Surfer Allie

The long awaited surfer pics of Allie are finally out. She had no fear! She would still be in the water today if we hadn't made her get out.

Just learning with cool Uncle Neil in the back pushing her into the waves



How do you think this ended?

Pure joy!

Surfer Luke

Neil had Luke out in the water too although his mother made him wear how life jacket. So not cool! Since he went head over heel in the wave a few time (and over and over and over) I think it was a good idea. Luke was tough and even endured a bloody nose when his mother pushed him into a wave a little too late. After that, he only wanted Uncle Neil or Grandpa to help him.





On a side note, Luke recently saw Michael studying for Boards and asked him why he studying so much. After his explanation, Michael told Luke that if he became a dentist someday he would have to study a lot too. As if he didn't want to hurt Michael's feelings, Luke said, "Dad, I don't think I'm going to be a dentist. I'm going to be a surfer instead."

Surfer Kate

Okay, just kidding, but I bet my brother can't wait to get her out there. Maybe next year!
Safe with Grandma.

Grandma's typical "day at the beach" We left her with the babies while we surfed. The funny thing about this picture is that Andee is crying and Kate is happy. I think that this is only time on our whole beach trip that Andee was upset and Kate was happy. Oh well, it's a cute picture anyway. I love how Lucy is playing with Kate's hair and Kate is playing with Andee's toes.

Happy Birthday Gracie Mae!

Hey Gracie Girl! Happy Birthday! You are so smart and fun and we love the great things you say! We wish we were there to celebrate again with you. We miss you!

Happy Birthday Luke!

Luke is 5 tomorrow (the 4th)! Happy Birthday! We love Luke so much--whenever he opens his mouth you have to be sure to listen because it's guaranteed to be something good. He tries so hard to be good and and is so sensitive and loving. Hooray for Luke!
Here are some of the latest Luke sayings that have cracked us up:

In a prayer: "Please bless Kate to learn how to close her eyes and fold her arms for the prayer"
To Michael: "I'm a dinosaur. My dinosaur eats meat. And you're meat!"
At the dinner table "We shouldn't listen to Obama because he beat up Abraham Lincoln."

2nd Grade

Today was the first day of school for Allie. It's a sad/happy day. We miss having Allie around to play with, but it's happy that she has something fun and challenging thing to do. It always is an exciting time of year. I love that feeling in the morning air and the excitement of something new that comes with the first day of school. It always makes me miss being a teacher.
Allie was brave to start a new school all by herself. She had a great day and loves her teacher. She was very stressed last night about being able to do 2nd grade work which is funny because she's SO smart!

6 months old

We are finally moved into our new place. I haven't had much of a chance to post with all the cleaning and unpacking. Our new place has a pool and that has been sneaking into my time. Everyday Luke prays that we can go swimming. Allie is swimming without any flotation assistance and Luke is down to just one water wing. The big news is that Kate turned 6 months old. I can't believe it! She can roll over (although she rarely does) and can sit by herself for a little while. She a skinny little one. Her height is 26.5" (75%), head 42 cm (40%), and her weight is 13 lbs 4 oz (8%) Since she really only gained 1/2 lb in months, we have tried formula for her and she gained weight in just one week. She loves the bottle. I didn't think she would take one since she never has, but the first time I offered it to her she latched on a drank 4oz without pause. I think the poor thing has been starving. She sleeps better and seems to be a little happier. She is also eating solids now and her clear favorites seem to be rice cereal and carrots. She is quick to grab and seems to always get her hands on my plate or bowl and spilling the contents. She also will end up with a fistful of Allie's hair if she gets too close. She is talking more and laughing at the kids. Luke likes it when she is "Kung Fu Baby" and kicks him in the head. Kate has also developed a bit of stranger anxiety and cries when I leave the room or if she sees me when someone else is holding her. I think she is growing up too fast!