Dressed Up & Real Smiley

Here we are dressed up and in a hurry to go somewhere. Is that always how it is with big families? Once everyone is looking nice we have to hustle because it probably won't last long! Actually we were on our way to a happy event- Carter's baptism.

Snugglefest

Grandma Leann and Amber were able to come up for Carter's baptism. They made Carter a snugly, soft, warm blanket that he immediately fell in love with. He has slept with it ever since.

In our family Carter is the "Snuggle Bun", Madison is the "Snuggle Loaf", Grant is the "Snuggle Muffin", James is the "Snuggle Bean", and Jeremy and I are the "Snuggle Pa & Snuggle Ma". We are that serious about snuggling.

Baby Tricks

James has to find a balance in life. Between helping me with all the chores, learning new baby skills, and playing with Dad, I sometimes wonder whether or not James is taking enough personal time during his day to reflect on his blessings. I guess that's something that comes with age. Along with the knowledge that socks are not food.

I Am Carter-Man

Here's Mr. Carter-man all dressed up and ready to be baptized. He and one of his best friends chose to be baptized last week. We are so proud of Carter for the lifelong decision he has made to try and follow in the footsteps of Christ. Congratulations Carter- We love you!

What a Blast!

Madison got to launch a rocket off with her class this month as part of a Star Base Atlantis program through her school. She and her classmates got bused to the Bangor Navy Base every Wednesday for a month and a half to learn about various science principles. Madison had such a great experience. She really enjoyed the program- except for the day they watched a clip of Bill Nye the science guy. She's not a fan. I remember watching Mr. Wizard when I was younger.

Last day of cast!

Grant got his cast off this week. Hooray hooray hooray! I don't know who was more excited about it- me or Grant. The only thing I'm going to miss about Grant's broken leg was the primo parking spots I got to park in while he's been hobbling around. Although, when you have a hadicapped parking issue you aren't really ever glad your needing to park there in the first place.

The doctor said Grant won't be needing any physical therapy and that his leg muscles will be get stronger quickly because he's young. I cant' wait for Grant to be his formerly bouncy self!

Super SIX and super silly

Grant said he wished his leg wasn't broken for his birthday. He did get to switch to a walking boot a couple of weeks ago. That helped tremendously with bathtime. Grant has also been able to get around better with the shorter boot vs the huge thigh-high red cast. I think whoever invented the "walking boot", or any cast you can take on and off, is a genius.

Back to Grant's birthday... He still had fun turning six and celebrating with his family. Having a party with his friends will be put on hold until his leg is better.

Long Lost Sombrero...

Grant wanted to eat at Azteca to celebrate his 6th birthday. We went there to eat last year as a family for Madison's birthday,and she got a sombrero picture taken along with singing and dessert. When we left the resturant for Madison's birthday we forgot our leftovers and the fun sombrero picture they gave us. Ever since we left her picture we've referred to it as... the long lost sombrero picture. I brought my camera when we just ate there for Grant's birthday so he wouldn't have to have the same painful experience as Madison.

Soccer Girlie

This is Madison's first season playing soccer. It's a good thing she likes running because she's been doing it alot at practice. She comes home exhausted after scrambling all around during practice. She hasn't been complaining about it though, so I think she likes it. Her first game was yesterday and she said it was much more fun than practice. I liked watching the soccer game. I think I've been a closet sports fan all my life and not known I was until my kids have started playing sports- funny huh?!

Warning: this could get messy

Our family likes to occasionally make waffles with chocolate sauce for dinner. I know I know that this is not the healthiest dinner ever. We just love having it when we're in the mood for chocolate. This was the first time James had tried waffles with chocolate sauce. Jamesy loved them. He was panting and flapping his arms for us to put it the food on his tray faster. I don't think I've ever seen him eat with such gusto. The bib says it all in this photo. This boy went straight into the tub after this yummy meal.

Carter's thinking "Mom, take me back to my party. I'm serious." I couldn't let him miss getting a picture with his soccer team (see comments on prev. blog). His coaches this year have been awesome. Carter is having a blast playing soccer with new friends and learning so much from his coaches. The only downside to soccer season is that Carter kicks balls in the house constantly and has to be remided to kick them outside only. He's got a powerful kick. Once again the dodging skills I've gained since having Carter are being put to use.

Eight IS Great!

Carter celebrated his eigth birthday this week with his first sleepover. He had two of his buddies over. They played miniature golf, ate pizza and cake, and watched a Scooby-Doo movie. Carter had a super fun time. The only moment of the evening he wasn't loving was going to his soccer field for team pictures for 20 minutes. See the face he's making in the post above to see how he felt about taking a time out from his party time.