Summer Recap

Our summer ended up being much busier than I had originally expected. We had a few weeks at the beginning where it felt like we were moving from one thing to another with not a lot of breathing room in between.

We attended (and volunteered) at our church's VBS,

during which our living room downstairs flooded,

we went to Lawrence to visit my parents,

we read a lot,

Enna had Roseola,

the kids had swimming lessons for 2 weeks straight,

we went to a skate party,

hung out at the park,

climbed some awesome trees,

played a lot of board games,

swam a lot (usually while Enna napped),

dressed up like cows,

practiced sharing our toys,

worked on self-feeding,

went to Deanna Rose,

celebrated Enna's first birthday,

and went to Silver Dollar City.

It was a fun summer, but I'm glad that we are getting back in the swing of things with school. I am craving a good routine and schedule for our family (still working on that one).

Summer Family Vacation 2014

We decided to take a mini vacation to Branson with my parents and had a really great time. We spent 3 days in a row at Silver Dollar City which was a lot of fun, but also super tiring. Aidan and Nora were at such great ages for the park and while it was challenging with a baby, it was still very worth it.

We tried for a family pic, but getting five people to look at the camera at the same time is nearly impossible. This was day 3 at the park, and we were a little weary, but ready for some more fun.

Our first night there, we took a walk down to the lake near where we were staying. Enna was such a trooper during the whole trip. She spent a lot of time in the stroller, but was pretty happy even when she had to nap on the go. She is officially the fist baby I've had that actually napped in the stroller.

These two sillies waiting for a ride. The park was pretty crowded even though we went during the week, so there was a lot of waiting in lines. They did great and were pretty patient.

This girl wanted to ride with her Daddy. She was super brave though and she had a great time on most of the rides.

We love the Lost River ride and Nora was nervous about getting wet (which she didn't get wet at all this first time). 

Aidan was super excited about getting wet and ended up getting most of the water this time.

However, 2nd time we tried the ride, Nora ended up getting more soaked than I had ever seen. It was kinda like we threw her in the water. She was wet from head to toe! She thought it was funny thankfully and we changed her clothes right after.

Before we headed home, we spent the morning at a mini golf place that had a dinosaur theme. These pictures had me laughing. This was the first day it was legitimately hot. We had such nice weather for July and it was such a blessing.

On the drive home, everyone was tired, especially our littlest sweetheart. She slept for at least half the trip which was a blessing. 

Easter 2014

We spent the day before Easter in Lawrence with my parents and nephews. It was a gorgeously sunny day, full of fun, eggs, and taking care of babies. :) The kids had an egg hunt and we decorated eggs together. They had so much fun and I think I enjoy these little traditions more each year. As far as the actual day, well, we were late for church, didn't get a family picture like I hoped, Seth helped lead worship all 3 services, and we hosted lunch for our combined families afterward. It was a fun time, but exhausting and not a single picture taken.

Christmas/Cousins Visit

My brother and his family came all the way from Canada to visit for Christmas. We had a wild time with all the kids (8 of them ranging from 5 months- 5 1/2 years).

My brother with my niece Wren. She loves babies and was wanting to hold Enna.

My beautiful Mom with Nora. Nora is constantly trying to get my mom to play in her imaginary world. 

The busy room full of wrapped toys and baby toys! :) 

Nora wanted to dance to the Christmas carols we were singing. She had recently watched the Nutcracker ballet which was the inspiration for her dancing. 

One of the twin babies (my sister's boys)

I kept catching these sweet pictures of Nora standing by the tree watching all the activity.

The boys sitting together,sharing a sweet moment

And the other twin...little Eli, such a sweet little miracle

Opening presents with the cousins!

One of the best moments was when Eli started ripping the wrapping paper and laughing. There's nothing better than a baby's belly laugh.

Nora pretending to be a present

Nora had a Rapunzel/Tangled theme this Christmas. After getting dressed up she wanted us to all sing "Ten Thousand Reasons/Bless the Lord Oh My Soul" while she danced yet again.

The boys were busy "excavating" dinosaurs. They pounded away for quite awhile. It was noisy, but kept them pretty busy.

Sweet little Wren

The two oldest--they are just about 2 months apart in age and really enjoyed each other this year.

The middle 2 are exactly 2 months apart in age and had a great time playing all sorts of make believe games. Caspian would play dolls and house with her and they kept on for hours. Nora loved it!

All the babies with their grandparents! 

Xan-almost 6, Aidan-5 1/2, Caspian-3 1/2, Nora-3, Wren-16 months, Lane-8 months, Eli-8 months, and Enna-5 months