A Blur

The last few weeks have passed in a bit of a blur.  It’s been a busy time of field trips, awards programs, end of the year programs, t-ball, and other activities.  It’s been fun, but my google calendar has gotten a reminder workout, as I was certain I would forget to go to something.  With one week of school left, it is still possible that I will forget something yet. =)

A couple of weekends ago, we went to Indiana to visit our friends, Rob & Kim.  I lived with Kim in college and Rob was one of my closest friends in college, so it worked out well for me that they ended up married.  =)  These two meant the world to me way back when and they still do. We had a wonderful time hanging out with them.  We picked up right where we left off last time we were together and we enjoyed our time with them so much.  The kids all got along great, which was such a blessing as well.  Thank you, Rob and Kim, we appreciate you and your hospitality so much!!  (Many of these pictures Rob took, thanks for sharing them with me!)

Their rock exhibit

I forget what they were doing, but this was part of the circus they put on….

The whole gang.

Some of Lincoln’s recent writings.

Anya has figured out that sometimes her siblings have more sympathy than her Mom….

Some snapshots

    

At the Rassi family Memorial Day breakfast, some of the kids found this fawn.  I let Kate take my phone to get a picture, she came back with 96. =)

Greg does such a great job of singling out different nieces and nephews at family gatherings and playing/running/talking with them and making them feel special.  It’s no surprise that he’s one of the favorites! 

We’re so excited to feel the warmer temperatures and the kids wake up asking to go outside.  With the kids almost done with another school year, I’ve been thinking about ways to help the summer go smoothly and praying we can all enjoy our time together.  I have a few ideas, but if you have any good ones, feel free to send them my way.  =) 

New Skateboarder

As if Creighton were not crazy enough, Mike taught him how to skateboard.  Fortunately he is content to do it sitting, but still, I’m sure he will be standing up soon.

Creighton also caught a frog or toad, I don’t actually know the difference, but the kids were fascinated.

Lincoln had a program at school and did a good job participating. 

 

This girl is just a ball of fire.

 

Grandpa fixed the tire swing. =)

 

Sweet Joce, this picture just cracks me up.  If she could talk I think she would say, “Aunt Carmen, get out of my face.” 

I don’t have any pictures with my Mom or Mother-In-Law from our Mother’s Day celebrations, but I am so blessed to have both of these women in my life.  They continually pour themselves out for me and our family and I am truly grateful for it and every additional Mother’s Day we get to spend together. 

Lastly, some pictures of me and the kiddos trying to take a picture on Mother’s Day.

Everyone is looking. =)

Anya & Messes

Hard to believe, but lil’ Anya is just a few days shy of 18 months.  She’s ….hmmm….she lively right now.  She climbs up anything, likes to wander off if we are playing outside, loves to dump absolutely anything out, but is also full of hugs and giggles.  The kids are learning that they can’t leave anything on the table.  This morning, Creigh momentarily left his bowl of cereal to go to the bathroom and Anya reached up, grabbed the bowl, and then dumped it on the floor.  A few minutes later, Linc did the same thing and when he got back Anya was simply eating his breakfast.  She’s just all over the place right now.  =) Here are a few pictures of her messes…

 

She loves it when Lincoln and Kate get home from school!

 

Some days Creigh and Anya get along really well…

Other days….not so much….(Creighton is inside the tub Anya is standing on)

One night last week, Kate had some homework that was due the next day, we needed to leave for the evening before Mike was home, and she was having trouble with the homework. No matter how I tried, I could not explain it in a way that she understood.  So, I took a picture of the homework, sent it to Mike, and he logged into my computer and explained it to her by showing her on the computer while talking to her on the phone.  Having a “techy” (and genius) husband does have it’s advantages.  =)

Lastly, the relationship these kids have with Lou is so special.  Our kids adore her.

Easter Weekend

Kate and Lincoln had Friday and Monday off for Easter.  We had a lot of fun, but were exhausted come Monday night. 

Thursday night we were able to eat dinner and decorate eggs with Nic and Amanda. 

  

Friday was a beautiful day and we spent most of the day outside.  Saturday we went to Rassi Easter and to our kids’ absolute delight, Phil and Cyrena brought the dogs with them.  I can’t even begin to explain Kate’s delight.  I will let the pictures tell the story.  Phil and Cyrena, thank you so much for patiently allowing Kate and Creighton to love on your dogs ALL DAY LONG!!

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt with the Kaiser’s

Monday morning Wendy and I took our kids to the zoo.  Not only is Wendy brave enough to go places with me and my 4 kids, she actually helps me with them.  She’s a gem and I’m so grateful for her!!  Thanks, Wen!

Trying out the hurricane simulator.

  

I stole this picture from Jen off of facebook…the neighborhood gang (they aren’t even all there, these kids have a ball together)

Anya swinging, her absolute favorite thing to do. =)

And a little bit of “keepin’ it real” – are these the days I will supposedly miss??  I’m not sure I believe that after 7 straight days of this.  =)  That’s Anya wailing, I tried to get one of her all out tantrum, but the photo just doesn’t do the scene justice. =)  Have a great afternoon!