Plans for the Day

This morning Isaac came down from his bedroom ready for breakfast and said, "Austin and I decided we're going to start our own business today."

Well, that puts a kink in our previously laid plans, but...okay! ;-)

They're going to make special magnets and sell them.

The simplicity and perfection of summer nights

Even with an upcoming move and the stress and work that comes with that, we've had some wonderful family days/nights this summer. I don't want this summer to be remembered as the year we packed and moved. So far, I don't feel like the kids feel that way. We've spent many days at the Little Dipper Pool, which I'm so grateful we joined. We hesitated spending the money, but it has been such a fun community and family activity.

We've also allowed for flexibility in our schedule, which is fun! The kids have had some late nights because we've been spontaneous and headed for ice cream well after bedtime, or stayed at the pool until 9. Most nights, have proven to be worth the possible "pain" the next morning.

Below are a few photos from one such evening. Good old fashioned, family fun!

6 Years Ago

Six years ago, today, God blessed us with the most incredible gift...ISAAC!

It's hard to write much more than that...I'm overwhelmed trying to find the words to describe my feelings about being a mom, the young boy Isaac's developing into, and the fact that this phase of our life with our young kids is just FLYING by.

So...

I'll leave it at that and share a few photos from his first day of life.

It's actually amazing to see how much he still looks like this! (He still has the same hair cut...)

Giving Credit where Credit is due

My previous post was all about Lisa and her new adventure of motherhood.
I didn't forget about Dan, I just thought he needed his own post...

It was a true joy to watch Dan with his daughter!! He is a natural and was clearly head-over-heels for his daughter immediately.

While I was visiting I witnessed his first Daddy-daughter...oops...Papa-daughter dance lesson. It was the sweetest sight!

A Mother is Born

I've been wanting to blog about several things for over a month now, but time just hasn't allowed for that. So, tonight, I'm on a blogging marathon.

On June 8th, 2010, my beautiful little niece, Eleanor (Nora) entered this world and our family. She was born 8 or 9 days late, but the hardest wait of it all (for me, anyway) was the five days after her birth before I got to fly out and meet her, and see Lisa and Dan. She is truly a perfect little miracle! It's funny, I always say I'm not much of an "infant person," but I sure did enjoy holding her and staring at her!!

As incredible as it was to meet this new little family member, it was even more moving to see my sister as a mom and to share that piece of life with her! I've always known she would make a phenomenal mother, but I didn't realize how journeying thru motherhood together would deepen our relationship! A true gift! I'm now anxiously anticipating the birth of the next mother - Megs - sometime this fall or winter, most likely! I can only imagine the bond that it will bring to all three of us...actually all four, including our mom!

Happy BIRTHday, new mama! I love you!

What's in a Name?

Yesterday afternoon, I was looking up recipes on the computer, while Elyse and Austin were coloring at the kitchen table. From the other room I heard Elyse say, quite randomly, "Are you Austin Eilmes?"

Ace responded affirmatively.

Then she said, "Oh, I'm Elyse...Eilmes," and continued in sing song fashion repeating her last name over and over again.

She's definitely a two-year-old and reminds me of that nearly minute to minute. Like her brothers, she's certainly not lacking in personality, which makes things interesting, comical, and challenging all at the same time. What a joy it is to be called mommy by this little girl (and her brothers).

Here's a photo of her with PopPop a few weeks ago. She was SO excited to sit in his SmartCar, just the two of them. You would have thought they were riding an amusement park ride! And that was when they were sitting parked with the keys in PopPop's pocket. THEN we decided she could buckle up and pull into and back out of our driveway.

WOW, now that was beyond exciting!

Soward Ranch

It's no secret that our family has a long history and love for Soward Ranch. I've been going there since I was three, Kurt and I celebrated our first anniversary there, the kids have been there every year since birth, and our dog is named "Soward." I think that proves my point.

Just in case the above didn't prove our love for Soward Ranch, a few weeks ago Austin showed how he has Soward Ranch on the mind, just like JT has Carolina on his...

For dinner I had grilled salmon to throw over a green salad. Normally the kids eat whatever salad dressing we have, but for some reason, Austin wanted his own. He said very politely, "May I please have some Soward Ranch Dressing?" It was very cute.

ACE at Soward last year.

I can see the confusion...can't you?