did such a great job and loved it!

Here are some pictures from our week!

I guess I could take pictures of ...

my big kids lying around watching TV all day or playing Webkinz on the computer, but it's just not as cute as Max. It's just not. In fact, it's more irritating than anything, so they're usually being sentenced to more chores. Maybe I should take a picture of that?? So, Max has been his entertaining self as usual. Today was definitely his day for that.

Scenario #1: (this picture were staged, as I wasn't "ready" for what was happening when it happened). Max walks out into the living room with my deodorant, applying it correctly to both armpits! At least he's learning proper hygiene at a young age, right? (Photos courtesy of Katelyn)



Scenario #2: Because he knows he can't run outside naked (although he's tried several times), Max decided to get himself fully dressed in order to go follow Daddy outside. He put on everything by himself, and actually got the shoes on the right feet. However, the shirt was inside out and the shorts were on backwards, but what do I care ... one less kid to dress every day!!!! Woo hoo!!




Scenario #3: This we label as "The Breakout." Of course, we had to put chain locks on all the doors about a half a year ago, because Max had figured out how to get outside with the other locks ... too many times we found him chasing Izzy (who loves to escape also) down the street. So, tonight we find him first trying his little stool and when that didn't work, he pulled out the big guns ... the barstools. Yep, that works. Now what do we do? And notice he's naked again! (Photo courtesy of Katelyn)

How did I miss these?

I was looking back at some old pictures (wondering if I'll ever have the time to get my own pictures printed), when I came across these. I had them ready to add to my blog and everything, but I don't think I ever did it.

Max has discovered that he can climb on stools, chairs, pretty much anything to access what he wants, and usually what he wants is something sweet (sounds like his mom, doesn't it!). I heard the chair moving, and came out just in time to catch him in the act ... of course, I had to get the camera out!

4th of July

I didn't get a lot of photos this 4th, but I did get a few. Here are the boys! Of course, Grant had to blow up a couple army men. We spent the evening with friends from church. The couple hosting the party had a fabulous pool, complete with slide and waterfall. I wish I had a camera there, since Max was jumping off the waterfall with the big kids. It was crazy!

Hope everyone had a great 4th!

blackout ...

Well, life is always an adventure in this house, and last night was no different. In fact, probably more of an adventure. We got home right at 6 p.m. to find the garage door not opening. I figured something was wrong with the garage, but promptly found out upon entering the house that it wasn't just the garage that had problems! The whole house was without electricity. So, we spent the night hoping that it would come back on ... and soon. Unfortunately, it didn't come back on until 10:30, but meanwhile the kids and I had fun in the dark. Max took a bath by "candlelight," the kids played on the GameBoy until the batteries died and then Max, Katelyn and I played UNO. Fortunately, Blake slept the whole time. All we could think was "how in the world did the pioneers do it." It definitely made us appreciate the little things we just come to expect!

Sidenote: When the PG&E guy called me back after the power went back on, his first comment was, "So how do you like me now?" He must have known how happy we were to have our air conditioning back!! (it's only been 106 here!!!).

Blake ... is 2 months old!

WOW! Again, time has flown by. Here is Blake at two months.

Happy Belated Father's Day ...

I had good intentions. I usually do. I just forget things. This being one. I bought this cute shirt well before Steve's parents even came to town. Did I remember to put it on Blake? Hmmm, well if you know me, you know I forgot. So, I had to do a photo session just for Grandpa. Happy Father's Day! Just a few days shy ... sorry!

I also included a behind-the-scenes shot. You can see why Blake is laughing! Never a dull moment in our house!

thumb sucker?

Well, I've been wondering if this day would come. Blake is pretty picky about when he will take a binky (only when really tired, and it doesn't stay in long), but for the most part he's only been sucking on his fist. Tonight, Steve called me in to see what Blake was doing ... awwwwww, thumb suckers are so cute!! Too bad it's a hard habit to break.

the fancy laptop ...

I really do need this laptop. It's not just a toy, and I didn't buy it just so we could take these goofy pictures on it. But, you have to admit, it sure is a lot of fun, and my kids definitely think that's what I should use it for. Almost everytime I get on it, they're begging to take some pictures.

Enjoy!!

High Point Champion!!

Day two of the swim meet was a big success (we don't have to mention that her toughest competition wasn't there, right?)! Katelyn placed first in 100 yd. freestyle, 100 yd. backstroke, and 100 yd. butterfly and ended the day with the 9-year-old high point trophy! It was a fun day, and nice and short, since there were only three teams there!! Here are some pics from today. And unfortunately, Steve got to time today, so I was in charge of Max ... he does not like to sit still!!

Swim Season is Here!

Yeah, I always look forward to this time of the year ... and am always happy to see it go by the end of the summer! Ha, ha! It's a lot of working hauling 4 kids to a meet, but Steve was a trooper while I did timing (sneaky, aren't I?!) and managed pretty well. Of course, Grandma comes along to help too! Couldn't do it without her!

Katelyn had a great 2nd meet (I missed the first, so no photos ... sorry!). We think she placed 2nd in Butterfly, 3rd in Breaststroke, and 2nd in Freestyle. She beat all her times, which rocks! Hopefully she can keep that up! Tomorrow we signed her up for 100's in fly, back and free ... she's not too happy about that! We're so mean!

Here are some pics from today:

bubbles ... bubbles ... bubbles

Max loves his bubbles. Katelyn won him this bubble set at school. She could have used her raffle tickets for some cool metallic markers, but instead thought of her little brother ... awwwww! (The funny thing is, Grant got to pick from the goody bag at his class too and brought home an Elmo coloring book for Max! I thought it was so sweet of them!)

Last Day of School!!! Hurray!

This year has gone by so fast, but we are happy to have summer here to sleep in (of course, Katelyn was up at 5:30 this morning!) and swim all day and play! I'm sure Max will have to adjust to having the big kids home all the time ... he's used to having things to himself! But he'll enjoy having someone to swim with whenever he wants!

Here's a picture of the kids on their last day! They both enjoyed their year at school and did great with their grades! Woo hoo!!

happy m-day

Mother's Day was so sweet ... the kids made me really cute cards and woke me up with a big "Happy Mother's Day"! Grant even made me one of his Lego creations ... so fun!

Blake's a month old ... and celebrating with a smile!

Wow, Blake turned a month today, and while taking pictures, I got a few smiles from him! That is a first. Not sure if it was a fluke or just gas, but it was fun to see him smile! And it wasn't just once ... at least 4 times!

Here he is at 1 month: