Graham at Four Months

Graham is a delightful baby.  He is so sweet, so snuggly, and continues to be so easy!  He is just a happy, low-maintenance little guy.

He is sleeping like a champ at night...goes down around 7:00 and sleeps until 6:30 or 7:00.  His naps are hit or miss, but mainly because of the hustle and bustle around our house.  He is still swaddled to sleep, and I am dreading the day that that needs to change.

He is rolling over and laughing.  He is just starting to sit in the exersaucer and jumperoo, and he is slowly starting to like those places.  Graham is going to outgrow the bouncy seat before too much longer...he is a big boy.

Graham gives the best smiles, and his laugh will melt your heart.
He is the best little boy around!

These Two

These two are so fun to have around!

These two are slowly adjusting to big sister being gone all day. 

(They actually seem to get along better!)

These two are headed to preschool in one week!

These two just started taking gymnastics.

These two are almost as exhausted by the start of the school schedule as their big sister is. Almost.

These two could not be more different.

I can't imagine life without these two!

Kindergarten F.D.O.S.

Clare had a great first day of kindergarten. 

As soon as she got in the car, I was ready for her to give me all of the details about the day.  However, Clare just slowly let the details trickle out through the afternoon.  I guess she just wanted to tell us in her own time.

She was excited to go back today, and I think that is the true test!

'Twas The Night Before Kindergarten

 'Twas the night before kindergarten, and all through the house

the anticipation was building, in large amounts!

The backpack was hung by the back door with care,

with lunchbox and snack and clothes to spare.

The student was nestled all snug in her bed, 

while visions of crayons danced in her head.

With Mama a bit nervous, but excited as well

Hopeful the first day will really go swell.

Haircuts, new shoes, all checked off the list.

First day outfit is picked out and pressed!

P.E. and music, computers and art

And Clare so excited for the big day to start!

All day I will wonder about my little sidekick,

How is she doing?  Which friends will she pick?

My girl is quite ready, for a while I've known,

It's just hard to think how fast she has grown!

Miss Jane

This week I was able to spend some good one-on-one time with Jane! 

Jane loves to play games, work puzzles, and play baby dolls.  She likes to color and loves her baby brother.  She is always so excited to hear about his latest tricks!

At 3 1/2, Jane is such a sweet girl! It was fun to have her without her sisters for a little while and really give her some good attention.   She is a smart, funny girl who enjoyed having the spotlight all to herself.

When it was time for bed, Jane was slightly disturbed by having to sleep in a room by herself.  She is so used to sharing a room with Sydney.  I think she enjoyed her "alone" time (Graham was here, but he doesn't really steal anyone's thunder yet), but I know she missed her sisters.

I think Jane is going to love preschool, and I am excited to see what the year brings for her!

Teamwork

 

Casey and his main man are working together to get ready for the fantasy football draft tomorrow. 

 

Maybe Graham will be his lucky charm?!?!

Kinder Clare

Yesterday I asked Clare to write or draw how she was feeling about starting kindergarten.  With my help on the spelling, this is what she wrote:

It says, "I'm a little bit scared.  I'm going to have so much fun."

I hope she doesn't know that I'm a little bit scared too!!!

Colorado 2011

Our annual trip to Colorado is a week I look forward to every year, and this year was no exception. 

We packed our bags, loaded the car, and drove all night to reach our destination. We arrived early in the morning, and I was thrilled to feel the cooler temperatures!

The week was filled with fun activity.
We danced, 

we ate,

we climbed,

and mid-week we were joined by our favorite cowboy cousin!

 

With Brody added to the mix, the fun continued.
The kids had so much fun together in the hammock,

 

by the creek,

 

at the horse stables, 

and of course, with LoLo and Pop!

I have been going to the same spot in Colorado since I was a little girl.  I have such great memories of these summer vacations...finding rocks that Nathan and I had hidden the previous year, learning to fish, camping (one time for a week!), and celebrating many birthdays.   All of the kids (minus Graham) slept downstairs in the basement.  It was a week long slumber party, and I couldn't help but think what great memories the kids will have from these trips to Colorado....the same trips I made as a kid.  This is the stuff memories are made of!

Boys in Plaid

Graham makes his first visit to Colorado!