Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Let Summer Begin

Summer is here! We are determined to have a fun and busy summer this year, so the kids helped create our summer bucket list.

Here's a few things we've checked off our list so far:

There's no better way to kick off summer than to spend a day at the splash pad.


We went to lunch with our cousins. We spent a good 2 1/2 hours at Arctic Circle this day. I just laugh every time I look at Cam's smile. 
 We went to the mall for Kids Club and spent some time in Dino Land
 Makayla has a few cute little friends in our neighborhood. Kyra and Katie were over one day to play with the kids.
 More splash pad fun

 Popsicles on the swing
 Movie night with popcorn!
 Slurpees

Stay tuned for more "Summer 2016 Summer Bucket List" Events!

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Brynnli is 21 Months

Oh, we just love this little girl! And how in the world is she almost two? Brynn's personality is just shining through. She is so sweet and snuggly, but such a little stinker. She throws monumental temper tantrums when she doesn't get what she wants. She is spoiled by her brother and sister and loves to follow them around and try to do everything they do. She is talking up a storm now-a-days and is starting to put two words together. She asks me about 20 times a day, "Daddy go? Daddy wor? (work)" She loves to go in the pantry and close the door, then run out and scream, "prise!" (surprise). Brynn thinks she is big enough to run away from me at the store and then hide in the clothes rack and yell "boo!" As soon as she wakes up she needs a "ba ba" and when she's done she holds it out and says, "heee!" (here). If you are not fast enough to get her bottle she just throws it on the ground, then tells us to turn on "Mo" (Elmo) or "Jaaa Pite Yo Ho!" (Jake the Pirate). When her movie is over she runs to us and says, "movies off." She calls spoons "soap," ya, we're still trying to figure that one out. I'm happy to report she is sleeping through the night again and is perhaps the easiest baby to put down for a nap... as long as she has her bi-bi (binkie) and bla (blankie).

Some other things Brynn likes to do at 21 months: 

Brynn loves shoes! She loves to try on everyone's shoes and then come show us. 


Brynnli thinks she is big enough to sit on the big girl potty. She tells me, "potty" and then goes to sit on it.  I think she might be ready to potty train, but I'm not ready yet, so we will just hold off until she figures it out on her own. Great parenting over here!
 Goin' for a ride in the baby stroller.
 You improvise when mom wants to shop and Brynn wants to sleep.
 Brynnli was ready for a nap, but I had to finish my lunch. Guess I wasn't fast enough as she fell asleep on the floor. I love the way Brynnli has to have her pointer finger wrapped around the silky part of her blankie.
 We love you Brynnie!

Monday, June 20, 2016

Lucky #7

They say rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck, and this year is our "Lucky #7" anniversary. I think it's going to be a great forever!

 We celebrated our anniversary by going to dinner at our favorite restaurant, Carvers, then went to a movie. It was simple, but so much fun.

Our dinner: Filet mignon server Oscar style (crab and asparagus with a hollandaise sauce). Nom, Nom!


I feel so lucky to be married to Tyler. He is truly the best husband and dad around. He works so incredibly hard for our family, he does so many projects around the house, and always makes sure he spends time with me and the kids. I love this guy more than he will ever know and I look forward to many more years with him!

Happy Anniversary!

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Daddy

We certainly lucked out in the Daddy department. We have the best daddy around. I know I say this all the time, but Tyler is seriously the hardest worker I have ever seen. He also makes sure he spends quality time with all the kids. We love him so much! One day is just not enough to let him know how much he means to us. 
 The kids gave Tyler some new clothes and they made him some ties.


Happy Father's Day to the BEST husband and father! We love you!

Saturday, June 4, 2016

I'm Proud to Be Me

Both Makayla and Caden had their end of the year programs for preschool. The theme this year was, "Proud to be Me!" Both of our cuties did so well.

Caden's program was on Thursday, June 4. He did great saying his name in the microphone and singing all of his songs. He did all of his actions and sign language, but he was still pretty stone faced the whole time. 



 Our favorite song of the night was, "True Colors." Both of our kids loved this song.

 Tyler and I really loved the message in this song and thought it reflected Caden's personality especially well because he is such a smart, funny, caring, sweet little boy, but he is so timid sometimes. People often overlook him or don't have patience with him, and don't get to see his "True Colors Shining Through," but we do! And we just love him so much because of all the different aspects to his personality! Here's the lyrics to "True Colors"

You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged
Oh I realize
Its hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small
But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
 At the end of the program, Caden got the "Sensitive Soul" award from his teachers. They said he is just such a sweet boy and always tries his hardest. They recalled how Caden was trying so hard to earn his alphabet crown this year and he only had two letters he needed to pass off. They said that Caden was just crying when they were testing him because he wanted to get his alphabet crown so badly. And it paid off because we were all so proud of him when he finally got it.
 I am so amazed at the progress Caden made this year in preschool. I think back to his first day when he cried when I dropped him off, and how he would get such anxiety the night before he went to preschool. Now today when I dropped him off for his last day, he ran inside and was so excited to see his teachers and friends. He has learned all of his letters and sounds this year and can even write his name by himself! He has more confidence and really loves going to preschool now. I can't wait to see the progress he makes next year!
 Caden has such a great family to come and support him. Both sets of grandparents were there to cheer our little buddy on along with Mom, Dad, and his sisters.

*I have to point how funny Makayla is in this picture... she was getting mad because Caden was getting all the attention and she refused to smile for the picture. 

 On Saturday, June 6th Makayla had her program. She was much happier when all the attention was on her.
 Makayla did great saying her name in the microphone.
 Makayla was by far the loudest singer in her class. She did so well with all the actions and sign language.
 One of the songs that got me all teared up was when they sang, "Proud to Be an American" There was some thing about this song with the little kids singing it made me feel especially lucky to live in America and made me so grateful for the people who sacrifice being with their families and children to protect us.

 Makayla's favorite song was "True Colors"

 After the program they got their graduation hats
 Makayla got the "Mary Poppins" award again this year because in the words of her teachers, "She's just perfect and does every thing perfectly."



 I am having a hard time accepting the fact that Makayla is done with preschool. She has absolutely flourished the last two years. I am truly amazed at the progress she has made and love how much she loves to learn. We couldn't be more proud of her!

 Our little graduate with all her supportive family (Grandma Kathy was there for the program, but she had to leave right after and missed the photo op).

 Makayla is so ready for Kindergarten and I just hope her love of learning continues throughout her life.

We couldn't be more proud of our Little Learners!!


Friday, June 3, 2016

Who Wore It Better?

It was an itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow polkadot bikinia that she wore for the first time today.

Makayla on the left and Brynn on the right both about the same age sporting the same cute swimsuit...
Who wore it better? 
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Thursday, June 2, 2016

It's Rough Being the Third Kid

You know it's your third kid when you wait until the diaper is bulging out of the shorts before you change it. 

#loveourbrynniebear #thirdkid #aintgottimetochangediapers