Lake Red Rock Beach

We got to visit Aunt K and our Cousins S & K and headed out to the beach. Hardly anyone was there. Yippee. And to my surprise they even swam. We only stayed a couple hours due to lunch and a little guy who can't get too much sun yet. But we had a blast as usual. Definitely a place to venture next year. Plus another check on our bucket list.

Shadd's Birthday (friend party and the real day)

We celebrated Shadd's birthday as a family on his actual birthday. July 18th. We opened presents. Had some friends over for a water party in our backyard. Went to Planes Fire & Rescue in the afternoon. And out to eat at one of the favorites, VI (or Village Inn) for all you non-VI eaters. 

Shaddy loved the stomp rocket from Sager and the new race track from Ells (she picked it out herself so she was pumped he liked it). Dad got him some new shoes and some soccer goals which failed the amazon prime 2 day shipping test. Go figure.

But this year we invited some of Shadd's buddies to come over Friday morning and have a water fight.  Most could come so it was a lot of fun. Grandma D made some turtle cookies (which I never got a picture of and I even attempted the water blob.

The slip n slide ripped and the water balloons that Daddy filled up early that morning only last a few minutes but they had fun.

I thought they might enjoy some ninja turtle masks so I made a few more and they got to take them home as favors. We kept it low key but still two hours with lots of little guys was more than plenty. Next time I might make it an hour and half.  Plus try attempting water balloon games with them - lets just say they couldn't wait for me to just let them have a free for all.

Baby Update 39 weeks

I went to the doctor last week and had an ultrasound.

The little peanut only weighed 7lbs 9oz so that was positive.  No 10lbs 9 ounces like Sager (yet)
I am dilated to a 3...yeah!

I was pumped and hoping he would arrive before my appointment today but no such luck.

I've been having lots of contractions but still just a 3 and he is still pretty high. Usual for my kiddos. No one ever comes done till it is time to deliver and then again Sage never did.

The doctor today said that it was all looking great for a vbac and with the size of this little guy he wouldn't even be opposed to me going over my due date. Not something I am hoping for of course but the fact that they are willing to do just about everything to help me have a vbac I am pumped.

We did get a couple good looks at this little guy last week.

I know ultrasounds are tough to see but here is a pic of the little dude.

It looks like he is smooshed up to the window with his nose. Of course, D can't see it and neither can my dad. Oh well. I can!

If you want please just pray this little guy comes naturally, quickly and at the hospital (a home birth by d is kinda my biggest fear). Also soon. I'm just slow and ready to meet this little guy in person! But if anything I just want comfort and peace about God's perfect birthday for this sweet pea!

Sweet Corn

A favorite love of our whole family...

Sweet Corn

Yum. Yum. Yum. 

Big brother to be

This little dude cracks me up. He is the silliest of all of our kiddos so far.

He loves to be loud. Pick and Pester. I mean it. He loves to get under everyones skin and doesn't seem to know when to stop.

He is wild. Carefree.

He is getting more and more independent and persistent everyday.

He loves to make us all laugh and will do just about anything to get attention.

He has funny sayings and loves his brother and sister to the max.

Still kinda crazy that he is about to be a "big brother"

I know with this new title he will grow up overnight. Although he already seems oh so big.

Swimming Lessons

Swim lessons in pictures...

We got to do them with some of our best friends. 

By the end Shadd was a fish that I haven't ever seen. 

I mean jumping in. Diving for rings, etc. 

Pretty good for a kiddo who hated to go under water prior. He thinks its the new goggles but I think its a bit of peer pressure. Thank you little mister N. 

And Ells and Shadd both mastered the butterfly kick. 

Plus with us going to the pool like a ton of days in a row...Sage has become quite the swimmer in his floaty. Yeah. He is even kicking and swimming around all by himself. He loves to jump in.  Of course, he isn't scared to get his face wet at all. He is the dare devil. 

Needless to say I hope the progress continues and maybe the y lessons will be next. 

Of course on a cold day this may be how you would find us. I just wished I had a good book and could take a nap. Someday right? 

My Girl

Last week I got to spend the night shopping and hanging out with this sweetheart.

She had her first birthday party so we had to shop for the perfect gift. We had a couple returns and then she got to pick where we ate. After a couple hours we were both exhausted. She didn't nap and on the way home she just stopped answering questions and I looked back and she was sleeping. Meanwhile the boys were at the golf course. D said it wasn't a typical night as its difficult to keep an eye on a roaming 2 year old while in the middle of setting up and swinging a club. I doubt he will fly solo with those two again for a year or so.

I'm ever so thankful for my boys but my girl and I will always have a special relationship that only mothers and daughters understand. So thankful God gave me her!

T-Ball

Shadd loves hitting baseballs in our backyard. So t-ball seemed like a no brainer. Well it conflicts with soccer and we are not about to be tied down multiple nights a week. So we committed to soccer and then I saw he could play t-ball in winter set. So we signed up. He had a few practices and a couple games. It was a start but I think he would much prefer someone pitching as D usually soft tosses in our yard. Although he did need some coaching on how to play first base, pitcher and to touch the bases as he runs around each time. Oh boy. D has dropped the ball this time. 

And this is how the rest of us faired. Baseball is hot. Good thing the grandparents tagged along and there is always the concession stand, right?

We are eager

"When is baby coming out"...that is the phrase I head daily from the littlest.

Well we are getting closer. Hoping this little guy makes his appearance in the next couple of weeks.

Till then I finally finished up some sewing but I should really pack my bag for the hospital.

Oh how things change from the first to the fourth I guess. With Shadd I was probably packed and ready to go months before the big day.

We are excited. But trying to enjoy the last moments of this little guy hanging out with me all day long. The big kicks, the trips to the bathroom all night long, its just the beginning of this new journey with number four!

Its Shadd's Turtlely Awesome 6th Birthday Bash

A party at our house wouldn't be a party with out some decorations. Shadd had a blast making goodie bags for his cousins, playing pin the mask on the turtle, some reusued ruffled streamers and of course ninja turtle masks for everyone. 

 And how cute are these guys!

Of course, the turtles love pizza so we went the easy route. Great for a prego mama. Pizza Hut even has turtle specials. We ordered one Rafael. It was really good too! Nice marketing uh?

And Shadd's party wouldn't be complete without water games. He was born in July!

Poor Papa was of course an easy target. His request for next year. Two pools.

Even Cousin S didn't mind the water.

We opened gifts and did a pinata (another Shadd request)

Again we are always blessed my grandma d with the most amazing tasting and looking cakes!
D told Shadd that grandma couldn't make it this year so when she brought it he asked it if she had gotten at a store. He said it just looked so good, he couldn't believe it. I would have to agree. If you need an amazing cake - call me and I will get you her number so you can order one! I'm becoming a cake snob and really wont eat anyone elses.

Add in some of D's homemade ice cream and it equals perfection in my mind! We even made Rocky Road this time and it was super yummy! 

 And this guy was belting Happy Birthday like it was nobody's business. Best little brother ever!

 And all the littles were eager for the treats!