Monkey See, Monkey Do

No animals were harmed in the making of this photo series

 

Long Weekend

Owen's 3 on 3 league wrapped up this week. He played Thurs night instead of this holiday Sunday. I decided to take him and stay. I needed some time away from my little sick one.

I put my feet "up" for almost 2 hrs. Watched Owen and read! 

It was just the break I needed from constantly holding Avery.

 

We went to another baseball game on Sat. Tail gate with friends this time.

Sunday, we ate on the porch for the first time this season. We've been so busy with indoor house projects, but EJ finally got around to cleaning it from the winter and spring pollen explosion. My family joined us for an impromptu "bring your own meat" dinner ;)

Avery finally started eating normally on Sunday and seems back to her normal energy level.

We've been spending more time downstairs. There are still several projects not complete, but it's totally useable. We will host our first overnight(s) guest this coming weekend! The older 2 begged to sleep down there. They watched a movie first. I assumed Mason would sneak back up to his bed at some point but he stayed down there all night.

I've had paintbrush in hand again. Maybe I'll get around to taking pics one of these days.

Tripp's 1st Birthday

Despite our rough week, it sure started out fun. Tripp's party was the afternoon of the baptism. We all had such a great time. Lissa throws a super cute party! It took place at my parent's home with lots of family gathered to celebrate.

 

 

 

Avery received this super cute apron from her Uncle Jack (below) and Aunt Pam in celebration of her baptism. 

 

 

Is he not the cutest?!?! Happy 1st Birthday Tripp. 

Mason Turns 7

Oh, how I love this boy man.. err... Abraham Lincoln.

 

Our first one to have a speaking part up on stage. Two lines BUT the opening lines ;)

"Welcome to our celebration of our great country. 

We'd like to share with you what we learned in the 1st grade."

 

Thankfully, I attended the dress rehearsal that morning b/c when Avery got sick I had to miss the show. After his debut, we had cake and he opened presents.

The next day, his actual birthday, he woke up to the customary streamers.

 

He opened our gift to him. His first "real" bible. Owen also received one on his 7th birthday. Mason's reading has exploded just like Owen's did at this age, so it seemed right to carry on the tradition. We chose a different bible this time, mainly b/c Owen has already outgrown the need for pictures which his has.

When we saw this one, we knew it would be perfect for Mason. He loves a good battle ;) We wrote a short note inside and included Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Oh, how I pray he always treasures God's word.

The donut fairy did not disappoint. Thanks, Grandma!

The rest of his birthday was completely crazy. His aunt was there to welcome him off the bus. Then grandma showed up so Lissa could leave. His baseball coach picked him up for his game. My heart ached not to be there with him the whole afternoon. I take that for granted too much. After he got home from baseball and we discovered he was wearing 2 pairs of baseball pants :) I soaked up as much of him as I could. Even tried to hold him on my lap. Man, he is getting big. It goes by too fast.

Mason- Happy 7th Birthday! It was fun watching you up on stage. You are a natural. We are so proud of your efforts at school and the choices you make in the classroom. I am inspired by your passionate personality and I look forward to seeing how God uses it in the future. You are growing up so quickly especially at the heels of Owen. You will beat him in a race, someday, if your determination has anything to do with it. We love you!

Sick Little Girl

Avery has been relatively healthy since her homecoming. Gotcha was exactly 9 months today! We will certainly remember this sickness! Poor girl

Tuesday, Avery woke up early from her nap very upset. At 4 p.m. she (very quietly) threw up. As in no one even noticed until we saw it. She was standing right next to me in the kitchen. It was a busy afternoon. Mason was supposed to be at school by 6 for his 1st grade performance. Pics to come. Family was coming to watch him and celebrate his birthday. I was trying to prepare dinner for 10, plus homework and bday dessert. LOVELY timing!

 In the sling my pitiful girl went.

She wouldn't let anyone but me hold her so when my arms needed a break, she rested on the floor. I could not get her to stay on a blanket or towel. The cold floor must have felt better. (no fever)

Wednesday proved worse. She didn't get sick that often, but apparently it doesn't take much to dehydrate my lightweight girl.

 

 

By 3p.m. I was waiting for the doors of a children's medical facility to open assuming she needed an IV.  My friend Cindy rushed over to be with Ryan (he was napping) until my sister could get to our house. My mom eventually relieved my sister. EJ was out of town for the day! I was right. 2.5 hours later, I left with a slightly perkier little girl.

Today, day 3, she is still not eating anything. Thankfully she is drinking small amounts. She is feistier today and not content to lay on the floor. Hoping those are good signs. She is not asleep in this picture but making it known that nothing I offer will matter :(

 

Ryan is handling everything well considering we do nothing but play games on the couch. This morning we went on a walk. It was so nice to get some fresh air and do something other than hold/carry Avery.

We tried our best to make Mason's bday a good one despite the craziness. Thankfully we celebrated on Tuesday b/c he's actually bday got the shaft. His party is not for another week. phew!

Avery's Baptism

Sunday, was a very special day. Lissa and Alex joined our church as "official" members. 

After that, Avery and her cousin, Tripp were baptized.

We are so thankful for our church family. I loved looking out at folks who had such a hand and prayer in bringing Avery home. She is already very comfortable at church and loves the music.

My parents attended as well as Alex's parents plus nieces and nephew.

Sunday afternoon, we celebrated Tripp's 1st Birthday. How can that be?

Our family of 6 went out for a quick lunch afterwards to celebrate Avery. 

Mexican, her favorite. I didn't take in pics :(

Ryan's Last Day of Preschool

Ryan's last day of school was Friday. He loves school, but doesn't seem at all disappointed.

He has grown since 1st day, but not by leaps and bounds. Ok with me ;)

Still my silly one. Don't you love his shoe choice?

He had a great year. I LOVED his teachers. 

I am confident he heard "Jesus loves you" (those words, not the song) every day. Thankful.

Neighborly Love

We have lived in this house for almost 9 years. We are the only young family in the cul-de-sac sac of 9 houses. Our yard usually looks like a day care provider. I should really be more of a stickler about that. The neighbors love us anyway. They all recognize how quickly time flies and love watching our children play.

Two neighbors go out of their way to be friendly and engaged in our children. A grandmother (of 2 girls) who lives directly across from us and a dad of college grads (daughters) next door to her.

Both got involved, the other day as my boys and their friend were trying to rig their own zip line. I watched from the window for quite awhile before stepping outside to take pictures.

It was pretty funny. One came over to make sure they didn't hurt themselves. She left and brought back extra rope :) The other insisted he could make it really work. Sadly, it didn't. I was somewhat relieved.

I mostly love that neither of them were surprised by my boys plans nor cared that we now have a ugly rope strung between our trees.

I was just so excited to see them use their imagination instead of their go-to sports, that I didn't say a word.

Avery slept through the whole thing.

Mother's Day

I spent a majority of mother's day celebrating with my mother and the newest mother in our family :) These two, bless the socks of me and I am so grateful they live nearby. For my mom's birthday in April, I bought us tickets to a "home show" that consisted of touring 7 newly constructed homes including one decorated by YHL (Lissa and I are fans). It was totally for fun, none of us are looking for a new home. My favorite part was lunch, just the three of us, with no children and no dishes!

 EJ held down the fort and COOKED and amazing dinner.

Oh, how I love this bushy-haired crew. They almost all have the exact same haircuts. Can you tell I've been cutting their hair myself to save $? Hmm...

Tonight at bedtime, I held Avery extra tight and longer than usual before putting her to bed. I thanked God for her and I prayed for the momma who gave her the gift of life.

I am so thankful for my children. My hands are definitely full with these four and so is my heart.