Our Little Spy

We've been going on evening walks this week, its too nice to be cooped up in the house.

We haul out the double stroller, pack Finn in and let Olivia decide if she wants to walk or ride in the stroller.  Usually her decision is to walk.  Then she wants to ride, then a tenth of a mile later she wants a piggy back ride, you get the picture.

Normally we can bribe her to ride in the stroller until we get to the big kitty.

Our poor neighbors have a visitor around the same time every evening.  Olivia usually lays down on her belly on the curb and just stares at the kitty.  This is the best picture I could get of her this evening.  I wonder what they think?  Scotts theory - they wouldn't put the cat up if they didn't want people to stop and look at it.

Finley Turns One

Can you believe he is one already?  I can't!


Finn, at 1 year old you:

*Weigh 20.8 lbs (25%) and are 29 inches tall (25%)

*Wear size 18-24 month clothes, size 4 shoes and a size 4 diaper.

*Still think you sister is hilarious, even though she isn't the nicest big sister to you.

*Have been walking for a month now, you are almost running.  You will not sit still and hate being held.  Your one year pictures will reflect this.  I haven't seen them yet, but I am pretty sure we will only have a few decent ones.

*Are eating finger foods now, you refuse to eat baby food.  I can't tell if you have a favorite yet, except that you love your breakfast foods.  

*Love your music.  Anytime you find something that plays music you hit the buttons repeatedly and bounce to the beat.

*Love to terrorize your sister and are learning to play back with her.  She can't steal your toys as easily as she used to.

*Love to climb.  Nothing is out of reach anymore.  You climb on chairs, couches, wagons, and your sisters bed!

*Have eight teeth, four on top and four on the bottom.

*Have recently learned how to give kisses.  They are open mouthed and full of slobber plus some, but I can't get enough of them.

Thanks for being our sunshine.

Love, Mom  Dad  and Olivia

Sweet Cheeks

How could you not love those cheeks.

Don't mind the dirt and ice cream stains.  She passed out before we could scrub her down.....and it's only 4:30.

My Sweet Baby Girl

I've always wondered how Olivia does at school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Is she the shy and reserved little girl that she sometimes is around new people?  Or is she the outgoing, bubbly little sweetheart that she is when she is at home with us?

On Tuesday a note was sent home with Olivia.  When Scott asked me if I read it my first thought was "Oh no, what did she do?"  My heart melted as I read the note.

"We just wanted to let you know how well behaved Olivia is everyday she is here.  She brightens our classroom with her big smile and cheerful attitude".

I guess that answers all of my questions.  I didn't think I could love her anymore than I already do, but she proves me wrong every single day.

Happy Birthday Finley!

We celebrated Finn's first birthday over the weekend complete with cake, ice cream, presents, and oh yeah, family (Finn's first year post is coming soon....after we get his stats from the doctor on Thursday).

Gramma, Papa, Auntie Abbie, Emmie and Great Gramma Momo joined us Saturday afternoon to help ring in Finn's first year.  Poor little Finny has been sick, but he was a trooper and had a good time.

He enjoyed ripping the wrapping paper on his gifts and playing with his new shoes.  He didn't eat much of his cake because he was sick.  I suppose I'll have to make another one for him when Gramma Judy comes to visit in a few weeks.  He did however manage to make a big ole mess of the frosting.  Papa was egging him on trying to get him to rub it in his hair.  

My masterpiece, a snake cake

Everyone had fun opening gifts.

Finn in his new shoes from Antie Abbie and hard hat from Gramma and Papa.

Helping Finn blow out his candles.

So excited for the cake.

Oh boy, I'm going to need a bath after this.

It took a while to get the frosting out of his ear.

Olivia liked the cake too, surprised?

Finn in his favorite gift of the night, the hard hat.  He just giggles every time you put it on his head.  He'll be in the garage with dad in no time.

Trying hard to figure out his new tools.

Girls can play with tools too.

Oh Olivia

I was making a trial cake for Finn’s birthday last night…from scratch.  Something I’ve never done before.  I am not sure if I really wanted to make sure it turned out okay or if I just had a major sweet tooth.

So like usual, Olivia pushed her chair up to the counter so she could help me.  When I told her I really wasn’t sure what I was doing, her response was this:

“Mom, you’re a big girl, you know how to do it”.

Oh Olivia

She was rewarded with cake and frosting for her confidence in her mother.

Fun in the Sun

Oh how we love three day weekends (or a five day weekend for me)!  We didn't do much this Labor Day weekend besides relax, spend time with friends and family.

On Saturday we filled up the kiddie pool, set up the slip and slide and had some friends over for a cook out.  The kids had so much fun together.  We shared lots of laughs and good food.  We go way to long in between get togethers!

{Addyson, Olivia, and Lily}

Eating in the pool always sounds like a good idea, right Olivia.  At least it was an apple this time.

{Finley enjoying the fun}

{Olivia and Rosie}

Olivia loves Rosie, she is glued to her side whenever we see her.  Rosie is so good with Olivia too - future babysitter maybe?

{Glorianna and Xavier pushing Lily and Addyson}

We all thought this was so cute, until the littles came screaming back down the hill in the wagon with no one there to stop them.  I've never seen the dads move so fast

{Glorianna loving on Finn}

{Jack in his super awesome shades}

Do you think Aaron Rodgers has a matching pair?  Discount double check! 

{The boys making s'mores for the crowd}

{Finns first s'more, he approved} 

{Olivia and Nate sharing some words}

On Sunday I took the kids over to Gammy and Papa's house so they could see Emmie before she went back to Omaha.