Camping

We went camping in our backyard last weekend. I love that something as simple as setting up a tent and hanging out in there can bring so much joy to the kids.
We ate dinner (and make-do smores) in the tent, then played some games, and then got all tucked in for bed.  After we put Smith to sleep inside, the four of us got to lay down and talk and watch for shooting stars until Emmy finally fell asleep.  Then, we asked Zane if he'd rather just go back to his own bed and he said yes right away so we moved them in and slept inside the rest of the night. :)

We added marshmallow cream to cookies that we had.  They were great. :)

Smith did NOT want to leave to go to bed.

Just a sweet moment - Zane was trying a new Little Critter book, and Emmy was holding the flashlight for him.

Kindergarten

Oh I love this big Kindergartener!  I am so proud of my sweet guy.  He couldn't have been more excited to start school this year.  That morning he talked about it so much that Emmy finally said, "I KNOW it's your first day, Zane!!"

Since Monday, he has already done so much each day.  He wrote a book called "Camping" that said, "We went kampin." It had a picture of the five of us in a tent.  He's also been reading, counting, etc. etc. I'm looking forward to a great year!

 I got overwhelmed with emotion - for only about 5 minutes.  Not too bad.  I loved watching him walk straight in, hang up his backpack, and walk to the rug and sit down - he was a natural. :)

 Then, later that day he had his first soccer practice of the season...

10 1/2

Little Smiffy is about 10 1/2 months old now! I cannot even believe how fast time is flying. I feel like I say that a lot, but I really mean it this time. :) I have a ton of videos and pics of this cute guy. So, why not go for it on one big post? We love our little buddy so much. He is so loving and sweet He is silly and just easy going. Here are a few updates... He is crawling super fast and also standing alone some and cruising well He imitates sounds really well and also a few words He does lot's of tricks - and we are very entertained by him - especially Zane and Emmy He wants to play with his sister and brother constantly He get soooo mad now when he doesn't get what he wants - he has a mind of his own, big time His favorite toys are cars and balls He's starting to get picky with eating and when a bunch of food is mixed up on his tray, he'll either throw or spit out just the ones he doesn't want Cutie pie loves to play with and copy his big brother. I also love how he dances every single time he hears music. He also loves Emmy so much. She knows how to play with him pretty well and loves to help me with him anytime she can. She makes him laugh a lot too. This man loves his cars. I love how he likes to roll them, but also studies the wheels. The next three videos are at least a month old... Why do babies love electronics so much?

 

Constantly grabbing for everything

  
 
Love these pics - from earlier this summer 

These are from Smith's dedication at church

I love this face - probably either embarrassed of this dorky hat or that he's playing with a pink lawnmower

He tries to climb up or on everything now.  He kept trying to sit on the lawnmower.

He didn't want to leave the tent when other people were still in it - he knows how to get mad!

Sassy Silly Sweet

Oh my. Emmy has been so much fun lately. Her big personality and witty humor crack us up every single day. She really is such a beautiful and wonderful mix off sassy, silly, and sweet.   Se also is extremely brave and adventurous - basically has no fear.  Oh, and did I mention she loves everything pink and girlie these days, but is also still a rough and tumble tomboy some days? 

I wish I could spend all day writing all the funny things she has said lately. 

 I love this video of her soooo much because it captures some of her different sides. She was sick this day, so has a little raspy voice. Watch at the end for a little eye rolling and hand-on-hip action.

Photo shoot - she just kept wanting to pose