Camping II

The campground we stayed at has a cool pirate ship park that the kids really enjoy

 Gideon was not so sure about the long ramp up to the ship, but he figured it out pretty quickly

 Evelyn watched the big kids play from her comfy car seat

 The kids enjoying the warm camp fire in the cold morning

We tried to play catch, but Gideon kept taking the ball to "kick,kick,kick" 

Camping

We were able to take the camper out this week for a fun camping adventure. 

Dustin made us a sweet set up

Look at these 4 adorable people. And yes mom and dad are drinking caffeinated beverages for breakfast. Camping is exhausting. 😜

This picture shows Gideon at his cleanest after a scrub down at the hose. The rest of the time his skin was gray with dirt and he had rocks in his pants. Yes, in his pants...he is a little strange but we will keep him. 

Elijah enjoying his perfect s'more 

Emme just being her adorable self 

Emme and Elijah were great at helping with Evelyn while mom and dad put the camper up and down

But when she wasn't being held, Evelyn was content to lay on everyone's sleeping bags 

The older kids love the camper and their sleeping bags. At 8:00 they actually asked to go to bed! And everyone slept all night! 

Best Big Brother

Elijah is such a good big brother. He loved Emme from the first moment he saw her. And even now as much as they fight, he still takes cares of her. If nothing else the two of them bring out a competitiveness in each other that encourages them for the most part to be good even if it is just so they can be "the good one" for the day. :) 

Elijah and Gideon have always had a special relationship. Elijah has always felt responsible for Gideon. It has been very sweet to watch Elijah with Gideon since he started having seizures. It is amazing how aware Elijah is of Gideon's mood and behavior. He knows when Gideon is having good days and bad days. Because of Elijah's attentiveness to him, Gideon absolutely adores him. Elijah really is Gideon's favorite person. 

Elijah loves to take care of Evelyn. He is always very willing to pick her up "and walk her" when she is fussy. He will lay with her and talk to her so I can do chores. Evelyn smiles at him anytime he interacts with her. Even as a tiny newborn Evelyn would look for Elijah when she heard his voice. Elijah is very comforting and calming for Evelyn. I am excited to watch their relationship as they grow up.

 

Evelyn is Two Months Old

Evelyn had her two month appointment today. After a strong above average start in weight Evelyn has followed her siblings lead and has now dropped to 34%. She now weighs 10lbs 12oz and is 13in long. While at the doctor we also found out she is already cutting a tooth. Poor little thing. 

Father's Day and Evelyn's Blessing Day

Building Muscles

Evelyn is her happiest when she is propped up and she can see everything going on around her. She has gotten really good at holding her own head while I am carrying her around and now she has decided she wants to hold her head and sit by herself like a big girl.  

It is hilarious to watch...

She gets a very focused look on her face

Then her forehead wrinkles all up...

And then, yay success! It is funny too because the whole time she is trying she talks to me. She is all animated like she is giving herself a pep talk. Evelyn definitely keeps us entertained. 

Happy Birthday Dustin

Happy birthday Babe! I am so grateful that you were born 36 years ago today. You have been a blessing in my life in so many ways. The biggest blessings you have given me are 6,3,2 and Itty Bitty. You are such a good dad to them. I love watching you guys all interact with each other. You pick us up when we are down, you bring us down when we are way too up and you are always willing to give us a good teasin'. Thank you for all that you do! Love you! Happy birthday!

Kindergarten Graduation

Elijah is now a kindergarten graduate! He has learned so much this year and is more than ready for first grade. So proud of our big man!