Bedtime Snuggles

I have really been enjoying my bedtime routine

with this little guy.

If time allows, I enjoy watching him play in

his room before we put his PJ's on.  With five children and

the normal duties of the day, it is special for me to have

a few minutes to just watch him play.

Then we put on his PJ's and read a book.

Finally, he picks out one or two stuffed animals

to snuggle and rock with.

Love this guy so much!!!

Our Tractor Man

This guy loves to ride this tractor around our driveway.

It was my dad's when he was a little kid.

He loves to ride it, but he often asks

"where is my trailer?  farmers need trailers."

Park

More fun at a local park.

One of us was being quite silly.

And then refused to look at 

the camera.

Daddy's HOME!

Daddy was gone for a week and we missed him.  

Not only was he gone for a week, but he was out of the country as well, 

so there was a lot of excitement when we went to the airport to pick him up.

We made signs.

I actually timed it pretty well this time,

and we only had to wait 5 minutes, 10 minutes tops

for daddy to come.  But, for a few of the kids, this still

seemed like a long time.

It was sweet to see the faces of other people as they walked by.

One man even commented to our children how "lucky their father is."

ALL SMILES as they see daddy coming.

(notice the baby in the stroller with his snack, all he could think 

about was "I eat, I want a snack" - this kid has food

on his mind 90% of the time)

Purple Girl rushed in for the first hug - she 

could NOT wait.

Showing daddy their signs.

These two ladies loved being able to 

hold their daddy's hand in the airport.

So happy to have him home.

And Little J was excited to have his 

special ride on the way out.

I got a hug and kiss too!

We are praising our Lord and Savior

for keeping us all safe this week while 

we were apart and so thankful to all

be home together again.

Blessed...yup, I am blessed!

Trip to Grammie's - Post 6

Playing Peek-A-Boo in Grammie's play room.

Loving this BIG stuffed bear.

All smiles in the mornings.

Little J was up early before everyone else

and usually the last one to fall asleep at night

(thankfully he did nap during the day).

By the last morning we had to actually get up early

so we could get on the road and be home in time

to pick up daddy from the airport.

Of course, he was out like a light on the 

last morning and I had to wake him up.

We finally wore him out!

We had a wonderful week at my mom's.

The kids were really good and it made

the week fly by as daddy was gone

and we were missing him.

Thanks Grammie for all the fun

and all the wonderful memories made.

Trip to Grammie's - Post 5

Two of the days we ended up at the pool.

The kids had a blast swimming.

Grammie's pool has diving boards.  

This was Purple's Girl first time off a diving

board. She did a great job.

Big J started on the lowing diving board. 

He quickly moved to the higher one and LOVED IT!

He basically spent his entire time on the boards.

This guy was trying to throw water at me

while I was taking his picture.

Lots of fun at the pool!

Trip to Grammie's - Post 4

We always enjoy going for a hike up to the tower

at the state park near Grammie's home.

Picture from above waving

down at those below.

All the other children were wiped most evenings

and ready for bed.  This guy had a harder time falling asleep,

so he received a few extra snuggles and stories to help

calm him down for bed. (I don't think Grammie minded 

the extra snuggles either)

Trip to Grammie's - Post 3

We walked to a nearby Tennis court.

Little J pulled this wagon all by himself the entire way

there, up a big hill.  

Busy Bee enjoyed riding scooters with

her baby brother.  He actually can scoot around

quite well for his age.

(once again, happy for the helmet :) 

Trip to Grammie's - Post 2

Baby J sat with Grammie once

he finally snuck this toy computer 

away from his older siblings.

We took a lot of walks, one which included a 

walk to the Ice Cream Shop.

We all GREATLY enjoyed an ice cream cone.

He is taking a bite of mom's cone.

Grammie read several stories to the kids

before bed.  

And one of us tried to climb on top of

all Grammie's table.  I was cleaning up one evening

and he snuck up on this table, I heard him

saying "I dance, I dance..." 

I turned around and yup, he was

"dancing" on top of this table.

(Side Note - due to instances like the above, we 

thankful he still has his helmet on.  I did get him down safely,

but he is a busy little boy)