Memorial Day = Summertime

To kick off the weekend, I decided to conquer my first solo trip to the beach with the kiddos. I am even more in love with our little bay spot as our family grows. It makes beach trips so easy. Here's where we park (see the rockin minivan in the background). The kids help me unload and clean up. I can click open the door from my beach chair and send one of them to get something for me. Or send one of them to timeout in there. Yes. Free parking, no long trecks across sand, no crowds. It's so quiet and peaceful here. Back home, the kiddie pool was set up and warmed by the morning sun. So easy to clean the kids before naptime. The car though... oh man. I guess summertime is here. Time to get used to sand in carseats, on my kitchen floor, in my bed...

makayla + charlie

History repeating itself.

this week...

good family times! that's grandpa in the back of the fire engine.

wallace learned how to use the computer.

met avery (one of my favorite friends from college) at downtown disney to catch up and let the kids run around. she is NOT the one holding the bird. those are just her kids. and mine. we each have a baby too. it seems we were on the same baby-making plan.

Wedding Weekend

Rian's sister, Bri, got married last weekend. She was GORGEOUS. It was a perfect wedding with such sweet, loving details all planned out by her and Maceo. We are so happy for them! Wallace walked down the aisle as the ring bearer. He absolutely melted my heart in this little suit of his. And his sister... oh my, Skyler... that smile, those boots, and a little yellow dress...

Seriously? And the crooked dimpled smile?! Next thing I know he's going off to Prom. Stop!!!

So here we are.

Doing his job...

The Bride & Groom

A MONTH?!

Tomorrow Charlie is one month old. I can't stand it. I can't believe how fast this is going. I'm doing a terrible job of taking pictures, especially of his first visitors. Adding this third kid has been different. We're definitely staying IN more. My house is torn up most of the time. The older kids have figured out they can get away with more lately. I'm so not on top of my game. I have to remind myself that it won't always be like this. I won't be stuck breastfeeding, I won't be changing diapers constantly, I'll have more time to shower and get dressed... someday. I will say, however, that I am loving each day. Living simple, staying in, saying "no" to events, really looking at each of the kids. Studying their faces, asking questions, snuggling, staying in pj's, trying to savor each moment. With Charlie changing so fast, I'm reminded of how quickly this season will pass. I am SO thankful for Southern California's beautiful weather. If we didn't have our front yard to escape to for running, drawing hopscotch and train tracks, playing catch... I think I'd go crazy. I am also thankful for so many friends that have been bringing us meals. Delicious meals. Fancy and creative and beautiful. We have felt so loved. Here are some pics from the last few weeks.

Wallace & Skyler walking out to perform the end of year show at Nurture. I've never heard Wally belt out a song like he did for "Farmer and the Dell."

All 3 enjoying time with Chaz and Uncle Pips (Colby).

I confess that W and S are sent to their room to play way too often lately, mostly so I can nurse Charlie without being climbed on or hit in the head with flying objects. However, they have gotten very creative with what they play. Here, they are playing "zoo" with all the animals being hung from the top bunk.

Charlie and I napping while Rian gets some help washing my car.

Picnic dinner on the bay. I went in my pj's. It was the most perfect way to end a day.

Rian brings Charlie in to our bed in the morning. So sweet to lay next to these two.

Bath time. What I would do for a bathtub like this...

Skyler and I enjoying conversation with Charlie.

Rian saved the day by bringing us lunch.