Photo love

I just got a new camera lens.

I know, I’m totally spoiled.

I think I love it.

Unfortunately there’s hardly enough time in my day to play with it.

These are a few of my first photos.

   

     

So random… but it’s fun :)

New Tubes

Inner tubes, that is.

Brotherly Love

I am so glad that Miles has a brother.

Luke and I come from families with lots of boys (he’s lucky enough to also have a sister). I can’t imagine life without boys. I have always wanted to find a brother for Miles.

I love, love, love my girls and am so grateful they have each other for sisters, but I don’t have a sister, so I don’t know what I’m missing out on. Masie and Lyla love their big brother who will hopefully be their big protector, and they are fortunate to also have a baby brother who they can mother a little.

I can’t imagine a world without my brothers.

Miles and Lars played in our bed early this morning. Miles is starting to show more interest in Lars now that our baby is smiling, laughing, and reaching out to grab faces. Miles talks about the day when he’ll teach Lars about trucks and airplanes, how to swim, and how to eat his food without spilling.

Love my boys.

?Which Hand?

The trick is not to laugh.

Masie played this “trick” on me all day.

Miles and Masie were going at it for 10 minutes before I started filming.

My kids love watching the cartoon

This morning they’d seen Caillou learn to do magic tricks like hide a penny in one hand and see it appear behind someone’s ear. If you know me, you know I don’t let the kids watch much TV. I like this show though because it’s about a 4 year old boy who usually treats his younger sister with respect. It’s VERY  G-rated. I’ve also gotten a little parenting advice as I’ve seen how patient Caillou’s parents can be :)

Weekend Highs and Lows

We had an eventful weekend at home.

High!

Boxes! For jumping off and climbing into.

 

Low.

My back is out again. Ugh. What’s the cause?? My beautiful babies. I’m trying to lie low for a few days.

High!

Masie’s new bed!

This is Masie “sleeping.”

She has done awesome in her big girl bed. She’s mischief but she knows when she needs her sleep. She’s successfully stayed in bed for 4 nights ands 3 naptimes. I hate to jinx myself, but I think we’re golden.

Low.

Lars isn’t feeling well because of a head cold in addition to his 2 month vaccines.

High!

Pool party and BBQ with family.

Low… ok, it’s probably a High!

Lyla is climbing! She thinks she’s hot stuff when she climbs up the entertainment area.

 

Mornings without Miles

My house is just a little quieter.

Miles started preschool this week.

He leaves us three mornings a week.

Gulp.

I’m grateful that I’m occupied by my other three while he’s away otherwise I might get upset.

This will be a great transition for him because next year he’ll be in all day kindergarten.

(For those that follow my blog, you might remember that last year I posted first day of preschool photos.

He only attended that school for a few weeks and then I pulled him out. So we’re not counting it.)

Sure do love these cuties

Don’t be fooled…

They’re a handful!

Or so everyone likes to tell me.

End of the month

Guess who let me sleep in this morning :)

Hanging out in bed till 8:30 a.m. is a definite treat in our house full of kids.

The end of the month is a lot of work for me so I appreciate the extra sleep.

Thanks Luke :)

Water water everywhere!

Do your kids love water as much as mine?

The pool just isn’t enough.

It wouldn’t be summertime without a water hose.

  

I wish I could fit in the kitchen sink for a bath. Masie likes to help wash Lars’s toes.

She’s up!

For the last week Luke has been telling Lyla walks all around the house.

Apparently she only would do it if I weren’t at home or watching.

Well, yesterday she decided to start showing off her skills to me too.

She’s walking!!!

I recorded her this morning stumbling down our hallway.

(Caleb near the end of the video is one of Miles’s buddies.)

Masie is 2

Things you should know about our little girl…

 

• Can eat her entire lunch in 8 minutes flat.
• Hair continues to get more and more curls.
• Will jump off the waterfall wall in our pool by herself.
• Can tackle and hold down her 4 year old brother.
• Will not stop bothering her baby sister or brother until she’s gotten a kiss.
• Has amazing eyes, lips, teeth and fingernails.
• Has super strength but loves a kiss and cuddle if she’s hurt.
• Loves to sleep with Lars’s stuffed dinosaur.
• Likes to be “cobered up” with blankets.
• Is the best welcomer when family comes to visit. Always ready with a scream and running hug.
• Can climb out of her crib but she doesn’t.
• Does climb up the kitchen island, dining room table, and bathroom vanity.
• Continues to eat sand and chew on toys.
• Enjoys playing dress-up and tea party with chocolate milk.
• “My do it!” is her most popular phrase along with “I broke it,” “I ripped it,” or “Oh man!”
• If you ask her nicely, she’ll do anything for you.
• Has the best fake sad and pouty face that gets her anything from her grandmas. (Doesn’t work with Mom though.)
• Loves to color especially with markers.
• Keeps her family laughing with frustration and shock and awe at her abilities.
• Loved to bits by everyone.

Happy Birthday Little Miss Mischief Masie!!

We celebrated yesterday with a pool party and friends and family.

   

Red, white, and blue and some juicy melon