Love this.

6 Months

Yesterday was the day.  We gave Lucy some rice cereal for the first time.  Honestly, I don't know who was more excited, her or the rest of the kids.  They could not help crowding around the high chair to watch her.  And she loved it.  She's been watching us eat and reaching for our food for a while now.  It was almost as if she was thinking, "Finally!  My turn!"  She would open her little mouth when she saw the spoon coming, sometimes grabbing the spoon.  "Hurry up Mom!"  I guess we're on to a whole new phase now with this little one. 

6 months today

Early Birds

I wasn't sure what they were getting into.  They seemed to be working pretty hard and I don't think it was even 8:00 in the morning yet.

And I really wish I knew what they were talking about.

My hope for them, as well as the littler ones, is that they will always be good friends.  That they will enjoy life together and have great memories of the fun they had and the time they spent together.

Preparing for

the first backyard campout

of summer 2010!

(for the bigger boys anyway...)

Disbelief!

I find myself shaking my head in disbelief a lot lately.  Things like: 
I can't believe how quickly things get messy around here. 
I can't believe how little we've slept through the night lately (and not because of Lucy) or how quickly the pantry seems to empty out. 
I can't believe we have such a nice backyard to enjoy. 
I can't believe how big these kids are getting.  I keep telling them to stop but they don't listen.
The list goes on.  I'm sure yours does, too. 

Take Lucy.  Sitting up.  Rolling over.  Almost ready to start solids.  Shaking my head.  Disbelief.

Sammy flies on his bike- I really can't believe he hasn't crashed yet!

And among the many more, I can't believe this is in my front yard!!

To Mimi and Papa's

We visited my parents a few weeks ago.  It was a great trip.  Relaxing, fun, shopping, good food, good company.  It must feel a little like a tornado when we're there- fast-paced (with the kids), lots going on.  Then we leave and it's...quiet. 

Here you have sweet Mimi.  Busy making sure everyone has what they need, keeping good things to eat around, reading stories here and there.

Then you have my dad, Papa.  Can you see the look on his face?  Ever the playful one.  I think he is usually plum worn out by the end of any visit with us.

This picture was actually at Grandma Lucy's a couple of months ago but I think it captures them both nicely and it makes me laugh everytime I see it.    I know you're so happy to see this Dad!!

Really???

Why am I blogging in the middle of the morning?  Because we just officially finished kindergarten and second grade!  In one sense there is a great relief.  Promises of care-free summer days, more time to tidy up around the house and work on projects.  There is also this fear though: are we really ready to call it a year?  Did they really learn enough?  Is Jack really well prepared for third grade?  Ohhh...I can torture myself!    Like with most things, there is a lot of insecurity on my part when it comes to educating my children.  But, I am going to let it rest for a week or two and see where I am.  In the mean time, here are some recent highlights:

Can you see what's hanging from Jack's beltloop?  Probably not- it's his own library card.  He got it this week and is so excited about it.  Keeps it with him all the time.  Love it!

Kayla lost not one but two teeth within a couple hours of each other.  They were literally hanging on by one very small corner each- and she would NOT pull them. They ended up just falling out on their own.   I was in the kitchen and heard a very calm, "Tooth, Mom."  Then later as she was eating a popcicle, "Tooth!"  Cute as a button.

Samuel's backpacking his bear, who by the way is also named Sam.

And finally, the beginning of many meals outside on warm summer evenings.