How Thoughtful!

My husband brings me flowers from Pike Place Market every year for my birthday, but this year he surprised me with flowers on our, "I met you 5 years ago today," day. How thoughtful. Again, I'm so thankful for everything in my life, especially my husband!

I love a challenge

I am now on a mission to get a picture of all three of my kiddos, all standing at least together and looking at the camera. Below, Ethan initially did his usual, "run," when he saw the camera. He stopped long enough to smile at me as if to say, "You're not going to get me this time Mom."Here they are all standing together, but Addi and Blaise were past their two minute mark of patience. *Sigh* One day!

My Mini Garden

I have really enjoyed the Mini Garden my friend and neighbor Jennifer made for me. Because we were uncertain if we were moving back to TN. or not, I did not want to make a big garden of vegetables this year. Well, word has it that we are not moving back, so luckily I have a pot that grows enough lettuce for John & I to enjoy a fresh salad. The tomato plant in the middle should take off once we have nice, sunny weather. If you have never experienced a salad made from fresh lettuce, you really don't know what you are missing. It is a huge difference in taste and texture. Next year, I hope to do a lot of vegetables as well as strawberries and maybe a raspberry bush.

Blaise's B-day Party

Blaise wanted nothing other than a sleepover this year for his Birthday. So, being the nice Mom & Dad that we are, we said, "OK." We told him he could invite 8 friends for the sleepover, and he quickly asked if he could invite more since there would be some friends that would not be able to make it. Well, lets just say all 12 boys showed up and we had a house full of 8 year olds.Blaise wanted, "Kirby," cupcakes which is a Wii character and happens to be pink. It was his birthday, so Kirby cupcakes were on the menu. I will not comment on my Kirby skills, lets just say they resembled Kirby.
After taking all 12 children to the movies (Thanks Erin and Jennifer A. for helping) our neighbor came over and juggled fire. It was really neat, and the boys loved it. Blaise held the extinguisher in case the fire got out of hand ;)

We moved our dining room table against a wall and all the boys lined up their sleeping bags and played with Lego's until around midnight.

John made his famous chocolate chip pancakes the following morning and then we sent them outside for a water balloon war.

As you can tell, Ethan is outside in his pj pants and whacking the boys with Addi's shovel.

Visit from Parents

Here are some pictures from my parents visit. We had so much fun and the kiddos were terribly upset when their visit ended. We hope they come back soon! Pop-Pop teaching Addi how to fish, she and Blaise both caught a trout.
A snapshot Riding the pony was a big highlight

Addi is a pro with the pony ride

While they were here visiting, we went to Old McDebbie's farm and had a blast. We went on a nature trail that included an eye spy hunt. Random tree trunks are always a big hit.

Addi holding a baby kitten

Ethan enjoying alone time with Pop-Pop

They had their farm animals running around freely so Addi and Blaise fed them food they bought out of a dispenser, pretty neat.

John spent a great deal of time chasing Ethan, it has become a regular activity around our house.

Addi staying close

Ethan is not sure what is going on, but he did take a moment to glance at the goat before he took off running again.

Feeding the animals was a lot of fun

We spent a lot of time in our backyard finding bugs, rocks, etc.

We had a great visit and hope they come back and visit VERY soon.

Spring Family Pics 09

Here are a few pictures from our family photos last weekend. As always, Ethan was busy, busy, but we managed to get some decent shots.

Happy Birthday Blaise!

I can't believe my oldest is 8 today. I can remember like it was yesterday cradling him in my arms at the hospital in MS. I was such a nervous Mom, so scared I was going to do something wrong or that his cries meant more than just a cry. He is so special to me; he has a tender heart and is full of life. With each passing year I realize that my babies are not babies anymore, but growing children. I still cherish every moment and realize that I am so very lucky to have 3 wonderful children and a husband that I adore.Blaise always takes time with his siblings; he is explaining to Addi that the pond has Coy swimming in it.
Can you tell he is just oozing with enthusiasm to have his picture taken.

Addi 3 year pictures

I finally got around to taking Addi's 3 year pictures. I have a few more locations and outfits to try out so I will post them soon. I have to do a better job of blogging my family events/happenings. I just downloaded pictures of my parents visit from Memorial Day. I will post those pictures next. I'm such a slacker at times ;).I love Addi's eyes, she has learned how to do great things with them. She can flutter them, she can roll them, she can wink, squint, smile, and spy with them.
She just had to have pictures with her new umbrella. Now when she gets new clothing or accessories, she thinks she has to have pictures with them.
This is John's favorite picture. She is such a Daddy's girl, really, it is beyond words.

Hair Affair

Loretta came by last weekend to do that magic that she does to my hair and Addi and Blaise took advantage of having a stylist in the house. Addi got curls and Blaise got a much needed cut. They are both like me; getting anything done to my hair relaxes me. Addi was in a trance and Blaise was almost asleep. Good to know that some of my genes were passed down!

Outside Fun

Since the weather has decided to warm up a bit here in the NW, we have had so much fun outside. This particular day we set up the kiddy pool and added a little finger paint.Blaise had a friend over and they decided to have a fingerpaint war.
Addi and Ethan wanted to join in the fun.

Sweet Little Addi!