Talkin' with my Sis

Allyson laid on the bed with Brandon and started talking to him. We couldn't believe the conversation that developed. Quite adorable.

Going with the Flow

Know what happens when you're child #5? You get lugged around to everything: track meets, softball games, piano lessons, badminton tournaments, gymnastics, church meetings, visiting teaching, after school pickups, grocery shopping, & on & on. And this little guy takes it all in. He never fusses. He just tags along as if he were as happy as could be. Amazing! Carseat to grocery cart to stroller to Mommy's arms - it doesn't matter. He just smiles and looks around. I am one LUCKY MOM!

A New Thing

Baseball Hats: I know this isn't a big deal for most people, but for our family, the only real baseball hats we've seen lying around are for adults (except for the one pink Dora hat which has survived 4 kids). So, when we went to Yosemite and put this hat on Brandon's head, the entire family was..... giddy! Yes, we just couldn't stop giggling with delight. How fun for us. I'm sure this is just the beginning, however, for now, it's the only pint-sized baseball hat in our home and we're loving it.

Go for it BABY!

Allyson qualified for the track team as one of the three best long jumpers at her school (4th graders). Troy's dad took the challenge of getting the perfect shot of her in the air. I think he mastered it! (He actually laid on the ground and inched under the fence to get the shots.) Too see more of his great photos, check out his website.

Daddy's Helper

At 2 years of age, we have a constant shadow with us asking to help or do what we are doing. What a perfect excuse to send her outside (and give me a little break). Camille was in heaven washing the car with her daddy. She took great pride in the work she was given and she followed instructions perfectly. What a kid! And the car looks beautiful!

Our baby boy

Brandon is 3 months old now - and is one GOOD baby. He's sleeping 10 hours at night without waking up! I know, I'm lucky. He's content and happy and good natured. He's also quite a big baby - about 18 pounds already and barely squeezing into his 6 month clothes. His sisters adore him and he gets tons of attention. We think he's pretty dang cute.

Brandon's Blessing

Sunday we had Brandon blessed. Troy gave a very awesome blessing with wonderful promises. We were fortunate to have so much of the family in attendance. One of these pictures shows the 4 generations - my grandfather, my father, me and my son (it really is fun to say that word "son"). It's special that my grandfather is still alive and able to participate in these events. Troy's parents flew out from North Carolina to spend the week with us. We had a wonderful time with them here and kept them busy with all the activities of 5 children! They'll need a vacation from their vacation. My wonderful friend actually made Brandon's blessing outfit. Amazing! & very precious.

A day in Yosemite

We are fortunate to live 45 minutes away from Yosemite so while Troy's parents were here, we made a day trip and enjoyed the beautiful scenes. This time of year is spectacular because there's so much water. The waterfalls are full and there are waterfalls in places that disappear as summer approaches. Here are some pics from our day in the mountains.

Still Blue

The brown eyes from my side of the family have dominated. Allyson's the only one who has Troy's eyes and they aren't very bright. Look at Brandon! So far it looks like he's going to get to keep his blue eyes. And they are quite bright.

Happy Mother's Day

I was spoiled to death on Mother's Day - slept in, strawberry pancakes for breakfast, all the help in the world and then a Mexican feast for dinner. Yep - being a mother is great - especially on Mother's Day!

Sportin' it on Sunday

Dressing up a boy on Sunday is FUN for me! Look at this guy. Too cute.

Our singing girl!

Camille learned a new song in nursery and has been walking around singing it everywhere we go. We had to catch her on video. Interpretation: Bouncing a ball is fun to do, fun to do, to do, to do.

Bouncing a ball is fun to do, to do to do to do.

Spring Time

Love this time of year! We were watching Amanda play softball and just enjoying being outside together.