Leah's 'official' 3 yr photos

Our friend's the Davis' have the most amazing swing in their backyard.  When I saw it, I knew I would have to bring Leah back for her 3 yr pics.  I barely made it before the sun set though.  So between the dark, and the swinging, I only got 4 that were in focus!! Good thing Leah's making some normal faces in them.  And then Elena took some cute ones of the both of us.  So nice to have photos with me in them!  Thanks Elena!

The big 29

Ross had another birthday on the 5th!  He does a lot for us and I thought I'd show a few projects he's done over the last couple of years or so.   I don't want to be super mushy... but I do want him to know that I feel super lucky to have him.  (For a lot more reasons than just that he builds stuff.)

So when we re-vamped the kids room a few months ago, Ross built 1- their bunk beds in the closet, 2- some storage shelves because we had nowhere to put their toys, and 3- this desk in the corner that we thought would be fun for them to have.  I still need to paint their desk! Especially now that they've colored all over it.  

The biggest project he's done (besides the bathroom) is the shelving in the family room.  These have made an appearance in the background of other pictures on the blog, but I haven't really talked about them.  It has made such a huge difference!  He did a really fantastic job.  This picture was taken a couple months ago, I have since filled up all of the shelves.  

I was trying to find a before picture and this was the best I could do.  That wall behind Ethan with the TV is the same wall in the photo above!

He also built those storage benches/ottoman.  They were actually his first project.

He also makes most of the dessert in the house.  I should post pictures of all the cakes he's made, but that's too much work. :)

I'm really grateful for his love, and his support.  And for everything he does for us!  I couldn't have asked for a better match.    

First time camping!

A few weeks ago we took a little camping trip down at Douglas State Fishing Lake.  The kids had a ball.  We only camped one night-- which was perfect.   

It was our first time using the tent!

We had a delicious meal of hot dogs. 

I bought a little raft at Aldi.. haha. for $15.  It held up just fine, but we kept it short, cause Aldi's not exactly known for its high quality products.  That, and we got stuck on a branch at the beginning and didn't know if that put a hole in it or not.

We decided to go on a walk around the lake.  It was getting late and the sun was setting, I don't know why I didn't grab my camera! I used my phone for these pics.  And Ross was a dear and ran half a mile to get my camera but when he got back the golden light was gone.  Oh well.

Ross is a fire master.  Smore's are sooo good.

We had a decent night.  Leah didn't sleep very well, I think she was cold.  I was a little chilly too, and finally pulled Leah right next to me so we would both be warmer.  

Cereal for breakfast.  Next camping purchase on the list: a stove!

By the morning the kids pretty much looked homeless.

And don't mind me while I post some pictures of rocks dropping into the water.

It was very fun! Next time we'll have to invite some friends join us.

The Littlest had a birthday

We celebrated this cute little peanut's birthday last Tuesday.  We started the day off early with a favorite board game.  Anyone else sooo bored with Candyland?  She doesn't last too long anyway.  We usually make it half-way up the board and she gets distracted; pulling out all of the cards with sweets on them and hoarding them.  Krispy Kreme after that, presents, playing at a friends house, and a willing mother to play with whatever game/activity her little heart desired.

She did get more for her birthday than tacky princess dress-up stuff, but honestly that's what she was most excited about!  

We had a laid-back party with her friends and their families in the park- cake made by Ross, and ice cream.  When we asked her what kind of cake she wanted she said only, "Pink!"  Yes, but what do you want on the inside? Chocolate? Vanilla? "Pink!"    

We made her birthday crown together.  Throughout the evening Leah would spout "I'm the birthday girl!" "I'm the birthday girl!"  She loved all of the attention. 

Leah has a sweetness about her that I can't put in words.  She is the first to say sorry (out of all of us).  When I am upset she does her best to make me feel better, whether it's a kiss on the cheek, a back scratch, or a "it's o-tay mommy, it's not a big deal!" with a little shrug of her shoulders.  She loves anything to do with babies (baby dolls, baby animals, baby anything) and bats her little eyelashes when she's holding them tightly to her face.  

She loves to talk to people, and is very confident and assertive (although maybe not understandable) when answering questions.  She still loves to snuggle, and ends up in our bed most nights.  I have mixed feelings about that.  

On our way home from her party she opened a little gift that had a couple of dollars in it.  Ethan was really upset that he didn't get any dollars either-- he was pretty irrational-- it was late.  Leah held on to her dollars for a while in the car, kind of contemplative.  Ethan still cried.  As we pulled into the house she handed him her dollars and said, "here Ethan, you tan hab dem."  She may or may not have asked for them back a few days later, but still!  (I should note that Ethan was a very good brother all day-- genuinely happy and excited for her and everything birthday related.)

I love this girl a whole lot.