My Little Helpers

It's a daily occurrence to sweep our floors, especially after meals.  Today the boys offered, however I believe the floor was dirtier when they finished than when they started. ;)

Animal Blankets

A few years back the kids received these animal blankets as gifts and still use them today.  With no rush to get to the bus or any place to go, the kids spent their morning being animals attacking one another with love.

First Freeze Pop

I get so excited for the first Freeze Pop of each year.  That means the weather is warm, shorts are on and the sun is out; and since today was 77, sunny and a Friday, I pulled them out and made four kids smile from ear to ear.  Plus it was extra special today because it was Ian's first official Freeze Pop ever.  

Wordless Wednesday

McKinley Olympics

Elyse's school put on their annual McKinley Olympics all day.  Each grade competed with their own grade in track and field events.  Thankfully the weather was perfect and all five of us were able to go out and support her.  I love how involved the families are at McKinley.  So many parents took some or all their day off from work to go see their child(ren) compete.  Overall it was such a fun day; and I look forward to it already next year, and even more so when all four will be competing in it.

Graduated to Extended Day

Today Caleb graduated from shortened day preschool (9-11:30) and will be in extended day preschool next fall (9-2).  I have shared so many times about how much I love the kids' preschool and staff; and this year was no different.  Mrs. Peterson and Mrs. Loftus were amazing teachers that taught him not only basic education and social skills, but Christian values too.  It's crazy that the year is already done!  Caleb says he is sad it's over and won't see his friends but happy too because that means summer is here.  I couldn't agree more.

Caleb and Mrs. Peterson

 Caleb and Mrs. Loftus

 Caleb with his best buddies: Kaila and Noah

Off His Knees

Thankfully Ian has officially decided to start walking.  He often still needs help getting up but once up, he is off.  Some mothers may dread the busy walking child, but I love it.  No more holes in his knees, dirty hands and going outside now will be a lot more fun for the both of us. :)

This is how Ian was getting around for the past month or so.  The kid mastered the art of knee walking:


This is how Ian is getting around today:

ian walking from NSquared on Vimeo.

Mother's Day

Today went just as wonderful as I could have designed it to.  The kids woke up and instantly I was attacked with hugs and kisses.  We then went to church, following that I opened all my beautiful Mother's Day gifts.  We also went to the Children's Museum where the kids, Nate and I joyfully played.  I ate a dinner provided by Nate and tucked the kids into their beds for more kisses and hugs.  Overall, it was such a glorious day and I'm so thankful for God for giving me the gift to become a mother to the four blessings we have.

I hope all you moms out there (especially ours) had a wonderful Mother's Day too!

Ian also decided to give me a gift, officially spent his day walking and got off his knees.

Fire and Rescue

On Wednesday the local firefighters visited Caleb's preschool and even let Kallen be apart of the experience.  So it's only fitting that for the last two days our house has been protected by the two cutest firefighters I have ever met.

Early Mother's Day

Since my mom is visiting her mom and sisters this upcoming weekend, she worked it out to be able to get sometime yesterday to celebrate Mother's Day early with me.  Nate was working all day; so her, the kids and I spent our time playing, going out to eat (we were celebrating and neither of us were going to have anything to do with the kitchen), and took the kids to their last Awana for the year.  It was very fun and easy just like Mother's Day is suppose to be.  Therefore, if Sunday is anything like yesterday, I am really looking forward to Mother's Day this year.  Love you, Mom!

The Kitchen Drawer

Just like all kids, Ian loves going outside.  I was able to catch his normal routine on camera last week on what he does whenever I ask the kids if they want to go play outside.  The boy instantly stops what he is doing and goes to this drawer in our kitchen where he opens the door and attempts to get my sunglasses.  Such a sweet and helpful little boy.