Memorial Day Weekend

We had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend out at the lake.  It was so nice to spend time with family and enjoy the freedom that I know we all take for granted.  It is so easy to get wrapped up in a fun 3 day weekend, and forget about the real reason behind the holiday, which is to remember those that have lost their lives fighting for our freedom.  I know this holiday is very sad for a lot of families and former soldiers out there, and I pray for peace and comfort for them all.  We owe these men and women everything, and their sacrifice is not lost on us.  Praise God for those selfless people who put everything on the line for us. 

Our weekend was beautiful, and the lake is now up!  After a few years of drought, our lake has been too low to boat or do anything on it.  Don't get me wrong, we still go out there and enjoy every minute of it, but it was so nice to be able to enjoy the lake water again.  We took full advantage!

The babies also had their first swim of their lives!  They both loved it, and I am sure will be little fish someday. 

Tula and her helmeted cuties!

There was tons of fishing to be had, and Uncle Will caught the fish of the weekend! Too bad we didn't get it on camera.

Pop got a new toy for the lake, a paddleboard!  It was so fun and peaceful, may be my favorite thing out there.  Everyone got good use out of it.

Look how serene this couple looks.  Wow Rett and Ashley have it together!

Wow, and look at this couple!  Haha, that is me and Brian.  We started out with him paddling, but I had to switch, because we kept shaking.  I didn't like that I wasn't the one in control, and I may have tiny control issues.

It all worked out in the end!

Pop had mad skills with this little passenger.

Living the life...

We were also able to get out the tube!  The kids have never been able to do this, and it was a hit!

Audrey wasn't too sure, but ended up liking it.

Ben was a pro!

Rett finishing up his wakeboard session

Whose that stud?

The girls had fun trying on Aunt Ashley and Uncle Rett's hats.

Oh wait, maybe not all the girls.  Uncle Rett....you are so mean.

Love this little booty.

Luke making a quick rescue.

Silly kids!

Life doesn't get much better than that!

Tiny Dancer

Our tiny dancer had her last dance class yesterday.  Her class was too young to participate in the recital, but her teacher did a great job of allowing them to have a little show.  Audrey had quite the crowd there to cheer her on.  Mommy, Daddy, Luke, Savannah, and Tula were all there.  She was so excited to show off her moves!  Let me just say that she loves dance, but ballet may not be her thing.  Her teacher is always laughing because she marches to her own beat, and definitely has moves more in the Jazz category.  She's more of a mover and a shaker, and less graceful and poised, haha!  She is only 2 so we will see what happens!  I have so enjoyed taking her to Mommy and Me class every week, and can't believe it is over.  Next year, she wont need Mommy...tear.

Here is our tiny dancer in action.

After her "show" we were surprised to find out the girls got little trophies.  Audrey was so excited to have a trophy just like when Luke got a soccer trophy.

With her class and Ms. Crystal.

We are so proud of our girl!

Best sibling pic, haha!

The tiny dancer did great, but last night after the "show" the poor thing was hugging a bowl for most of the night.  She is still down for the count, but seems to be getting better.

Even in a dead sleep, she had a grip on the bowl.  At least she had a "dancer bun" in! =)

8 Months

Savannah turned 8 months old on Friday.  This month she has really taken off in the moving department.  She isn't in a full crawl yet, but is getting so so close.  This month she has also been trying to establish herself in the family.  My kids are loud, I mean really loud.  Luke's nickname is Mr. Microphone, because even when he is just talking normally, it is overly loud.  Audrey talks up a storm as well, and I think Savannah is picking up on the fact that if she wants attention she needs to make some noise. So noise she makes.  She doesn't cry if she wants your attention, she yells.  There goes my hope of having at least one semi quiet kid.  Haha.  Here is what else she is up to this month.

• Army crawling all over the place
• can get into a sitting position by herself
• pulls up on all fours and attempts to crawl, but belly flops down usually
• attempting to pull up on stuff, but is not very successful yet
• can stand while holding onto something without assistance
• Eating some table food.  Getting better at the pincher grasp.  Still mostly on purees.
• 4 bottles a day 
• 3 naps a day
• 9 month clothes and size 3 diapers
• blows raspberries
• says dadada
• says mamama if she is mad (hmmm...)

Here are some more pictures from her little 8 month photo shoot.

She is enjoying bath time with her siblings.  It gets a little crazy in there!

One of the first times on all fours.

Finally mastered puff eating.

So proud to be standing by herself.

I think she may be teething.  She has been fussier than normal, and one night could not fall asleep.  This is SO NOT LIKE HER.  I let her watch a little American Idol with me and she was a happy camper.

We are so thankful for our sweet little love.