Let's get caught up!

Sam is now 16 months! He's starting to talk and mimic us, which is super cute and we love getting him to say "dora", "oh man", "uh-oh", "ooh ya". He catches on really quick and keeps us entertained! Sam's a great eater but a petite little guy...his nickname from Papa was "Stubby" since he has the shortest legs of any of our kids, maybe taking after his grandpa?

 Maddie just finished up Hoopster Tots...she enjoyed it but had to sit down and catch her breath a couple of times at each practice. She's satting in the upper 80's now which is ok- wished she was into the 90's, maybe she'd have a little more stamina. I'm glad she's learning to self-monitor herself and she's not afraid to tell me or the coach that she needs a break. She turns 5 on Wednesday and we're busy gearing up for her party!

Jace won 2nd place at the Scouts Pinewood Derby...thanks to Dad and our cousin Bud for helping him build a fast Hot Dog car!

We enjoyed a little get-away to Silver Mountain in Kellogg, ID in February. The kids absolutely love this place- skiing during the day and swimming in the evening! There were several families from Royal who went as well which made it such a fun trip!

 Maddie even tried out skiing one day! I wouldn't say she loved it but she's given it another go since! We'll see...I'm not super pumped but Daddy would love her to be able to ski.

Preschool is keeping us busy! This is my last year...I'll miss it but my family keeps me busy enough :) These kids are so social and a blast...lots of characters in this class!

 My mother-in-law treated me, her sister and my sister-in-law to a fun weekend trip to Las Vegas. I hadn't been there in 13 years and whoa, it's changed! We enjoyed shopping, the warm weather & seeing Carrie Underwood in concert. Lesa and I also went to Bodies...so incredible. I highly recommend it! Amazing seeing the many hearts, especially a fetus' heart- made me cry.

Have I mentioned we've taken on skiing as a new hobby? We've went more this season than I have probably skied my entire life! We've made a lot of fun memories with the boys this winter. Caden is a spectacular skiier. Really. He's a natural and now enjoys going over jumps, skiing backwards, doing 360's down the hill as he skis. He'd also like to race he tells us...

I can't keep up with these guys anymore and frequently hear them yelling, "Come on Mom!" Cautious, that's me with these three dare-devils :) Fun times!

cherry harvest

What I Need to Say

The boys! Maddie and I are so lucky with the boys in our lives. Bryan made it clear to me that he "does not want to be on the blog" but I just had to put this cute picture of them. Sorry, Bry. Since I'm planning to publish this blog into a book to document this journey, it's not complete without you in it. I just need to say THANK YOU for everything. Thanks for putting up with me, thanks for helping out so much with the kids and thanks for your calmness through all of this. Along with being so busy on the farm, shipping cattle and staying up nights to do orchard frost control, you're always constant. As my brother calls our relationship, "slow and steady", even when our world has changed- I'm so grateful for you and I know that I can always count on your love, your patience and your wisdom. I love you.

Jace and Cade couldn't be more proud of their baby sister...and very proud to be BIG brothers. I was a little worried about how they would handle all of this change but they've done really well.

Jace is such an awesome big brother to Cade, entertaining him in all ways, pouring drinks for him, making peanut butter sandwiches, and kissing those owies that he created. Let's just say that Jace has taken up the slack around here when I'm feeding Maddie or "hooked up" to pump. He truly grew up while we were in Seattle...I feel like my 4 year old is now 14! Jace has had to make some sacrifices (like missing a month of preschool) but he's been so good about it and seems to understand why. But, we're happy to say that he's coming back soon to Miss Becky's to finish the year of preschool (as long as everyone's healthy)! He is the "Purell Policeman" around here...my germaphobia has worn off on him? Yikes! His sweet smile and take charge approach are such wonderful attributes in our home. Did I mention that he just adores his baby sister??? Finding the binky and getting diapers and wipes are his fortay! I'm so proud of you, Jacers!

Caden...our little Spiderman. He's adjusted to Maddie but his little spot as "the baby" has been taken by a high-maintenance little lovie. He's learning patience little by little. Cade's our alarm clock in the morning and I so enjoy our cuddle time together. Caden changed overnight as well when Maddie arrived...no longer looked or acted like my baby. Funny how they do that when a new one comes?!? We're so blessed with Cade's sweet, laid back nature and his great sense of humor. He's developed a new "giggle" that he uses after saying anything now. It's pretty hilarious. Our funny man, tough guy and little Spidey is such a blessing. And he can't get enough of Maddie...her eyes go wide when he sings "tinka tinka itta sta" to her! And I'm pretty excited that your little sister looks like she may have beautiful, long eyelashes just like you, bud!