Shatto Family

Happy Valentines Day...

2012-02-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day....

...and Happy Birthday to my sweet SEVEN year old!!!!!!!

I have so much to catch up on! We've had such a fun 3 weeks :)! We did two wonderful "Memory making" trips with the kids! One long weekend to Great Wolf Lodge (an indoor water park) with cousins and a family vacation just the 6 of us to Disney World! In the middle Shaelyn had her Birthday!!! LOTS and LOTS of pictures to come :)! I can't decided which are my favorite!

Love...

2012-02-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

....these two boys and their sweet little friendship that is starting to grow!!!!!

January Pictures...

2012-01-20T11:07:00.001-08:00

We are having a great month! :)

For now just a few pictures of normal every day life!! There are moments when it feels like someone simply hit the repeat button and I'm doing the same thing I did yesterday! But, it's these awesome smiles that make the repetitive nature of this season in life not only manageable but enjoyable!!!

6 Months...

2012-01-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

Stennson is 6 months!

He continues to be my sweet little buddy! Going with the crazy life that being 4th born brings!

At his 6 month check up he was...

19 lbs 6 oz (75th percentile)

28 inches (95th percentile)

Just for fun... comparing that to the other three:

Shaelyn was... 16 lbs 5 oz ...and 28 inches

Monreau was... 17 lbs 8 oz and 27 inches

McLleyton was ... 18 lbs 10oz and 28 1/2 inches

I guess my babies just keeping getting bigger!! That's some good milk :).

He looked great at his check up, despite just getting over a really tough respitory illness.

What you're up too...

Starting to do a great job sitting up on your own. You still fall over, but you're starting to get it. It's hard for me to find time to sit and work with you on it and you're usually content to lay and play, but this is your month :)! JANUARY we are going to master it!

Rolling over... still not so interested, you've done it, but you don't really do it!

You are strong on your tummy and can push yourself all the way up. Maybe you'll crawl before you roll all over!

Favorites...

Rice cereal, you like it!

Your exasaucer!

Your paci can cure all problems!

Shaelyn! Nothing like seeing you light up when she comes home from school!

Toys you an really chew on!

Kissing mommy! I'm the only one you really like to kiss and I love it :)!

Being out and about! You are usually super content to run errands etc!

The front pack! At almost 20 lbs you are heavy now, but if you're tired and I put you in there while I work you are as content as can be!

Your giraffe, paci and white noise machine to sleep!

Your tummy! Both to sleep and play!

You dislike...

Mommy picking your nose! (Okay who would :)... but NOTHING makes you more upset then when I pick at you :))!

When daddy yells at the TV during a sporting even! It really scares you! Good thing you don't have a dad who yells in normal life :)!

Falling asleep out of your bed! You have a really hard time if you have to sleep in my arms now!

When you are left in a room all by yourself. It doesn't happen often with 3 siblings, but when it does you will definitely start to cry!

BEING SICK!!

I think that's it! When you're healthy you are one super sweet boy!!

Stennson, I've loved every moment of your first 6 months together! I can't imagine our family without you! Thank you for the abundance of joy you add to each day!

Happy New Year...

2012-01-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

Our start to 2012 has been a bit of a rough one! Lots of sickness :(. Stennson got a really bad respiratory/cold and the girls both came down with the stomach flu! This nearly constant winter battle of keeping the kids healthy is the only thing that make me excited for them to grow up a bit. It's just hard having four little ones and constant germs coming in from school and I guess just normal life :(. But, we're making it - one long day at a time :)!! Hopefully, we are at the end for now and ready for a few weeks of good health! One thing that it does do is give you amazing perspective on how blessed we are to have four healthy kids! I am so, so thankful for this precious gift!!

So, cheers to a great 2012 and to good health :)!!!

Jonker Christmas Eve...

2011-12-31T13:35:00.000-08:00

My whole family was home for Christmas this year and it was a fun Christmas eve filled with some of the traditions of my childhood and a few new ones :)! The kids had SO much fun with their cousins and loved every moment of it!

The biggest change this year was location! Last December my parents sold my childhood home and downsized! It was a great move for them, but we definitely could not fit at their new place for Christmas. So we were out in Holland at the cottage! It felt different to be out there for Christmas, but it's just the start of a new tradition! It really is perfect because we all fit :)! (26 people!)

It was a great time and I am so thankful for all my amazing siblings and my parents!

Let the controlled chaos begin...

The sweet girls (missing Elena!) They have a lot of fun together!!
Nanny and Poppy with almost all the grandkids (missing Jacob and Elena)
Let the gifts begin! James with Poppy (and a new lego airplane :))
Nanny and Poppy
McLleyton LOVED having his Uncle John home...
Shae with Uncle Darren...

Matching Barbies for the 4 year olds!! So much fun!!
Mc w/ Uncle Jeff...
Belen and Jared...

Check out the sweet coat Aunt Jill got Stennson :)...
The boys thought it would be fun to start a new drinking tradition :)... It was pretty entertaining!!

Love this picture ... I really think it's just round 2 :)
Enjoying an apple and talking with his Aunt Kelly...
Snuggles with dad...
Kids dinner time...
All ready for bed! The oldest cousin (Lauren,9) and the youngest (until march) Stennson, 5 months.
All the grandkids in matching PJ's from Nanny and Poppy!! 13...and counting...
My oldest and youngest :)

Shatto Christmas...

2011-12-31T11:16:00.000-08:00

It's such a gift that we get to spend Christmas with both of our families every year! The difference between our families is mostly evident in the numbers :)! 26 in mine and 9 in Matt's (we count for 6 of that :)). The experiences are obviously completely different, but I truly enjoy both equally! My kids do too!! There is something pretty sweet about being the only grandkids and getting loved on by a great Aunt and Grandpa and Grandma!!

It was a low key afternoon, with a great lunch, gifts, a Christmas movie and ended with the girls sleeping over! I didn't take enough pictures, but here's a few...

Stennson took a great nap... so he is missing from these ...

Matt's uncle restored this tractor and "loaned" it to Matt's parents until he has grandkids some day! I think my boys are going to love it!!!

The men! Grandpa, McLleyton, Grandpa Ben, Matt...
Sweet sisters...
A gift for Aunt Emy...

Movie time at Grandpa's house just became more fun!

Look at the fun building toys they kids got from Grandpa and Grandma... they are similar to what Matt had as a child...

10 Years!

2011-12-29T09:35:00.000-08:00

Today is our 10th Wedding Anniversary! Simply feeling blessed and grateful for an amazing 10 years... for four sweet children, great families, friends and that I get to walk through this life with the most amazing man! I can't wait for the next 10...20...30...40...

I am blessed and grateful!!!!

Christmas Morning...

2011-12-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

This past week we've enjoyed a lot of great Christmas fun! We've had time with both of our families and it has all been wonderful! But, I have to say the sweetest time of Christmas for me has become Christmas morning when it's just the 6 of us! (6 :)... I love that!!)

This year my entire family was in town (updates and pictures to come, it was great!!) We did our Christmas eve traditions at the cottage in Holland and for a moment we debated if we would drive home really late that night or stay at the the lake. Neither Matt nor I wanted to give up our time as a family Christmas morning, so we woke the kids up and drove home late. It was such a sweet time! They are growing up... and QUICKLY! We started the tradition a few years ago of Birthday cake for Breakfast! They blew out candles and sang to Jesus! We opened stockings and all the gifts that were under the tree. They were filled with anticipation, excitement and joy! It was just fun! They loved giving each other the gifts they had saved their money for, picked out and wrapped! It's a joy to see it all through their eyes! They are each precious, sweet and such amazing gifts!!! There is no doubt we have been blessed beyond or greatest hopes and dreams with these 4!!!!

A few pictures from our morning... lots more from our other Christmas fun still to come :)...

School programs...

2011-12-26T18:28:00.000-08:00

Playing catch up again :)!

Here's some pictures from the girls school Christmas programs!

One of the highlights of Shaelyn's year was getting a part in the 1st/2nd grade Holiday program! She was a Kwanza Child... hence the African garb! She had practice after school from 3 to 5 for a week and a half and we had to make her a costume :)! The program was very cute and it did wonders for her self confidence! It was fun to see!

Monreau's school had the sweetest Christmas program! I love her teacher and Monreau LOVES music and singing! She looked pretty adorable too :) (I know I'm biased!)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-12-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas... and it's even better to watch it through my children's eyes! They love it all and it is now them recalling traditions from the years past! It's been a fun December so far! Busy and not a lot of time for writing, but here's some pictures to document a few events we've had! I love pictures :)...

The Telman Christmas party! Santa comes every year..

Classic Santa picture :) Stennson really only cried for 2 seconds, but I caught it! McLleyton definitely was not sure about him and this is the only time he was willing to sit on his lap (when Stennson sat with him!) Loved it!

Stenner checking him out!

Shae and her sweet smiles :)

Monreau was all about Santa! Love it when her hair is down!
My Grandma with Stennson!

Putting up our Christmas tree Thanksgiving weekend! My favorite part was watching the girls going through their ornaments and remembering each Christmas! A tradition my mom did with us! Their enthusiasm is contagious!

McLleyton was SO excited too!

Matt putting up the star...

A few fun events in this past week.

We had a great time having some new friends stay with us for a few days! Adam, Kyle and Barin were so great with the kids and we were grateful to get to know them and to hear about the year the are experiencing as friends! This feels like one of the biggest gifts we can give our kids and it was great to have them!

And as the picture shows they clearly enjoyed it :)

Aunt Emy took Monreau to the Nutcracker! She loved it!

Couldn't resist these, I am in love with this boy!! He makes it easy...

5 Months!!!

2011-12-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

Stennson at 5 Months...

Some serious brother time! McLleyton adores you Stenn!

I love this smile!!

Hanging out in the Bumbo, chewing on toys... growing up!

Doesn't really work to try and take a picture when football is on :)

A picture of the 4 wasn't going to happen this time :)...

Stennson, here's a little glimpse of life with you at 5 month!

-I'm amazed by how much you have grown up in the past month!

-You daily schedule is ...

Wake up between 7 and 8am and nurse.

Nap- a lot of times it is out and about when we have activities. Now you will only nap for about 20 to 30 minutes long in your carseat, but it can usually hold you over until your afternoon nap.

When we are at home you'll take a good 1 to 2 hours.

Nurse around 11/11:30!

Nap- again depends on everyone elses schedule, but if we don't have to pick up from school you'll sleep from 12 or 1 until 3 or 4pm.

Nurse when you wake up!

5:30/6 You just started rice cereal at dinner time. While, you had it for the first time a few weeks ago, but it's hard to add another thing into that time of day, so I am just now getting serious about really having you eat then so we can drop that feeding/nap time!

You nurse again at 6:45/7pm and go to bed for the night!

You were my awesome little sleeper, until that bad cold hit you last month and created all kinds of bad habits that we are still trying to break! You have been nursing again between 4 and 5am :(... I think we'll give you through this month and then we'll have to drop that one!

- You have done well with the cereal. You are very tongue tied and we've debated clipping it, but so far you have nursed great and have now figured out how to eat cereal well, so we'll continue to wait on that decision.

- You are such a happy little guy.. but you are growing up and for the first time voice your opion on some things in life :). There are now moments where I walk away and you cry or you don't want to be put in your gymini at all!

-You wore 6-12 month clothes for about 3 weeks and now you are in a bunch of 12-18 month size... you seem so long now and you have some awesome baby fat roles :)! I love them!

- Most of the time when you are awake I'll move your bumbo or your blue seat around to where ever the kids are, you love just sitting and watching them play! You have a lot of entertainment and someone is nearly always kissing and hugging you!

- Your two favorite people are Shaelyn and Daddy! Oh, how you love them! When Shaelyn comes home from school you'll shake with excitement and when you are with Daddy your eyes just light up- makes me melt!

- You have rolled over, but you still are not doing it regularly.

- It will still be a while until you are sitting up on your own!

-We are so thankful for all the joy you bring to our family! Thank you for being the sweet, patient, amazing little boy that you are!! We love you Stennson Nathan!!

Thankful...

2011-12-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

Playing a bit of catch up with pictures...

This Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for! The list is endless and starts with the four, precious gifts we've been given in Shaelyn, Monreau, McLleyton and Stennson... my heart is full!!

It was a great day of celebrating with family!

We started the day with a breakfast with my parents!

Monreau and Nanny...

Jonker boys...
So excited to see Uncle John!!
Hanging out at Nanny and Poppy's new house...
Growing up!

Sisters!

Afternoon with the Shatto's...

Bowling fun!!

Grandpa is the definitely a fun captain! :)

Stenn lauging at Aunt Emy...
After bowling, we had a great meal and a relaxing night! Such a gift to have both of our families in one city!!

Laughter is the best medicine...

2011-11-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

This is a true glimpse into life around here, I wrote this a week ago and I'm just now finding the time to hit the "publish post" button, there are just not enough hours in the day!! But, our days are full and blessed and for that I am so grateful!!!

Last weeks update... :)

We made it through our first big illness of the year! All four kids had some version of a cold for two weeks! It was a long two weeks :(. McLleyton got hit the hardest with a horrible Croup that had us standing out in the snow at 10pm, 12am, 1:30am and 4am to let the cold air help his breathing. There was something sweet and peaceful about snuggling my sweet boy watching the snow fall in the middle of the night- a major contrast to his high fever, horrible cough, and gasps for air! It was one of more scary bugs we've ever had!

Stennson also made it though his first big cold! He was really a trouper, but of course when you can't breath it's hard to suck a paci, sleep and breathe. I am still trying to convince him that it's a great idea to go back to sleeping through the night! Somehow, in the midst of everyone being sick, Stennson seemed to grow up months in just weeks! He is acting so old lately! Moving around his exasaucer, putting everything in his mouth, talking up a storm and LAUGHING! :) He is quick to laugh these days! He thinks Shaelyn is so funny and yesterday he was laughing so hard at McLleyton! He is also very in love with his daddy! I love watching him with Matt because it's like a different little side comes out when he sees him, he truly just lights up!

Hanging out in PJ's with daddy :)(we had quite a few PJ days around here lately!)

For the really die hard Stennson fan's here's a video of him playing with Matt! I can't believe he is almost 5 months! Definitely wishing there was a pause button on life sometimes! I am so thankful for this sweet boy!

Pajama time...

2011-11-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that if I have a least favorite time of the day it's bed time! After a busy day it always seems like a bit of work to muster up the energy that the bedtime routine with 4 requires! Usually, when its "pajama time" that means no more joking around, mom means business and we're going to bed! :) But tonight we got around to it early and Shaelyn and Monreau "surprised" us by switching Pj's and putting on each others. This wouldn't be that funny, except that Monreau wears the footed sleepers to bed! I had tears in my eyes I was laughing so hard watching Shaelyn try to move in Monreau's Pj's! Oh, the little moments in life...

A little fun with McLleyton, in her own pajamas...

4 Months!

2011-11-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

My sweet boy you are 4 months!! Amazing :) I love getting to celebrate each little milestone with you! I am so blessed to be your mom!

Here's what you're up to at 4 months....

You have affectionatly earned a few nick names- Stenn, Stenner, Stenner-Renner and perfect baby! :) My favorite is when McLleyton calls you Stenner-Remmer :) He really loves you!

You are still the same, sweet, content little boy we've fallen in love with for these past 4 months!

You are SO happy and smiley!

You are really good with your hands now. Sucking on your fingers, pulling toys into your month. It all seemed to click in the past two weeks and now you've got it down!

You love to talk and tell stories- especially to your daddy! When he's around you talk up a storm!

You teach me about grace! Your spirit is one of graciousness :). I am constantly setting you down or pushing your schedule to accommodate someone else's, yet you rarely voice an opinion on it. Instead you are patient, sweet and gracious with me- quickly offering a huge smile!

You just started playing in the Exasucer and you're doing great! You seem to enjoy it!

You're still not rolling over on a regular basis! :) You can get up on your elbow when your on your tummy, but thankfully you haven't figured it all out yet! So helpful for sleeping!

You still always sleep on your tummy!

You take 2 or 3 naps a day depending on our schedule. Your afternoon nap is always 2+ long! (If I don't have to wake you, you'll normally sleep 3 hours). It's the one nap I always make sure you get in your bed!

You're still a great night time sleeper! In bed around 7:30pm and up around 7-8am. You have been nursing around 4/5am the past week... I'm wondering if your growing... or if I should push you to sleep until the morning again? We'll see what you do next week!

You sleep with a paci and giraffe. You are not nearly as addicted to your paci as your sisters and brother were... sometimes I wonder if you're going to give it up all together.

You have outgrown most of your 3-6 month clothes and are now wearing 6-12 months and size 3 diapers!

You love Shaelyn... the other two... I think they'll grow on you :).

I'm sure there's more... but for now here's some of my favorite pictures of you my sweet boy! I daily feel so blessed to be your mom!

This picture make me laugh... I feel like he's thinking "Ahh, mom, do you realize I'm just sitting here and she's not even holding me?"

Nothing like those roles...

You love bath time!

Happy Halloween...

2011-11-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Halloween last night with our Mulan, Rapunzel, Big Bear and Little Bear :)...

Best Neighbors ever :)! We love living next door to the Herweyers!! It's fun to actually have a picture of all of us together! This may be a first!
And one quick picture of the 6 of us before heading out for fun...and CANDY!
Shae made a last minute change and decided to be Mulan!
Our beautiful Rapunzel ... who wasn't so excited to take one more picture! I made her hair out of yarn and it turned out pretty cute!
Our BIG bear! Love this costume! A garage sale find!
Our Little Bear!
Grandpa and Grandma came too!
Monreau with her Dr. cousin Lauren!
Overall the weather was great! A little chilly, but not bad!
Love this sweet boy...
...and these two!!!

Brothers...

2011-10-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

It's amazing to watch the very beginning of what I pray is a life long friendship!!

McLleyton is a great big brother! Overall, he is sweet, affectionate and loves his little brother! Of course he is two and occasionally doesn't understand the definition of gentle, but I love watching these two interact! It's funny to listen to the things McLleyton talks to Stennson about. A lot of times he tells him about sports, his toys, "when he gets bigger" and the bunk beds they will have someday! He has perfected his "baby" voice talking to him so sweetly! Oh the fun these two will have .... the wrestling matches that will take place ... the fights I'll break up ... the trouble they will find... this is going to be a fun adventure :)!! I love these boys!

Two things I'm thankful for....

2011-10-21T10:13:00.001-07:00

Same Day & Fridays!!!

Last Friday, we stopped out to visit Matt at his office! It's a blessing that he loves what he does! It's so much fun seeing the trucks all over town and it's sweet to listen to the kids pray for the drivers when we see one pass by! I'm very proud of what an amazing job Matt and Nate have done at Same Day!!

We stopped by at the end of the day and then Matt and I took the kids out for a fun dinner at "Wild Chef" - where they cook in front of you! We had such a great time! The kids loved it, ate a ton and Matt and I both said at the end of dinner that it felt like such a sane, easy and fun night out with the four! I think the constant entertainment made it very easy :). The kids are already asking to go back! (maybe a birthday dinner!) Weekends have taken on even more meaning now that Shaelyn is in school full time! I look forward to having her home so much! It's making me love Fridays!! 1st grade is not too much for her... but definitely too much for me :).

Here's a few pictures from the night...

The kids love playing in his office!
The new trucks look great!

Out for dinner...

Lions, Tigers and Bears...

2011-10-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the weather here was amazing! So, we told the kids we were headed on a "surprise adventure," packed a lunch, and headed to the zoo! It was McLleyton's first time to a zoo! The John Ball Zoo is perfect for their ages! Not too big, just enough to see, and an area to play! It was such a fun day!!

Shaelyn reading the map! She's such a sweet big sister!

The petting zoo! Stennson is amazing at going along with what ever our days include :)
Monreau had no fear!
Shaelyn took this one :). The fall colors are coming!
Good effort Shae :)
My sweet boy!
The bears!

Got to love a man with a double stroller :)

Best friends!

Fall Field Trips...

2011-10-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

In the past week I've been able to join both the girl on their fall field trips! They each went to an apple orchard and we had AMAZING weather for both days! It is so beautiful here this time of year! I always love getting to go with them and see little glimpses into their school life. This was Monreau's first field trip and she was so excited about it! Shaelyn is really enjoying 1st grade and seems to have a couple very nice little girls in her class! I was so impressed that 20 of the 26 parents from her class came! One of the reasons I've really been happy with her school! They were two wonderful afternoons!!

Shaelyn's day...

Love how's she's smiling at me :)...

Shaelyn and Sophia!

Their Teacher- Mr. Steinbacher
Her sweet student teacher .... the apple orchard was beautiful..

Off to Monreau's...
Love this picture :) she's such a sweet girl!
The perfect pumpkin...

Fun with her friend Katelyn

Every day life...

2011-10-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from the past week and our every day life :)...

Monreau with her sweet friend Marlina! They had a fun play date with lots of dress up!

I am in love with this boy... and his kissable cheeks!

Yeah... these dimples get me too!
Oldest and youngest! My niece Lauren is so sweet with my boys!
After school playtime! There is nothing like living next door- it's the best! If you notice- Shae and Sophia coordinated (by themselves) to wear the same outfit to school! Are they really so grown up? :)
Daddy's home!!! Always a favorite moment of the day!

Art Prize 2011...

2011-10-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

This is the third year Grand Rapids has held an event called Art Prize (you can check it out at www.artprize.org ). Here's their really brief description of it...

Grand Rapids, MI USA
$474,000 prize ($250,000 to 1st place)
Top 10 entries receive a prize
Artists can submit one entry
Any property in downtown Grand Rapids can be a venue
Venues choose the artists they exhibit
Anyone attending the event can vote
Winner is determined by public vote

It's the largest amount of prize money for any art competition in the world. There were over 1500 entries all throughout the downtown area. It's amazing!! This year many people were very disappointed in the pieces chose to be in the top ten. (myself included) But, I would sing praises for this event all day long! Matt and I had been down the two of us, but yesterday was our first chance to take the kids this year. It was awesome! The kids had SO much fun! They were so excited to go after remembering it from the past two years. They loved walking around, checking out the exhibits, talking about them, choosing their favorites. It's such a unique experience for a child to have with art and their city! We will be back this weekend ...and next year and the next year ... when you get to see this event through the eyes of a child there is no way you can be disappointed, it's amazing!!

Enjoying the beautiful night in our beautiful city...

One of the kids favorites and a top 10... (got 6th place)

Love these 3!
We were not going to get a picture with all 4 of them looking :), but I love this one! It's all of their personalities! They liked these "trees" made of encyclopedia pages.

Some day I'll forget...

2011-10-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

This morning as I headed out the door (leaving a counter full of breakfast dishes) I thought to myself, you better write this down because some day you'll forget a morning like this one :)!

So here it is! My last 10 hours...

A little before 11pm I headed to bed.

12am Stennson was crying and wanted his paci.

12:30am Stennson up again crying- gave him is paci again. Very strange for my sweet boy!

1:30am McLleyton up crying. He said it was a bad dream- something about monkeys :( and just needed me to snuggle him. Who can resist?!

3:30am Monreau came in and said she had "peed in her pajamas" - can't remember the last time this happened, but it was back up to wash her down, change her sheets, and tuck her back in!

4:30am Stennson wakes up to eat. It must have been the night of peeing issues because his diaper leaked and he needed new pj's too. My normal 20 minute feeding time turns in to 45. 5:20 I crawled back in bed.

6:30 My alarm goes off. I turned it off!

6:50 Shaelyn wakes me up asking me where her library book is and requesting her hair in a certain style :). I have not choice now the day must start. 1st grade doesn't wait!

By the time I leave the house at 9:15am I've already been a cook, maid, barber, teacher, nurse... and finished 3 loads of laundry! (which may sit unfolded for the next 3 days :))

Some day (before I want it to be) this will all be a distant memory! I will sleep, exercise, and do my hair when I'm old :). For now, I'm off to do 3 more loads of laundry!!

3 months!

2011-09-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

Another month has passed!

Stennson at 3 months...

You are still the worlds sweetest baby! You've affectionatly earned the nickname "pefect baby" as you are so sweet, patient, flexible, calm, smiley, and predictable!

Everything about you has captured my heart! We all love you so much!

You are sleeping awesome! Going to bed around 7:30 and sleeping until 5 or 6am ... then you go right back to bed and sleep until 8:30/9am for a grand total of 13 or 14 hours at night! :) It's the best when you sleep until 6am, because then I'm up and have time before I get Shaelyn ready for school!

You take 3 naps a day. Your afternoon one is always the longest...until I have to wake you up to run and get one of your sisters from school :(

A typical day you nurse at 6am,9am,12pm, 2:45 (you eat really fast before we run to school), 5:30pm, 7:30pm!

You are quick to smile and love to talk.

You are great in your car seat and will still easily take a nap in it if needed. (very helpful with our life!)

We thought that the red marks on your forehead were from your rough delivery, but now we are pretty sure they are another birthmark!

You love your daddy! You love to smile, talk to him and sing with him!

Shaelyn still adores you and you are very quick to smile for her now.

You are not rolling over yet, which is ok with me :). But, I'm sure you'll learn soon, because you're very strong on your tummy because you always sleep on your tummy.

You are battling your first little cold. You're handling it like a champ, but it makes me sad! I keep praying you'll be protected this winter, but it's going to be tricky with the girls both in school!!

We love you Stennson!!

As I looked through my pictures of the past week or so I realized I didn't take very many smiling ones :)- I'll have to get on that, because he is such a smiley little boy!!

3 months! You are getting to be a lot of fun!

You and Shaelyn ...oh how she loves you!

Early morning conversation with your sister!
Snuggles from Monreau...
McLleyton wanted a turn too!

Sisters...

2011-09-21T19:10:00.001-07:00

The girls moved into a new bedroom this summer (the day before Stennson was born) that was a big part of our remodeling. It's been a slow process to decorate it and organize it. I just finished making a picture for their room that's a collage of 200+ pictures of the two of them together. Yes, that's a lot of pictures of being sisters :). But, really there are SO many fun moments! I loved doing it because it was a little trip back in history. It was fun to see through pictures their little relationship that has been growing for the past 4 years. They are great friends and have a lot of fun together! It also made me grateful for my own sisters ... and that I grew up with two and now I have 5!! I pray that my girls will love and value each other as much as I love and value my sisters!!

A quick glimpse of 4 years...

SO big!

2011-09-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

When Shaelyn saw these two pictures of Stennson she said "Wow Mom, he is learning so many new things while I'm gone at school all day! He looks SO big!" He is sure is!!

I love...

2011-09-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

Stennson's smiles!!!!

They are pretty much instant now when you talk to him! He's even started to giggle a little! He loves laying under his gymini and is trying to grab his toys. His favorite part- looking at himself in the mirror :)

Off to Preschool...

2011-09-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

It's Monreau's first day of preschool today! A day she's waited a long time for! She was SO excited, confident and ready!! I'm so proud of this sweet girl!!

McLleyton was so excited to bring her (even getting his own backpack ready) :).... then he cried the whole way home saying "I want to go to preschool!!!!!!"
Monreau and her teacher Mrs. Dykstra (she is every thing you think a preschool teacher should be!!)

4 kids!

2011-09-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

Matt will often jokingly ask the kids "Where did you all come from? How did we get this many kids" :) They laugh and one of them will usually remind him "from God!" There is always a moment in each day when I look at these 4 and can't believe we've been given so much!! Life around here is busy, but great!! Shae is loving her first week of 1st grade, Monreau can't wait for preschool to start next week, McLleyton is potty trained and working on learning his letters, Stennson slept through the night for the 1st time ( 11 hours!!!) and he is "talking" so much now ... the kitchen floor needs to be mopped, I didn't quite get all the baskets of laundry put away, I find myself making "to do" lists in the middle of the night- yet rarely being able to cross anything off of them during the day :)... but someday my lists will be complete... for now it's the little moments that I love... like this picture and the way they each put their arms around each other without me asking... when McLleyton tells Stennson "you're my best friend"... when Monreau says at lunch "I miss Shaelyn, I hope she's having a great day"...life with 4 kids is amazing... I love this job!!!!

1st Grade!!!

2011-09-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

2/2/2005...

Wow... it feels like this was yesterday :) and now she's in FIRST grade!! Amazing and a little difficult! She said as I tucked her in bed last night "I know I'm going to just love first grade mom!" with so much confidence and excitement in her voice! I was the one fighting back tears... just not so sure I want to give her up for 7 hours of every day! I know she'll do great and she loves to learn... but I sure am going to miss her like crazy!!
Shaelyn, we are so proud of you and the amazing little girl you are growing up to be!!
Saying goodbye to McLleyton (as he eats his breakfast) School starts at 8am! Yikes, that's early!
Monreau was so excited for her :)
Such a gift to go to school with COUSINS! Sophia and Shae are in the same class again this year!
Shaelyn with her teacher Mr. Steinbacher at their "Meet and Greet" a few weeks ago! I've heard SO many great things about him and was very impressed in our time with him!

2 months...

2011-08-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Stennson is 2 months!! Wonderful, rewarding and a little sad all the same time! The weeks are flying by! We are thankful for Stennson's smiles and sweet talking that are now filling our days. He amazing me with his patience and blesses me immensely with his sweet spirit! Stennson we are madly in love with you!!!

At two months...

You no longer fit into your newborn clothes and are now in 3-6 months!

At your two month apt. you weighed 12 lbs 10 oz and you were 23 1/2 inches long!

You are going 8 to 9 hours between feedings at night!! (Eating at 8pm- then at 4 or 5am and again at 7 or 8am) Just getting up one time is great and once I get out of bed :) I truly enjoy my middle of the night feeding with you. It "our time!" You are the best snuggler!

Your typical day time eating schedule is 8am,11am,2pm,5pm, 8pm.

If I try to feed you closer than 3 hours in the day it usually upsets your stomach.

You spit! But, some days are better than others! It rarely bothers you!

You are amazing at putting yourself to sleep. You now perfer that I lay you down awake and you go to bed on your own. If I'm trying to get out the door and you're ready for bed you will fall alseep in your car seat!

You always sleep on your tummy. (I know they say not to, but you spit and you like it SO much better)

You are getting strong. Lifting your head up so well.

You smiles are the best! You smile the quickest for your daddy! You love him! You love it when he sings to you. When he sings you'll try to sing with him.

You are just starting to reach for your toys and try to grab them with your hands.

Shaelyn continues to adore you. She is great with you. She loves it now that you'll give her smiles. She definitely thinks she's your second mom!!

Some sweet pictures at 2 months...

You are getting some good little roles and a serious double chin :) There's nothing like baby chub!

Couldn't resist posting a picture of McLleyton at just over 2 months! They definitely look like brothers to me!

Friends!

2011-08-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

We've had a lot of fun this summer getting together with friends! Combining our favorite place (the cottage :)) with friends is so much fun!! I didn't do the best job pulling out my camera this summer. But, here's a few fun pictures from our time with the Karsten's and a day with the Sharpe's!

Wow! 8 kids have joined our lives since we met :). We are so blessed! Karstens- Evan (8), Caleb(6), Olivia (4) & Nolan (2 1/2)!

Nolan and McLleyton hanging out :)...
Matt and Nate. I'm so thankful for these two ... who would have thought that Lisa and I taking the same job 10 years ago would have lead to so much!

Fun with the Sharpe's! Shaelyn and Elle...

Monreau and Amelia..
It was so great having the kids play and getting time to just sit and talk with Missy! I'm so thankful for her friendship!

Old News...

2011-08-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is old news, but still exciting :)! Shaelyn learned how to ride a 2 wheeler this summer! We told her at the beginning of the summer that she had to learn before her brother/sister arrived! Sure enough one weekend in June she picked it up in just a day and a half of working on it! We live on a hill and there's really no where to ride or practice at our house (such a bummer!), so she was a little behind in learning, but thankfully we have the cottage and grandpa and grandma's house to ride at! She is loving her new independence and has had so much fun riding along with her daddy while he runs! She's made one more step in growing up :).

Here she on her first ride to the general store!

All four at "Pronto Pups" for dinner...

Sweet sisters...
Poppy and McLleyton
Getting a quick nap in :) Such a laid back boy!!

Riding back home!

Love this girl!! She'll be on a 2 wheeler before we know it! (She's already trying!)

Smiles!

2011-08-20T18:25:00.001-07:00

After a few weeks of waiting we are finally receiving some highly anticipated smiles... and they're the best!! :) Stennson is such a great baby! So content, patient, calm and now smily! He is 7 weeks old already! It's amazing how quickly these weeks are passing by, I wish I could slow them down! Stennson is sleeping 8 hours at night and on a great day time schedule! We have just over 2 weeks left of summer and then we'll see how we do getting 4 kids on a busier schedule :). For now I'll enjoy our lazy days and the quiet moments I get to snuggle this sweet boy!!

Smiling for daddy!

Potty Training...

2011-08-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

McLleyton Potty Training!

Wearing his favorite t-shirt with his favorite reading material... Sports Illustrated! You should see how excited he gets when "his magazine" comes each week! He truly is Matt's dream son :) (ok and mine... I love it :))

Well, it's calm and boring around our house, so we decided to add a little excitement and POTTY TRAIN :)!! The truth is that McLleyton decided about 2 months ago that he was ready to potty train, but I've been pushing it off, not wanting to do it right before having a new baby. But, I was feeling like I was holding him back, so we just went for it! We started last Thursday and overall he is doing great! I went with the same approach that I trained the girls with- once the undies go on, no turning back (except for nap/bed time). I gave him lots of drinks and just tried to get him to pee as much as possible. Day 1 and 2 he was about even on accidents/successes. My parents were gracious enough to let me do it at the cottage where there's tons of things to do outside, so we just stayed outside with a little potty for 4 days and went at it! Day 3 and 4 he did awesome! No accidents!! Today we ventured out to the gym, and errands and he stayed dry the whole time- going 2x while we were out! I was so impressed!! He seems to really be getting it. He still isn't telling me that often when he has to go, it's been more of me telling him to sit and try, but he is definitely making great progress! For just turning 2 in June I think he's doing awesome :)... hopefully we can just stay on top of it for the next week or two until we really have it down! Only having 1 in diapers will be great. It's amazing how much my sweet boy is growing up!!!!

Cottage Living...

2011-08-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

Two days after Stennson was born my whole family came into town for our family time at the lake! The cottage truly comes alive! The energy and excitement of the kids is contagious and it's an amazing gift to have a place that we can all be together! Even in my post baby, tired state it was a lot of fun!! :)

There's no time right now to write about all the fun events... so some pictures will have to tell the stories :)!

Our family continues to grow! We are now 26! 13 adults and 13 kids!

My mom had scheduled family pictures... Stennson was 3 days old :) Good thing he was born 10 days early!
All the grand kids!
My sister Jenn and Darren (2)
McLleyton and his best buddy Uncle John! He really misses him now that they live in NC!

Golf! McLleyton's favorite past time!
Movie time! All tired out after a long day of playing!
Talks on the front porch!

The 4 years olds playing! These two are great buds!

Football in the backyard :)

Swimming with Aunt Belen and James! Mc and James had so much fun together!

Sweet Elena! Such a happy girl!

Aunt Kelly and Uncle John with Stennson...

Playing in Poppy's convertible :)... what will life be like in 14 years when they can take it out? :)
Off to the boat ... hours and hours of fun were spent out on the lake! Tubing, boating, and JUMPING!

Cousins! :)

Monreau and Patrice... when I look at this picture I feel like I can see them at 16! :)

Elena (1), Kelly, Belen, James (2)...

Off to go tubing...

The best Nanny and Poppy around! Thanks mom and dad for all the amazing memories and experiences :)

McLleyton back with Uncle John :)...
Uncles gone wild! :) John, Darren and Matt having A LOT of fun jumping off the pontoon boat!
More golfing...
Stennson getting some love from James and Jurrien (7)...

John, Shaelyn, Kelly...

Sophia and Ro playing in the waterfall...

Monreau is an amazing swimmer! She has the green hair to prove it :). She loves the water! Her new thing this summer is diving to get rings in the deep end!

Lauren and Shaelyn...

As I looked through pictures I realized I wasn't in any of them :) Not such a bad thing as I just had a baby, but here's the one I could find to prove I was there! It's been great watching the kids have so much fun!

Spring Hill Camp...

2011-08-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

Shaelyn is definitely growing up!! Last week she went to a Spring Hill Day Camp here in town! It was from 9-4 each day and she LOVED it!! I was SO impressed with the program, leaders, activities... all of it was amazing and I would highly recommend it! The perfect option to getting an amazing camp experience without having to go away! I am sure she would say it's one of the highlights of her summer! Such a fun week!

They had to create a "Super Hero" costume one day...

Shae and Sophia were in the same group!
One of her leaders! They were great!
Getting her award at the end of the week! She did a great job :)

1 Month...

2011-08-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

Stennson was one month old last week! He is such a joy! Many prayers have been answered at our house as Stennson has been a wonderful baby and is filling his role as 4th born beautifully! :) We are SO grateful to have this little boy in our lives!

At one month...

You eat every 3 hours during the day! Sometimes I have to wake you up to keep you on the schedule, but you are amazing at staying awake while you eat and staying awake after feedings and then taking a good nap.

You can already fall asleep on your own. So far without even crying!

You spit! Yes, I will probably never know what it's like to have a baby who doesn't, but that's ok, you don't seem to mind it! Although, I did forget all the laundry it creates!!

At night you usually eat about every 4 or 5 hours. You eat, burp, spit, get a new diaper and I lay you down awake and I really never hear a peep until the next feeding! You're amazing :)

You fuss ... only when you have a burp... or your brother is not being quite so "gentle!"

You cry... only when it's time to eat ... or your brother is not being quite so "gentle!" :)

Your sisters and brother will fight over who gets to hold you first. Oh, how you are loved!!

You rolled over once- from your tummy to your back. I think it was just a fluke :)

You have done great taking a bottle!

You have two red birthmarks. One is on your right eye lid. One is on the back of your neck and it's nearly identical to the one Monreau has on hers.

You like your paci, but don't require it to fall asleep.

You are so relaxed. You have such a calm, relaxed disposition.

We are so excited for the months to come and getting to know you more!!

Stennson, you are an amazing gift! We love you!!!

Taking his first bottle...

SO much lovin' from Shae, she is the best helper! I'm so thankful for her! What will I do when school starts??!! :)

There is just something so sweet about watching them sleep! I love it! In these pictures you can clearly see his birthmark on his eye.

Brothers!! Love these boys!
Amazing how much growing happens in two years :)

Growing...

2011-07-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

Our sweet boy is already 3 weeks old! He has grown and changed so much! Going back to the baby stage is always an adjustment when you've "moved out of it", but Stennson is making it pretty easy! He's been a wonderful baby so far. Very content and easy going. He's already on a great schedule, falling right into the eat, awake, sleep routine during the day and has learned to go right back to sleep at night. (a little sleep is always a wonderful thing!) He even gave me his first 6 hour stretch one night this week!

Everyone is adjusting well. We are all in love with Stennson. Shaelyn continues to be my amazing little helper! She has such a servant spirit and is willing to do anything I need! I am so grateful for her help :). Monreau loves Stennson and loves to have her turn holding him, but overall I'd say she's the least interested. McLleyton has far surpassed my expectations as a brother. He is much gentler than I thought he would be. He just loves to be around Stennson. A few days after he was home McLleyton was holding Stennson when he looked at me and said "He's my best friend mommy!" It's such a gift that these boys with have each other! It's fun to watch the start of this life long relationship!!

Such a sweet boy! 3 weeks old!

Meeting Great Grandma Joy and Great Grandpa Ben!

Early morning snuggles from Shaelyn!

McLleyton... such a fun little guy! His personality matches his smile :). He is truly such a joyful, fun boy...and a pretty great big brother too!

McLleyton is definitely Matt's little buddy! They've had lots of fun adventures together since Stennson has been born. This is what I discovered one evening :)

Goodnight!!

2011-07-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

It's the little moments like these that are the best!!!

Who do I look like??

2011-07-10T05:21:00.000-07:00

Who do I look like??

Stennson...

McLleyton...
Monreau...
Shaelyn...

It's amazing to think that we have been blessed with these 4 :). It's even more amazing how quickly they grow up!! It was fun looking back at these pictures of each of the kids during their first week. To me Stennson looks a lot like McLleyton, but has more of Monreau's eyes. It will be fun to watch him grow... if only I could just put it in slow motion!!

Stennson...

2011-07-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

Stennson is a week old today! It's been a joy getting to know this sweet boy! Life as 4th born is definitely different. I've been so thankful for the help from Matt and our families that's allowed me to feel like I've had some good moments just enjoying him! So far he has been a dream baby. His entrance into this world was fast, painful and emotional. He has been calm, quiet and so very sweet!

Last Tuesday night I started having a few contractions while Matt and I were on a date. I had been to the doctor that day and she was pretty convinced I'd go into labor that night. I was hopeful she was right because she was working that night. I was dialated to a 5+ at my appt. and he was very low. Sure enough she was right :). We headed down to the hospital and she broke my water around 10:30. Because of some side effects I had from the epidural after delievering Monreau and McLleyton I decieded I would try to deliever with out one. My biggest hesitation and concern was remembering Monreau's birth, she was born "face presentation" - or face, not head first. I had some fear something could go wrong again and I would not be able to push without an epidual like I had with her when I had one. My doctor was super confident and encouraging that I could do it and this delivery would be fast and the baby was in the correct position. Overall, she was right! Once my contractions really kicked in around 12am it was fast. However, when it came time to push we realized that as he dropped he had gone into the same position as Monreau- face first. I will admit that mentally this seemed a bit overwhelming to me in the midst of all the pain. I was so thankful to have in that moment an amazing doctor who knew how to get me to refocus and work through it. Matt was also pretty amazing and loving :). I had a big fear that I wouldn't be able to push him out in that position without the medication. With Monreau I pushed for over 2 hours, the thought of that in that moment seemed like too much. I also knew that my doctor could not do anything to help deliver him, it was definitely intense! Thankfully, after 25 minutes he was born! It was definitely hard on both of us! Yes, my tail bone broke again- this time I got to feel it!! But, he was healthy and in that moment of seeing him it is true that you almost immediately forget! I will always remember the moment Matt said "It's a boy" and feeling him place on my chest. It was incredible and so emotional! Because of all the pressure on his face he was pretty bruised for the first 24 hours, but like Monreau he healed very quickly. It is incredibly humbling when I look at the four children we've been given. To have two girls and then two boys is such an amazing blessing!

Stennson's first week has been great. I've been in quite a bit of pain, but it's been a blessing to have help. He has been amazing. I already feel like he's getting on a good schedule and last night he slept great, giving me two 4 hour stretches and going right back to sleep after eating. He is a very calm baby, even in the midst of a lot of busyness :). I am madly in love with this little guy!! We are blessed!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

We had a fun 4th filled with cousins, a cookout, swimming, boating, capt-n-sundaes, and fireworks! The girls have been looking forward to this day for weeks, it was fun to see them both so excited over traditions that are just beginning! Stennson is in for some fun in the years ahead! It was fun that he arrived in time to celebrate with us this year!

Sweet Monreau! They love it when Stennson is awake!
13 cousins! From 4 days old to 9 years! (Six are 2 years and under!)

Off on the boat to watch the fireworks! I stayed home with the boys! The girls had a great time- not getting to bed until 11:45!

My parents! "Nanny and Poppy" are very loved!!

Shaelyn and Lauren! Best of friends!

Love this picture!

Home sweet home!

2011-07-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

On Thursday evening, we came home from the hospital! It was made even more special by the fact that we came home to our house! We had just moved back in two days before Stennson arrived! (we had been out, with the exception of a few weeks since April 4th) The timing could not have been better! The re-modeling is beautiful, FINISHED :) and it makes our home so much more functional for our family! To be able to come here from the hospital felt like such a blessing! It was so very sweet to have all four kids together at home!! Of course, Shaelyn, Monreau and McLleyton were very happy too! They were all excited and eager to hold him and show him around! He is one very loved little boy!!

A lunch time visit at the hospital with three of my favorite people :)

Stennson meeting his Uncle Nate for the first time! The "Nathan" in his name is after Nate- Matt's business partner. It's an honor to give him Nate's name!
His bruises from being delivered face first healed pretty quickly!
Headed home! 1 day old!

Some very excited girls :)
In PJ's and ready for bed, they were happy to have us home!

Love this picture! We have two boys :)

It's a... BOY!!!!

2011-06-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to welcome a new little BOY to our family!!

Stennson Nathan Shatto

7 lbs 5 oz 20 inches long

6/29/2011 at 1:21am

Words truly can't express how grateful and blessed we feel as we look at the four beautiful children we have been given. It is so humbling to be given so much! We are so thankful to be celebrating the birth of a second son today!

It was a bit of a rough delivery, but he is healthy and we are recovering well!

My sweet sister came in the middle of the night to meet him!

It was so much fun watching each of the kids meet Stennson this morning!

Matt and his BOYS :)

One very loved little boy!

Helping the nurse check him out :)

Slowly his bruises are going away...

More to come soon!

Dutch Village!

2011-06-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

This week we spent a morning learning about our Dutch heritage at "Dutch Village" in Holland! It was our first time there. I went in with pretty low expectations, but it ended up being a great morning that all the kids loved! Even with the 90 degree heat, we had a lot of fun! The grounds are beautiful and it was a great mix of educational information combined with fun! They had several rides (that are VERY old :)), a "farm" area with all different animals to pet, and then several replicas of old fashion Netherlands. The best part was how laid back it was. Pretty much no rules :). The petting zoo was just open with many animals roaming around. McLleyton loved it! The girls were all about the flying swing and even got a lesson in dutch dancing! Of course everything is more fun when you have cousins along! It was a good day outing before we welcome our new baby! Two weeks or maybe less to go! We're getting excited!

Six of my favorite kids!

Blessed...

2011-06-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

My friend Laura (www.cebulskiphotography.com) snapped a few pictures of the kids for me last month. She was taking pictures of her kids at the apple orchard across the street and was sweet enough to let me stop by with my 3. We honestly only took pictures for about 5 minutes, but there were a few sweet ones. The Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom and so beautiful! When I look at these pictures I can only think of one word... blessed. I feel so blessed by these three and can't wait to meet this new little one in just a few weeks!

We have a 1st Grader!

2011-06-17T10:55:00.001-07:00

Shaelyn has officially "graduated" from kindergarten! She's thrilled and so excited for both summer vacation and 1st grade in the fall! I'm loving the break from school ... but I definitely have mixed emotions about letting her go to first grade! I think I'm going miss her like crazy next year! But, for now I'm loving having her home!

Here's a few pictures from graduation! Her school had a really sweet ceremony, they did a great job! The next day she had an all day field trip to a park! It was a fun day!

All of Mrs. Grimm's students- Shaelyn's class wore purple.

McLleyton watching the "ceremony" with Lauren
He had us all laughing as he yelled "Shaelyn" as loud as he could and waved like crazy!

Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Emy came too!

Mrs. Grimm was a great teacher!
Quick family picture... everyone was pretty ready for bed at this point!

Field Trip fun and lots of good old fashion games!

Kindergarten Fun...

2011-06-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

This week is Shaelyn's final week of Kindergarten! It's been a great year! She had a wonderful teacher, some sweet kids in her class and I'm amazed at all she's learned! She is reading very well, sounding out words, spelling on her own and her penmanship is beautiful! It's really fun to see! Now we just have to keep up all the good work over the summer :).

This past week they had a trip to the fire station and field day! Here's a few cute pictures from both!

Monreau came with me to watch and was thrilled when Shae's teacher asked her if she wanted to participate! She had so much fun!

Fun chaos!

A good old fashion tug of war game! Girls against the boys.

It was fun to watch Lauren participate too!
It was a really hot day! Popsicles were the perfect cool down!

Fire Station field trip on a cool, rainy day!

Pretty amazing to have your cousin with you always!
Two other good friends!

I'm so thankful I'm home and get to go along on days like today!
Shaelyn's Kindergarten class!

Birthday Fun...

2011-06-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures from celebrating with McLleyton! (again, some wouldn't upload for some reason!)

We had two small, laid back little parties! One at the Lake to celebrate Jacob and McLleyton's birthday and one at Grandpa and Grandma's on his actual day! He loved it :)

A glimpse back to last year...

It's amazing how much these two sweet boys have grown up! It's an amazing gift to be raising them together and watch each of their little personalities grow! I sure do love these two!
McLleyton had a golf ball on his cake... Jacob picked a tractor :)

June 2 @ grandpa and grandmas!
Saying "I'm TWO!"
He loved the presents :)

Grandma got him the cutest sports themed cupcakes!

The night ended with a round of sports... from baseball to golf :) His ideal night!

Happy Birthday McLleyton!

2011-06-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little boy is 2 today!

McLleyton, it's amazing that your first two years have already past by! From the moment we were so surprised you were a BOY, until today you have filled our lives with so much joy! You are an amazing blessing! You have a smile that lights up the room and you are constantly smiling!

You are one very happy, easy going little boy! You are a boy :)... busy (always), all about the trains, cars and SPORTS! Yet, you are so sweet, kind and loving! Quick to snuggle, hug and tell me that you love me "so much." You are a talker! Always talking. Always commenting or asking questions or sharing your thoughts :). It's amazing to me how all of a sudden you are an equal part of family conversations! I love your curiosity and eagerness to learn!!

You have such a sweet spirit. You are out going. Confident. Eager to meet new people and you are quick to love the people who love you! I love how you say "hi" to people every where we go. Giving them one of your big smiles and kindly talking and even asking others questions!

You are loved and adored by your sisters. They can act like little mommies at times, but over all they are great sisters! You work hard to keep up with them. Trying to learn what they're learning and longing to get inside their grand set ups in their bedroom. (I know it can be SO hard be left out so often!) It's fun to think that in just a few weeks you will no longer be the baby of our family. I am confident you'll be a great big brother!

It's fun to dream of the years ahead. I think you and daddy have many rounds of golf ahead :). I'm excited to watch your dreams and passions grow. To watch you succeed and to see your gifts develop. It is true that there is a different bond between a mom and her son. I have loved each moment being your mom! The gift the Lord has given me in you is unmeasurable! May you always know how deeply you are loved! Be confident in who you are. Pray. Believe. Seek Jesus. Dream big! Love sports :). Be quick to Laugh, your amazing laugh! Love your sisters! Be two :). I love that you are two... what a fun year ahead we have my sweet boy!!

Happy Birthday McLleyton!

**I have a few cute birthday pictures, but they wouldn't upload tonight, I'll have to try again soon :)**

Monreau's Birthday Celebration...

2011-05-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly catching up :)

We had a fun time celebrating Monreau turning four! She truly does seem more grown up!

Here's a glimpse of our time celebrating with her! It was simple, but she loved it!

On Monreau's actual birthday Matt and I took just her out for a birthday lunch! I honestly think it was our first ever meal with just her! We told her she could pick any restaurant. We gave her a long list of options... in the end she chose Wendys. Really? Yes!

So excited to be with her daddy!

Loving being 4!
Excited to check out her surprise birthday cake for her "party!"
Lauren! Monreau adores her!
I did a bad job of taking pictures! Thanks for coming Poppy, Nanny, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Jill and Uncle Darren! (to bad I didn't document their presence!)
Gifts... her list include "Tangled" toys and a pillow pet! She got both :)

Cousins!

The cake we surprised her with! She had always commented when we grocery shopped how amazing the barbie cakes were! She was SO excited!

We love you so much Monreau Jillian!

Off to the Golf course...

2011-05-19T17:52:00.001-07:00

McLleyton might know all his princesses by name, but there is no doubt that the first love in his life is SPORTS! He can't get enough of them. He daily surpises me with a random piece of sports knowledge or vocabulary! Since it's been a few months now without football on (hopefully we don't miss a whole year of it- come on NFL work it out :)), his new favorites are basketball and golf! He LOVES golf! He loves to watch it, play it, talk about it! He knows all his clubs by name (driver, iron, putter), plus he can identify and likes to use either "Titleist or Nike" balls.

We are currently half way through remodeling our house. For the few weeks we moved back in we laid out a piece of scrap carpet in our new room. In the carpet is a round cut out (from an outlet). Within 2 minutes of being home McLleyton immediately identified it as his "golf hole" and asked for his clubs. He's made great progress in the past few weeks golfing inside daily! I think he's going to be pretty sad when our project is complete and his hole is gone!!

The other night Matt took him on a little date to the golf course! The just went to the putting green! McLleyton was SO excited about it and has been asking daily to go back. He also will ask me during the day if Matt's at work or golfing :). I think he just wants to make sure he's not missing out!

It was fun to watch these to leave and think about all the days and hours ahead the two of them will get to spend on the golf course! There is no doubt we are so blessed by McLleyton! He has the most joyful spirit, happy disposition ... and I have to admit both Matt and I love his enthusiasm for the sports :).

PS... Thanks to Uncle Trey who gave McLleyton his clubs as a baby gift :) Who knew just two years later they would be his favorite thing!!

Wacky Wednesday...

2011-05-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

This was Wacky Wednesday at school! It was before spring break, but since it is Wednesday today I couldn't resist :)

This is why it's so special to get to go to school with your cousins! Chandler Woods has been an amazing blessing! A lot of prayer went into the decision of where to send these sweet girls to school and it's definitely felt like we made the right choice. I LOVE going there and seeing these three working on their friendship and being together! It's an amazing gift!

May...it's half way over...

2011-05-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, where has this month gone? For us it's been spent in the middle of a remodeling project, playing outside, the normal routine and a few fun events! All of which made the past few weeks go by quickly!

About 6 weeks ago we started a remodeling project on our house! A pretty extensive one and it's going to be so exciting when it's done. (Which we hope will happen about a week before baby#4 is due to arrive!) If you've ever been in our house you know about the "hole" in the middle of it! Well, the glass wall and the hole are gone! We put a floor in and are putting in a new bedroom, bath and closet for the girls downstairs. We moved out for the first month. Then moved back in for these middle weeks and will shortly be moving back out for the last month of work. Overall, it's gone really smoothly and we are all excited about it! Nothing like making life crazy as we welcome a new baby!

I'm just getting around to uploading pictures from the past few weeks! I'll try to get them organized and up! :)

Happy 4th Birthday Monreau...

2011-05-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Monreau,

Today, you are four years old! We are celebrating you today and the amazing gift you are to our family!

As we sat together on the floor yesterday afternoon talking, laughing, being silly and snapping a few rare pictures of just you, I was amazed at how much you've grown up in the past year! I am so proud of the little girl you are growing up to be! You made some giant leaps from three to four!

This was our year together! I debated for weeks last summer about sending you to preschool or keeping you home another year. I am so confident and content in my decision to keep you home! I have treasured our afternoons together! I love sitting at the counter having conversations with you. Reading books. Baking. You love to bake! Coloring. You have come so far in your artistic abilities! Imagining. You are so creative! Laughing. There is no one who adds more laughter to my day than you :). Attempting "school" work, your least favorite of our afternoon activities. Monreau you are SO smart, I'm shocked and amazed by all you understand! Your memory and understanding of concepts and ideas is far beyond your four years! So, we let the traditional stuff slide and I just enjoyed teaching you how you like to learn! Come next year we'll play catch up on the "school" stuff :). For now I will continue to cherish our time together!

Monreau you are, our question asker! You have a genuine interest in others. You are so incredibly thoughtful. You ask deep, profound questions that blow me away. You are perceptive and wise. I love the way you pepper daddy with questions about his day at dinner. How you'll randomly ask me how I'm feeling or will ask a question about something or someone you're thinking about. I love the way you embrace Shaelyn after school and sincerely want to hear about the best part of her day. Or how you'll ask McLleyton if he understands something! Never loose this gift. It will bring you far in life and bless the people in your life immensely. You, my sweet girl, are very gifted at making others feel welcomed, cared for and important! I am so proud of you!

There was a time when it was very safe to say you were our more "difficult child." Those days have passed. Yes, you still have your amazing zest and fun, free spirit, that at times leaves you marching to your very own beat, but you are growing into an amazingly sweet, thoughtful, sensitive little girl. Truthfully, on most days I would say you're my easiest :). It takes very little to meet your needs. You are low maintenance. Quick to smile. Patient. Amazingly creative. Self driven. Very content. And so much fun to be around! Your fits and times of frustration are slowly disappearing (or transferring to your brother :)) and it's so amazing to see so many gifts and talents developing in you! I cannot wait to see the way they will be used in the years ahead!

Monreau, I love the way you love your sister. Your friendship with Shaelyn is truly one of the greatest gifts in my life. It's something I pray about daily and always hope you'll continue to work on. She's your best friend and I love it that you know that and enjoy it! It makes me so happy to watch the two of you have so much fun. To dance, play house, set up barbies, giggle as you talk in bed ... some day you'll be too grown up for those things, but never lose or stop working on the friendship the Lord has given the two of you! Thank you for loving her so well!

Being a middle child (soon of 4) is not the easiest place to be. I was you :). You fill your spot in our family to perfection! Without you our family would miss out on so much fun, laughter, heart and LIFE! You have a personality that draws others to you. Be confident in all that you are! Dream big. Be compassionate. Pray faithfully. Seek out who Jesus is. Choose your friends wisely. Be honest. Never let go of your passion. Know how very much you are loved! We love you so much. How amazing is it that it's just an ounce of the way your heavenly Father loves you? Keep seeking to know and feel His love! I enjoy each day being your mom, thank you for filling my life with joy! Happy 4th Birthday my sweet girl!

Love, Mom

McLleyton...

2011-04-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

In about 6 weeks McLleyton will be 2! Amazing! He is such a fun, sweet boy!

Here's what you're up to and into these days!

*You sleep from about 7pm to 7 or 8am.

*You nap for about 2 or 3 hours each day. From 12:30-2:30 or 3.

*You sleep with your blue lambie and paci. They are not allowed out of bed, so you're always happy to see them!

*You love to wrestle with daddy!

*You like to play with trucks.

*You LOVE sports and anything related.

*You like watching Sportscenter and games. You even have an odd interest in baseball (this is not from you mom or dad!)

*You love to play sports. Or attempt to. You know what each ball is for and concentrate on figuring out how to shoot a basketball, swing a golf club, kick a soccer ball etc.

*You would love to play with your sisters. Sometimes they allow it, but more often than not you are left out of their games. It definitely makes you sad! Good thing a little buddy is on the way!

*You are very outgoing and friendly. Today, someone introduced them self to me and you immediately stepped up to also shake their hand, you then replied "nice to meet you." :) They were impressed :).

*You love to be on the go! A day at home is very frustrating for you.

*You are so excited the weather is changing and we can finally be back outside.

*You love books and music.

*You are still into everything and crazy busy, but I feel like it may be slowing down a bit!

*You're listening and obeying better.

*Your verbal skills are great! You are talking in full sentences with a word or two missing here and there. It helps so much in decreasing frustration and it's amazing what a big part of our family you are! I love having you participate in conversations and hear what you're thinking about! You are one smart boy!

McLleyton we are so blessed by you! You energy and enthusiasm is the best! Life without you would be boring! You are such a joy and we are so thankful for you!

Here's a typical day in the life of McLleyton in pictures! This was a few weeks ago, but they were too good to pass up!

A few moments alone and you never know what he might get into! Today it was a marker and a bare leg :)

"I used this marker mommy, it's funny!"
"Am I in trouble?"
So, off to the bath! He LOVES "bubble time" as he calls it.

I love his dimples!

Later, playing with cars in the kitchen...

Couldn't pass these up! He really is such a happy boy with a contagious smile!

Florida (part 2)...

2011-04-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

We stayed in a great house (thank you mom and dad!) on the beach in Bonita Springs, Florida. The kids were so happy to be outside and our weather could not have been more perfect. It was high 80's and sunny for the entire time. There was a great breeze and the Gulf was so WARM! It was perfect. The kids would go in and out of the water all day with out ever using a towel. We had fun sea shell hunting and we would see dolphins every day!

Sweet McLleyton just up from a nap! He loved sleeping after so much time outside :)

Shaelyn and Elena! She is going to be SO helpful when our new baby arrives!

Aunt Kelly is amazing!

Yay! We loved having daddy off of work! We had such a fun, relaxing time!

29 weeks and definitely looking it :). Amazing in a few months we'll have 4!!
Shaelyn and Nanny off to swim! Shaelyn loved the Gulf and spent a lot of time swimming!
Relaxing at the beach! We are really going to miss John and Kelly when they move to North Carolina next week! We love you guys!
McLleyton got braver each day! He loves his "PACKERS" hat at wore it the whole trip!

Matt and my dad! Two of my favorite men!

Having fun with daddy on a little day trip to a local resort!

It continually amazes me how grown up Shaelyn is!
McLleyton LOVES his daddy! :)
Having fun in the lazy river!

Monreau picked right up swimming on her own!

We rented a boat for a morning and spent half the time watching a few dolphins play up close! It was definitely a highlight of the trip and it's fun to listen to the kids talk about the experience!

Here you can see the baby playing with his mom! It was amazing to see!

McLleyton and James watching! Amazing to see these two interacting! They were good buds! The six month age difference doesn't seem like much now!

Monreau watching!
Nanny and Poppy are amazing!! We can't say thank you enough for such a fun vacation!!
Shaelyn, James and Aunt Belen!

Florida (Part 1) ...

2011-04-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month we spent 10 wonderful days in Florida! It was probably one of my favorite vacations with the kids to date! They are all at great ages and we had such a fun time! It was they perfect blend of fun cousin/family vacation for the first half and then a little more family time for the 5 of us the second half when Matt joined us!

I had so many fun pictures, that I'm still working through... but here's some of my favorites from the first 5 days!

On the airplane down! I have 3 very good little travelers. The girls LOVE to fly!! What's better than having a packed dinner, new surprises, snacks and a movie?

McLleyton was only entertained by the movie for about 10 minutes, but he was great!
Good morning! Early PJ fun! So much fun to be with the Loftin's for a few days!
Cousin Fun!! 10 Kids in one house! Ages 9 are 6 and under! Such an amazing gift!!
Ready for the beach!
Lunch time!
The sweet almost 2 year olds! McLleyton, Darren and Jacob! So much fun to see them interacting and talking!
The girls loved staying up to watch the sunset!

Fun times with our neighbors :)

Fun times in the pool!
Monreau was as daring as ever! She loves to swim!
Shaelyn and Lauren had a lot of fun making up fun games in the pool!

Uncle Darren was an amazing fun captain!

Jacob loves the water!!
The weather and beach could not have been nicer!
Shae with sweet Elena! Shaelyn is so good with the little ones!
Best buds! These two are so sweet!

Baby #4...

2011-04-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to April!! Well, welcome to the middle/end of April! We've had a fun filled month and I have a lot of catching up to do on pictures and updates!

April for us means, we are now less than 3 months away from meeting our fourth baby! I'm 29 weeks. Overall, I'm feeling great and which is such a huge blessing!! This little on is definitely growing and I'm feeling big, but that's what's supposed to happen, right? :)

We feel so humbled and blessed that so far all our reports on his or her health have been great! We had the full check up ultrasound at the end of February and everything was right on track and he/she looked perfect! We did not find out the sex :) and are excited to be surprised! The kids remain split on if it's a boy or girl. Monreau is still sticking with a girl. McLleyton always says it's a boy and Shaelyn bounces back and forth. I'm more like Shaelyn. Overall, I'd lean more towards a boy, but I've thought all four were boys, so we'll see :).

We are still working on his/her name! We are set if it's a girl. I've been in love with a name since I was pregnant with Monreau, but Matt won out in naming her and then McLleyton was a boy, so we'll see :). A boys name is still in the works, but the list is getting shorter!

Here are a few pictures from the February ultrasound. It's always an amazing experience to see a miracle growing!

In the 4D ones I thought the baby's nose looked just like Monreau's. We'll see :) This was the best picture we got, as his/her arm was right up by the face and she/he kept moving it.

Big feet!

Amazing to see his/her little fingers opening/closing!

Dance. Imagine. Believe.

2011-03-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like spending your days dancing, imagining and believing! Or at least living vicariously through two sweet, little girls! I have loved watching and listening to Shaelyn and Monreau play together lately! They are best of friends! Of course they have their moments like any siblings and fight, but overall they love to be together! They can come up with creative ideas of what to play for hours! Lately they've been making up dances to perform and setting up elaborate Playmobile sets in their room. The only down side of their play is that it often makes McLleyton feel so left out. They love to play in their room, but will lock him out. They've created many different ways to get to their bedroom with out him. From just making a mad dash for it and leaving him crying outside the door to having one distract him so that the other can get in their room and then a few minutes later the other sneaks down. It's a good thing that McLleyton has a little brother or sister on the way!! It's fun to think of him having someone to play with in a few years! These moments are the best!

Playing doctor... (can you tell we've had way to much sickness around here!)

The ironic part was that the next morning Shaelyn woke up with Strep throat...

The dance/wedding shows :)... (See Shae's smile and healing lip :))

(How much are these two in need of a little sunshine :))

One tough girl!!

2011-03-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

Shaelyn doesn't normally rank as our "toughest" child, but this week she definitely proved she is capable. Matt and I flew out of town to Annapolis, MD early Friday morning to attend a double wedding of two dear family friends. We left the kids with a babysitter for half of the time and Matt's sister was filling in for the other half. We definitely didn't anticipate it being such an eventful time at home.

When the sitter was picking Shaelyn up from school she and her cousins were running through the parking lot, when she accidentaly caught her foot (poor girl has HUGE feet) on her cousins and wiped out. When she fell she didn't catch herself at all and landed right on her face. (I know just writing that sounds miserable!). She skined up one knee pretty badly, but the real damage was done to her sweet face. She skinned up her chin, mouth, nose, sliced open her lip AND knocked out her front tooth. Of course my heart ached having this happen on a day I'm too far away to hug her and take care of her. The sitter called us right away and Shaelyn was crying, but already proving she was being so brave and tough! Many of you know that she has a lot of teeth issues to start, so I'm pretty strict on what I let her eat, and she's probably a lot more aware of her teeth than most kids her age. She felt so bad that she had knocked one out long before it was supposed to fall out, plus she was in quite a bit of pain. Thanks to the wonders of technology we had pictures of it within a few minutes and I was able to call her pediatric dentist and work out what we should do for treatment. My dear friend was also sweet enough to drop everything and rush to my house to take care of her in a "mom" sort of way! After getting her cleaned up, flushed with salt water and meds, she even took her out for a slurpee. I was so grateful and both Shaelyn and I felt so loved to have such a great friend! (Thanks Jen!!).

It is truly amazing how resilient kids are! I was very proud of Shae for being brave and getting through this miserable afternoon without me there! It was definitely hard for me to be gone. I just wanted to hug her! Her mouth is really healing well. The tooth to the left of her front tooth had some damage too, time will tell how much. Her lip is still swollen, but looks so much better. Her nose and chin are healing. All in all we feel so thankful it wasn't worse!

Here's are the picture we received about 15 minutes after the fall happened. WARNING: They are NOT too pretty! If you have a weak stomach you may not want to scroll down :)

Here she is just a few hours later. Excited because they went back to the school and actually found her tooth. (Amazing in its self!- you can see it in her hand) It was helpful to know she hadn't sucked it into her lungs (a serious health risk), since she couldn't actually remember it falling out.

Her cousins got her balloons too!

Spring is coming...

2011-03-17T09:56:00.001-07:00

We've been dreaming about spring for weeks! Today, it felt like it might be coming and we'll enjoy today (and forget about the snow forecasted for next week!)

There is nothing like a little fresh, warmer air to lift our spirits and remind us of the Lord's faithfulness and constant presence! We are blessed!

Happy St. Patricks Day...

The first bloom of the year!
Sophia and Shaelyn headed into school. Dressed for "green" day in matching outfits! (Shaelyn borrowed Lauren's). They loved it! The sweet joys of kindergarten!
I'm so grateful for their sweet friendship!!

Monday afternoons...

2011-03-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

For the past few months (when we've been healthy) we've had a fun Monday afternoon routine. Shaelyn comes home from school around 3:30 and we hop right in the car and head to the gym. The girls have been taking tennis lessons from 4 to 5. They both love it and count the days until "Tennis." Overall they are both doing well. Monreau's class is for "4 to 5" year olds. I sort of snuck her in, (she turns 4 in May), mainly because she's not doing school this year and I thought it would be good for her to do something organized. She's definitely not my first born "rule follower" and she's shown that she's a little young a few times, but the smile on her face is worth it! She has the happiest spirit and maybe she's picked up a tiny bit of tennis :). Shaelyn loves it and concentrates to the fullest. She is out there listening and trying hard the entire time! Despite being the youngest in her class by quite a bit she's by far the tallest! :) During Tennis I do my best to occupy McLleyton who is full convinced he should be out on the court! When tennis is done we eat dinner we packed, "kind of like a picnic" according to Monreau :). Then Matt meets us and the kids play in the Kids zone while we work out and shower. Then I put the kids PJ's on and we head home and right to bed. It's been a good start to the week.

Here's a few pictures of the girls. Quality is not great because the light inside the courts is so funky...

We're still here!

2011-03-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

I think it's been nearly a month without an update! I'd love to say it's because we've been so busy with fun activities I couldn't find the time... but truthfully it's been a bit of the opposite! For the last two weeks of February we had a nasty illness take over our house... well the girls! Poor Monreau and Shaelyn experienced their worst sickness to date. It makes you so thankful for their health! I'll spare you all the horrible details, but it was a few weeks consumed with vomit, diarrhea, fevers, dehydration, trips to the Doctor and laundry and MORE laundry! All other household jobs were forgotten as we battled through it. Unfortunately, the worst of it came when Matt was out of town! By the end, my pregnant body gave into the exhaustion of not sleeping for 5 nights and I got sick, thankfully not with exactly what the girls had, but it has definitely taken a little while to recover (and to catch up around the house!).

We are hopeful and eager for the arrival of Spring!!!! We are ready to say goodbye to winter and so thankful for the promises we are reminded of in the changing of the seasons!

Many more updates to come in March :).

20 Months & 20 weeks!

2011-02-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

My sweet boy is 20 months old and I am just about 20 weeks pregnant! Amazing how quickly time passes by!

I'll start with the new baby :). This pregnancy is going well! I'm feeling this little one move a lot now and I'm constantly surprised by his/her little kicks. They make me smile and honestly remind me I'm pregnant when the busyness of the day can make me forget. We're having our ultrasound a bit later, so it's still two weeks away. I'm anxious to see this little one and longing to hear that he/she looks healthy. I'm still hanging on to my regular clothes, but I'm sure I'll have to break out the maternity bin before too long. My favorite pair of jeans are in there final days :). I'm excited we're half way to meeting this little one!!

McLleyton, here's what you're up to at 20 months...

*A full participant in our family! You are apart of everything and if we leave you out you're sure to find a way in! You are apart of dinner conservations, prayers, homework time, movie nights, baking, coloring, you do it all!!

*Talking in short sentences! You are putting multiple words together. Asking questions. Answering questions. You'll now repeat any word we ask you to say and you do a great job!

*You can say your name! I thought you might be 3 before you learned that tricky one, but you're doing a great job! I'm already working on spelling it with you... hoping you can have it down by kindergarten (sorry about that one :)).

*You love your sleep! Sleeping from 7pm-8am or later! You take one nap usually from 12:30-2:30 or 3. I often have to wake you up so we can pick up the girls from school. I always feel so bad, but you wake up happy!

*Your daddy loves your hair long! No buzz cuts for your buddy!

*Elmo is your favorite movie

*You love reading books

*You love to be on the go. Staying home all day is not your ideal day!

*You will sweetly tell me that you love me. It makes my day!

* You smile ALL the time ... and with those dimples it makes me melt!

* You have no problems with me leaving. Either at church, the gym or with a sitter you are happy and will simply say goodbye. Today when I told you I had to run to the store you said "Get milk mom" :).

*You and your cousin Jacob are really starting to become buds! You love it when he comes over or we go to his house! It's fun to see!

* You can open "child safety" tops. (like on the kids tylenol bottle) I have no idea how, but you can!

* You know most of your princesses by name. (Ariel, Belle, Snow white, Jasmine) What 20 month old boy doesn't? :)

* Instead of "barbies" you say "barbra's"- your sisters think it's so funny!

* You love bath time and call it "bubble time"

* You love sports! Football is still your favorite, but you know quite a bit about a lot of sports. When we watch sportcenter (which you'll request) you'll tell me the name of each sport as they show highlights. "Golf, tennis, hockey, basketball, soccer, football"... I don't think you know baseball, but that one isn't so important :).

* You love your daddy! You get so excited and give him the best hugs when he comes home.

*You've graduated from your highchair to sitting at the kitchen table.

* You still have a special bond with Monreau. You adore her!

* You climb. Yes, I mention this each time I update on you, but it seems to be your constant activity. You have mastered so many feats I never thought were possible. But, we've had to take drastic measures to try and keep you safe and have now tied all the chairs to the table. Lets just say you were not so happy with us!

*McLleyton you are a gift. You have such a fun, big personality! I'm excited to continue to watch you grow. Our days would be so dull without you :). You are an amazing little boy.

Birthday Party!

2011-02-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we celebrated Shaelyn turing 6 with some of her friends! We had 8 girls. Her sister, her two cousins, two good family friends and three girls from her class. A very sweet group of girls! It was a low key party with lunch, games and fun :).

A few pictures from the day!

Lunch time...

By request a "dog" 6 year old birthday cake (that's the influence of an older cousin who loves dogs :))
Goody bags...

Getting the instructions for the games...
A fun pinata...
McLleyton got in on the fun :)
Shaelyn broke it open!