We're still here!

We're still here! Sorry for the lack of updates on the blog, life is so busy with 5 kids! I rarely have a minute to sit down, let alone update the blog. But I so enjoy reading other friends' posts and since I don't journal or scrapbook, I'd like to capture some memories of some of our life! We are so blessed with these kids and life is very full...

Jace is almost 12, how did this happen? He's heading up to a Gonzaga Basketball camp with his buddy Merit for 3 nights as I type this. I'm missing him already. Other than being our sports fanatic, he's a great big brother and just a fun kid to be around. He's worked really hard on the farm this summer, I'm proud of the responsible young man he's turning into. When we talk about the apples or cherries, he knows more than me! It's a little embarrassing. It's so fun watching him grow and mature. He had an awesome 5th grade year, loved his teacher and has great friends. He'll be a 6th grader this fall. I love our talks, his insight and perspective on things is mature. It's so nice to have his help around the house and with the little ones too. 

Jace with friends Kate & Colin at Jump Rope for Heart

Jace & his buddy Merit

these boys like cool cars

Cade is determined, focused and a go-getter around here. He never has idle hands...always building something lego, bouncing a ball, playing on my phone, or just fidgeting. He'll be taking his first pig for 4-H in just a few weeks and "Meg" is a sweet hog. He's enjoyed his pig project so far. Like Jace, he's been busy helping his dad on the farm...he's "head gopher trapper" in the orchards and says he "thinks Gopher" now! His gopher trapping stories are entertaining. He had a farm accident this spring while driving a forklift, luckily he just had to have stitches. It could have been so much worse! He had crutches for a week and his ankle has healed nicely. He's our emotional one, when he's happy its so contagious and when he's, well... you get the point. Cade is deep, thoughtful, and he has a sense of justice and loyalty that I admire! 

Scouts Pine Wood Derby

Rug Rat Nation 3 on 3...his team was the champs!

Pitching for the Royals - Spring baseball league in Moses Lake

Maddie is still in a growth spurt! This girl is T-A-L-L! She is as sweet as ever and really balances out these boys. They all adore their sister and she's the princess around here still. She likes to refer to herself as a sporty girl and tries to keep up with her brothers outside on the basketball court. She learned to ride a bike this summer, she was determined and it only took one lap with me holding the bike and chasing her for her to say "Ok, let go mom, I've got it" and she was off! I hope she'll always attack life with that mantra, "I've got it!" It's a moment I don't want to ever forget. Maddie is trying out a 6 week gymnastics camp this summer. She enjoys playing outside with her brothers, dancing and singing in the mirror, packing around Luke, and just being my side kick. I love having a daughter, she makes life so much sweeter around here. She loves to sneak into my makeup, jewelry, finger nail polish or put any ol' knick-knack in purses and bags. She's a pack rat! Maddie loves hanging out with her cousins and friends too, and I can't believe she'll be in 2nd grade. 

Maddie rockin' the 80's for dance

Maddie & cousin Jilly at Easter

Maddie & cousin Kylie before their baseball game

Sam is busy, wild, naughty, cute, smart, fast, stubborn, tender, curious, athletic, and did I say busy? Whew, he tires me out. He's done things my other 3 have never even thought of. He marches to his own beat for sure. Other than being a stinker most of the time, he's also our most loving and cuddly one. Thank goodness for his tender nature...we're still potty training...going on 8 months now. He's finally making some progress. Sam only does things on his terms. He's re-defined parenting for me. He's my patience tester for sure! I love watching him explore and learn, he's truly an amazing, bright boy and has lots of talent and more determination than I can handle most days. Now just to channel that in the right direction! We love our Sammer Jammer! He makes things pretty spicy around here. As I'm typing this, he just ran in singing "ev-wee ting is awesome, ev-wee ting is tool when you pot of a team!" Our team wouldn't be the same without this little dude on it.

Skiing at Schweitzer after Christmas. Sam enjoyed the snow-snow as we didn't get any this winter!

"gwasses like daddy" (pretend ones)

This boy loves dirt!

Luke is now 10 months and taking steps! Yes, I thought I had a baby too but he's proving me wrong. He is quick to change, grow up and is reaching milestones before this mama is ready. He's in the 20th percentile for his weight, 60th for his height and 90th for his head! He's got a noggin on him! He's a dear, mellow, quiet, sweet little guy. We love having Lukie Doodles as our baby boy...he's spoiled, carried around and cuddled most of the day and is used to being on the go with his older siblings and their activities. I've "worn" him the most as I've needed free hands and have so enjoyed having him attached. I'm so thankful we decided to have a 5th and we feel so blessed with this little guy.Pukie Lukie is another name he's acquired ;)

Wearing my babe!

Easter Egg Hunt

Bananas are Luke's fave

Bryan and I are doing well, we've been together for 18 years! We'll celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary this December. He is truly my rock. He works so hard for our family and is admired by everyone in this family. I can get pretty razzed up with these kids and he knows how to handle me! We've had to go through some tough changes lately with my family and I can't imagine going through all of this without him. He's fair, honest, and exudes strength. I'm one blessed girl to have him in my life and feel so fortunate to have him as my best friend. 

Enjoying a Mariners Game with the boys! We loved sitting in the Diamond Club seating, what a treat!

 A father's day golfing excursion

Cade caught a salamander & a bull frog one morning while working with Dad on a pump. They lasted 24 hours. We need to institute a "catch & release program" for the pets these kids catch around here.

Lukie's first 4th at Derek & Carly's 

Silverwood!

Suncadia!