A Spring Day in the Middle of the Winter

It's hard to believe that it was about this time last year,when we were living in blizzard conditions. Especially, when we've been experiencing temps in the 60's this week. What's even harder to believe is that this time last year, we had just found out that this little sweet thing was going to be a girl. It just doesn't seem like we've ever lived life without her. Check out her amazing sitting up skills!!! She's a pro at it now.



We've spent the last two afternoons playing at Heritage Park. We've been going after nap time and right before we pick up Evan and Payton from school. Addi loves playing outside. I love how beautiful she looks in this picture.



Karsyn gave the bouncy whale a try too. I think by the look on her face, you can tell how much she liked it.



Addi hasn't always had the same love for swings that Payton has. I doubt any child ever could. =) But, with Karsyn by her side, she loved them. She said "Mommy, look at me" or "Karsyn look at me" or "Daddy look at me" only about 100 times each.




Addi was none to happy when it was time to get off of the swings. She let her daddy know that too. I did not take any pictures of that. No sir. But, I'm sure you can imagine. I did another one that really shows off how pretty she is.



I don't know if this spring like weather is here to stay. The weather has been such a yo-yo. Which, is not kind to allergies and asthma. Coughs and sneezes are plentiful with our little family of 6. Even so, we'll try our best to enjoy the weather while it's here, and we'll do it together.

This Week

So, here's what's been going on this week...

I got the best picture ever of all 4 kiddos. This was after Evan's b-ball game.



Keeping my New Year's resolution, here is the January picture of our little family of 6. (Check out the new tabs at the top of the page to check our montly pictures.) Admittedly, not the best picture of myself, but not bad of everyone else. This was taken after Evan's game on Saturday. His team lost again. Evan did score 2 points for his team though. I for sure think that they are going to pull off a win soon. The boys are playing good together.




Karsyn has started sitting up and army crawling. She is such a bubbly baby!!!




Here is Evan (and Karsyn, and Payton. Addi had to be cropped - not in the mood for pictures) in his new glasses. He's quite handsome, isn't he?




And lastly, this week marked a whole week of no crying in Addi's sleep training. She actually loves her bedtime routine now. Here's how it goes: dinner, bath, brush teeth, read 'Good Night Moon,' prayers, and then we lay her in her bed and she "reads" 'Good Night Moon' for about 10 minutes to herself (by the light of a night light.) She has the book memorized! I'm sure proud of her!



Lastly, we also got our super secret surprise for the kids booked. Can't say too much now, but we have something really REALLY fun planned in a few weeks.

This Weekend's Take Away

If you can believe it, I didn't take any pictures this weekend. But, I do have quite a few things to talk about. Friday morning, I took Payton to the Orthopedic doctor regarding her feet turning a little more inward than they should. I was a little surprised to learn that the reason that her feet turn inward, is because her hips are curved in slightly. Her feet are adjusting to make her walk straight. The doctor told me that he thinks over time, as she grows, the problem will correct itself. If we need to do any sort of treatment, it will be when she turns 13, about the time she is fully grown. The doctor seemed pretty confident that she won't need any treatment. Great news for this mama to hear!
We spent Friday evening playing outside. We had a near 70 degree day and we took full advantage of the beautiful day. We played basketball. Payton and Addi rode their scooters and bikes. We ended up in the back yard playing on the slide, practicing some t-ball, and then playing a little soccer. Karsyn didn't take her eyes off the balls we were playing with. It won't be long until she's playing too.
Saturday morning, Evan played his first basketball game. I know, I know, I didn't take any pictures. But, there was a mix up on his jersey and so he didn't have one to wear. His team was beat 23 - 8. Evan scored one basket during the game and he got one foul called on him. Both his papas and his daddy seem to get a big kick out of both of those things. =) He did AWESOME! Evan has a game face that is second to none. He played very hard. We left the court with sweat dripping down his face. Once he gets his jersey, there will be LOTS of pictures.
Saturday afternoon, the kids and I went to see my sister, Ashley's, new house. She had us over for a play date with her daughter, Jessi, and a little boy that goes to our church named Jason. Her new home is beautiful. The kids had a great time playing. We walked down to her neighborhood playground. We had 6 tired kids after that.
We missed church this morning. I don't like missing church at all, especially when I hear they had a great service this morning. Why did we miss you ask? Karsyn has hit her 6 month growth spurt and I was up with her at least 5 times last night. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep my eyes open. I was able to get almost a 2 hour nap in, thanks to my great hubby. We also rearranged Evan's bedroom and I reorganized Addi's dresser, so at least we're making progress on our resolution of being more organized, right? I hope you all had a great weekend too!

New Years, 6 Months, and The What What

New Years: I have to say, I'm so excited about the start of a new year. I think 2012 is going to be a great year. Why? I am looking forward to doing some of the things we've always done, but experiencing them in a new way - as a family of 6.
I also have 3 resolutions that I am going to work very hard to do. Number uno - We are going to eat healthier as a family. We've already started and that's going great. Number 2 - I am trying, and I mean really, REALLY trying to get more organized. We'll see how that goes. Number 3 - for the year of 2012, I am going to take or have someone take a picture of our little family of 6 at least once a month. I'd love to have 12 great (or even mediocre) pictures of all 6 of us by the end of 2012.



6 Months: If you can even believe it, Baby Karsyn turned 6 months old yesterday. I know that I say this a lot, but she is such a sweet baby. Tomorrow morning, she is going to dine on Earth's Best Organic Baby Cereal. She is so interested in eating and has even tried to grab a handful or two of food before. She's ready and I think she'll do great. She will also try out a sippy cup tomorrow. I handed her the cup at the store and she put it directly to her mouth. I hope that's a good sign. I am very proud to say that we met a huge goal and she has been nursed for 6 whole months! At this point, I think we are going to make it for the entirety of her first year.
This week, she started sitting up on her own. She rolls and scoots any where she wants to go. She can lift her upper body and her lower body off of the floor - just not at the same time yet. She loves to coo and 'talk.' She is such a joy! We got her 6 month pictures made yesterday and she goes in for her 6 month check up on Monday.




The What What: Addi's hair is now long enough to put in piggy tails. She has really taken off in her talking. She speaks very clearly! She loves the book, Good Night Moon. We read it at least 10 times a day. During Christmas Break, she started sleeping in her toddler bed. She also had a pretty nasty tummy bug during Christmas Break, which was a major set back in potty training. But, we are back to business now and she is doing good.
We spent part of Christmas break doing routine check ups. Both Evan and Payton got a good report from their dentist. Payton's eyes checked out okay, but Evan's didn't. He got his first pair of glasses a couple of days after his appointment. He was not happy about it for the first day or two, but He likes them now. Soon their will be a post about his new glasses. He didn't want his pictures in them at first. Payton has been a little disappointed that she didn't need glasses. Evan's first season to play basketball has started. His first game is in the morning and we couldn't be more excited. There will certainly be a post about that. =). If there is any more news to know, my brain is too tired to remember it.

Christmas Day 2011

Christmas Day 2011 was a busy, yet great day. Jason and I decided to hide all of our Christmas gifts at Nana and Papa's house this Christmas. He picked the gifts up on his way home from work Christmas Eve. When the kiddos woke up Christmas morning, they woke up to a huge surprise. Payton's mouth hit the floor. Then we all started unwrapping. After we got everything unwrapped and spent some time playing, it was time for us to get ready for church. Here we all are, our little family of 6.



The Christmas service was beautiful. We sang Christmas songs and then had a Candle Light Communion. Here is Karsyn and myself after services.



We came home from church and I made Christmas dinner. It was for just the 6 of us and it really made for a special momment. After dinner, we headed out to celebrate with Grandma and Papa's side of the family. Here we are with Grandma, Papa, Aunt Stephanie, and Uncle Brian.



After celebrating with Jason's side of the family, we met up with Nana, Papa, Uncle Chad and Aunt Ashley. We walked thru Rhema Bible College's Christmas lights. As a side note, Uncle Chad had a wonderful idea of parking across the street and then walking over. It was a great idea. I think we are going to make this an annual tradition.



Here's another picture of Karsyn and myself on her first Christmas. I think this one is my favorite!




All of the kiddos loved the Christmas lights. Payton took a ton of pictures with her new camera.



We tried for another picture of our little family of 6. This is the best that we got. Addi has her head turned. Jason looks exhausted. (I guess working 75 hours in 5 days will do that to a man. lol) There is also a thumb in the picture. But, we'll keep trying.



Each of our kiddos fell asleep. Addi looks like an angel sleeping. You can see the sleeve of a sleeping Evan.



Payton was out too.



Karsyn was worn out. I think her first Christmas was very special.

A King's Birthday {2012}

Our Christmas celebration really began a week before Christmas Day. Evan and Payton were in our church's Christmas program called 'A King's Birthday.' They couldn't have been more excited to be in the program. Unfortunetly, Addi had come down with a terrible tummy bug. Daddy was kind enough to stay home with her. Here's a picture of the play. Can you guess what song they are singing?




Payton and Jessi were sheep. Evan was a wise man. He was so excited about that! The kids did a great job!