The new double stroller

I think they should market this stroller as a double instead of a single...don't you think?

Estella's first popsicle

Last week after playing in the sprinklers in the backyard I broke out some popsicles. This was Estella's first time eating a popsicle and she thought it was great!

I love how it is dripping down her belly.

I think the popsicles gave these two a sugar rush...they were crazy!

Nicholas the track star

A few things to remember

These are a few random things I don't want to forget. Earlier this week Estella stuck a big pea up her nose. Jackson had come home for lunch and we were all sitting down at the table eating. Estella had some peas on her high chair tray and was happily eating them. She held one up to her nose and looked at us a bit questioningly. We calmly pulled her hand away and told her "no." Well...not three seconds later she shoved one up there so fast we didn't have a chance to react. We didn't want to push it up farther, so we tried to get her to blow her nose into a tissue, but she wouldn't do it. I tried to suck it out with a bulb syringe while plugging her other nostril, but that didn't work either. I called our doctor's office to ask for some advice and they said they could see her if we got there within 10 minutes...so we rushed out the door to the doctor's office.

The doctor has us try to blow it out threw her mouth by plugging her clear nostril and puffing some air in through her mouth...kind of like mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but that didn't work. So...Jackson, a nurse, and I all held her down firmly and the doctor used a thin grabbing tool up her nose. He grabbed it and pulled it out right away. Essie was mad, but at least it was out of there.

The doctor gave us the pea to take home, but it was so gross looking I just took a picture and threw it away. Three kids...and Estella is the first to stick something in her nose...let's hope she's the last!

We planted beets this year for the first time. They are so much bigger that any beets I have ever seen! I have been experimenting with beet soup, beet salad, and shredded cooked beets.

A few nights ago about 15 minutes after Jackson and I had put the boys to bed, Nicholas came running down the hall visibly excited. "Mom! You have GOT to see this!" Usually after I have put him to bed, I don't go back into his room, but he was so intense I was curious. I walked into his room to see two empty shelves on the book shelf and all the books piled high on his bed. He was so happy with his accomplishment, I didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't like it, so I just piled the books at the foot of his bed (which is actually the head, but Nicholas likes sleeping with his head on the other side) took a picture, and kissed him goodnight.

What a silly little boy!

New Photo Location

I am always on the hunt for new locations that are great for taking photos of people. One of my main issues with most places is that there are always too many people around. It is hard enough for most people to relax in front of the camera when there aren't other people watching. Jackson suggested one of the cemetaries here in town. I was sceptical, but it was PERFECT!!! I loved it. Here are a few of my kids there...I am planning on going again soon when they are dressed a little better.

Yesterday I did a photo shoot with a friend's children. You can see a few of them here.

Guess What?

I HAVE A LOOSE TOOTH!!!

Hurray for the 4th of July!

Nicholas has been asking about the 4th of July ever since the 5th of July last year! He really likes fireworks...fire of any kind acutally. Because of that, this has been a long awaited day for us!

We went to Jackson's parent's house along with a LOT of family. It was great to have so many people with us this year. I took close to 200 pictures (I don't know how that happens), so I will have more to share. Here are a few for now.

Essie and Charlie (Jackson's cousin's little girl) playing on the track across the street from Jackson's parent's house.
Nicholas riding around in the driveway

Thomas with Aunt Julia and Aunt Diana playing a great game...I think the name was "Hi-yah", but I can't remember for sure. It was really fun!

Sparklers!!

With so many families there we had LOADS of fireworks. We had three dad's lighting simultaneously, so there was never a dull moment.

Happy 4th of July!!

Great friends

Thomas and Nicholas are getting along so well lately. I love that they are such great friends. Thomas usually wakes up first in the morning and he won't come out of his room until he can wake Nicholas up and get him to come out with him. They spend hours building lego cars together and racing them down our little slide in the living room. They tirelessly jump on the trampoline together. One favorite thing to do is bike races. They race around "the track" outside over and over and over. Thomas, who is super competitive, always makes sure he wins. Nicholas, who just loves to be having fun, is just happy to be there racing around. I hope this bond continues to grow and grow.


P.S. I thought this was a really cool gate.