6 Years Old

Today our first baby boy turned 6. He spent half the day at school, his first week of 1st grade. When he got home we hung out and then we busted out the slip-n-slide. For dinner he chose nachos and applesauce. For a small birthday treat we had Hostess cupcakes. We lucked out and by chance Grandma and Grandpa even ended up having dinner with us. It was a nice afternoon and evening and I hope Noah felt special and loved today.

 Most of the slip-n-slide pictures are of Olivia because she was asleep the other day when we got it out for the first time. Those pictures I will post soon. I just didn't want anyone to think I was all mean or something posting all photos of Olivia when it's Noah's birthday.

 Apparently a slip-n-slide doubles as a convenient, refreshing water fountain as well.

 With the temp exceeding 100 it was a perfect day for some water fun.

 Olivia only being 2 had absolutely no idea how to slide but found a great way to improvise by accident. She ran down it and slipped at the end landing on her bum. The first time was an accident but after that all the falls were on purpose. She was so entertained. Oh yes, I must not forget, Aiden sat out for a while and watched and he found the whole slip-n-slide event very funny. Every time the kids would come sliding down he would giggle. Too cute!

 The nachos by the way were made with Nacho Cheese Doritos instead of tortilla chips. If you never tried it you should. It is so yummy!

 That's right, 6 candles in a Hostess cupcake. Oh yeah!

 Olivia was just dying to blow out candles too. So I lit a candle like 3 times for her. When I finally cut her off I asked if she wanted the cupcake and she said no. She could have cared, she just wanted to blow out candles all night.

 We love Noah so much. He definitely brings his own uniqueness to the family. He is a handful at times, many times, but he is also a really good boy. He is sweet and very loving and there is never any doubt how much he loves his family. He's a good friend and a good student. Noah is one awesome kid and we sure are grateful he's ours.

  Happy 6th Birthday Noah Jay!

Noah was sleeping over at Grandma and Grandpa's house so Olivia got herself comfy in his bed to watch a video. 

 Even fell asleep.

A recent monsoon storm hit our house hard. We lost a row of tiles on the edge of the roof. Too bad the leasing company has yet to care about it. Oh well, not our job to get it taken care of.

Syrup Rash

Olivia had a waffle for breakfast and when she was done she used the rest of her "dip" to paint her face. When I got her in the tub I realized her skin wasn't really a fan. Luckily it didn't bother her at all and it cleared up quickly with a good wash and one application of Cortisone cream.

Does it get better than this? Olivia fell asleep on my bed with her jammie bottoms over her pants, a water gun by her head and surrounded by books. What an awesome kid. 

Dominoes and Angry Birds

The kids were playing with the dominoes and I was impressed with Olivia's stacking. Zoey took things a step farther and the domino towers gave her the inspiration to make her own Angry Birds game. She colored small pieces of paper the color of birds and then balled them up. Same thing for the pigs. Then she went in the backyard and found a twig from the branch that would work as a slingshot. We tied some stretchy bracelet cord to the twig and she had her slingshot. She is such a thinker and always finds a way to execute her ides. I love it!

 Everyone knows that making a face helps with concentration and in this case, aim. 

Makes me smile.

A Glimpse of the Future?

I looked over and saw Olivia laying like this in front of my computer. I could just see her teenage self years down the road (years which will pass entirely too quickly) in this exact position. 

Whenever it rains the kids want to go out and play. Most the time I indulge them, they just love it so much.

Love this boy!

Tuesday Summer Tradition

This summer we wanted to make sure we had a day during the week that we really focused on time as a family. Our tradition that came about was going to the library every Tuesday. It is the only day Jay has off that the library is open so it worked out good. After the library we go eat lunch together and then run any errands that may need done. It is a simple thing but it has been wonderful. I love the library and I am glad our kids get excited about going. Even little Olivia gets so excited when it's time to go to the "lie-b-b". It has been a fun tradition and we will miss our Tuesday tradition when school starts.

I couldn't find Olivia one day so I started calling for her. She was answering me and I could hear her in the bathroom but I couldn't see her at first. I thought she might have gotten in the tub and was behind the shower curtain. I was wrong. I walked into the bathroom and this is where I found her. Naughty monkey!

3-D Lego Guy

Zoey had the idea to make Noah a Lego guy. I think what she came up with turned out pretty cool.

First Goodreads.com Giveaway Win

I joined a site called Goodreads.com. It's just a good way to track what I have read and see what books friends have read and liked. You can enter giveaways and in the first week on I won. I am so excited. Here's hoping it's a good book.

Olivia loves her baby so much. She is a really good little mama too.

Snuggles with Daddy

I think Zoey did an awesome job drawing Mario, Luigi and a goomba.

A cute sitty-upy boy and his truck.

DJ Livi

 Olivia was so thrilled to sit by Daddy and listen to music. Those headphones really look big on her little 2 year old head. I love the picture below. She looks like she is telling me to stop, like I am interrupting important things or something.

Just some time hanging out on the bed with Daddy. 

Nightly Routine

Just about every night when we tuck the kids in Olivia lays down in Zoey's bed with her. She says good night and acts like she is going to lay there and go to sleep. As soon as the lights are out you can count on her being out of the room within a couple minutes tops. I just think it is a sweet little moment each night seeing her happy in bed next to her big sister.

Halfway to One

Today Aiden is officially 6 months old. It has flown by. With the new school year right around the corner and birthdays and holidays right behind that, I know the next 6 months will pass even quicker. These 6 months of Aiden's life have been wonderful so far. He has grown so much and his little personality shines through more and more. He has grown from the fussy, needy baby to a happy, content little guy. He wasn't always so willing to crack a smile but now most everyone gets one as soon as he catches sight of them. Aiden is just a wonderful little guy and we all love him so much. Here's a little about him at 6 months:

- Can roll both ways but doesn't do it much. Somehow though he moves enough to not be in the same place he starts.

- Sitting pretty good on his own though can still take a spill. Not a pro yet.

- Getting ready to start on baby food. Mommy has been avoiding everything but the bottle because of denial and wanting to keep her baby a baby.

- Mostly content to do his own thing but he loves to be held.

- Loves to snuggle.

- Hides his face in your arm or with a blanket when he goes to sleep.

- Still sleeps through the night but not for as many hours as before.

- Starting to fight sleep more, he certainly doesn't want to miss anything.
- Holds his bottle by himself. Almost all the time. He gets lazy.

- An absolute angel when we are out. As long as we are moving and he has things to look at he can go for hours without eating or fussing.

- Loves to be outdoors and enjoys his time in the pool.

- Likes to talk and when he does he is often very loud. Sometimes I call him Chewy because he makes this gurgley sound and it reminds me of Chewbacca.

- Still a little guy but we will find out his height and weight soon. I think he will move up in those percentiles at least a bit.

- Completely adored by all his siblings. All 3 of them always want to hold him but I am certain he likes his time with Zoey the best. 

- The most insane drooler I know. We may have to put a bucket around his neck when he starts teething.

- Has the biggest open mouthed smile when he grins.

- Just plain wonderful!

We love Aiden so much and I am sure there is a lot more to share but I think this gives a fair idea. Happy one half birthday Aiden!