Summer happenings!

On a whim Brad decided we would go camping in our backyard :) It made me smile.  I loved going camping as a kid…some of my favorite memories were camping.  We’ve been wanting to go, but haven’t been able to pull it together, so instead we camped in the backyard. 

Jack & Madeline thought it was the greatest thing ever. 

They helped Brad set up the tent, collect wood for the fire & make all the necessary preparations to get it all set up! 

My heart was so warm watching their faces…their excitement and sense of adventure…hearing their laughter…

I sat by the fire with Brad thinking there is no place I’d rather be…there is nothing I could possibly want in this moment other than it just to continue. 

For Christmas Jack got an ant farm, and our ants finally arrived.  Jack is my science guy!  He was so excited when the ants came in the mail!

Jack is so excited about kindergarten…I was explaining to him why we had to get shots for K and how they fight the bad bugs so we don’t get sick, and he said, “oh shots have soldiers in them!” I love the way you think Jack. I can’t believe someone else gets you 5 days a week next year…its breaking my heart…

This reminds me…the other day we were passing a bunch of RV’s and you said, “Oh that’s car living! I wanna do car living” …so funny.

Madeline is my free spirited…high maintenance…daddy’s little girl for sure…and momma’s only little girl! With this combination we have to be very careful not to spoil this little darling! Brad danced her around the kitchen like this one evening, and she was on top of the world. 

I watched them dance and my eyes filled with tears thinking of her wedding day when the love of my life would give his little girl away...and they’d dance.  I know how fast it will come. 

Brennan…oh my.  He sat and watched Brad & Madeline dance from the couch.  I had to snap a picture…he thought it was the silliest thing.  Brennan…you are so busy I just don’t know if I will be able to catch up with you…you go through every thing you can possibly get your hands on…its quite a mess…but you are so sweet, snuggly and for sure…our baby.

Happy 3rd Birthday Madeline!

I can’t believe Madeline is 3! We had a Princess party of course!  She had a ball! Madeline loves to have a good time.  She is so free spirited!  She was all smiles the whole time! 

Easter Sunday

Easter was really fun this year!  I’m not sure why I only have a picture of Madeline with her Easter basket.  Oh well!! The kids were so excited to get their Easter baskets the Easter Bunny left them!  After church and naps we went to our neighbor’s Becky & Ryan for an Easter egg hunt and seriously a feast of delicious foods!  It was super fun!  These are all the kids in our cul de sac!!! We definitely have a crew over here.  It is such a blessing!

Jack 4 yrs.

Madeline dressing up as a fireman!  Madeline is not just “all girl” that’s for sure!!!

Brennan (1 yr.)  and walking!!!

Madeline almost 3!!!!

Visitors!

We had visitors!!!! Mary, Matt, Emma, Joseph, Nana & Pop Pop came to visit!  We had such a good time despite the fact that the stomach bug went through everyone while they were here! We still managed to enjoy each other's company though!

Look at that big brother and big sister watching out for their little brother…so sweet!

My Jack is turning five this summer and going to kindergarten in the fall.  I’m not ready.

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY

Brad just finished his oral boards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Seriously since I’ve been with Brad he’s always been studying.  Playing the guitar, watching the kids play, driving in the car, at the beach, at the playground, watching evening tv, you name it…ALWAYS A BOOK IN HIS HAND.  THIS WIFE IS OVER IT…and I am so happy for him to be able to just enjoy life without thinking about studying.  He doesn’t have to take another test for 10 years.  WOW.  He actually gets his scores back in JUNE…I don’t doubt that he passed, but I guess the real relief for him will come when he reads PASS on his results!


Emma & Joseph…these kids are so sweet and awesome!  I hope I can raise kids like them!  Doesn’t Madeline resemble Emma?

Nana with her babies…so happy : )

Spring to summer…

The sun is shining, and we are starting to spend our afternoons outside again!  I love being outside with my kids!

Madeline was giving her babies a bath in the water table!

And this little monkey…he will for sure keep me on my toes this summer! 

For Easter my Mom came to visit…It was wonderful to have her here.  My kids missed her so much.  Before she came Jack told her on the phone that she could ask the guys to build her a house next to us!  (We have a lot of construction going on around our house, so surely they could build a house for MiMi, right!")  That would be dreamy : )

Brennan has learned to climb up the stairs to the top of the swing set…and he has no fear in sliding down!

Neither does MiMi!!!

                           Our MiMi is awesome you know…

Look at him…he makes me so nervous! He’s pretty good at this feat though! 

When spring turns to summer….I am filled with so much happiness, but my heart aches as I start to relive the last few months of my Dad’s life…and the worst months of mine.  He started getting so obviously close to death around now…we were so confused and couldn’t process what was happening…and it just all kept happening. 

I don’t think any of us can wrap our brains around the fact that he is not here anymore.  Having my Mom here without him was gut wrenching.  It’s been 2 years and 8 months, and the pain is still as deep as before.  Thank goodness for my Mom & my sisters & brother & Brad & these amazing children!  They are my sunshine!