Our May

 Oh to recap May, the month that has so many things stuffed into it as we say goodbye to the school year and hello to summer. We stayed busy and spent most of June trying to catch our breath and learn to relax again. Looking back on my pictures, this month was such a blur (as it goes with a new baby in the mix) but was so, so good to us and so fun. 

Monte was still home on paternity leave so we spent the first few weeks of May loving on our newest little, celebrating our preschooler, and encouraging our 2 bigs to finish the school year out strong. 

We went to the park one day when the oldest were in school:

and cuddled our little man:

I got in several walks with Avery. She doesn't care for the car seat, like at all, so stroller and car rides are complicated right now to say the least. We hope it's a passing phase. 

We made cupcakes for fun:

                                                          I got approved to exercise again:

The kids had their school spring concert and Payton had her piano recital to complete her second year of piano:

And at last, the last day of school arrived. All I have to show for it is a picture of the treats they took as they walked out the door:

                                                          

We were so excited to start break and say hello to SUMMER:

Sadly, the start of break coincided with Monte going back to work from paternity leave. We enjoyed our time with him and wish he had longer. We are finding lots to keep us entertained though for break.

We found baby birds:

A nest was built in our own backyard, in one of our firepits. So, we didn't use and got to observe the life cycle of a bird. 

                                                         

We also found a baby bunny nest, 2 in fact that we got to quietly observe:

                                                         

Never fear, we did still get to fire pit. Smores are some of our favorite treats:

I planted some flowers. This one in particular is a new addition at our chicken coop:

I quietly awe my established flowers as they bloom:

We planted our garden and are now working it daily:

We try to get all the things done while baby sleeps. But, sometimes I pause and take a picture of how cute she is:

And when she is awake we are trying to get her more familiar (and content) with the carseat. We try to do short walks at the park, here the kids scooter while I push her in the stroller:

I am trying really hard to get the kids in the kitchen and take a few steps back. That is hard for me as I like the control but the results are worth it! The kids are learning new skills and making tasty snacks and meals. We are back again to each kid having a meal one night a week to make. It's a total win/win for all of us.

And then so much time just taking care of a sweet baby and snapping pictures. She is growing so fast:

Oh, Avery, you are a beautiful addition to our household and you are truly, deeply loved. 

We continue to try and get lots and lots of outside time both at home and out and about:

Our local libraries offer tons of summer fun. Here we got out for a touch a truck program where the kids could explore different vehicles (tractors, ambulance, fire truck, farm equipment) and ask any questions they had. They had so much fun and enjoyed trying on emt uniforms. 

Payton is also in book club this summer so while her group meets, we get out for a picnic lunch. It has been great for all of us:

As I type this we are already halfway through June. The days are flying by and we are thoroughly enjoying life and all of God's blessings he has granted us. 

April Recap- new baby and our oldest baby turns 10!

 Holy cow, April went fast! So fast, so busy, and so good. I wouldn't change a minute of this life. But man is it going on high speed with no signs of slowing down. The pictures really tell our story, so let's get to that.

Baby #4 came on April 7th so above are some of our final pregnancy pictures taken. I loved being pregnant and was so thankful this sweet girl made it to 40 weeks (our other babies came at 37/38 weeks). I tried to stay extra grateful for the extra 3 weeks and enjoyed my time preparing for our newest one and loving on my other 3. 

                                                          

All three kids made an Easter bunny board sign together. We never got the final picture (woops) but this was the halfway picture I have evidence of. We also added baby chickens to our flock and I only have one picture for that as well:

                                                         

                                                          

Jayden is holding one of our full grown girls, lovingly named Jayden. Guess who named her?

                                                          

We've pulled out the bounce house for some entertainment with the nice outside weather as signs of summer start to appear. 

                                                         

                                        

I tried to squeeze dates in with all 3 of my children and my husband did the same with the kids as we approached baby's arrival. Some dates were with 2 kids instead of 1, like the picture of the kids at dairy queen after we attended church. 

We also attended the library for free Easter crafts:

                                                       

                                                       

We also finished out the soccer season:

                                                     

The kids are so fun to watch at soccer and all 3 really enjoy this game. Riley even got to play with Payton's group a few times and really loved the challenge of being with the older kids. 

And then, baby #4 came and we slid into a routine with her that makes me wonder if she ever wasn't a part of our family. She is so loved and we have worked hard to find balance as we start this new chapter in life. But, really, our family is so very glad she is here with us and we just love her so much!

Joining us for an outdoor picnic!

And everyone taking turns feeding Avery:

A picture of our sweet girl sleeping:

Baby with mommy:

While I was in the delivery room with Avery, both grandmas watched our children. I will always be grateful for them to show up and serve our family when needed:

She arrived:

And coming to the hospital to meet Avery, they also greeted mom:

Daddy has been home with us as he gets 6 weeks of paternity leave, so he did lots of the schooling and reading with Jayden while I attended to Avery. A change well received by Jayden:

Riley has been taking extra good care of me:

And we all love Avery so much, we can't get enough of her:

She loves to sleep:

Just like that, she hit the 2 week mark:

I captured a few smiling pictures, but mostly just lots of sleep pictures of this sweet baby with the occasional alert picture:

This girl has strong muscles and is holding her head up so well and so steady. She loves to sleep and spends most of her day sleeping. The kids all want to hold her all the time and I think they are a tad disappointed by how much she sleeps. But, that will change quickly and won't last forever. They love telling everyone about Avery and showing her off. 

Then, we celebrated our oldest turning 10. 2 whole hands! I can't believe how fast the years have gone. We did a family party and the grandparents traveled to our house and then to another town to attend the trampoline park to celebrate our girl. It was such a special time. On the day we went to the trampoline park we also stopped at the mall and let her pierce her ears for her present, something she had been asking for. 

                                                           

Singing happy birthday and blowing out the candles:

Her pierced ears:

A picture from the trampoline park, the kids were in a simulated hurricane. This was one of their favorite activities at the trampoline park:

Payton,

Happy Birthday! You were the one to make us parents and we simply adore you. You teach us so much about empathy and love for others through your own actions and approach to life. You are simply the best big sister and God truly made you for the role of the oldest child (even though there are times you wish you had fallen in a different birth order). Thanks for being you. You are enough. You are loved. You are truly a part of our team. Don't ever try to be anything other than yourself. You are made for big things.

I love you more than you will ever know.

Love,

Mom