Jake Diving at Two.

This is one of those videos I posted on facebook years ago and just went back to re-watch now that I have another one about his age then (turning 2 the Sunday after we recorded this). Jake was (is) a crazy man in the pool, no doubt. I don't think Claire will be quite this way but still fun to watch for sure. :)

Piano Recital

big pictures?

I don't know what the heck I did but my pictures turned out huge in the last post. I did nothing differently. Anyone know what's up? I like it, I just don't know how to recreate it!

Pinetop - Memorial Day Weekend 2012

Road-side dinner

One of my things to say when we finally get off on a family road-trip is, "We're OFF! Like a heard of turtles!" Here we are on our way up to the mountains, pit-stopping for a bite to eat from the cooler on the edge of a cliff. The views were breath-taking actually, and the kids took the opportunity to sign their names on the graffiti wall. Romantic.

Kindergarten Graduate!

Sweet Jakey graduated from Kindergarten last week! He was so happy and cute about it. They sang some songs and received their diplomas. Then we went out to breakfast with daddy. What a special day for our now 1st grader!!

Bubbles

As an Arizonan I've discovered a love which is teaching children how to swim! I have loved swimming with my own kids when they are babies, in and out of the pool many times a day during the summers, and last year I started teaching swim lessons to some friends' kids. This summer it has expanded a bit and I am really enjoying it. Of course, my favorite student is little Ms. Claire. She has gotten so comfortable in the water and is a hoot to watch. I'm sure I'll be posting more videos of her in the water in the upcoming months 'cause I'm her proud teacher/mama. So, for her debut swimming video, here is Claire at 18 months making bubbles! ;)

Tired?

This was the kids 10 minutes after we left Pinetop this weekend. Safe to assume that they partied themselves out! I love it.

Future Flyer

I've got a cheerleader in training here. Isn't she cute?! We love her! :)

Mud Fest

We've got a little project going on in the back yard (understatement). And in the mean time, there is a mud fest. The kids came home from school yesterday, hot and sweaty and declared a mud-war. I remember every mud-fight from my childhood starting at outdoor ed. in 6th grade. What is it about slinging mud at people that is so enjoyable (for me, anyway?). The kids enjoyed themselves too, and I was happy to see the yard being utilized in its current state. Let's hope it doesn't last much longer though. ;)

Swim Season Begins!

We are trying something new this year: All three kids in swim team! Luke has done it every year since he was five and Ashley and Jake want to get in on the action now. This means Claire and I will have a lot of poolside hours this summer, but it will be worth it watching them learn to swim well and get good exercise. I just think they need a moms' swim team so we can get up to burn a few calories after watching our kids do it for so long! Many early summer mornings and hot afternoon swim meets await us. But so do ribbons and good memories. Good luck, guys!

Mother's Day 2012

These are the Mother's days I will treasure forever! My kids covered me in homemade letters and gifts this year, and Tyler didn't even have to help them (school did!):). I absolutely love seeing their art work, reading their notes and feeling their love. How blessed I am to be mother to these four beautiful babies. They are our world (Claire missed photo ops, she was napping).