Lagoon

What fun we had at Lagoon this year. Maleena stayed close to the wagon, but had a good time, none the less. It was so fun to see the boys enjoying themselves. I loved the getaway and day free of worries and concerns. I am learning to shut work off and enjoy the moments that I have with my family. Next year we are already planning to stay two days, since you really can't get it all done in one day. For anyone wondering if there are enough rides for the kids-there are. We haven't been back for a couple of years and things have changed. There was so much to do and Jeff and I were able to get on the rides with the kids so that was even better. I have to admit, the mini-rides were scary enough for me.

 

 

 

 

Seriously, does it ever end?

So last Friday I took the day off work so I could have some fun with the kids. (Jeff took off to drive to Nebraska for his brother's wedding) The morning started off with a bang. I heard a crash and this is what I saw. Except Trae was standing at the bottom of the stairs covered in paint. I about had a heart attack and then I quickly picked him up and put him back amidst the mess. Of course I had time to grab the camera while I was getting the cleaning supplies. Sweet Traeton. He was trying to grab something off the shelf and stood on the bucket of paint in order to reach it. Obviously, the bucket was not the most secure choice. Surprisingly, the paint was quickly cleaned up and the rest of the day went so much better. Maybe it helped to have the crisis over and done by 9 a.m.

Love you Trae-life is never dull with you and your brother and sister around. I can't say that I always like the adrenaline rush that comes with having you around, but I am thankful for you and proud of your independance.

 

 

 

 

Jensen's Grove

Can't believe we have never taken the kids out to Jensen's Grove before. They all had a wonderful time. Traeton especially loved jumping off the dock. It was such a nice afternoon and sooo relaxing. Maleena is a natural swimmer. She loves the water, well all three love the water. I am grateful they are not scared and are actually getting to be pretty good swimmers. Maleena would have walked on out into the deep if we would have let her. Crazy girl-we are working on boundaries. Over all the day was great. We spent most of the afternoon swimming and had dinner with some friends. Thanks Tyler and Kara for the drinks, chips and cookies. We love our little get togethers. Summer is going by so quick, before I know it school will have started and fall will be here. Love days like this one.

 

 

 

 

a few more family pics

These pictures are of the family sitting around after eating ice cream. The kids were being monitored, though they did get a little out of hand. It is difficult to tame so many little boys. I know Trae and Miguel love having their cousins around. I get a bit stressed out when we are around a lot of people or just out in public cause I am constantly worried about what my kids are doing. They did well today and I am proud of them.

 

Uncle Jordan and Kayla

 

what energy these little ones have.

 

Maleena when I walked away maybe four steps to take a picture.

 

summer loving

Today we were able to go to Grandma's house and swim in the ditch. Well the kids swam, I just walked around watching Maleena. They water their grass by flooding the yard so the kids get to go and swim in the grass. They have a good time. Maleena enjoys swinging and seeing the boys run in the water.

 

Kooper was able to spend the day at Grandma's while his parents are at the hospital. Their new baby girl was born this morning at 7:48. They named her McCall and I hear she is just adorable. Congrats!

 

Jared and Tiffany are also in town this weekend, so it was fun for the boys to all get to play together.

 

Afterwards we all went and got ice cream at Farr's. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a fun filled day. It was so nice to spend some time with you. We really need to do it more often.

 

Camping-4th of July

This camping trip was a bit different in that we had so much going on it seemed like we were in town more than we were on the mountain, but it was still fun to get away. I can't remember camping in a tent while growing up, my memories always involve relaxing in a trailer, so it has taken me some time to get accustomed to doing everything outdoors and sleeping in a tent. Jeff has tried to make it as nice as he can. I think we are finally getting there. I am liking it more and more each time we go. It also helps that the kids are getting bigger and the boys are easier to take care of. It is Maleena that makes the most mess of her clothes, but she has a good time doing it so I give in. Jeff loves camping, he would do it every weekend if he could. I love his persevering attitude, but sometimes his obsession is more than I can handle. He always tells me that I love all of the camping purchases once I am using them, but I don't think of that when he is spending more money on camping gear. I do love him for trying to create something great for me.

He is a good husband and father. I complain from time to time, but I do feel lucky to have found him. I see young couples and love how I can feel the love that they have for each other and I wonder if Jeff and I will feel that again, or if it is normal to have moved through that. Are we losing that or has our love reached a higher level? I would like to think that between the kids and work and school and church, that we have moments of that infatuation. I have moments when I look at him and can't believe he loves me, so he must have those moments too. I asked him the other night, he says he does, but I need to know more. I need to feel it. I need to know that he loves me more than anything else. We have decided to make more time for us. I hate going out after work, because I have been away from the kids all day, but I see it is important for Jeff and I to connect outside of the daily routine. Here's to working on keeping my marriage and my love strong. I work hard on everything else, so it just makes sense that I will have to put some effort into this too. Geez, don't know where all of that came from, but I have had a lot on my mind. I guess this turned into my outlet.

I love this little girl

I can not get enough of this beautiful face. I look at Maleena and I am in awe of her beauty. She is such a sweet little lady. She is unique and I am so grateful to call her mine. I marvel at how much greatness I see in her already. I count my blessings every time I look into her face. She has added so much to our family. I love the boys and will always be thankful for the way they have blessed and added to our family, but Maleena has calmed my spirit. I yearned for a girl and prayed that the lord would grant me my prayers. I still worried that the ultrasound would be wrong, even up to the second the Doctor looked at her and said, "it's still a girl." I know I would have loved another baby boy, obviously, but I needed a girl. She has been a bright light through so many hardships. She has softened her Dad in a way I can't explain. I love to see the boys and Jeff loving her and playing with her. She is not all sweet though, there is some spunk to her little personality and I am alright with that. I know she will take care of herself and grow to be a strong, smart woman. I am proud of her already. I have taken a couple of days off for the holiday and it has allowed me to just hold her again. I wish I could do it always. I look at her and that innocent baby face is quickly changing. Where does the time go?

 

 

 

family pics

Yesterday was one of the first nice days and the sunshine really didn't even last all day, but we tried to take advantage of it and get some family pictures. The camera died about 10 pictures in and there was no way we could get all of them done so we took a quick break, plugged it in and waited 5 minutes. The kids were upset with the wait, but it turned out okay in the end. We have a few good ones to work with and it was fun seeing the kids all dressed so nice.
Miguel LOVES taking pictures and being in pictures. When I looked through what I had, there were many of him. Which is good, because his picture is lacking around the house.

 

Maleena was not cooperating, but I guess that is part of the fun when dealing with a 1 year old. She looked adorable though. Thanks Aunt Sharen for the pretty dress, we have been waiting patiently to try it on her along with the beautiful bow. You did a great job on that too!

 

Traeton does not like to be criticized when smiling for a picture. He takes it personally and then begins to shut down. He is too much like me when it comes to that. He eventually understood that it takes a while to get a great picture. Love you Trae!

 

Maleena and I did get one good picture before the camera would not open anymore. I wish she was smiling, but I have learned to take what I get.

 

How did she do that?

We really can't leave anything out lying around anymore. Maleena had been out playing in the grass and the next second I looked out and could not see her. I stepped out the door and this is what I saw. She had climbed up on the table and started eating some left over nachos. I couldn't believe she was able to get up there, but I forget how much she has grown. She looked so adorable-I was a little shocked that she liked the nacho cheese. Given that it is a bit spicy even for me.

 

 

 

 

more pics

I already mentioned our trip to the fire station, but I wanted to add these pictures. Jeff jumped right in there, eager to get a chance to use the big fire hose. What a big boy he is. Miguel was adorable and Maleena had fun just watching. Her sticker identifies her as the fire marshall. It really was a fun little outing.

 

 

 

Traeton's 7

What a delight for Traeton to have his first friend birthday party. He was so excited and it turned out pretty good. I was so nervous about it, but the kids liked the pizza and they had no problems entertaining eachother. We love you Trae and we are so happy that you are a part of our family. Can't believe it has been 7 years since I held my first born. You are remarkable and we are so proud to be your parents.

 

 

We were able to go the the fire station open house. The boys had the most fun getting to hold the hose. It was fun to see Miguel all dressed up. Trae didn't want to put on extra clothes, but Miguel really wants to be a fireman so he loved every minute of it. They even went into a room filled with smoke, to better get an idea of what it would be like to get out of your home if there was smoke in your room. It was interesting and quite scary actually.