introducing

We are so excited to introduce our latest member of the family! He came into the world nice and steady weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces and was 20 inches long. He has been a very sweet and gentle addition and we are all so glad to have him here. The kids are all really sweet holding him. Bug is proving to be very helpful, Tank is loving having a brother but my favorite thing so far might be Bitsy shouting out all the time, 'I want to hold it!'

first day

Bug and Tank each had their first day of school! Bug started 2nd grade and did great going to a new school. She was excited and nervous all at the same time. Since starting, she has been able to make a few friends and has enjoyed riding the bus. Tank started an official preschool this year and is pretty proud to be going to school. He loved getting to pick out a real backpack! He was also really excited Andrew took him to school on his first day in the truck! I love these kids!

Bitsy had to get in on the action, lopsided piggies and all.

I love how big their backpacks are compared to their body size!

We're looking forward to a great year!

camping times two

We complied to the kid's cries and went camping for a second time as promised this summer. I'd like to note that I was 37 weeks pregnant and think I was a pretty good trooper about the whole thing. We headed to the Tieton river by White pass and found a beautiful location. The weather was gorgeous and the river really fun to play in. However, our neighbors on either side of us were another story. They were loud into the night, quite into smoking and had yappy dogs that didn't stop barking until late. So, sleep was pretty scarce that night. However, the kids still loved and enjoyed it all!

Proof on how pregnant I was!

Finally got all the kids to try s'mores (they've been stuck on roasted marshmallows) and they all loved them. You would have thought I got them to eat vegetables by how excited I was.

Until next summer!

backyard camping

We did some backyard camping a few weeks ago. We grilled up some hamburgers and hot dogs and made root bear floats. The kids enjoyed it but they keep insisting it does not count as the second camping trip they were promised this summer! We will have to see on that one!

spokane

We have done some pretty fun and eventful things around here this summer, but have not gone on any long trips. So for some family fun, we decided to spend the day and overnight in Spokane and the following day to visit Silverwood theme park. It was a nice little getaway we all enjoyed! These pics are of Spokane, where we spent the afternoon at Riverside Park riding the tram and then got some takeout for dinner and watched the Olympics in our hotel room. If you were to ask the kids their favorite part, it would definitely be the hotel room!

silverwood

The kids definitely loved Silverwood theme park. They spent the day eating french fries, cotton candy and riding on as many possible rides they could get themselves on! 

It cracks me up they let these two littles ride together!

All the kids loved this ride, but Bitsy adored it the most. She barley made the height requirement and we were told she probably would hate it as the ride went high up and raced down, but she reacted like it was the best thing she'd done in her entire life. She squealed the entire time with pure delightment. It was so fun to hear and see.

The kids are already coming up with a plan for when we head back next summer!

boating

We have managed to get in a little boating this busy summer! The kids were all so excited to be on a boat again and they were all pretty daring with their new cools moves in the tube. We did have one major incident though. Bitsy fell off the front side of the boat! While it was going and while the boys were tubing! Andrew was fast to react and dove right into the water, swam after her and got her. Luckily we're into life jackets and Bitsy loves the water. She definitely knew something was amiss though because the following few days after, she'd randomly look at me and tell me with true concern in her eyes and voice, 'I fell off the boat.' Poor girl. Other than that, we all had a great time and we're safe and well! 

 

soccer

Bug and Tank just finished up another summer soccer season. They loved it! Bug had a great time learning field positions and has decided she likes playing defense the best. She also decided she'd like to continue playing soccer. So she'll be doing that this fall and spring as well. Andrew was able to coach Tank's team and Tank loved that! Tank's favorite part was probably the snacks again this year...he also loved playing tag on the field during the game with fellow teammates. Good thing he's still pretty little.