"I'm thinkin' like a first grader!"

Rachel has been hard at work at school and I realized it's been quite awhile since I've mentioned what she's up to. As most of you know, we're on year round school so Rachel's year starts in July and ends in June. We are only 12 weeks away from first grade folks! (that includes her 3 week break so really only 9 weeks left!) It's amazing what they do in kindergarten. She's doing addition and reading short stories like the one in the picture. Scruffy and Sam have become part of our weekly lives! Last week she asked me if we could "discuss the dog's attributes". I've decided I may need to hire a tutor as she gets older.....for me.

Rachel hard at work on her homework.


Sam and Scruffy stories--they really work on not only reading but understanding and re-telling the story. (and discussing attributes apparently)

Charlotte

Go UMass! Nathan had a great birthday weekend cheering for Minutewomen Softball! It has been awhile since we travelled so the kids were beside themselves with excitement to stay in a hotel and eat on the road. Oh yeah, and to watch the softball game. They especially liked when coach told them I was going to "suit up" and play the next day : )

"Guys, let me see"

Good thing it was a warm day....then you get to eat frozen lemonade!

Before the game...

"Casino" Royale

Look at this handsome little devil...James Bond meets Ferris Bueller? Jacob has been begging me for some time to find a "Casino" also known as a tuxedo : ) So I found this little number along with the golf tie at the consignment shop up the road. As you can see it's very versatile. It can be paired with sweats and worn when riding a skateboard. Now I just need to find the "Casino" shoes he's asking for!!

Looks can be deceiving...

Just let me preface this by saying this post is not for those with a weak stomach...enough said.

Don't let this sweet face fool you....I'll admit, I fell for the sweetness too....until I went to get him from his nap and realized the reason he was playing so nicely was because he found a new toy....the contents of his diaper. "What? Not that sweet little boy" you say? Yes....in his hair, fingernails, all over his crib, sheets and bumper. Not even his poor bear Scout was spared. Did I mention it was in his hair and under his fingernails? So I thought I had seen it all but have learned two things.

1.ALWAYS put pants on Andrew, not just a diaper

2. Don't fall prey to his sweet sweet ways...he's just waiting for you to leave the room.....

Also, I have pictures folks but my lovely husband thought they were a little too "poopy" for blogland...he's probably right...but I had to have some documentation so he could see what I had to clean up.

"Ma, I want a chainsaw"

Said Jaoob as he watched J.B.'s Tree Service cut down our VERY dead pine tree. We were sure this thing was going to fall on our house at any moment! We also had a huge live pine cut down. It was very cool to watch and the kids were G-L-U-E-D to the window.

Watching the dead one come down.....


This was taken about 2 hours later (literally)


Bye Bye Tree!


Sorry Jacob, no chainsaw....but you can have a shovel!

Rachel's Birthday......2 months late......

Bad mommy!! I can't believe I completely forgot to post pictures from Rachel's birthday....actually I can believe it seeing as I've yet to get thank you's in the mail..... anyway, moving on. Our beautiful girl turned 6 this year. Six is a big one! As she keeps reminding us, only 4 years until she is 10. (Apparently something magical happens at 10......I'm hoping for the magical ability to clean her room : ) It has been amazing to see her grow in maturity both socially and emotionally! She has become very confident in her decisions and I hope she continues to grow that independence. She loves school even though it's "a lot of work". She loves music and recess. She loves her brothers and has grown into quite a little mama. She makes sure to let me know EVERYTHING that Jacob isn't doing just perfect! She had a wonderful "Not so Sleepover" birthday party complete with a movie, pj's, and popcorn. Only difference was everyone went home! Maybe next year I'll be brave enough to endure an actual "sleepover". Verdict still out on that one......

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Can you believe it folks? Little baby Andrew is officially a year old. Where on earth did this year go? Andrew has grown into a boy with a mind of his own. He is our adventurous one! Maybe it's his personality or maybe it's that he's able to get into more trouble while I chase after the other two! Either way, it is no surprise to find Andrew on top of the side tables in the living room, climbing the stairs, or with half is body in the dishwasher (I told you folks, sometimes I'm distracted). He LOVES playing peek-a-boo and diving into the pillow forts that his brother and sister make for him. He absolutely ADORES his brother and sister and the feeling is mutual.....most of the time. Here is a look back on the year. Happy Birthday little man!!

A bit of a rough start


2 months


4 months


6 months

8 months

10 months

Doesn't this just say it all?!! Happy Birthday!

30 seconds later......