Let the wild rumpus begin!

With Scott's departure to CA this week and a bunch of craziness leading up to it, we began Jude's birthday celebrations a lil early. I made him car cakes, since a typical boy, he immensely enjoys the wheeled vehicles. He didn't eat much of the cake-- went straight for the oreo cookies wheels.  Getting all 4 kiddos to gather round was a bit of a challenge so I had to settle for this candid group shot.

Our newest pets

Swimming Lessons Success!

 Swim, baby, swim! This week we dove into the world of swimming lessons and had a great week with Rosey, the go-to-gal here in Richardson, who gives lessons in her own backyard. 30 minutes. 4 days a week. 4 kids. 2 adults. Success!!! Claire was right on the cusp of independence before lessons, and now she swims beautifully, hand over hand, on her back, and under water. Yay!!! Today she passed the swim test at the public pools and can go off the diving boards and slides!

 Asher did very well for himself too! He swims underwater with his eyes open and enjoys just floating around under the surface, like a buoy. He needs more practice with arms and legs, but he's getting there!

Avery started the week full of enthusiasm and continued that joy and excitement all. 4. Days. Miss Rosey was quite "impressed" with his eagerness to hit the water.

Jude Boy and I enjoyed our 30 minutes of bonding, but he is already looking fwd to getting his turn in the water next season. 

Baby Jude by the Months

"Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better"

The Super Hero Bug Has Bitten!

Just in time for their 4th birthdays, Asher and Avery have started investing in super hero paraphernalia.They still haven't seen any movies/films/visuals, but I think they are infatuated anyway.

Father's Day!

Since we were on the road a week ago, we postponed our celebration till this Sunday. We got Scott a fire pit which turned out to be a bigger project than I anticipated. But alas! It works. He loves it. Success!

There are numerous things wrong with this picture but it so aptly depicts our life right now. Happy. Chaotic. Loving. Busy. Fun. 

Bye bye 13 in"!

For the past 2 years, Claire has wanted short hair. After all the weddings this summer, we honored her request and had her cut. Instead of all those beautiful locks going to waste, we decided to donate her hair. We chose Patene Beautiful Lengths, who partners with the American Cancer Society, and gives away FREE, real hair wigs to women. (Some of the other organizations actually charge recipients $800-$1000 for a wig!)

As her personal sytlist, I stayed calm and collected during the whole process. I was excited for her, making the decision to get her hair cut, but nervous, as any mother would be-- what if she didn't like it? What if it didn't turn out nicely? That was all quickly alleviated with my great hairdresser, Irma, making the cuts. :)

My little girl is growing up. She is making decisions and has an opinion! Love her!