Sunday Afternoon

I think this particular afternoon was two weeks ago now. I went to a book club after church while the rest of the family took naps and so Sterling and I had some deep and insightful conversations on this particular walk. I hadn't actually read the book but I was hugely intrigued by the story line and had to discuss it all over with Sterling to try and figure out where exactly my feelings stood. 

I propped up my camera to try and use the self timer. Only, we could never figure out when it was going to snap the picture so it was a little wild--haha.  

I drive past this little walking path quite frequently, but I didn't know where it went. I convinced Sterling to try it out and now we all want to go back every Sunday. It was shady and beautiful and the sun streamed down. Such a beautiful afternoon.

These three. They are the best of friends. They are the best of enemies. Sometimes they hold hands and imagine these incredible games and enjoy each other's company for hours on end and I love it so, so much. The weather has been down in the 70's again (thanks to the snowstorms north of us) which makes playing outside wonderful--and it's been so nice to have them out together enjoying themselves. And then sometimes...I think we should invest in restraints? Bahaha. Oh the hitting and spitting (?!?! this is new and not welcome) and snatching of toys that can occur! I sure hope they remember all the good times!

This guy was riding by and offered the kids a ride. He was so kind and patient with them! It totally made their day. Thank you, stranger!

My baby. He is NOT allowed to be this big and long. But oh! How I love him! I love his snuggles and his smiles and his soft cheeks and his dimpley elbows and fingers and his joy in the world.

Old Man's Beard over all the trees.

These tie dye shirts are from two years ago at Sterling's family cabin. Will has worn it bi-weekly ever since. He actually had a bloody nose on it last week and I was worried I'd have to try and throw it away without him noticing--but it came out enough that I'm okay with him wearing it. Haha.

Russell 9 months + Bexley Park Fun Day

Russell is 19 pounds of absolute delight! He officially has six teeth, he eats as much as my toddlers, he is happy and content and spends a lot of his day in the stroller going to or from school or being at playgroup--and he is happy as can be about it. He can sit up from laying on his belly, he can scoot around on his bum (this is hilarious), he can scoot backwards, he can get up on all fours and reach things--but is still not *quite* going forwards in a crawl. He's just doing everything else, haha! He waves and claps like crazy lately and it is the cutest thing ever! He dances to music and clapping with a big grin on his face. He only gets up once a night and still takes stellar naps (although we usually interrupt them, poor kid). Russell gets poked and choke-hugged and squeezed to pieces and yet still smiles and grins at all of his over-loving siblings. He had a double ear infection was only slightly fussy---so the only reason I thought to take him in is because he was pulling on his ear. If I could, I would freeze him like this forever! He brings so much joy into our little family! We love you Russee!

The .97 cent bottle that is the only one he will drink out of, haha.

Ruthie and Will on Wacky Dr. Seuss Day!

We live in the complex Bexley Park and they put on a Family Fun Day the first Saturday in March. It was such a blast! Free popcorn and snow cones, free games and activities, face painting and so many friends from our neighborhood that our kids love to play with! Plus, the weather suddenly plummeted ten degrees (thank you nor-eastern storms!) and so I had thought we'd be sweltering, but it was a gorgeous 75 degrees!

The kids thought this was the greatest! And it was hilarious because the little ones really WANTED to, but it was pretty scary once they were actually GETTING to, so there was a lot of back and forth on getting in. Our poor neighbor stood in line three separate times, but her daughter finally went the third time!

This event was so well put together and relaxed and fun. Huge plus, I walked outside my front door pushing the stroller and was there in ten seconds. Yay!