The Box

I can remember when we would purchase something new and the kids would get a bigger kick out of the box than whatever it was in the box. Seems that is still the case, even with the kids being 11, 9 and 7! Liam's new car seat came with a nice large box. The kids spent the better part of the afternoon playing in, on and around the box. Since they are bigger, they did have to pull out the duct tape to make some major repairs but it remains intact, now relocated to the playroom for more time entertaining them tomorrow. Unfortunately, I didn't pull either of the camera's out for shots.

The kids have found a new hobby that they enjoy since being out for the summer. The Skate Park. We have two within 15 minutes. Everyday, it's a request. One morning, it was misting. The skate park was empty. The kids loved having it to themselves. I love the energy it expells from their small bodies, they love the thrills. Liam is a keen observer. He loves watching from the grass with me. Here are a few pictures from that wet day...

A new dishwasher

"Hey Mom!

My tongue does as good a job as the dishwasher!"

Asher

Just by stating that, the boy (and his coworker) earned

a new job in our house!

Anyone wanna join us for dinner,

our dishes are REAL clean!

Our Cheap (but priceless) Entertainment

Growing up, as a source of entertainment and laughs, my parents would do a ritual with each of their babies that consisted of several different hats/buckets/etc that were placed on the head and then photographed. All the while, the current baby would make disgruntled faces, blow raspberries, etc. They had eight children. Lots of entertainment. Thus far, our children, as babies, despised anything put on their heads. So much so that they would throw a tantrum if a hat even came close. Liam is different. He is our calm child. Our child that briefly may resist something he doesn't want and then give in. Thus, he takes a pacifier, even if he doesn't really want it. He wears a hat, even if it isn't wanted. Liam also readily shares a smile at faces, blank walls, etc. He is an easy going baby. So today, we got out some hats. Initially I thought that he would just endure a few and then be done. He kept smiling and we kept bringing them!

Here he is hatless (sporting some leftovers on his face too)

Peering through the strainer

Enjoying a scarf with this one!

Asher's 'Moose' Hat

His summer hat that was supposed to last longer!

His newborn hat that fit at birth!

This was a Macy style

Room to grow!

Beanie baby

His current fav

Big brother getting in on the attention

Thanks Liam for the good laughs and yummy baby that you are!

We'll take 5 more of you, please!

The Problem with Poles

During our family dinner last night, Macy turned to me and wanted to know if I could see a bump on her forehead. I ran my fingers across it and told her that I felt a small bump and asked her what happened.

"Well, at recess today I was chasing Chloe in tag, Britta was behind me so I turned to see where she was and I ran into a pole. Mom! I was out for two minutes!"

From the other side of the table came Sawyer's voice,

"That's nothing Macy, I run into poles all the time."

Dave and I looked at each other, I am sure thinking the same thing about our two oldest who don't struggle with academics but apparently have a big problem with poles.

Here Liam is sporting his first shiner. He isn't even walking, sitting, or even rolling on a regular basis. It wasn't even me that accidentally ran him into a door way. No, I am a little embarrassed to admit that Sawyer gave him this marking. We were all laying on the bed, I was reading 'Lightning Thief' (one of Sawyer's favorites). Sawyer must have gotten quite engaged in the text because I saw him giving Liam what I thought were kisses on the forehead. Turns out he was sucking on the poor boys' head! This is what remains...

Bitter Sweet

It's been a busy few months, however I have beat my goal and am updating my blog before that 6 month mark!

Sawyer is getting close to turning 11 and finishing up some requirements for his Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts. He spent some of the weekend working on Welcome posters for a nearby camp for sick children. It was fun watching him become engaged in a good cause and really doing his best for those children.

Our little Liam isn't so little anymore. He has been busy working on outdoing his older siblings in his weight and height for the 4 month mark. Sawyer holds the current record at 18lbs 11oz and 27". We will find out on the 19th of Feb. when Liam visits the doctor. While he grows he also enjoys smiling and talking to anyone who will give him attention- even if it's just the baby in the mirror. He is very ticklish and continues to love his baths. I couldn't ask for a better baby, except his length between feedings 24/7.
Macy came home from school the other day informing me that she wanted to have a Lemonade Stand and send the proceeds to Haiti. I purchased Lemonade, cups, and poster boards. She invited her friend, Britta over on Saturday. They spent lots of time on the posters and then several hours outside selling. Fortunately it was a beautiful day. They weren't getting the foot and drive-by traffic they wanted so they took to a delivery service; getting orders by going door to door and then delivering their sales. They also took advantage of the neighbor kids and siblings, hired them with free cups of Lemonade and sent them selling too! They shut down shop after the sun went down and came away with $82.96 to send to Haiti. Snuggling her later just before bed, Macy got that glimmer in her eye and told me how she discovered that drinking 8 cups of lemonade turned her pee clear. Only then did I remember how many trips she had made to the restroom during the afternoon!!