Swimming Lessons

We had a successful round of swimming lessons this summer. Unfortunately I think most lessons took place out of the water rather than in the water due to the cold temps at the beginning of the summer. I'd have to say the highlight for me was when the teachers decided to play hangman with Elsa's class when they couldn't go into the water. Maybe it's just me but I'm guessing it's probably not a good idea to play a game that requires you to know how to read with kids who barely know their letters.

Elsa having a great time during lessons.

Inga ready for her teacher to show up.

Elsa is excited for class to start!

The girls were a little chilly waiting for swimming lessons to start.

Inga's Recital

Inga had her second dance recital at Franklin Middle School. She did a great job this year and actually did both dances! She had a helper...a middle school girl named Amelia...and Inga instantly had a new best friend. Inga has been asking for another recital ever since.

Inga just before stage time.

Elsa's Tired!

Elsa was a bit tired one afternoon! She gave up eating her lunch and disappeared under the table. After a minute, we looked down to find this. Doesn't look too comfortable so she must have been exhausted!

Our First Family 5K

We walked/ran in our first family 5K. Okay, Jason ran a 5K and the kids and I walked about half of a 5K! We were joined by the Haag family and two moms with five kids doesn't really work when you want to complete a race! At least we know for next time to find sitters for the kids. Or just stay home with them! All in all, it was a good time, though. After the 5K, there was a fun run that the girls did with Jason. They both got a ribbon for finishing that race so they were pretty happy!

Inga and Elsa before the race.

Thomas took it easy during the race!

Our little walkers...Inga, Addi, Elsa, and Gable.

Jason and the girls in the fun run.

Inga's 3 Year Old Preschool Graduation

Inga's preschool allows all of the kids to go through graduation at the end of the year. That way no one feels left out! Inga had a great year and we are looking forward to another wonderful year at Little Lions. Elsa especially can't wait since she will be joining Inga this year.

Inga before the ceremony started.

Inga with her teachers, Miss Shawna and Miss Dawn.

Elsa's Imagination

Elsa loves being on camera. Hope you enjoy her thoughts!

Elsa explaining super heroes.

Elsa singing one of Inga's preschool songs. She doesn't quite have the words right but it's still pretty cute!

Anyone Want a Nap?

After a busy morning, here was what the crew looked like on the ride home...think they were tired?

Our Growing Boy

Thomas keeps on changing on us! He is just growing too fast.

Enjoying some pizza...yes, pizza!

Wearing Daddy's hat.

Woops!

Elsa's First Dentist Appointment

Elsa had her first visit to the dentist appointment. She did such a good job! She got right up into the chair and cooperated so well with the dentist and hygenist. She even let them clean and floss her teeth. And best of all...no cavities!

Thomas waiting for Elsa to be finished.

Happy girl!

All right, Mommy! Let's get on with it!

Thomas' 6 Month Pictures

Here are a few of our favorite pictures from Thomas' 6 month photo shoot. He is growing so fast!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Elsa!

Elsa's birthday party was a success this year! No crying and lots of fun! When we asked Elsa what she wanted for her birthday, all she said was, "A Tiana cake!" For those of you unfamiliar with the current Disney films, Tiana is the princess from "The Princess and the Frog." We got her the cake she wanted and she had a fantastic time at her party!

We are so thankful to have such a beautiful little girl. Elsa makes us laugh every day with her silly behaviors and is so loving to all of us. Elsa is so sweet and we couldn't have asked for a more wonderful little girl!

The Cake!

Tiana on the cake.

Elsa eating her favorite meal. Well, peanut butter & jelly would probably top hot dogs but we figured hot dogs would be a bit fancier for our guests!

Inga enjoying her meal.

The birthday girl and her cake!

Such a sweetheart!

Blow out those candles!

Elsa, Inga, Brekin, & Payson jumping in the bouncy castle.

Bath Time and Cloth Diapers

Thomas absolutely LOVES bath time! He loves to splash in the water and chew on his wash cloth. He gets a bit frustrated with trying to grab the toys since they always seem to float away from him!

We have also started using cloth diapers with Thomas. I always wanted to try them with the girls but heard tons of horror stories about them. Turns out they've changed a bit since my mother's day. Well, they've changed a lot! I have been so happy with the change and they are much easier than I thought they would be. I'm now trying to convince everyone to use them! We are using GroVia diapers and want to thank Lauren at Birth, Baby, and Beyond for educating me all about them!

Happy boy in his cloth diaper.

Aren't they so stinkin' cute?! And really...they don't stink!

Our Crazy Kids

We always have a good time taking pictures...

Thomas' big blues...

Elsa's fairy costume...

And Inga being a cheese!