Emma in August

Emma is now 7 months old and just a true bundle of joy and energy. She's very happy, loves to laugh and smile and is really exploring the world around her.

She loves mirrors and smiling at the baby she sees in them.

She's eating baby food now and the other kids love to help feed her. The only time we hear her get upset is when it involves not getting her food fast enough. Here she is eyeing her sister's watermelon.

Sister love--It is super sweet to see the kids interact with each other. And take a look at those sweet rolls on her back. She is actually growing out of much of her chunkiness so we had to catch some more pictures while we could.

She also loves looking out the window in our bedroom. She likes to tap on the glass and to stare at the light, the trees, and the sky.

So happy!

Playing in the Rain

When Olivia was about 4, we bought her a pair of rainboots, a rain jacket and an umbrella. The rain jacket still fits believe it or not. Her Aunt DD got her a new pair of rainboots for her birthday this year. A couple of weeks ago, we were at Costco and saw 2 sets of very cute rainboots and umbrellas for the boys, one a firefighter and the other a camouflage set. Well, shortly after we bought them, it started raining, so we quickly got them out, gave them to the boys and let them go out to play in the rain. Sure, they were still in their boxers from getting out of bed, but hey... that's what being a kid is all about, right? :)

A Visit with Grandma and Grandpa - Part 2

While we were in Waxhaw, Rebecca wanted to take the kids down to the creek where she used to play as a child. So one afternoon, after O got done with climbing, we brought them down in their swimsuits to splash around and play in the water and explore. There were lots of small fish, frogs, even crayfish for them to find. In the end, Gabe found the most interesting creature of the day: a leech! It was stuck to his toe inside his shoe when we got back home and were cleaning up. It came right off, but the little bite it left bled for a good 20 minutes.

Olivia thought the water was chilly at first.

The boys loved looking through the mud to see what they could find.

Olivia and I tried corralling the fish between us, but they were too quick.

The boys discovered how much fun it is to throw rocks.

Ezra had no fear of getting right down in the water and splashing about.

Really, none of the kids were...

Though Ezra finally did realize just how dirty he was from all the mud he was slinging.

 All-in-all, it was a good time and it made us wish we has something like this that we could take advantage of more often.

A visit with Grandma and Grandpa - Part 1

 While Olivia was at her climbing camp, the rest of us spent a fun week with Grandma and Grandpa in Waxhaw.

The boys getting their traditional "hay ride"

Ezra loves Grandpa's tractor! (I do, too!)

Gabe making himself dizzy on the swing

Blowing bubbles

Emma is so intense when she's focused on something.

The boys were very silly. Ezra would steal something from Gabe and Gabe would chase him around the living room.

While we were there, Rebecca's mom was house sitting for a neighbor and let us come over and use the pool.

Ezra was the bravest of our children

Emma loves to splash in the water

None of the kids wanted to go down the slide, so I carried them up and went down with them.

That look on Gabe's face is terror, btw...

"Not again, Daddy!"

Ezra was just as fearful, but more vocal.

He said "no" all the way up the stairs.

In the end, he liked it, but didn't want to go again.

Reaching New Heights

Olivia went indoor rock climbing with Grandpa earlier this year and loved it so much, we decided to sign her up for a week-long summer camp.She had a great time and came home each day just worn out from climbing. They climbed from 9am to lunchtime and then played games like Capture the Flag on the walls until 3, so it was a very active day. It was also very impressive to hear her talk about all the technical aspects and equipment she was using.

This is Brina, Olivia's climbing partner. They were paired up because of their similar size for belaying purposes, so I guess they were technically always attached to each other!

Olivia's instructors were absolutely wonderful.

Geared up and ready to go.

On the last day of camp, they invited the families to come and  see their kids in action, so I got to belay for Olivia as she climbed.