Summer fun

We have had all sorts of fun this summer.  With grandparents visiting and us going to grandma's it has flown by and school has already started.  Just a few pictures to recap a few of our adventures.

Playing in the rain.  It has rained so little this summer that when it finally did, I didn't make them some inside, and of course my camera batteries died after one shot.

When Grandma Little was here we went on the Celebration Belle for a short cruise.  We were up on the 3 floor, and Olivia lost a flip flop off the boat before we even left the dock.

A little family rock band time. As I was making dinner one night, I turned some music on and the kids decided to sing, play and dance along.  A random, fun, unexpected break.  Jed got creative and taped a spoon to the guitar so he could sing and play at the same time.

Girlies playing with moon sand.  Good thing it is cheap and easy to make, Claire likes to throw it.

Family Pictures

We had our family pictures taken a couple of weeks ago, and are so pleased with the way they turned out.  Enjoy!

Random 2 months

 We have been busy finishing school and starting summer, so now that we are in the lazy non-scheduled days of summer, I have time to catch up on the blog. 
Our first excitement of the summer was the awesome cast I have on my arm.  I am actually onto a different one than this pretty blue, but this one has signatures, so it is cooler to show.  I broke my ring finger and ended up having surgery, but I am on the mend now.  I cant wait to get the cast off, as it hampers everyday life.  Changing diapers is hard, along with cooking and showering, and doing little girl hair.  Who knew?

 We also welcomed summer with some yummy watermelon in the backyard.  Is anything more perfect?

 The day I broke my finger, Chris was supposed to take the kids camping, so we delayed it a bit and did it in the backyard.  We had to get a new tent to fit us all in.  Hopefully it will get used a lot.

 The night they slept out there was the hottest night so far. It didn't cool down until about 10, and then it only got to 75.  Chris is a nice daddy.

 I needed to keep Liv busy for a bit, so I had her take pictures of the house, since I don't think we ever did before we moved in.  Here is the front(obviously).

 On the back deck, looking into the yard.

In the yard, looking at the back deck and sun room.

Chicago

Since the kid had 2 weeks off for spring break, we decided to go get Miss Liv from my sisters, and then take the gang to Chicago for a couple of days. The first day we went to Legoland. It was a smashing success.
When you first walk in, they have a mini Chicago made out of Legos, it was so cool, and amazing that someone has the patience to make it.

Jed showing off the Sears tower the taught him to make.

Grace loving R2D2.

A zebra head, so very cool, and just for Liv.

They also had buckets of Legos out where kids could make anything they wanted, mostly cars, since there were a couple race tracks around as well to see who could make the fastest car.

Olivia making her scared face. Such a ham.

The next day we went to the American Girl store where the girls each got a doll and then on to Lincoln Park Zoo. They were pretty spent after a busy few days, so no pictures. As we were driving around downtown they all said how they would not like to live in the big city, but did think the skyscrapers were cool. Next time I would like to spend more time sight seeing, but kids are not always that interested.

Random

After the baptism, Olivia went home with my sister, and the older two and Claire stayed with us. Since Liv in not is school, she gets to "vacation" with SueAnn every once in a while, and LOVES it. While she was gone, it snowed for the 2nd time this year, so we put that snow to good use. Jed made a fort...
and Grace made a snowman, with a little help from mom and Jed to stack.
Jed also competed in the pinewood derby and got second place for his den. He was so proud. His car looked like a tank.

Grace's Birthday and Baptism

Once again, blogger hates loading pictures the way I set up.

Last week was Grace's 8th birthday. She was so excited and wanted just a few things. Lego's, pillow pets, clothes, you know, just a few things. She was lucky enough to have some cousins visiting to share the day with. She requested chicken and rice casserole for her dinner with chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting.

Grace and Chris before the baptism. She was a lucky girl and had 19 family members come into town for her special day.

The 3 of us. The lighting was making my camera funny, but I didn't realize until now, but we get the jist of it.

Grace and Jordan after the baptism. They are little buddies and were excited to share the day together. You can't see in this picture, but Grace had a red harbow and red shoes on. She wanted a pop of color to go with her white outfit.

And of course, the random present picture at the end. Darn Blogger!

It is crazy to me to thing she is 8 already. She is so smart and funny and wants to be good all the time. She received a box of books from my parents for her birthday that she is quickly reading. Thank heavens for libraries, or we would spend all our money on books for her.

My Baby is One!!!

So Blogger won't let me load these right, but here they are

My baby is one, it is hard for me to believe. She had a thrilling night of left overs, but what does she know.3 months

6 months

9 months

after her first bath at home

12 months

Her fake sad face. It is all an act. She actually smiles at another person when she is done with this routine.

Not too sure about the candle.

She ate her cupcake like this for about 1 bite, then gave it to me to feed her.

She is such a funny baby, and her brother and sisters LOVE her. She can hardly get a moments peace from them. Some of her favorite things are:
rubbing any piece of clothing on her head
grapes
cheese
cup of milk
my purse and wallet
the bathroom, especially anything related to the toilet and toilet paper

She has the least amount of hair at this age for any of the kids, but perhaps the most attitude, which is saying a lot if you know Olivia.

We love this little girl, she makes our family complete.