4 years old

 Happy 4th Birthday, Eli!

 

Eli loved his cake.   He spent the afternoon playing with it.    He even played with the little Wiggles after the cake was gone.

We had Eli's birthday party at Grandma's this year.    It was fun to celebrate with everyone!

Family Time

Over the Thanksgiving holiday we spent some much needed time with our families!    We headed back to Wyoming and were able to spent a few days at Grandma's and Pop's before we headed over to Spearfish for Thanksgiving.

Gracies favorite thing at Grandma's house was this little blue chair.   She was so proud of herself when she was able to get up in it and sit down.    It only toppled over a few hundred times.   And, of course it became Addie's favorite toy also!

Gracie also loved playing with Grandma's sea shells.

It was so good to see everyone and spend some time together.   Enjoying each other and hanging out at Grandma's house.

Wind in the pig tales

One of the most amazing things about being a mom of 4 is watching my kids play together. Watching my older kids taking care of the little ones is truly special.   Knowing that my children have each other.  Take care of each other is beyond words.

This was one such afternoon.   The boys were riding their bikes around the cul de sac.   Gracie was running after them frustrated.    That 1 year old frustration when you just can't be as big as the other kids and you try so hard.

So, Owen grabbed her and pulled her up on his bike.   I almost yelled out at him.   "Stop it Owen, that is to dangerous".   I held my tongue and prayed for the best.

I have never seen a happier little girl.

Racing around the cul de sac.  Pig tales flying.   Squealing the entire time.

The faster Owen went the more fun she had.    

What a sweet moment.  One I don't ever want to forget.

A day at the Farm

The boys had a couple of days off from school so we loaded up in the car and headed to a local farm.

This day was so perfect.   Everyone had such a great time.   The boys loved every moment.   From picking vegtables, to playing in the corn, looking at the animals, and jumping on their trampoline.   It was so fun to leave everything behind and just play in the dirt.

Owen has a special love for plants.   He loves gardens.   He was so excited to be able to pick so many different vegtables.

Eli especially like the zucchini.  He carried them with him most of the morning.

Grace soon grew tired of picking vegtables and was ready to move onto other things.

But, she loved the chicken coop.  She was so proud that she could open and close the door to the little house.   Her cuteness just kills me sometimes (but I may be a little biased).

And, the corn.   Oh, the corn.   This little piece of heaven occupied my children for 2 hours.   Yes, 2 hours.   It always amazes me what will entertain children.

While the little kids played in the corn, Gabiel went off to explore the farm on his own.   I'm not quite sure what he found to do during this time but, as we were in the pig barn one of the farmers asked me if Gabriel was my son.   I was surprised that he knew Gabe!   He told me that he was the neatest little kid and that he had spent over an hour with the pot bellied pigs.   He said that as he was petting Rosie the pig, he found a special spot on her belly that made her lay down every time he rubbed it.   He said he was very impressed with Gabriel and his kindness towards animals.   Doesn't that just make a mama proud!

  The kids also loved riding in the little farm train.   

Gabriel very lovingly helped his brother.   I just love that!

We just had the best time together today.   I am so glad that we came out to enjoy the farm.   We will definitely have to come back soon!

12 months

Hi, my name is Gracie.  Can you believe that I am 12 months old already?  

12 months.   Two teeth and as cute as can be.

I am so proud of myself!   

My favorite thing to do in the whole world is be with my brothers.    I am always running behind them.  Trying my hardest to keep up.

Eli and I get to stay home with mommy during the day so we have lots of fun.  Eli's favorite thing to do is play Wiggles for me.   He likes to take in and out the CD and work the music player.   He sits up on the counter while I wait for him to put in our music.

I also love to play on the stairs.   Up and down.  Every chance I get, I will head for those stairs and climb up to see Mr. Duck.

Always so proud when I reach the top.

My favorite thing to do is ride my bike.  I wait for my brothers to come home from school so we can play outside.

Wearing a pink Tutu doesn't slow me down!

Someday I will be big enough to ride a big bike like my brothers!   I can hardly wait.   In the meantime, I get off and push so I can keep up.

I may only be 12 months but, there are so many things that I can do.