Build to Grow

Today Nate took the boys to Lowe's "Build to Grow" workshop where they built a wood firetruck.  Even though I know Nate did most or pretty much all the work, the boys came home so proud of themselves.  Such a fun activity and experience for all three.  I foresee many more workshops to come!

Not A Typical Boy Activity

Those of you that know our boys, know they are your typical boy; love anything that moves or makes loud noises, getting dirty, playing outside and wrestling.  However, today their more gentle side came out.  After taking Elyse to the bus stop, I quickly finished cleaning up breakfast and changing Ian.  I heard the boys reading books and laughing with one another.   I then brought Ian into the toy room so we could join them to find this: two sons reading books dressed up as Elsa and Anna.  I have no idea whose idea it was, but I can't stop laughing, even now while typing this post.  LOVE THEM TO PIECES!

Awana 2014-2015 Season

Well tonight kicked off another season of Awana.  However, the Cubbie of the house was not Elyse, but Caleb.  He was so excited that he scarfed dinner (not his nature at all).  Elyse too was excited as she is now in Sparks. I really can not express how much joy Nate and I have when we drop them off at an activity that they have such a passion about; especially one that teaches them about God and His love.

Pumpkin Patch

This weekend provided some amazing fall weather and we took advantage of it by heading to our local pumpkin patch.  We drive by the patch almost daily and the kiddos were so thrilled to be able to go play.  The patch was awesome; it had baby animals, tractors, inflatables, Tonka trucks, wagons and the obvious, lots of pumpkins.  We captured some great pictures from our great afternoon.  Boy do I love fall! :o)

Ian's 9 Month Growth Stats

Yeah, Ian is back on the pediatric growth curve.  He maybe back on, but it's still only 2%, but hey at least he's on it.  He maybe just trying to make his mama happy by staying my little baby as long as possible.  Doctor had no other concerns with his development or growth.  She said he looked great and is by far one the happiest babies she's ever met.

GROWTH STATISTICS
Weight: 16 lbs, 2 oz (2%)
Height: 27.5 inches (17%)

Ian Turns 9 Months

Today really is bittersweet for me!  Ian turns 9 months and for some odd reason it is the hardest month by far.  I don't know if it's because he only has a quarter of his infancy left or what, it just feels like he will be one tomorrow.  Even though we are excited for him to turn one, it's just that he is my last baby and so a part of me will forever want him to stay little.

Anyway, Ian summed up in 9....
1. happy, happy, happy!
2. toothless
3. always on the go
4. Mama's boy
5. affectionate
6. loves to eat
7. paci addiction
8. separation anxiety
9. adorable

Happy 9 Month Birthday, Ian!

We love you little man.

Ian has his 9 month doctor appointment tomorrow. Growth stats to come.

Power Wheels

These pictures of the boys pretty much sums up my morning.  Would have preferred 20 degrees warmer so I could have at least got a tan while I sat by myself the entire time :)

Elyse Turns 6 Years Old

As I sit down to think about what I am going to type for Elyse in this post; I quickly become amazed at the beauty that is God.  No lie, the clock says 6:39 AM, the exact time Elyse entered this world six years ago.  God made a plan a long time ago to create a child that would be extroverted, gorgeous, intelligent, strong-willed, a leader, loud and passionate, and then He decided to give her to us.  God's plan with who she is and how she became ours is perfect, and we believe she is pretty close to perfect too.

Happy 6th Birthday, Elyse!

We love you so much and are so thankful for God and your birthmother for giving you to us six years ago.  Enjoy your day, sweetie. XOXO   

Party at the Klauser's Cinema

When Elyse mentioned she wanted to go to an indoor playground or the movies like her friends did for their birthdays I knew we were in trouble.  I then asked her who she wanted to invite which resulted in her naming 12, yes 12 close friends.  Nate and I knew we could no way go somewhere outside the home, so we brought the movies here.  Each kid was encouraged to bring his or her own pillow.  They were then welcomed to the Klauser's Cinema with a bag of popcorn and sent downstairs where we had a projector, screen and audio all set up in the dark.  After the movie, we celebrated with cupcakes, opened gifts and played outside.  Perfect party and I hope the kids all had as much fun and enjoyment as Elyse did.  By the way, forgot to mention it was for Elyse's 6th birthday.CRazY, 6 on Monday!

Caleb's First Day of Preschool

Here we go again, another first day of school.  Today was Caleb's turn.  He began preschool and  I will admit that today was a lot easier for me; especially since I have experienced the preschool thing already. Plus with preschool I still have control of his drop offs and pick ups, as well as one-on-one contact with his teachers.  Today was just an introduction to what his day will be like and meeting his teachers.  Overall, he loved it and is super excited to go for the entire 2.5 hours on Monday.

Elyse's First Day of Kindergarten

As all you moms who has had or has a child entering school, today was such an emotional day!  In fact, this morning alone involved me smiling, laughing and yes the obvious, crying. Even though I know Elyse was ready, excited and prepared, I still did not have her in my control and was so scared to let her go.  I do look forward to hearing all her stories (hopefully happy ones) when she gets home (which is not coming fast enough).  Although it's official, there is a kindergartner in the house, so bittersweet!

Last Day of Summer

Even though I loved school as a kid, it was still always hard to be happy on the last day of summer.  Now grown up and having two off to school this year I am having those same sad emotions.  Therefore, we are making the most of our last day of summer as a family.