Chores

In our attempt to place some of the household responsibility on the kids, Robert and I bought them their own laundry baskets. Laundry is a never ending battle for me (for us all!), and it is time the kiddos helped out more with that. To get them more excited about the prospect of doing chores, we let them decorate their baskets. Since I have so many crafty things, it is never hard for me to begin a project.

Holiday Season Begins

The official start to our holiday season is our joint birthday party. But it really feels like the holidays when we start decorating the house for Christmas. Yes, I realize it is a bit early, but the last couple of years we have not been home much for Christmas. So, this weekend I said it was time. We drug everything out! I must say the kids love to decorate the tree and help drape the house in lights. I hope they always love it! I know I do (and so does Rob--even though he refuses to admit it)!

A couple more!

Aunt Becca took these pictures. She will be happy that she made it on to the blog! The kids loved having her here, so I thought I had better put this up!The other pic is of all the girls (and if you look closely, some boys). I also participated in the costume wearing that weekend!

Girls:
Abby, Brooklyn, Amaris, Christina, and Carlynn

Birthday Weekend

The kids had a blast at their joint birthday party. I think it was the best one yet! We had pizza, hit the pinata, and the kids ran around like crazy--but we would not have had it any other way. Thank you to all our friends and family that came to share the craziness of that day. You all made it great!

P.S. In case you are wondering--Aunt Becca let C put on makeup that day, so if you are curious as to where those black eyes came from--Aunt B is to blame! Mom was not as enthusiastic.....

River 2009

I just uploaded some pictures from this past summer and I thought I would share. Robert's parents have a house on the Devil's River and we spent a lot of time there this summer. We spent enitre days in the river, even bringing our portable bbq pit so we wouldn't have to stop swimming to eat! With the tarp for shade and plenty of water to drink and sunscreen, we were able to pull that off without a hitch. By the time we spent Labor Day at the river, the kids only played down at the water for a hour or two (can you imagine!). We tuckered them out.

Carl and Melissa are so kind to allow us to enjoy the River House when we want. The kids are going to have so many beautiful memories of river trips with their friends and family.