Wilson

Wilson has had exactly zero "air-time" here, so I thought I'd send out a little dedication to him. He has been the most wonderful addition to our family. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter little dude. He is silly, shy, giggly, a mama's boy, and unquenchably pleasant. He's 14 months already and finally starting to walk. He especially loves playing with his big brother Eli, who is always happy to make him laugh.

So here is to you, Wilson. I'm so glad to be your mama!

Mother Time

I find myself waxing contemplative this new year season.  I don't typically make hard and fast resolutions, but I don't shun them either. What I've been thinking of lately is simply about what made 2013 a good year, what did I enjoy most, and how can I carry that goodness into making a rich new year.

My family experiences certainly top the list (if they don't fill it all together). My personal goals are really tied to my wanting to be a better wife and mother and wanting to create a home that is truly a haven. And while none of them are firmly articulated, I hope they'll be worthwhile. Because I don't think that there is any greater resolve I can make for myself or for the world than to commit to bringing up a good family.

So here is to more happy days, more goodness, and more godliness in our home. Happy New Year!

Eli's Photography

Eli REALLY enjoys taking pictures. He takes so many that we often have to delete hundreds of ridiculous shots of his jeans REALLY close up, of Millie's butt (which he thinks is funny because he's not allowed to say that word), or of each step he takes down the back stairs. The funny thing is that some of his shots really come out cute or pretty artsy. Here are some that I like.

Fun in the Sprinkler

We had a couple of really warm days early in the spring where we got to have some water fun! The kids had their first experience running through the sprinkler.  They had a normal dose of excitement mixed with, "Mom, are you crazy?" They tried it out in the end...and I got in on the action, too!

Millie is using the traditional testing the water with her toes technique. 

It took a little hand holding to get them really involved.

Hose water in March was a little cold, but it felt nice on a hot day.

The kids made it through their first sprinkler run and it sure was fun. It definitely won't be their last!

The (Terrible) Two Year Old

The day started by playing dress up with her new Easter dress and sunglasses

Then we went and got doughnuts at one of our favorite places. I now know what it feels like to hang out with  a fashionista.

We picked up our Daddy-o for lunch at Cici's later that day.

We had her party on Saturday the 24th. This is the birthday girl after enjoying her cake.

We roasted hot dogs and the boys got to see how big the fire could get.

Its hard to believe that my baby girl has gotten so big. She's been two for almost 2 months now and there have already been some rough patches. But figuring out how to enjoy this two year old, no matter what, is a challenge I look forward to. I love my Millie Girl!

Happy Birthday!

Swinging

The kids enjoying their new swing set. Its a hand me down (except for the swings) and they love it.

Lots more time outside and fewer trips to the playground.

Baby Pictures

I never got newborn pictures taken of the older kids, but was able to this time around. I am sooo happy with them. I wish that I would have done them with the other kids. Here are some of my favorites.

And here is my FAVORITE of them all...

I love you Abel!