I honestly cannot believe how fast the weeks seem to fly by. I remember those days when I just had a couple little kiddos at home and we'd try to find places to go and things to do. And now, I can barely take a breath and we are racing off to another activity or I'm hurredly trying to race through my to do list. At some point, I plan to reaccess and maybe cut a few things out here and there- but in meantime- it's "off to the races" day in and day out.

And though it's busy, we still find time for fun. At least, the kids do, anyway!

Here, a little bit of strategizing taking place (yes, we like to start 'em young on those logic skills- see little Christian intently studying the Connect Four pattern? LOL!)...



And, the big kids make lots of time to play and laugh with (or, ahem.... laugh at) the baby. I'm not sure he's enjoying having ice cream cones on his head too much.

I think in this picture, he's thinking what Mommy always says out loud, "If I didn't laugh, I'd cry."

Or, maybe he's actually thinking- I'm about to cry now because this isn't very fun... so, Mommy- stop taking pictures!!

There are a few things that every little girl needs to do on her birthday...

Take a birthday phone call from Grandma (in your best dress up costume, of course)...



Count up your presents. Stack them up high!



Open them...



Make a wish and blow out the candles on your cake...

And eat it!!

Somehow, we completely missed Fall. We went straight from flip flops and shorts to hats and mittens! We've had snow not once but TWICE already. Craziness!!



This weekend, the kids actually sled down the hill in our yard. Granted, there was only about a millimeter of snow - but they somehow made it work. Once the snow was completely melted (which it was by about 11 a.m.) the kids switched from sleds to the Little Red Wagon. Their big brother Braden pushed them down the hill in it! I'm actually glad I didn't know about that until after the fact since since it doesn't sound entirely safe.

And after the sledding escapade, they moved on to jumping in the leaves.

FUN!



As for myself, considering that I'm not any kind of fan of cold weather (below 60 is too cold for me!) - I stayed nice and cozy inside with my little sweetie bear.



He's an absolute joy and delight. I could spend hours staring back in my little man's eyes and cooing back and forth.

I love, love, love, LOVE this age. My little snuggle bug.

Christian - 5 weeks old