childhood rites of passage

 i completely love it when my kids busy themselves with little projects that they cook up.  this one i had to document because we used to do this all the time as kids and it's funny to me that they came up with it.

the goal:  catch a rabbit or bird (despite the fact that our we have bunny proofed our garden with the fencing, dog, and occasional use of a bb gun)

the prep: setting up the trap completely with carrots and dog food to lure in the unsuspecting animal

 the passionate brains behind this outfit....

not being so helpful....

 the hiding place so as not to scare the unsuspecting animal

 practicing a victory dance...

 hanging around....

 more hanging around....

 tuckered out...don't you sleep with your sword?

the dash of the warrior 2011

well, the warrior dash came on schedule once again this year only team grover was down a member....booo! but eric managed to pull through with flying colors and i managed to feel just sick enough that i wasn't completely green with envy....probably a sort of minty color!  but as usual, the company was so fun....had some new recruits and it was really a great time!

life is full of surprises...

2011 will be a year that will go down in the history of unknowns!  there have been wonderful things!  there have been really hard things!  there have been multitudes of blessings big and small.  there have been angels walking through our doors on a daily basis.  there has been joy and quite a few tears.  and our year continues.....there have been surprises....like a new baby BOY coming to our family!

we are very happy.  but we were surprised!!  everyone just knew (me most of all) we were having a girl but when that picture came up on the monitor, there was no denying it: this baby is a boy!  it has taken me a few days to readjust my planning/thought patterns.  i haven't for a moment felt disappointed, just a little surprised!  but this afternoon, as i hear my two sons running around the house as secret agent super spies with walkie-talkies, it is exciting to me to add another to this little club!  so we are headed for scout camps, stinky sweaty clothes, sports, and missions!

and me and maryn are going to be the queens who enjoy the luxuries of being ladies together!

in other news,  i am no longer attached to the zofran pump.  i quit it on monday.  so far, i'm doing okay although a little more woozy than i've been but still functioning so i'm okay with that.  it is heaven to not be attached to the device anymore ...however, i will always be grateful that i had it to see me through the very hardest times of this pregnancy and i have no doubt that it has kept me out of hospital trips!  but today, i feel free and that is a wonderful feeling!

{i had to throw in maryn's sassy pose in her rock star first day of school outfit she picked out all by herself}

the big kids are back in school and enjoying it.  maryn loves her teacher and seems content enough.  caleb LOVES kindergarten and i am kicking myself for ever worrying about him.  he wouldn't even let me take him to school the first day.  he insisted that gramma take him with strict instructions that she wasn't allowed to walk him in...just drop him on the sidewalk and then leave.  she said that he got out of that car and detoured over to the principle who he greeted and then went off to play on the playground....no worries. like a duck to water.  i guess part of it is the fact that he doesn't care if he has a friend to play with or not.  he's quite content to play in his own world although he has made a few friends and he loves that too.

so long summer...

this week, we have said good-bye to our summer holidays and welcomed school back into our lives.  this summer was decent considering our circumstances but i am officially declaring next summer the best ever!  i will be back and in shape and not attached to any medical devices and ready for anything:)

Dance

over the last year, maryn and maiya have been taking a hip hop class at the colorado dance center.  they have really enjoyed it and their hard work culminated in a grand production.  they loved performing and both did so well. maiya was the tallest of the group and maryn, the littlest:)