"Just Dance"

Here's a video I shot of the kids in the truck on a "3 stops" road trip this summer. We were leaving Ohanapecosh campground at Mt. Rainer National Park and headed to Mill Bay at Lake Chelan. The kids (especially Isaac) were dancing to Lady Gaga and cracking me up!

We did lots of traveling with the kids this summer and it went surprisingly well. It wasn't always smiles and laughter like in the video, but I'd say overall our kiddos are excellent travelers!

Back to School, Back to Blogging...

...that is the plan anyway! I really miss not blogging and hope to make it somewhat of a priority again. With the 3 kids now, time goes by so darn fast it's hard to keep it all straight. Blogging allows me to document the sweet simple moments of everyday life...here goes!

So long summer (you went by way too fast by the way), welcome Kindergarten and Preschool!! Tatum began Kindergarten on the 1st and Owen attended his very first day of Preschool today. Both kids were very eager for school to start and had fantastic first days...no tears from either of them. Tatum attends school 5 days a week, 6.5 hours a day. I was definitely emotional that first day as I walked away from Tatum's classroom. Full time school is a big step (I guess more for me than her), however, I am thrilled for what's in store for Tatum and Owen this school year.

Tatum's first day of Kindergarten:

Owen's first day of Preschool:

Happy 5th Birthday Tatum!

Our first born officially hit the 5 year mark yesterday...it is hard to believe! We celebrated at home with a nice family dinner of spaghetti, Tatum's choice of course. This weekend she is having a beach themed party at the Little Gym with her classmates and close friends, followed by a BBQ at home with family.

Tatum's snorkel gear was a gift from mommy and daddy. Yes, the snorkel gear was on her birthday list. She was so excited when she first opened her present that she immediately had to go put on her "surf suit" so she could try on her new gear.

Catching Up

Man, keeping up on the blog is sure a lot harder than it used to be! Most days I feel like every minute of every day is filled with doing something, but oh how I LOVE these hectic days (most of the time)!

I'm always amazed by the number of comments I receive from complete strangers when I'm out and about running errands with the 3 kids. It's usually Moms that stop me and tell me how much they miss those "early years", and then proceed to tell me how old their children are now and recollect with me about the past. The Moms tell me how fast the years go by and how they remember them just like it was yesterday.

These comments just remind me that time is not going to slow down, no matter how much I wish is would sometimes, and that I need to cherish these precious days at home with my kids.

Here are a couple of pictures of Tatum enjoying the beautiful sunny weather we've been having lately.

Sitting All By Himself

At just 8 months, Isaac is now able to sit by himself for an extended period of time and play with his toys. Every day he seems to be getting stronger and is able to sit for longer lengths of time. It amazes me how quickly an infant can go from barely being able to hold up their head to sitting and holding up their entire upper body.

Mommy was having lots of fun making Isaac smile!

I love my boys!

Isaac's Eating Solids

It's taken a bit of practice, but Isaac has recently become more comfortable with solid foods. Most days he will take two good meals, however, we still have days (like yesterday) when he's not interested in eating anything from a spoon.

I love this picture...it reminds me of a baby bird.

Isaac loves his thumb!! In fact, it is just one of very few things that can soothe him when he's super upset. Here he is sneaking it into his mouth between bites of squash.

Owen is 3 today!

We celebrated Owen's third birthday today at home with several of his buddies. Here are a few pictures from the festivities.

My friend Lindsey helped with face painting

Owen with his good friends Ryan and Caitlin

Owen requested a 'CARS' theme for his birthday party

Tatum at Preschool

Last week I volunteered in Tatum's classroom and was able to snap a few pictures of the kids in action.

Tatum, decorating her cookie for the Valentine's Day Celebration

Kayleigh, Tatum and Sean playing "house"

Isaac's Favorites

Both Isaac and I love his exersaucer! When he's well fed and rested he will play in this contraption for up to an hour, especially when his big brother and sister are around to keep him company.

Isaac HEARTS Sophie the giraffe!! This is by far his favorite toy to chew on.

Isaac also enjoys his bouncy seat and has become quite skilled at bouncing himself by pumping his legs up and down.

Owen's Little Gym Celebration

Owen's Little Gym class recently celebrated the end of the semester. The kiddos showed off their skills, while the parents were invited to take pictures. It was fun to see how much Owen has improved behaviorally and skill-wise since early September.

Owen demonstrated doing a somersault in front of the class. He's still working on tucking his chin to his chest :-).

Receiving his award from teacher Charlene

Owen's favorite skill is probably Monkey Jumps