Friday, May 31, 2013

May 31

Happy Birthday Clay Ray!

Michelle and Micah came over yesterday to play for awhile and take Nicole home. Have I mentioned that I am sad they are leaving? They are leaving to pastor at a church in Missouri. God is going to use them in awesome ways. I am trying to figure out a way to stow away in their luggage.

 
The girls wanted to sew, so they had at it. I think these ended up being blankets for their fairy houses?

I just wanted to provide proof that from time to time I do bath my kids. I used to be so good about regular baths. These days I seem to forget until it's been a few days. Doh! Thankfully the girls reminded me that they needed baths.

As I am typing this, our house is peacefully quiet at 7:30am. That's because there aren't any kids here. "What's that?", you say. That's right. Clay and I are home (he took the day off for his birthday), alone, without children!!! The birthday boy is still sleeping, and I am on the computer without anyone asking me for anything. It's marvelous! Our friends Phil and Scottie asked if the kids could sleep at their house last night. They actually volunteered to keep all four kids. That. Is. Awesome. Nobody has ever done that before... not that I blame them. Four kids is alot to take on. But this tired Mama sure did need the break. I love my kiddos, but I have been short-tempered with them lately. I needed the peace and quiet. I needed to not have to do something for somebody else. Clay and I went out to eat last night and got to enjoy our dinner. Then we decided to come home and chill out in the quiet house. It's the first time since having four kids that we've been in the house without any kids. Heck, it's the first time since having more than one kid where I can remember being home and not having at least one child home with us. It was marvelous! I woke up on my own, went for a walk, and ate breakfast in peace. And you know what? I'm ready to go pick up the kids now! It's been over 12 hours and I am starting to miss the constant chatter (although not the whining/arguing). 


Thursday, May 30, 2013

May 30

Happy Birthday Grandpa Tim!

Nicole spent the night last night. Her family is getting ready to move to Missouri on Sunday.  :( 

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

May 29

We met Jill, Brody, Mollie, and Thad at the splash park for a couple hours earlier today to cool off from the heat - after being in IL with cooler temps, it feels like instant summer now. 

 
 Julia and Brody (on the right). I love that these two still love each other. They've been buddies since they were teeny tiny.

 
 Sunbathing beauties

 Lucy was happier sitting and eating an apple. She didn't like the water splashing her.

Mollie and Kat are two peas in a pod. Every other child was having fun playing in the water/playground. These two sat and took turns reading together. Silly girls!

Monday, May 27, 2013

May 27


 
 
 
 Sunday morning we went to Nonna's church and then hung out with Nonna, Sara and Tim and their kids.

 Worn out. Taking a quick nap before we headed back to Grandpa and Lulu's house to celebrate Grandpa's birthday.

 
 Playing tag with Aunt Dale

 Helping Grandpa blow out the candes

 These two look ornery!


 Clay claims to be yawning in this picture... yeah, sure.

 
 This morning we drove about 1 1/2 hours to visit with Uncle Stump on our way home. While we were sitting in McDonalds, Aunt Dale, Janet, Greg, Nat, and the kids pulled into the same McDonalds. Too funny!

A little stir crazy after hours in the car....


Reunited with Gus.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

May 26

 
Saturday morning my cousin Lindsey gave the girls haircuts. Lucy had her first haircut, and Kat and Julia both got bobs.

Then we were off to Elysa's high school graduation party.
 
 Remi, John, and Lucy

 Elysa

 Lindsey, Elysa, me, and Nat (cousins)

 My three aunts... love these ladies!

 Parker and Julia

After the party, we headed over to Jordan and Terah's house for the evening.
 Kat reading to Maddy

 
Making Grandpa Tim's birthday cake

Saturday, May 25, 2013

May 25


We got to IL yesterday afternoon to visit with family.

 
 
 
 As soon as grandpa got home from work, he took Elliott for a ride.

 
 
Everyone needs ice cream before bedtime, right? Anything goes at Grandpa and Lulu's!

Friday, May 24, 2013

May 24

 Wednesday night Kat participated in the Kids VBS Worship choir rehearsal. The kids will be on stage during the VBS Worship Rally leading all the kids in the songs/moves. As a reward, we stopped for ice cream.

Julia finished this owl stuffed animal all by herself! She read the directions, etc. and sewed it without my help. What do you think Aunt Jessica?

Thursday, May 23, 2013

May 23

Lucy had her 18 month pictures taken yesterday. She made the photographer work hard to get a smile. Every time the lights flashed, she freaked out. I think he still managed to capture her sweet personality though.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

May 22

 
The girls painted their little wood stick houses and turned them into Fairy houses. 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

May 21

We ran errands yesterday, including the dentist. Apparently we wore this little lady out! 

PS - Clay and the kids were all cavity-free. Me? Not so much. Doh!