Finn in his Fedora

Thanks to Paul and Sherry for such a cute hat!!

Family pictures with just the kids

Our attempt at Family Pictures

The twins turned 6 months old a couple of weeks ago so we attempted to take family pictures on a Saturday morning. We never got the perfect picture and George and I ended up mad at each other and frustrated, but here is the best out of the gazillon that we took.

Our backyard gardens

Blissful and Peaceful!

Our Three babies at bedtime

Adorable, Beautiful, and oh so sweet!

My Mothers Arms

I was getting ready to go out and my arms caught my attention in the mirror. I thought to myself...ARRGH I have my Mother's arms!!! Later that night as I fed and rocked my own babies, I thought about my arms again and how I didn't like the way they looked, and then I realized my mistake. I always loved my Mother's arms. Those arms rocked me for many years as a baby and then way beyond the age of when a child should be rocked. My mother ignored any criticism in this area, as she knew that this time would end all too soon. I was her last child at home. Those arms cooked me breakfast every morning before school and helped me with homework at night. Those arms tucked me in at night and held me when my heart was broken. Those arms french braided my hair for homecoming week and drove me to all my social activities and sleepovers. Those arms had strength to bear all the sacrifice and work to raise four daughters and yet were soft enough to be able find comfort and solace within. I hope someday that my children will also come to love my arms as well.

Ashley's Birthday

Ashley's birthday is the 10th of August but we celebrated with her on August 7th because she was leaving for vacation. First we met her at Soho for drinks and then on to Bonefish for dinner. Good times!!! Still can't believe I'm the Mother of a 24 year old.

Ava's First Prayer

We have been saying prayers with Ava at night before bedtime and we have purposely made them very simple so she can grasp the idea of praying and being thankful. One night I asked her if she wanted to pray and she said "yes". She closed her eyes and started to giggle and then said her prayer with great sincerity. It went like this...Dear God...thank you for Mommy and Daddy....(big pause) and Moose!! Moose is her stuffed animal that sleeps with her every night and who she regards with great esteem. She talks to her Moose daily and Moose comforts her when she is upset. What a sweet and tender moment.

Ava is Potty Trained!!!

Ava is Potty trained-Enough said! Very happy to have one less diaper to change. However, as my friend Kim pointed out, now I have the task of finding a restroom in public places. We have been taking her potty chair with us and so far it has worked out. She is afraid of public bathrooms because of all the noise and enclosed stalls. Oh well... just another hurdle to overcome.

Update on the Twins

July 11th marked the first time for cereal for the twins and Jovi rolled over. Finn waited until July 16th to roll over but then outdid himself by doing it over and over again. They are now both rolling Everywhere and frequently get themselves across the room within minutes. They are both showing signs of wanting to crawl and Finn has some red knees from trying to scoot himself to get into things he shouldn't reach yet. They are now spending time in their walkers and in their exer-saucer. Jovi loves all her veggies and fruit and Finn has proven to be somewhat of a picky eater. He may have a tough time in this household since our motto is... you eat what is served. The twins adore Ava and they are frequently entertained by her antics. Jovi and Finn now notice each other and reach out for each other and hold hands. It is SO ADORABLE! I need to get it on video. Our house is busy but blessed!

Our Staycation Vacation

This year we decided not to undertake the task of taking two babies and a toddler on a far away vacation, so we decided to stay local and take day trips with Ava. Our activities included Ava's first movie, Toy Story 3, which she informed us afterward, as we were having ice cream that she didn't like it. George and I loved it. We also had a day at the Ft. Wayne Zoo and a day at the Merriville Deep Rivers Water Park. Loved the water park and plan on going again next summer with all three of the kids. Also had a date night with George and ate at the new Temper Grill. Date was great, food quality was below average and over priced. Ended our week vacation with a cookout at Terry and Stacy's, who also have TWINS! See above picture of all of us

July 4th

Cookout and giant slip and slide at Kim and Brad's for the 4th. Ava went down the slide several times by herself!! ( see Ava slide in video. Start at 1 minute and 30 seconds into video to 1 minute 50 seconds) Good times with old friends and new.

July 4th weekend

Cookouts with friends and great weather was on the agenda. Had a fabulous meal at Kim and Randy's and enjoyed the cocktails and conversation. Love you Kimmie