Emotion...

Well, after just over two years what got me to open up blogger and write something on this blog (that probably nobody reads anymore...)? I guess it was these pictures. Or these emotions really. The last few weeks I've been able to spend more time with Kacie alone than I have ever been able to before. Ever. Since she was born! We certainly miss the brothers while they are at school, but we're both focusing instead on catching up with our mother/daughter time. And, I'll tell you...it's lovely.

These pictures were from a moment this morning while Kacie was looking out to the patio, feeling disappointment. Being vulnerable and honest. And it was beautiful. I suspect all emotions are. Even though it was me who showed her how to keep the watercolors from all mixing together today, and again me who talked about blending sounds while we went through a list of her very first sight words... yet I was the one who was taught today.

Hide and Seek

Yes, we're still alive...here's a little video to enjoy! Kacie and I played a little trick on the boys. You gotta watch till the end!

Enjoy!

Seven - Four - Twenty Twelve...

Here are some pictures of the kids as they waited for us to be ready to do a few "snapper firework things". I don't know what they're officially called, but the little sweeties had fun throwing them.

Meet Robot Ninja, Strong man, and super girl :)

Kacie's face the whole time she was dropping the snappers. Too cute. 

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Birthday Papa...

We had a lot of fun eating popcorn and being with friends during the Fourth of July parade this year. The boys were excited and enjoyed the motorcycles and tractors. They loved that it was also Papa's birthday. It was an all around great day.

But, boy Kacie loved it best! She really liked cheering for the parade (and making sure I didn't forget either).

What'll it be?

Sometimes Kacie can't decide between her water cup and her smoothie cup. Often times she'll choose them both! Smart girl :)

Kacie - 21 months

It makes me remember a certain someone who used to have the same inner struggles :) Asher and Kacie are similar in so many ways, this didn't even surprise me at all! Click-a-dee click here to see the post about Asher's "Milk or water" decision.

Asher - 14 months

"Hogs and Dogs" with Daddy and Uncle Rex...

The good life...

These sweeties just spending some time together in the back yard.

 Kace is so cute with her baby. It's just amazing to watch her naturally nurture and love.

Some vids...

i love this lady.

Spending time with mother nature...

Awhile back we got to go camping over the holiday weekend. We went with Spencer and Anne. Such a blessing to be able to spend time together in beautiful places! The kids did great, and loved every bit of it. Some favorites were: Canoeing on the lake with my family, seeing Kacie's natural birding skills, the stars, successful first try at whole foods camping meals, sitting around the fire getting to know my newest sister, sitting on the dock at the lake, watching the boys explore, sleeping in the same tent/air mattress as my whole family, and feeling the majesty of the earth.

These pictures crack me up! I love seeing them all together, enjoying the same things.

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll put out the fire."

The other day I quickly cleaned out the van and then asked Caleb to spray it with the hose. He was grinning ear-to-ear while he did what I had asked. About a minute into it he yelled "WAIT!", dropped the hose and ran into the house. He came triumphantly back outside with his firefighter hat on his head - ready to finish the job.

First comes love, then comes marriage...

We had such a great time at Spencer and Anne's wedding! It was a perfect, no-stress, wonderful day for us. I don't even know if they realized they were planning such a kid friendly event, but it was awesome. It also helps that we are reaching this new stage where all-day things like this are doable with the ages of our kids. No special baby food requirements, missing a nap... not a big deal or they fall asleep on someone's shoulder, I don't really even need to carry a diaper bag anymore! 

We loved spending time with baby Annie! 

 This blew my mind! Was Kacie really ever this small?!

The luncheon/reception were great! Yummy food, lots of great places to explore, Cold Stone ice cream. And so many aunts and uncles that there was always someone to get them more when they finished. I wonder how many cones they actually had...

But my personal favorite... was the dancing. No contest! I could have watched Caleb invite and then teach Kacie to dance all day. It was so sweet!

Great party, guys! Welcome to the family Anne :)