First Day of Kindergarten!

Today was a milestone event for Madison...her first day of kindergarten! She didn't seem nervous at all but woke up excited for her first day. Even though she'll take the bus to and from school every day I decided to drop her off today....I needed to do that more for me than for her!
A quick picture on the front step.
Once inside the school I snapped another picture! Still all smiles!

Once she got in her line I snapped one more...still smiling. The boys and I gave her all big hugs and kisses and out the door we went. As I looked back she was still smiling and waving. I can't wait to see her this afternoon and hear all about her day!

Stray Dog...

This morning a dog appeared in our yard as we were sitting on the front porch enjoying our coffee. At first he was skiddish and I wasn't totally comfortable with the kids approaching him but he quickly warmed up to the bunch, especially Madison. She wasn't there when he initially appeared and he wandered off while we were having breakfast but then he made his way back to our house. Madison loves animals and this dog can tell. He immediately was following her wherever she went. She said that since he didn't have a collar, we could keep him! She's even begun thinking of names for him. Carson said that Target is getting old and is going to die and that this dog is not getting old but getting new! We cracked up at his logic and vocabulary!
He has now attached himself to our porch. I gave him some water but we are refusing to feed him! He is definitely too big for our house and we don't want another pet! He is very sweet....so if anyone is looking for a dog....

Food Fun in June

For one family night I made large chocolate chip cookies for each of the kids and we put ice cream and decorations on top....the kids had been bugging me to do this after watching an episode of Umizoomi about the ice cream pizzas! Carson proudly displays his ice cream pizza.
One afternoon I spontaneously made some fruit kebabs for the kids. They were thrilled. Now granted they love fruit anyways but this was definitely a special treat for them. I wonder if I made vegetable kebabs if they would be as excited???

Jackson and the Pool

For the most part, Jackson was pretty content being in the stroller at the pool. He would often take his afternoon naps there. But on most occasions we tried to give him a little pool time. He definitely loved it...we can't wait to see how things go in the summer of 2012.

And more action by the bigger three....I captured them all in this video.

Fun at the Pool

With a pool membership for the summer of 2011, we spent as much time as possible at the pool. Here's some pictures and videos of our time there June 26th.
Everyone's pretty happy....in the pool...

....and out of the pool....

Madison shows off her backstroke skills....

...and Carson his swimming skills.....so happy we're raising a bunch of fish!

Madison Helps With Jackson

As Jackson grew from small infant (sorta) to baby, Madison was such a big help. She was the first to be allowed to bathe with Jackson...which I think she enyoyed more than him!
After bath time....

Our little chunky monkey!

And she even enjoyed giving him his night time bottle!

He was about 5 1/2 months in the pictures above.

Parks and Swimming Pools

While Mom, Dad, and the 3 oldest girls headed to Mt. Vernon we stayed close to home opting for some time at the "castle" park and then the swimming pool.

Memorial Day 2011 Camping Trip

Even with baby Jackson in the picture we still decided to go camping for Memorial Day weekend. We stayed local....traveling less than 5 miles up the road to camp, which made it nice for the adults to run home to shower or grab the food out of the refrigerator. It also made it possible for me to go home as necessary with the baby who didn't want to sleep in the porta crib.
But we had a great time....especially the kids. A couple other families from church joined us and the kids had so much fun riding their bikes up and down the road. And even more people gathered for a campfire the 2nd night.

We put the kids right to work collecting firewood...perhaps we should have been more specific about how big the logs should be....but they were troopers.
Teamwork....

And Faith brings up the rear....

Playing at the playground close by.

For a craft we made edible campfires....Carson loved the fact that it was edible!

And Madison enjoys showing off her work.....doesn't she look so grown up in this picture?

Our site.....

More of the site...

Our sleeping space....yes, we do all fit in there...one portacrib, 2 twin air mattresses, 1 queen air mattress, lots of pillows and blankets, and 6 individuals!

As soon as I acquire more pictures from others that took them I will add to here....

A Random Assortment....May 21st thru May 25th

"Our" pool opened for business mid May...and the kids were thrilled.
The boys...all in their baseball jammies.

Carson and Madison enjoying a moment with their leapsters.

Last day of preschool 2011....

Action in the swimming pool....nearly a fight breaks out.

Madison's Spring Sing

Madison also looking wonderful for her Spring Sing at preschool.....matching the flowers so well.
Sitting with one of her friends from class.

Posing with Mrs. Crapo, the assistant teacher.

And with Mrs. Mullett, her teacher.

What a great year she had at Pre-K!

More Jackson....4 months

One night before bedtime, we laid Jackson next to each of his siblings for a brief "good night" visit. He looks scared here with Jason....
And still maybe a little scared of getting squeezed to death by Carson.

And maybe a little more relaxed with Madison.

Then we took him downstairs and gave him his first cereal...which he enjoyed while making a mess!

Pre-K Mother's Day Tea

Right before Mother's Day I had the privilege to go to the Mother's Day tea at Madison's preschool. The kids were all dressed up and did a few songs for us before we enjoyed some finger foods. Here Madison is singing "Oh be careful little..."
A nice close up of Mom and daughter.

Presenting a planted flower to me...

And a card....

Another shot of mom and daughter.

A quick picture of us afterwards at home.