How far we have come

Last year we took the kids out on the boat to teach them how to jump into the water, float with their life jackets and climb back into the boat. Safety first is my motto... Danny and Lilly were the only ones who were enthusiastic by the idea of swimming in the river.

Today we took the kids out for the first boat trip of the year and ALL 6 of them jumped into the river the same way they jump into the car when we tell them we are going for ice cream... they were so excited! Marti (who last year was clenched onto Ben tighter than I have ever seen anyone clench another person) jumped into the water, swam around and had a great time. Jacob did about a hundred karate-cowabunga-cannonball-things into the water (hoping to splash me everytime) and Addy, Danny, Lilly and Joseph also had a blast floating around the "mighty Columbia. It was so much fun to watch them all having so much fun.

And yes, once again, I did NOT jump into the water. I really don't like swimming where fish might bite me... despite the fact that I told the kids at least 30 times that, "the fish are more afraid of you than you are of them." Shhhh.... don't tell them I am afraid too. :)

More kids????

OK... don't freak out! Yesterday, Addy and I had this conversation:

Addy: Mom, what can't I be a big sister like Linnea? I want a baby brother. Who put's babies in tummies?

Me: God puts them in.

Addy: So God put Danny and Jacob and Joseph in Daddy's tummy.

Me: Ummmm...

Addy: And he put me and Marti and Lil in your tummy.

Me: Ummmm....

Addy: Because boys come from Daddy's tummies and girls come from mommies.

Me: Ummm.....

Addy: Because I really want to be a big sister. I want a baby.

Me: Ummm... no Daddy and I are done having babies.

Addy: Why?

Me: Ummmm...

Addy: OK so when are you going to 'dopt a baby brother for me - from Ethiopia?

Me: Ummmm.... go ask Daddy.

Home again... home again... jiggety jig

Hello,
Anyone out there? Is anyone still reading this? Hello?

I am so happy to announce that we are in our new house, totally settled and LOVING it!!!! I can't believe what a perfect house we have. It is just right for my family. Joseph has his own room (decorated in black and red in honor of AC Milan, a pro soccer team), Danny and Jacob have a great big room that has room for their legos and all their clothes too! :) They love being in there and giggling and having fun. The girls are still sharing a room (Marti is actually thrilled to still share a room) and they love their lime green and aqua room. They have super cute comforters that match. I love their room almost as much as they do. We have a fabulous above ground pool that has gotten LOTS OF USE in the last 3 weeks. Ben, Joseph and Dan worked really hard to build a fence and deck around the pool and that has made our yard pretty much perfect too.

I now have an enormous kitchen that makes me smile everytime I cook and I also have a WALK IN CLOSET!!! I can't believe it! :) My other favorite thing about the house is the 2 washers and dryers - yep, their awesome!!!!

Life is fabulous!

The kids are all doing really well and loving the house. Addy had a couple of tough days adjusting to the change but is now downstairs making cupcakes with her play kitchen that has been in storage for 3 months. Joseph has been having a fabulous time with soccer, football and drivers ed (EEEEEKKKK). Marti finished 2 volleyball camps and then started an art camp that she has been enjoying as well. Danny and Jacob and Lilly have been going to a fun sports camp that keeps them tired - and that is a good thing.

Ben and I are loving the new house and keeping busy hauling the kids to and fro'. We are looking forward to a trip to Sun River soon and then we will start getting ready for school. Hope your summer is lots of fun!!!!
~Brooke