Backyard Fun

Fun from last weekend's nice weather (I had already posted Leah's)...

A Moment of Silence for...

Today after school, I was nursing Anne and the kids were all in the kitchen...sitting silently, happily, for quite some time, maybe twenty minutes. The reason? ... watermelon! Yum, yum.

Happiness is...

My Sweet Little Boy

I have been thinking about Jacob a lot lately. Not that I don't think about him usually and not that I don't think about all of them a lot. But, I feel like there have been some extra things on my mind with my sweet Jacob. Now approaching 4 1/2, he still has such a sweet smile and tender heart. I met with his teacher last week and was so touched by all she had to say about my young man. She actually was brought to tears telling me how much she just loves Jacob. It was so nice to hear especially from the perspective of someone who knows our family because of him, from someone who knows Jacob first - not his parents as much or brothers or sisters, but Jacob for who he is.

She went on and on about his patience, his good heart, how much he is loved by his peers, how well he plays with all the kids, how well he shares, and much more. That was aside from the fact that he's doing so well on his cutting, tracing, letters & sounds, and counting.

And then there's the other things I see - how much he genuinely loves his baby sister Anne, aka, his "little sweet pea." He always calls her that and he is always watching out for her and loving her. He loves everyone in the family, but you can tell he has an extra special spot for Anne. He also loves playing with his Play Mobil toys. He has such an active imagination and can occupy himself all day just thinking and playing. He'd stay home and play 24/7 if he could. He also has a cute sense of humor. He'll play tricks on you and pretend to hide a lot and then just shows up smiling and giggling.

I have often thought he has a tough position in our family with 2 older brothers who always get to do pretty much everything together - like he may feel like the odd man out or 3rd wheel, and then 2 little sisters. But, he handles it well and is fun to watch - rough and tumbling with the boys, or sweet and loving with the girls.

Jacob, your smile can melt my heart and you've won over lots of other hearts as well. I love you and thanks for being you.

Hello Miss Mya

What an exciting and fun-filled day! The big boys were out of school today and tomorrow so we are making the most of it. Today we went to Jumpin' Jax - a fun place with lots of huge moonwalk type things and joined a large group from school to play for a while. Then, more excitingly, we went to visit Aunt Beth and Uncle Robert at the hospital to meet baby Mya who was born early this morning (a mere 10 days after the due date). Then after a quick pitstop at home, it was off to soccer practice for 1.5 hrs. Quick trip back home for dinner and more outdoor fun. What a day - we're all tired!

The happy family looked great and we were so blessed to meet such a beautiful addition to the family. Congrats to Beth & Robert.

(Interestingly, I saw that baby Clare got a tooth today...so did Anne - her fourth - her second in a week!)

Hello in there...

Hello, baby Lee, this is your aunt. We're wondering when we will get to meet you. We are all anxiously awaiting your arrival, but know that no one is more excited than your mom & dad. You are already so loved. Have a safe trip & don't be too hard on your mom. Maybe today can be it!

Waffles, Part II

Yesterday morning, Leah ate a waffle. When finished, she was sure to let me know her pride in eating a good breakfast, "Mom, I ate all my syrup!"