Aquatics

A while ago we went to the Clearfield Aquatic Center and decided that we need to go a lot more! The kids had the best time and thanks to grandma, La, and James we had enough eyes to watch all the kids...

Lucky for me since I was playing with Sam and let Penelope sit down in the water right where it was too deep for her, I'm a terrible mom. We were in the kiddie pool and she's more than tall enough to walk around but small enough that if she tries to sit her head goes under. Well, she sat and didn't have the desire to stand back up, or couldn't and all the while (it was like a few seconds) I'm right next to her, but focusing on Sam, not even realizing that she's under. Anyway, my mom was right there and saw her and I've felt terrible about it ever since. It's probably one of my biggest fears about taking 4 little kids to a pool. Clearly, I will be taking arm floaties and other things next time we go. Shouldn't I have already though about that?! Truth be told we don't go swimming a lot and I thought that they would be ok since we were in the little kid area. Lesson learned.

Well, despite my lack of parenting skills everybody had a really good time! I'm going to try and get the kids in swimming lessons next year and we're thinking about getting a family pass. They love the water.

 If you want to hold Sam he requires that you let him eat a finger.

Cairi's 4!

I'll probably start crying if I write too much so I'm going to try and keep this short but sweet.

My first little baby isn't so little anymore (I'm pretty sure I say that every year). I mean, she's only four so I guess in the whole scheme of things she's still little, but you know what I'm saying! I swear it feels like she's 16, the way she communicates and is able to understand so much. Cairi is the best helper a mom could ask for. She's extremely outgoing and doesn't know the meaning of the word shy. If any of my kids ever tells me they want to be an actor or performer it will definitely be Cairi. Everywhere we go, if there's people around she tries to put on a show. She's also my sensitive baby. Oh boy, does this girl have the most tender heart and she is just the sweetest. Every night when I lay the kids down to sleep I tell them that they're special and that I love them, well naturally, as loving as Cairi is she has started telling the kids at bedtime that they're special and that she loves them (seriously, she's the best big sis). I am beyond grateful to have been blessed with Cai. She makes me so proud and teaches me so much. I love her more than words can say. Happy 4th birthday to my sweet baby girl! :)

 The day before her birthday we took her to get her ears pierced. Cai is kind of a scaredy cat like me when it comes to some things (especially things that could involve pain) so I thought once we got there she wouldn't want to go through with it. However, she didn't even cry! She was so brave!

 Gabe and Ollie eatin' cake.

 Liam and Nelly

 The birthday girl!!

More Family Fun!

So my kids love hanging out with their cousins. It's been really fun watching them develop relationships and create memories as they've gotten older. This year is really the first year that I think they've all been able to play together on a more equal level so it's been even more fun to get together with them and just let the kids be kids! A few weeks ago we had a BBQ with Chris' sister and her family. The kids had a blast!

We Heart Camping

Last month over the 4th we went camping with mi familia and had so much fun! When we were packing up to leave Cairi said "how many weeks til we go camping again?". The kids had a blast and I'm so glad they love camping just like I did when I was growing up. 

The whole fam. (Ciara and Brett had to leave early because Oliver was throwing up, poor dude)

 On our way.

 Just a little sample of how dirty the kids got! They would love to be mountain people :)

My fave brother!

 Doing a little primping. Even while camping we gals like to look decent.

 The kids were so brave! Gabe was the first one to scale this huge rock BY HIMSELF! Well, Chris was right behind him, but he didn't need any help. He's my fearless child. Cairi got up the rock but was a little scared coming down.

 The pups. Small guys on one side, big guys on the other.

 Cairi posing. So cute.

 The kids loved trying the slingshot with Chris and Uncle James.

How can you not love these dirty faces?!

 Haha. Love those tooshies.

Grandma Kelly and her furry baby girl Kira.

 Gotta have her shades.

 Plumber's crack is so much cuter on a 3 year old!

My little fishermen.

Best buds!

Handsome Chris on the drive home.