And He's Out

Sunday's are always a mix and match day. Church seems to run over a nap or two with the little guys, no matter which time we start. William is no different, however he is very, very flexible and content. He will be the last to cry or let us know he's hungry. It works well for me, as sometimes he is the last I feed.
One of my favorite times of the day are when everyone is fed, in their rooms (either quiet time or bed time) and William is the last one up, I get to nurse him and enjoy his little self.

Our Saturday

Friday night Casey went camping with the Boy Scouts at Fort Pickens. He really enjoys working as a leader with the Scouts. I think it's great, by the time William is of age Casey'll be a pro at all the stuff Boy Scouts do. During that time our favorite Leftenant drove into town.
We enjoyed a breezy day at the Beach Park. There were a plethora of seagulls swarming over our heads. It brought back memories of our ferry boat ride home to Poulsbo from Seattle. The seagulls would coast along side the ferry.

Both girls seemed to have tired legs, and it would seem as they both wanted to be on Peter's shoulders.

A little bit too aggressive for Ella, this duck inched closer and closer.

Sunrise this Morning

What a beautiful surprise. Next time we'll have to quickly drive down to the beach and enjoy the view.

Pink Balloons & Cake

The girls were invited to a bike paraide and small 4th birthday party for the girls neighborhood friend, Lily. It was a windy day and the balloons were flying in every which way.

Pink unicorn pony's awaited them as the party began. The girls had such great fun.

Buddy was completely out, he missed his morning nap and ended up falling asleep on the bike ride.

William has been very active, speedily crawling around the house and pulling himself on just about everything, including people laying on the ground.

In Our Backyard

We had some cooler weather and spent the morning in the backyard.

New Girl

Lots of change has been going on around here. For one thing, Suz started preschool (of which her little side kick has taken it the hardest). Secondly someone's wearing big girl undies. And lastly there's been a power shift from 9am to 1pm. Little Miss E.'s the boss. For meal time she insists on sitting in her big sisters seat. I've told her that her face might get stuck that way. That's her "pouty face", never lasts long.

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Does it Constitute a Bite?

One Cooke-Cutter in his mouth. When he champs down, does it constitute as a "bite"?

Bitter Sweet

Today was a bitter sweet one. Suzanna was very excited about starting her new day of preschool yet there was a little sister not too happy about loosing her play buddy for the morning 4 days a week.

Although she really wanted to ride the big yellow school bus, Desmund (the silver bullet) will have to do.

Good Sunday

~ Three healthy & happy children

~ Casey's secure job in this uncertain day we live in

~ My tax dollars going to good use.....the state pays for half day preschool to prep for a full day kindergarten (oh my)

~ The age we are all at right at this moment

~ Living right next to the ocean

~ Friendships

~ The speed at which William crawls

~ Seeing my little sister inch that much closer to her degree, baby brother start his honorable career in the Armed Forces & his twin going to Air Borne School

~ Watching the girls use their imagination

~ 5am & William only wants one person.......the feeling of being the only one who can soothe someone special to you

~ All three wee getting gitty about Casey's return from work

~ All those years of private violin lessons paying off (thank you)

~ Living in the land of the free because of the brave

~ Whole grain pancakes Saturday mornings

~ Being able to partake of dairy, greens & chocolate now that William's system is advanced

~ Moral support from extended family

Parasailing

Just a few more pictures from our Anniversary Florida style.

Six Stupendous Years

Casey and I have been a married team for 6 years. When we look back on the time we feel so fortunate for all the opportunities that have come our way, proud of the decisions we've made and grateful for the blessings that have been poured out on us. For a celebration of the promise we've made not only with each other but with God, we decided to celebrate Florida style.
I must admit I was hesitant when Casey suggested we go Parasailing. The first thing that flashed through my mind was "We've got three kids, what if something happens to us?" Well, obviously nothing happened, because I'm here writing this blog entry. All I have to say about the exhilarating 15 minutes in the are is "WHEW!" It was fun, however I've come to the realization that I've inherited my mother's stomach. Yes, I got sea sick up in the air. In fact I thought I was going to loose my breakfast. How is it that I wanted to never be the oozy one, and yet here I am.

Ity Bity Library

It seems as though each time we move we seem to be down sizing in library sizes. In Federal Way our library was so big, it even had a little coffee shop inside (go figure, it's Seattle). When we moved to O'Fallon the library about half the size of the last, but the Children's section had a plethora of books and the DVD selection (especially BBC) was outstanding. Cut that in half with only a few shelves of books and that's our Navarre Library. The most noteworthy things about it are the large ocean mural, windows and steps.

Three at the House

The kids have spent countless hours at this doll house. Now that Buddy is very quick and pulls himself up, his new favorite place to play is right next to the girls. Most of the time they don't mind him playing next to them, as long as their toys don't go in his mouth.

Gummy Smile No More

William 8.5 months.

Biker Gang

The days have finally given up a little in terms of extreme heat. For sometime during the hot Florida summer we had to pretty much stay inside. We're in the middle of a Tropical Storm, one hit earlier this week and another is supposed to be coming this way by the end of the week. Bedsides the intense down pour, thunder crackling & momentary power outage, we're doing fine. Between all of that we've gotten some what of a break sunshine wise (which is nice) and also pockets of humidity breaks too.
Lily just came over to show the girls her new bike she'd gotten for her birthday. Now it's official, the three of them can go riding. Now all I need to do is teach Ella how to push her legs on the pedals. We're looking forward to the Fall/Winter time when we can go out as a family and go on long bike rides.

Two Little Pigs

The girls were acting out of story books all weekend. Peter came just in time to be the wolf that tires to huff and puff the three...well two little pigs.

Breath of Fresh Air

Spending time with Uncle Peter this weekend was just so wonderful. It brought back a lot of memories when we saw Casey's old truck (Buster) parked outside of the house. It was also nice to have Peter all to ourselves. The girls just absolutely adored him with frequent kisses, hugs and their favorite blankets thrown toward his direction (a bit of endearment). The first morning they woke up to him being in the house they were a little hesitant. Ella wouldn't make eye contact and Suz hid in her room. That only lasted maybe an hour, and they were snuggling up to him and I heard on multiple occasions both girls say "I love Peter". Peter was doing a great job of keeping the long term goal in mind, as he is far from his family....and I think having a taste of family just a few hours away will get him through these next few weeks before he's reunited with Joni and Lindsay.
Trying to get as many of those butterfly plastic things into the net. Playing the ever so famous Elephant Game.

Ella loving on Peter.

Didn't take long for him to be the most popular person of interest in our home.

Break from Air Force Training

Exploring Fort Pickens.

With all his rigorous Air Force Training, Peter needed a bit of family down-time. I think the break was good for him, especially being so far from his little family. It has been really fun to spend time once again with Uncle Peter (who rented out the 2nd bedroom in our Federal Way apartment before and after the time Suz was born for almost a year). Our family has since changed since those days.

We drove to Fort Pickens again, this time more guarded with the ant problem and spent some more time exploring the fort. With Peter there, the girls were extra gitty and had a lot of energy.

By the end of our visit little E. was exhausted. Ready for a nap (which came early on our drive home).