When they were Young: Father-Son Camp-Out

For the Father-Son Camp-out we were asked to provide the youngest photos of both the father and son for an evening slide show presentation. I had a great time picking through my favorites, and finally settled on the ones below.

Samuel said the shot of Owen (on the right), got big laughs!

Here's a brand new Owen:
Just born and on the scale!
He's not one bit happy about it either!

Such is the life of a new baby:
Sleep, sleep, sleep!

And here's my sweetheart at 6 1/2 years old.
He's about the same age as Isabella & Ava!
It's hard to believe that the boy in this picture is all grown up with a wife and 5 children!

And here they are today.
Two of the most influential men in my life. Soon they'll be joined by a third.

I can't wait!

Speed-Racers & Blessings

This is the sight I am fortunate to see every week-day morning! I hate to brag, but my daughters are beautiful! They are intelligent, curious, fun-loving, and FUNNY!

What a blessing to be entrusted with their care!

Packing our Bags

Since I'm 36 weeks now, and my babies usually come at 38 weeks, we decided that for this Monday's Family Home Evening we would pack our bags!

The kids are thrilled because they'll be staying with their cousins; I'm thrilled for my mini-vacation and meet & greet!

With everything thrown in the living room, Owen took a liking to my deodorant and began to "apply" it!

He was super-proud of himself!

Samuel's Mom: Happy Mother's Day!

My mother-in-law is a really special lady. I am fortunate that such a wonderful woman, who is so caring, loving, and generous, raised my husband. He truly is a product of a loving family, who taught him standards and principles that are the foundation for our family today.

How can your children possibly repay you for all that you have done for us?
We can't!

But we tried!

Everyone pitched in for a lovely brunch at Mimi's Cafe, Chocolate-dipped Strawberries, and a Super-Rich Chocolate Cake!

Happy Mother's Day!

My Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day!

I'm always allowed to sleep in as late as I want, and when I make my grand entrance it's to a breakfast menu of my choice.

This year, I selected:

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan cheese
&
Scrambled Eggs
Ham & Cheese Croissants
Chocolate Muffins
Orange Juice

This year, Samuel could only find a 6-pack of assorted muffins (poppy-seed, blue-berry, & chocolate), and of course, everyone's favorite is the chocolate. Because it was my special day, I was alotted one whole muffin to myself. However before I could take my second half, Iris scooped it up and licked it!

Where did she learn such a thing?

And not only did she lick it, but she proceeded to thoroughly enjoy it!

That little rascal.

Look at my beautiful family!

I could not be happier on this Mother's Day!

I hope you had a wonderful day too!

A Sweet Reward!

The girls have been participating in a reading program in school, and one of the prizes they earned was a delicious one:
A Free Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Scoop!


Needless to say, the whole family was excited to see them collect their surprise!
Why?
Because we get ice cream too!

And mom was happy because they even had some healthier ice cream options too called "Bright Choices"! Owen made it even healthier by eating half my ice cream!

Thanks Owen!

Imagination

I love that my children have one another! Yes they fight, but they also love to play with one another. Sometimes I hear them rooting around in the bedroom, and then, amid squeals of delight, they'll come running to show me what they've been up to! It's always a happy surprise, because you never know what they're going to come up with next!

Playing "mommy & baby".

Playing...?
I don't even think Owen knows!
That's probably half the fun!

Waterbabies

You wouldn't know it by looking outside, but we did have a few sizzling days there for awhile. The kids could not wait to don their swimsuits and head out back! After being liberally slathered with sunscreen by mom, they were finally free to play with the cool water!

Last One

Okay, I could'nt resist!

Here is the official last photo of Easter!

An Elmer Easter

Samuel and I love living close to both of our families, so getting together for the holidays is always a welcome scramble!

Samuel's arms are full with his newest niece and nephew! Parents of twins, triplets, and more, we don't know how you do it!

Aunt Rachel

It's hard to believe this holiday's come and gone!
Next year we'll have a 10-month old!