Backyard photo session

All the pictures in these posts are from about mid march to end of march. Had to get a little caught up. I started them and just didn't get them published so Laura has definitely changed since these.

It does a mommys heart good to see Alayna learn the joy of sharing. Bradley has been incredible with being an example of how to share almost to a fault sometimes where he'll give up way too much for her. I won't complain though. It's his decision and it's teaching her to do the same especially when kind words are used. It works miracles. I can't imagine that right!?!

Alayna's lollipop moment

The kids love backyard family firetime. Alayna is so cute....she'll say I want sa more sa more when she wants another smore.

Bradley is such an awesome big brother! Sometimes it just amazes me how he'll just jump to her aid without me even asking him. She was fussing in her bouncy seat and he goes up to her and starts talking to her and he's expaining to her all about the fish and starfish on the bar on her seat. He was saying "look, baby this is the starfish, this is the fish and look baby they go swimming" It was cute watching when he didn't realize I was at that time until I caught him on camera.

Laura is about 11 weeks old here

Alayna riding her poney. This girl is hysterical!

The trampoline has brought more fun and laugher to our backyard. Bradley has taught us more trampoline games than I knew existed.

The highlight of winddown time at night. Bathtime!!! But when they get out boy do they get wound back up running around the house naked and jumping on the bed. They are like two little puppy dogs that sometimes need a kennel.

Alayna wants to help with Laura all the time. She wanted to help with bathtime so as much as I can let her be involved she likes that and feels important.

3 little peas in a pod. Laura is like...holy cow guys....give me some space.

My little 1/2 tomboy is trapped between two worlds. Princess world and power ranger rescue hero world. Daddy went to the dollar store and bought her princess jewelry, shoes, and of all things red hair. That's what you get when a daddy goes. HA! After spending time with her friend Peyton who is all princess it intriged Alayna to want to enter that world. Now she talks alot more princess. She wraps her blankie around her and says "I'm princess Alayna" We're like "of course you are"

Bubbles Galore

These two were out the door on saturday morning in march that was just like summer. There was more fun to be had on that weekend than one would expect. We are all so excited for summer and we occasioinally get those teaser days that leave us craving for more, but we still have about a month or so to go. They didn't even bother to get dressed or did we make them and they stayed all morning in those jammies playing in the backyard. One would never guess how much endless fun one could have with a little bit of suped up bubbles. We were trying coats hangers and anything we could get our hands on with holes in it to make crazy bubbles. Bradley showed alot of his serious side and very intent on making the biggest bubbles and trying to make the next bigger than the one before. Alayna just jumped for joy and amazement. No surprise there. I love it when the simplest things in life allow such fun.

Two little Monkeys

I've got two little monkeys that like to climb trees. These two are something else. I'm posting these pictures way late. A few weeks ago we had an incredible weekend of family fun and the weather was the best and had everyone is great spirits all weekend. We didn't plan anything grand we just stayed home most of the weekend and just pittled in the backyard and to me there is just something homey about creating fun with the kids right in their own environment. I think my kids could live outside and all it takes is some sticks, rocks, sand, a bucket of water, and bubbles. We love going on outings too, but sometimes I feel like depending on what it is that it can be more hectic than it's worth when there's fun to be had right in your own backyard. These two have been quite the little buddies lately. Alayna follows Bradley around like a little puppy dog and wants to do what ever he's doing and he's pretty gracious and let's her. I love watching as the gap between them is quickly closing in and watching their relationship take on new levels and meaning. The other day they were sitting at lunch and Alayna so maturly says "So Braley, how was your school?" he says "It was good Layna" and she says "Aw, give me a kiss Braley." Just like a little mother hen. So precious I could hardly stand it so had to call Craig and tell him right away. I knew he's love it.

LauraBeth 2 months

Just an updated photo of Laura since she changes daily. As her momma, all I can say is yummy lovey!!!! She is starting the baby cooing and smiling. Although it's on her terms and not for pictures just yet.

Happy Valentines Day!!

Valentines Day started out with a new little tradition. The kids went on a little valentines scavenger hunt to find their little gift and candy. I put it all in a little bag of their own to find. We did the hot cold thing for awhile until they finally found them in the playroom. Alayna was so excited I can't even tell you. Everything with this child is fun and exciting. She's bouncy happy about 90% of the time and mad as a hornet the other 10%. She dances and sings I swear all day long. All her little memorized nursury rhymes and such is what I hear. Either that or fall on the floor mad, but I prefer the other. So she finds her bag and all day long she carries it around singing happy valentines day and makes up the other words as she goes. "MOMMY, look at my valentines" Mommy this and MOMMY that and tra la la la la!!!!" "Mommy, thank you for the valentines!!" Bradley was excited, but not quite sure he's a recieving gifts sort of person. Kind of like his mommy. Maybe a little excited at first, but then it's off to something else. For breakfast we had our big breakfast and a new favorite...german pancakes with buttermilk sauce. They are so so yummy!!! We ended the day at Dave and Sue's house for their traditional valentines day party which is always a blast and filled with activities that we really aren't suppose to share so here's to leave you wondering. HA!! It's a kid free environment so we hired two sitters to come to our house to tackle all 5 big kids. We came back and they were alive so all went well. They were happy and well taken care of while we got some time to enjoy with just the adults. Everyone brought something Italian to eat and all was very yummy!

Stealing kisses from daddy

A new family first was having us all dressed up in the same color and red at that. WHOA!!! gotta love it cause not sure it will happen anytime soon again. And our first at home after baby picture of the whole family. AND everone is actually happy. It actually went well with bribes of fruit snacks and more chocolate. It started off in the house and then we ended up outside. We used the tripod....another first!!! The pictures were actually taken the day after valentines day since we didn't pull it off on valentines day.
Just for fun! Craig get a kick out of his fiesty little daughter when she's mad as a hornet. Good thing she waited until after pictures to crumble.