Horses and Bugs

Last Sunday after church, we headed up to Pine Valley to enjoy the rest of the day. The weather is typically 10-15 degrees cooler up there, and after a week of 110+, we were ready for that. We made homemade ice cream, ate yummy bbq and watermelon, and just chilled outside without the threat of heat stroke. It was awesome.

The horses (and mule) from the field in front of the cabin came up to the fence and the kids fed them grass. I was worried about MaKaty getting her fingers bitten off, but she was pretty good about keeping her hand flat. She would giggle and say, "The horsie bite my finger!"

Then Marcie found a grasshopper. She tried to show it to Bentley, but he would have none of it. She showed it to Katy, and Kate promptly took it from her and held it. No fear at all. Not even when it jumped up to her cheek. I was so happy that I had my camera in my lap already. I love the look on Chloe's face! Priceless!

We tortured Mattix for a bit. Not that it fazed him much...he's such a mellow dude.

Katy and Chloe were so cute together. They have had a rather volatile relationship up until now, but they got along so well this day. Funny girls!

One of my favorite parts of summer is the summer thunderstorms. There is nothing like warm rain. I love the way it makes the desert smell. It made for some great views on our way home. Misty mountains and a bit of a sunset.

Life is good.

Battle of the Bubba's: Round Two

According to the scales...Seth had about 4 ounces on Cru at four months. Here are some comparison pictures...you tell me what you think:

Seth:
Cru:Cru:

Seth:

Who's the Bubba now?

He {hearts} Baseball

Much to Grandpa's joy and Rick's dismay (he's a soccer man, himself)...Seth has taken a shine to the sport of baseball.

These pictures were taken last month up at the cabin. Seth was thrilled to have some room to really practice his skills. Looks like next Spring will bring baseball games for this family!

So focused:

Home Run!

A little fielding action...
As Rick would say..."You're livin' the dream, Buddy...livin' the dream."

4

Cru is four months old today. I can't believe it. Just like with the other kids, each milestone is exciting. But unlike the other kids, his meeting milestones makes me a little sad. He's our baby. He's supposed to stay little, right?

Our little man is getting big. He is cutting teeth already (which is a good 3-4 months ahead of his siblings), and he is sitting up for short periods on his own! This is what a teething baby learning to sit up looks like:

(For the record...Rick thought that picture was too gross to post, but it's the best shot I have of him sitting up, and the drool is really just a fact of life these days.)

We don't go in for his 4 month check until Monday, so I don't have exact stats right now, but he is about 18 and a half pounds. Sad as I may be about him getting big...I must admit that I greatly anticipate the day that he can sit up in a cart, and I don't have to lug around the car seat anymore.So here are some facts and favorites about Cru at four months:

• He still won't take a binky, but he has recently discovered his fingers.
• He thoroughly enjoys a good game of peek-a-boo.
• He likes being sung to.
• He imitates facial movements, like moving your eyebrows or opening your mouth wide.
• He can roll over both directions, but rarely does it. He mostly rolls to his sides.
• He is still a VERY sweet, patient guy, but he's learning to voice his displeasure.
• He still sleeps 10-12 hours a night.
• He looks so sober, until you talk to him, and then he busts out a big smile.
• His most commonly used nicknames are: Cruzer, Tubby, Cru-ey, and Bubba.
• He is starting to play with toys.
• He loves having a blanket on him in his car seat...he chews on it and tucks it under his chin(s).
• He will probably start rice cereal here in the next couple of weeks. When he watches us eat, his eyes follow every bite to our mouths.
• He likes watching TV.
• I love his belly laugh.
• I love the look on his face when he first opens his eyes and realizes it's me.
• I adore his fat rolls, and how he has tan lines in his creases.
• I love the birthmark next to his belly button.
• I love the nearly always present drop of drool on his chin.
• I love love love when he wrinkles up his forehead.
• I love how he looks like a tripod when he's sitting.
• I love that he loves to hold on to my finger still.
• I love his blue eyes.
• I love his sweetness.
• I love that he wants to watch his siblings, and spontaneously laughs at things that they do.

He is the perfect little "Grand Finale" to our family. We love you, Cru-Man!

Sweet Land of Liberty

Happy Fourth of July!
From Hannah:

MaKaty:

Seth:

and Cru:
And here's a little extra message from Seth:
We enjoyed the evening of the fourth at Jake and Beka's house. It all started innocently enough...just a little hose action to drive the dog nuts...and then it went from this:

to this:

And then Lily thought it looked mighty nice...so she joined in.
And OH! how I love this one:
We had planned to head into town for the big fireworks show, but the kids were having too much fun:

So we stuck around until it got dark:
And there were fireworks:

And it was close to 11pm before we got home, and we had 9am church this morning. THAT one wasn't thought through very well, was it? Still, it was worth it! Thanks Jake and Beka for another great time!

Wordless Wednesday