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.