Dino Party

When asking Luke what he wanted his party theme to be we talked about what they have been in the past.  Now last year he did do a dinosaur one, but he said he thought we should do that again.  Its his party so why not.  We had an evening party during the week with a few of his friends/cousins.  We were able to get outside and play in the water.  I found a couple pinterest ideas of course to add to the party.  We froze some baby dinosaurs in water the night before that the kids got to break out of the "glaciers".  Some were more into it than others, which is okay.  We also broke "dinosaur eggs" or water balloons which has been a favorite of Luke's this summer. Overall he was just excited to have so many of his friends here to play for the evening!

Not sure who was more excited about this one, Luke or dad.  These are the coolest bow and arrows!!

These water bugs where hilarious to listen to.  Yes the goggles are necessary for a 2 foot pool :)

The whole crew (how sweet do Hagen and Keeley look on the front row)

Keeley giving Laney some love :)

Family pic

We had to get a picture of the dino shirts

Luke is 5

Another year has come and gone and Luke turned 5.  He just keeps growing up, and we can't slow time down.  That little baby face is gone and he is our growing boy.

• Luke has grown about 1 1/2 inches in the past year.  He is tall and skinny.  We are working on getting some meat on those bones.
• Preschool has been great for him.  He has grown an interest in writing and coloring.  He loves to ask questions about letters and what things start with.  We work on rhyming words frequently.
• Luke loves making new friends.  If he is ever at a park or pool he introduces himself and plays with anyone.
• Luke has a very structured mind.  When playing anything he wants people to play by his rules and his lines.  He likes to just be in control and know what is happening next.  It comes from his father :)  Right now Lawson is alright with it, but I'm sure it will get harder as he starts to have more of an opinion.
• He loves to read books and always like trying out new ones.
• Luke is a great big brother.  He is always looking out for his siblings.  Lawson and him are inseparable at the house.  He loves to make Laney laugh.  She just adores the two of them.
• The boys loves to play dinosaurs and animals.  He has quite the collection of both.  He really likes to learn facts about the different ones and then loves to share them with people.
• He loves to be outside.  Doesn't really care what he is doing.  He has become more of a climber.  This summer has gotten him more into swimming.  He goes under without a problem.  If not in his swimsuit though he doesn't like to get wet.
• Luke's memory still amazes me.
• Luke is the sweetest and caring little boy.  He is always very concerned for others especially if they are hurt or sick.  He has a sensitive side to him that he gets from his momma.

Luke you are such an amazing little boy.  You are a wonderful big brother to Lawson and Laney.  We look forward to what the future will bring, but are trying to focus on just enjoying the little things in the present.  You have changed our lives so much and blessed us in so many ways.  We thank God everyday for choosing us to be your parents.  We love you buddy!

Laney 8 Months

It has been a big month for Laney.  She just keeps growing and changing every day.

Monthly Pics:

Update:

• She is wearing mostly 6-9 month clothes, some 6 month.  Her diapers are size 3.
• She sleeps through the night from about 8 - 7.
• Naps 1 or 2 times a day.  Sometimes gets a short morning nap and then takes an afternoon nap 2-3 hours.  Just depends on what we are doing that day.
• She has started eating 2 meals a day along with her bottles.  We do a lot of baby food but also try to do baby friendly table food.
• We are working on a sippy cup, but still trying to figure that out.  She gets a little frustrated.
• Laney is on the move this month!  She is crawling everywhere.  It seems like she figured it out over night.  Went from rocking back and forth for a week to moving everywhere.  
• Luke and Lawson are not so sure about this.  She likes to be right in the middle of their toys and "play" with them.  We have had to stress the importance of picking up their little toys.  
• She has started yelling and announcing her presence in the room.  They aren't angry yells or cries, just loud noises to get attention.
• Tries to pull herself up on some furniture.
• Chews and drools on EVERYTHING!!
• Probably all the chewing because of the FOUR teeth she has been working on this month.  The top left one came first which makes it look like a snaggle tooth, but the middle two and right one aren't far behind.  Poor thing is handling it the best she can.  This brings her to a total of 6 teeth!
• Laney is learning the word "no".  Responds to it better from Mom than the screams of it from her brothers.
• This littler girl just lights up seeing her Daddy.  It is adorable :)

Likes to sit at the table with everyone

Bath time with Keeley

Loves the stroller and checking things out around her.

Gone Fishin'

The boys have been wanting to go fishing for awhile now.  They see a lot of people out on a couple of trails that I like to walk on.  Since Erin's schedule started to slow down and it was a cloudy day we decided to go for it.  We were struggling with the patient waiting part to start with, but got better.  In the end we caught 4 fish.  All were pretty small, but very exciting to reel them in.  Luke was sad we couldn't take them home to eat.  I was not so disappointed with that.  It was a great family evening and the boys have been "fishing" all over the house since.  Laney and I didn't make any pictures, but we were there to cheer them on.

*Erin did end up buying some fish from the store last night.  Both boys just inhaled it.  Erin is thrilled to have others in the house to eat seafood with.*

How cute are they?!?

Luke was pumped he caught his first fish

Boys had to have matching hats with Dad.

4th of July

We had a great weekend with beautiful weather and wonderful company!  Beth and Keith flew in for the weekend so we all go to hang out and catch up.  We caught our first Royals game of the season on Friday night with a walk off win and fireworks.  The kids all loved playing, swimming, and some fireworks.  The big boys enjoyed some fireworks as well :)

Lawson loved stomping on poppers

Ready to watch the neighborhood fireworks