We've Been Busy...

I haven't been in hiding. Really, we've been busy. New baby No. 5, a trip to Home (aka Utah), trips to places we'll never see again, schools starting, and so much more. So instead of trying to write about it all, I'm just going to post some pictures. That's what ya'll want anyway! Am I right, or am I right?!?
Enjoy.

Last trip to the dam.

 Kate in her cocoon.

 Will and Kate

 Snoozing...again

 Hmmm, sleep or food. Looks like sleep won.

 Enjoying our last trip to Tillamook and the beach.

 "Grab the camara...she's awake!!)

 Jacob is helpful and loves holding Kate so I can get things done.

 Lucie's first day of school.

 Tummy time, or as I call it, blanket eating time.

 Celebrating a full month with Kate!

Whew....I hope you got all that.

Baby Kate

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Did it snow in here?

Sometimes I think life as a mom is a joke. Like did they really have to empty out the full, compacted, four gallon shredded paper basket and throw it throughout the house in that measly 10 minute window I have to get ready? First, it's a joke I am ready in ten minutes, but I'm a mom. Second, it's a joke that they know exactly the moment I am out of their presence, but I'm their mom. Third, it's a joke that they know where the compacted shredder paper basket is, seeing that it's tucked into the back of the bottom shelf on the desk, but they are a mischievous little group, and I'm their mom. Finally the biggest joke of all, that after three times clogging the vacuum, filling three empty vacuum bags, removing couch cushions, moving couches, crawling along the floor and reaching under furniture, I'm still finding pieces of shredded paper in the most random of places. So sometimes yes, being a mom feels like a joke. Which means sometimes all you can do is take some pictures of the mayhem and laugh!

Pictures of July

 Will is our gentle giant. He a solid 31 pounds, and has the strength of 6 Jake's. I'll never forget the day he broke the thick plexiglass donation box permanently glued to the counter of the grocery store checkout lane. He was buckled in the cart, but managed to bear hug it until the whole thing split in half. So it was no surprise to me when he ripped my thick plastic water bottle straw in half. The funny thing is, he doesn't mean to break things. He's our sweetest, funniest little guy!

 Nothing like your first time running for candy at the parade! Will was amazed and in awe of this event. Also, he was unwilling to share. He just filled his little hands, took his seat in the stroller, and ate away. He is hilarious!

 Will with the doctor, showing off his new Sunday bow tie.

 The girls showing off their Sunday attire, not wanting to miss a photo-op.

S'mores....mmmm. Have to have them at least once in the summer.

We love those summer-time reduced price swim lessons and free park lunches!

Poor Holly! Sitting by the pool while Jake and Lucie have lessons is so hard. But we find ways of being entertained.

The best is when she tries to sneak to the little pool slide. She hunches her back and tip-toes a couple of feet, then looks back at me making full eye contact, as if I surely do not know what she is doing, then moves forward a couple more steps. It is stinking adorable! Until she's tried 10 times, then it's exhausting!

Here it is...The Beast! We were hoping to not need the upgrade this soon, but baby no. 5 has changed all that. That makes two booster seats, two forward facing car seats, and a rear facing car seat. Unfortunately the mini-van was just too....well, mini. I was reminiscing the other day about how as a kid our suburban had only two bench seats yet our family of 8 rode in it. The funnest times where riding with pillows and blankets in the cargo area on our way to my big brothers football games, or to our family friend in Idaho. Who needed seat belts? But that was then, and I'm the mom that wants my kids strapped into their seats for safety, and my sanity! Plus, it's the law, hence, The Beast!