Talking...Num Num!

Elliot has really started "talking" a lot more these past few weeks. He's really trying ot communicate with words...even if we can't understand him. And if we can't understand...he just screams! That is pleasant! But its fun when he just starts rattling off words. We caught him the other night doing this at dinner....

I love the fact that he is loving my cooking! Num Num! :)

First Day

Ahh...the first day of school. I really think I was dreading this...mostly because this is the first time someone else will be spending more time in a day with Madi than me. I know its all just part of life and it will be nice for me to have more time - especially when they all are in school...but I miss her. From the time the bus drops her off till bedtime just flies by.

As you can tell she was so excited. She let me take this shot but when I asked her to pose by the bus stop...she said "No, mom!" But I still got a hug and kiss! So thats okay. They grow up too fast! When she got off the bus she ran right over to me and hugged me for a long time....that is the best feeling! I think she missed me as much as I missed her.


Yesterday was also Isaac's first big day! We took him to meet his teacher! He wanted to be just like sissy...so he brought his backpack and everything to the open house! He had so much fun in his room...it was hard to get him to leave. He can't wait to go back! He likes it too that he has the same teacher sissy did! How fun! It's really going to be a different year for me with 2 in school...

Campout!

Before Summer was over the kids (or dads) thought it would be fun to campout in the backyard. So they set up their tents and had a great night camping out!

The boys helping to set up the tent

Two very excited kiddos!

They even let mom come out for a bit to play a game of Blokus!

Picture Day

We took the kiddos out for some pictures at Millenium...here are some of my favorites!

Hope's Birthday Party.

Hope invited us to her birthday party at Millenium Park! What a great way to end summer. We hadn't made it there yet this year so it was a perfect time to go party with some friends. Here are some highlights!

Look at those smiles!



Madi & the birthday girl!

Swimming

Climbing...

Up high!

First Sleepover

So Isaac has been asking for a sleepover...Madi has done it many times with Brittyn so he wanted his turn. Ethan & his parents were so nice to let him spend the night! I think the boys had a great time...they loved staying up late to play with legos!

Building their own home

The kids are too cute! They spent some time one afternoon drawing up the plans to their house. They were so excited to go outside and start building it! Drawings...I wonder where they get this stuff!!! They actually thought they were going to use daddy's real tools and wood to build a big house. So we had to talk to them about actually how long it takes to build a house and how dangerous real tools are...

so they settled for some cardboard and play tools.

Whitecaps!

Here we are at the ball park catching a Whitecaps game! I don't know how much the kids actually saw of the game..but they had fun with their cousins!!!

Playing catch with G

Grandma & Madi! Too cute!


Getting an autograph

Best buds!

Watching warmups!

Yard Fest 2009!

So lets just say this years yard fest was a workout! Holy cow! Angie & Kevin did a great job hosting and organizing the games. They started us off easy with at bucket bonanza...but by the end most of us were catching our breath after the obstacle course! Didn't know I needed to train all year long to be ready for this years games! But it was so much fun!!!

Here is where Chad misses the short jumper in the playoff for first! Too funny!

A little homerun derby!

and this video says it all! Angie & Kevin almost had this event wrapped up until...

Can't wait to see what the Conklins do next year!

Block Party

Block Party 2009! Wow! Unbelievable! We had so many neighbors show up to this years block party! It was so exciting. What was most amazing was how God answered our prayers. The forecast for Friday night was not good...they were predicting 90% chance of rain...so I had the kids pray with us that it wouldn't rain from 5-9. Well the sprinkles started at 10:00! Amazing! What was really cool was to use this to show the kids God does answer prayer. Even the other day we were at the table and Isaac was telling about that time God answered our prayer..he remembered what happened at the block party! So cool!

To start the night we had a bike parade. We split the kiddos into 3 age groups. Here is the oldest group.

The middle group...

The youngins!

Here is the fire truck arriving!

Madi, Brittyn & Spencer won prizes for their decorated bikes!

Here is Ethan, Alex, & Adrianna winning for the youngest group.

Here is Delinda, Jacob & Emily winning in the oldest age bracket.

All the kids! Wow...there are a lot!

Elliot hanging on the tent.

The long food line...

The inflatable! Kids loved this!

Isaac won a prize for his sidewalk chalk drawing!

The girls

the boys...

Elliot & his "friend" :)

Overall it was a great time. We got a lot of businesses to donate some great giveaways and overall had over 40 prizes to hand out! Can't wait for next year!