Making herself right at home

One of the things the kids love best about the new house is this is literally their back yard.  And who loves feeding ducks more than 6,4 and 2 year olds!

One of the things I love best about the new house is this.  Of course add a few friends in their chairs, all with drinks in hand and life is really good. But then when the kids fall it in kind of puts a damper on things.

But when this furry baby jumps in, without steps to get out, things get real fun.  Since her stroke she can't jump.  Therefore she can't get out without help and since she weighs 90+lbs I can't just lift her out like I did with said kid that fell in.

And then she just looks at you, like what am I supposed to do?  I tried putting a step stool in, but that didn't work.

So I had to call for back up, he had to leave the hospital to come home and help.  And then head back in, because that chair you see, she wouldn't use that either.

Luckily he does Crossfit and was able to hoist her right out.

That damn dog!

Of course she loved every minute of it.

Happy Halloween 2012

I love these pictures, because they are quite simply....US.  here is number 3 imitating number 1 and number 2 decides...Hey I'll do something like that too.

And the big sister, isn't sure why the baby sister is making such a big girl pose and what I tried to explain is she's not....she's trying in a way only 2 year olds can try.

And this is my favorite, it's frame worthy don't  you think?

 And  here we are....not sure that I love the new spot we are taking pictures in, might have to scope out something better.

And my littles....Elmo

A go-go dancer.  She LOVED the costume...pink hair, fun sunglasses, her favorite shade of blue and big sequins...what's not to love?  The name of the costume just happened to be "go-go dancer".  After buying it, Noah said what is a go-go dancer?  And she quickly retorted...a dancer that goes, goes, goes...she never stops.  And folks I left it at that.

And a Green (big surprise there) Power Ranger.

And the big people, we had poodle skirts, the little mermaid, super hero ladies and of course the 589 Stompers who stole the show with their routine.  Lot of fun this Halloween.  

Family Fun Weekend

This past weekend, these wonderful ladies planned a weekend away/reunion for a small part of our family.  Well the only part that typically gets together on any regular basis.  I imagine a family reunion with my entire family would be a lot bigger and also fun.

This weekend was filled with lots of laughter, happy/funny tears, games, eating and drinking.  As always eating and drinking are on our menu.

The kids enjoyed staying up late and playing with their cousins and family.

The big kids did too.   And yes we all took baths that weekend at some point.  Some more than others....I'm not naming any names.

We were also banned from using cell phones/texting/and facebook'ing.  I was the first to lose that game and it was okay.  Although I think I lost first for using profanity first.

Hmmm Charlie must have went out early with phone use too.  We did enjoy the nightly bonfires and thankfully no one was set on fire.

A few people even enjoyed their naps.

We wore purple and gold of course.

We bobbed for apples.

And everyone scored one, well everyone that played scored one.

Lots of adult participation this weekend.

I think Chuck is a winner.

We celebrated lots of October birthdays and even a tiny person's November birthday.

We ate lots of cake and sweets.

We played all weekend.

And we all brought white shirts/sweaters and took silly pictures...per Laurie's request...without complaining I may add.  Here are all the "kids".

And my sweet family.

And Timmy's sweet family

Chuck's sweet family.

And this cute couple.

Awesome...newlyweds...can you tell?

And Rock-n-Roll's family.

The guys

And Crazy old Barb.

At this point these little people were done, unfortunately thankfully Laurie was not.

Because if she had not been done, we would have missed this sweet shot!

And this one.

And one of my favorite pictures of the weekend.   I love my children have so much family that loves them as much as I do.  Family we can always depend on anytime we need them.  It was a GREAT weekend.  Lisa, Leigh and Lindsey we have a lot of planning to do.  Love you all!

Oh and one more because they are dang cute!  And because I had to buy them white shirts.  White + kids 6 and under = disaster at my house.

Welcome Home

It's been a long time.  I have a good excuse.  We have packed up our bags, loaded the car and moved, but not very far.  That's right.  We have been riding the real estate roller coaster for the past 3 years and have finally SOLD our home, it's been under contract 3 times and we backed out twice because the houses we were buying did not work out.  But finally we found a house and have decided to make it home.

I love this house, while it does need some major updating and paint, it is the perfect house for our family of 5.  Complete with mature landscaping, a bonus room and waterfront back yard.  So while it doesn't feel like home yet, I'm betting in the next few months and years when we start making memories it will.