Home from Alaska

When me & Kristin got back from our trip to Alaska, something happened I didn't expect. I wanted to write it down so I don't forget about it. We (at least I) wasn't sure I missed the kids all that much. Some alone time for mom & dad was just what we needed. It really was a lot of fun. But when we pulled up into the driveway the kids ran out to meet us. It was kind of weird seeing them. They seemed bigger than when we left, and I almost didn't recognize them. Alex hugged me and I almost outright cried because my heart jumped to see him. I heard Halie, but what she was saying hadn't registered for a minute. She said, "Hi, Daddy," in the cutest softest, most hopeful voice I'd ever heard. That really almost got me started. It was so cute! When I picked her up (I do this with all the kids) I asked her who I loved and she said "Hay Bare." Didn't want to forget that. I remember Hannah jumped into my arms, and Josh was a little trepidatious but smiled big when I picked him up. We sure have a great family, and I love all you guys. Love, Dad.

Hannah Banana turns 5

Hooray, we made it to 5! A few years ago, I could constantly be heard saying, "If I can just keep her alive til she's 5, we're gonna be ok". The reason for this being of course, that Hannah is an absolutely exhausting child! Exhausting because she is busy, busy, busy, and into everything, and needs constant entertainment. However this is also a wonderful thing, because she is so smart, so talented, so creative, so artistic, so energetic, and so beautiful, that she just blows me away!

My friends are always asking me how I have so much energy to take my kids everywhere. The truth be told, I keep us all going, going, going, because of Hannah. The rest of us are just totally benefitting from her busy personality. I'm happy to report that Hannah at 5, is the most delightful and entertaining child I have ever known. Still busy, still drama, drama, drama, still into everything, but now she is able to regulate herself, and keep it coming in moderation, so I can actually keep up. We are becoming great shopping buddies, and we have long chats about her future dreams, while painting our toenails. I love it! I've always said that boys are easier than girls, but the girls are so much fun, and I am absolutely loving mine.

My sassy birthday girl


Bruce stopped by the party for a few rounds of Hullabaloo


We made ribbon flip flops, and did some fancy pedicures


Had a super fun treasure hunt, where the kids had to do something funny, like cluck like a chicken, or blow Hannah five kisses, or hop on one foot to the next clue.



We had lots of yummy party food, and decorated cupcakes


And then we all watched the birthday girl open her fun presents.



Hannah, I love you so much! Thank you for coming into my life, for breaking me out of my shell, for challenging me everyday, for bringing so many new people into my life, for showing me the fun side of life, and for just being the AMAZING you, that you are. I find myself watching you all the time, and am in constant awe that you are my daughter. I feel so blessed to have you in my life. I just hope I can always keep up. :) I am so excited to see all the wonderful things you will bring to this world, and to all those you come in contact with. You have a very special, unique, and dynamic spirit, and are capable of such great things.

Happy Birthday my darling girl. I love you like the stars!

Let the SUMMER FUN begin

School is out, and so for our first day of summer fun, we headed to This is the Place park, and we had a fabulous time!!

Bear got some help from a good lookin cowboy


Hannah was awesome at the potato sack races




As usual, Alex just needed a few sticks and a little water, and he was happy




Josh loved all the train rides


And I LOVED, spending the day with my kids. So happy to have them all home for the summer.

Hannah & Emma

Last week Hannah & Emma had their dance recital. They were so cute, and sooo much better than last year. This is their second semester with Dance Crew, they love it, and we loved watching them!


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