Anna Laughing

I can't remember what she was laughing at, but I'm so glad I had my camera handy to capture it.

Love this girl.

6 months (almost)

Sam

Ben

Back on the Grid

We're still alive and breathing out here in the great state of Kansas. Days are long, but the weeks seem to be slipping out from under us.

Blogging is slowly moving up the "To Do List." Really, it's more like I'm starting to get through the "Survival List" and occasionally making it to the "To Do List." (I'm actually not organized enough to have any sort of list, I'm just speaking metaphorically.)

Anywho. Here's a condensed update:

Benjamin and Samuel are growing like weeds. Ben's hair grows in a mohawk. Sam has two teeth and sticks his tongue out a lot.

Isaac screams at anyone who doesn't do what he wants, when he wants. He has pulled out just about every winter hat out to pull over his face and play Spiderman. His web-slinging sound effects are seriously good.

Anna has been earning pennies by throwing away dirty diapers and collecting empty bottles. She's saving up for a ridiculously overpriced theme park that I don't want to pay for. We talk about Kindergarten everyday.

Jeff threw out his back out brushing his teeth, but is better now. It's nice that he works in a hospital because then his co-worker can adjust his back on the office conference table.

Rachel is continually working on her metaphorical "Survival List."

We are all staying sane by eating lots of Pad Thai, enjoying our great backyard, hanging out at the YMCA and having spontaneous dance parties in the living room.

 Here's our favorite song to bust some moves to:

Denver Road Trip

With the excuse of attending our friends' wedding, we packed up everyone and headed on a weekend road trip to Denver. I was excited to see my friends and introduce them to Ben and Sam.

We stopped at the prettiest rest stop on the way.

Isaac, Patrick, Eden, Anna and Larke.

 We stayed with our dear friends, the Jacobs. Kirsta was so sweet and hosted a lunch for a bunch of friends (and their kids) so I could see everyone. It was so lovely to sit and chat the afternoon away. Jeff spent the day fishing.

 We roasted marshmallows.

The Wedding was at the Brown Palace. It was beautiful and we enjoyed seeing Dan and Rachel tie the knot. 

 After a quick couple of days, it was time to say goodbye. Kirsta and I had to get a picture together before we took off.



Anna and Patrick too.

A Series of Unflattering Photos

And a couple of sweet ones...

Summer!

We are loving the beautiful weather around here. Lots of time has been spent playing in the backyard.

May

Homemade Pizzas

 Beanie Ben

 Anna was not very thrilled to have to hold the little boys.

 Isaac was so pleased with himself after putting stickers all over his face.

 First sprinkler of the season!

Anna was clearly thrilled.

 Isaac was nervous about getting wet so he traversed the deck. (A favorite past time.)

 Ben and Sam enjoyed looking at the leaves.

 Man, I love these little guys.

 Green and brown eyes.

 Reading books.

 Preschool (Joy School) graduation.

 Anna, Ella, Emmy, Andrew, Tyler, Peter.

 Anna explaining our family flag.

The graduates!