Christmas in September!

Today Grandma and Papa Poulin made the trek over the mountains from Yakima to celebrate an early Christmas. We don't usually get to see them during Christmas and since Grandma is so prepared she came today with loads of gifts for the kids. They had a ball opening all their goodies and Maggie even gave us a fashion show of all her new threads. We had a great lunch and Grandma and Papa Dacey joined us for a bit too.

Grandma giving Josie a bottle. Notice how she has her hands behind her head...she's nice and relaxed! Good job Grandma...you have the touch!

Maggie showing off her new "Groovy Girl" doll.

Millie posing in her new p.j.'s

Just a cute one of Baby Jo!

Thanks again for coming over Grandma and Papa! It was a fun visit and we're looking forward to seeing you again next week in Leavenworth! Love you!

In the blink of an eye

I was looking through some old pictures and came across this one. First day of preschool 2004. It was Sam's second year and Maggie's first. They're so little and they seemed so big to me then. Why do they grow so fast? I know it's cliche, but it really does just feel like yesterday they were in their little preschool class together. Now 2nd and 3rd grade and even seperate wings of their school. Oh how I wish I could keep them little forever. Such a good reminder for me to cherish every moment I have with them.

Welcome to the "Claw" R and K

I just got word via Kristen's blog that the papers are signed and now they just wait for the keys!Yahoo! We're so excited to have you in town! Looking forward to lots of pizza nights, pumpkin carving, early Chrismas mornings, easter egg hunts and sleepovers!:) We love you guys!

Pretty girl

One of the more recent pics of baby Jo. She's already changing so much! She had a doctor's appointment yesterday and weighed 11.9..what a chunk! I love her rolls!

P.S. This may be a blogging record for me..4 in one month!

Welcome Fall!

I would like to officially welcome my favorite time of year! Don't get me wrong...I love the spring when we get those first signs of life in the garden and the trees are in full bloom and of course I love the long, warm days of summer but there is nothing like the fall. There are so many things about fall that I look forward to...the crisp air, the brilliant color on the trees, mums and kale, pumpkin spice candles and of course pumpkin spice lattes, football games and snuggly sweaters. The list could go on and on! Over the weekend Maggie and I did a bit of decorating for the season. A few samples of the front porch. Happy Fall everyone!!

First Day Jitters

Just a few snapshots from the kids' first day of school. Last night we had a family meeting and gave Sam and Maggie both a checklist of tasks they must accomplish in the morning before they're allowed to turn on the tv/computer or Wii. We also gave them each a new alarm clock and said some prayers that the morning would run smooth. Well sure enough we're off to a great start. Sam was up and had all his items checked off by 7:15 (we don't need to leave for school until 8:45). Maggie slept in a little later but also did a super job with her checklist. We snapped a few pictures and off to school we went. Too easy.....

I can't believe how old he looks! Wow, I have a 3rd grader!

And here's my sweetie pie that threw a wrench in the morning. Just as I was about ready to leave her classroom the waterworks began. It is such a terrible feeling as a mom to watch your child struggle with self-confidence. She made such a huge strides last year..what's going on?Ugh! Well her very sweet teacher bent down and was so very kind and told her a sweet story that got her giggling enough that I could sneak away. No phone call all day and then guess what she says when she got home "today was the best day of my life!" Hallelujah! Thanks for answering my prayers Lord!

Day 1 down...179 to go!

Last day of summer

Well not officially but as far as vacation goes the summer is over. It's always a bittersweet time of year for me. It's so fun to have the kids home for summer and enjoy the lazy days by the pool but after two months I'm longing to return to a schedule and send the monkeys back to school. This summer seemed to fly by especially fast I'm sure due in part to our new little addition. To say goodbye to summer and celebrate the start of school we had a perfect evening at my parents with Ali, Behrad, Liv and Navid. Mom and dad made an excellent dinner, the kids had a ball playing outside and to top off the night they got to roast smores. We couldn't have asked for a better end to summer! Perfect!

Liv and Maggie giving Amelia a lift!
I think Navid love's his smores!

Little snuggle action with Sam(notice the monkey in the background).

Even a chance to snuggle with Rock!