The rest

Here are the rest of the beach pictures from last week. You can really appreciate the memories made that day just by looking at them. I hope to take the kids there more often. It is such a great place to hang out (if you steer clear from weirdos...haha). We are attempting to boat tomorrow. It should be fun, considering we haven't had the boat out in over a month. Aaron's been working like crazy and is super tired when he is here. Should be great tomorrow. We are looking forward to it.

Had quite the day with Trevor today. He has been obstinate and hard nosed all day. Actually, that is putting it nicely. He has been pretty much a brat all day. Lots of demanding and backtalk. Lots of refusing and complaining. I am over it. Tomorrow is a new day, and even if it is just like today, I am blessed. Annoyed, but blessed. Hope everyone had a safe and happy fourth of July.

Beach bound

Well...sort of. This is as close to "beach" as we get. I got some really cute pictures of the kids at the park today. Here is just a sampling of what I got. There will be more to come. I am hoping that a good friend is bringing me a new editing program tomorrow. We shall see....and if she does, she can have her ceramic dish that she left at my house over Christmas this past year.

The kids are getting all stoked for two main events this weekend.
#1. A Wii party at Oma and Pepere's house. They have been talking about it for the last two days. Which means my last two days have been nothing but, "Mom, when are we going to Oma and Pepere's" and "Mom, can we have popcorn at Oma and Pepere's" and "Mom, can we play for a long time at Oma and Pepere's". I think I am more excited to drop them off for the Wii party than they are at this point so they can be quiet about the whole thing.

#2. Neighborhood fireworks for the fourth. Since Aaron is working this year, I am making some Margaritas, we are making smores and we are going to hang out as Mom and kids and watch the fireworks. I might even get a few sparklers for the kids to have. Should be interesting. Don't think I will get pictures though. I can't imagine lighting sparklers, making sure nobody gets burnt and taking pictures. That will be one for the memory bank.

Cutie Pie

McKenna is learning how to ride her new Barbie bike. Well, more like, she is learning how to balance as we push her. Not to mention, push her while we push Caleb (since we can't get Caleb to pedal). It is a small blessing that Trevor rides without assistance at all...and no training wheels either. By the time I am done pushing and steering for the little ones, I feel like I have finished a half-marathon. Note to self...try to get someone to work with the Caleb and McKenna on riding bikes. It is just too difficult for me to do it by myself. We are looking forward to a fun morning at the museum center tomorrow. Cross your fingers that the kids don't get the Swine Flu. It seems like they always pick something up after spending the day there. Also looking forward to some drinks with the girls and their kids tomorrow. I will have about 8-10 little kids running around my house. Should be interesting. At least we have margaritas to keep us sane...teehee. Weather has been beautiful here. Can't complain about 75 degrees in July. I think the heat is supposed to come back early next week. The brief relief has been much welcomed. It has been a lot more pleasant taking the kids out to play.

Manic Mondays

As always, things were a bit crazy today. We went to Scott's pool (a friend of Aaron's). We also (I say, we, but mean Mike and Aaron) went and picked up Dad's treadmill this afternoon. Let's hope I use it, or I will never hear the end of it. Anyway, the weather is gorgeous today and we had the windows open all afternoon. It is supposed to be sunny and 75 tomorrow, so I am sure we will do the same thing again. We will hope, anyway. I can't remember a fourth of July that wasn't a steaming 95 degrees out. So, we shall see. The fourth is Friday. Not sure what I am doing yet. Aaron is working and I have a few options on the table. I am thinking we will sit outside and watch the neighborhood fireworks displays. There seems to be quite a show every year. This year should be fun with my camera. We shall see,

I've got a secret

If this isn't the cutest picture of McKenna. It looks like she is telling me a really big secret. Aaron took this a few days ago. Things have been relatively uneventful here. Of course, with the exception of Aaron working like 100 hours last week during the big lightning storm. I am totally drained. Had fought off a horrible headache for three days while Aaron was working 24-30 hour shifts and sleeping for 8 hours in between. I am glad it is over. Fortunately, my headache is over too.

Can you hear me now?

Well, Trevor can hear sooooo much better since having his (hopefully last) tubes put in yesterday. In fact, he can almost hear too well. We are so happy and I know he is too. The ENT said there was a substantial amount of fluid in his ears. I know Trevor is happy to be able to understand everything we are saying. Caleb is happy to be heard too. Hopefully we have said, "Trevor...do you HEAR what I am saying" for the last time.

Since it has been so blazing hot, we have been spending much of our time at Coney the last few days. We also went to a friend's pool today. The kids are getting used to the water. McKenna and Caleb aren't so sure about it, but Trevor is making his way. I am enjoying my new found freedom. I can't take my eyes off them, but my hands (and boobs) are free this year. Last year, I had one on the boob and two that were walking/running disasters. OK...let me rephrase. This is the first time in about four years that I have been able to "somewhat" enjoy going to a pool or water park. I hope this will be a great summer for me and the kids. OK, Aaron too. It is just that it is basically me and the kids for most outings these days.

I will post pictures from the last few days soon. I have been fighting my bladder for the last few days and have been having too much fun playing, rather than editing.

McKenna's 2nd birthday

Sorry for not posting for a while. We have been busy planning a party for McKenna, baseball, playdates, etc. I think Aaron worked about 75 hours this week too...literally. So anyway, here are the pictures from McKenna's birthday party. I hope everyone had a fun time. I know we did. The kids had a blast. We were missing a few people, but had a great time with those who came out to celebrate. Thanks for making it a memorable birthday.

Mother's Helpers

I am so excited. Aaron's cousins Rebecca and Rachel started their second week with us today. They are coming to help me one day a week during the summer. At first, I was apprehensive about having five kids running around, but I soon learned what a blessing it truly is. They are extremely helpful. They read to the kids, do crafts, help me gather them to wash hands, make waters, prepare food, whatever. I'm sure we will have our moments this summer, where it might get hairy. But, honestly...when isn't it hairy in this household. It has been something I look forward to and it is so nice to have family that is willing to help me out. I have attached a few pictures of McKenna and her new/used birthday bike. You can't pass up a ten dollar barbie bike, right? Gotta love a good yard sale. I have also included some pictures of the kids with their cousins. Oh yeah, and a picture of Caleb with his tongue hanging out...just like mommy does when she's concentrating. Like mother, like son...Too cute.