Canada Day

 The kids and I ended up taking a last minute trip out to the acreage to pick up some "fresh farm meat" as Camilla would call it. My parents have great connections out here and I am so excited to have homegrown beef in my freezer again. We spent the night and stretched our stay a bit so that Daddy could get his work done at home. 

In between spurts of rain we spent most of our time outside. The kids love the freedom to run and play where they please. 

They went on a few walks, collected eggs, had a quad ride, picked strawberries, and played with friends. The quiet was much welcomed!

I got to sneak over and enjoy some chats with my Grandparents. We are so lucky to have them close by! After an early dinner we loaded up to make the drive home even though nobody wanted to leave. They had all played hard and soon fell asleep.

 Daddy was glad to have us back and we spent the evening enjoying the Canada Day fireworks together. 

 

 Finley adores his Daddy!

 The fireworks were great! Finley was a bit scared, but did good.

 Joseph covered his ears the whole time. He's never been a fan of loud noises.

The older two loved every minute! Even though I was exhausted and a wee bit on the cranky side, I'm so glad that we went and made the memory. The kids look forward to the fireworks ever year on Canada day. It was great to spend time together as a family and celebrate this awesome country that we live in! Happy Canada Day!!

The Life we Share

Today Mr. Stannix and I celebrate seven years of marriage. I always knew that I wanted to be married young and have a big family, but I never knew that life could be so sweet. I adore this man of mine and all that he does for us. He treats me good. He is gentle. He is kind and ever forgiving. He is always a "man on a mission" and even though he sometimes walks ten feet ahead of me when we're at the movie theater, I couldn't have asked for anyone better to spend forever with.I love our inside jokes, and the way he makes me laugh even when I might not feel like it. We have been with each other in the best and the worst of times and grown so much closer than I could have imagined. He has made all of my dreams come true and more! Happy anniversary sweetheart!

Wow that was a nice post sweetie!!  I am curious to see how long it takes for you to see this....probably not very long.  I love how well you document the most important things in our life.  I wanted to say a few words on our 7th anniversary that our children can read later when they are married.  You have taught me so many things over the years, but probably the most profound thing that I have learned from you is that happiness in family life comes from selfless service.  As I have tried to keep up to you always being 10 steps ahead of me, walking the life of service, I have found great joy in the acts of service to our children and each other.  Thank you so much for your inspiring counsel 6 years ago which changed everything for us!  Truly there was a small shout for joy from at least a few of Heavenly Father's spirits when you helped me understand the importance of having children.  That was the best decision we have ever made and will ever make as a couple!  I cherish the short moments when bursts of laughter erupt while brushing our teeth, or when I try and read to you - because we both know how awful I am at reading and emphasizing emotions in books :).  I was told before I was married that marriage will often bring surprises, things you learn about each other.  I can honestly say I have been surprised over the last 7 years, but EVERY surprise has been a sweet reflection of your inner beauty and has made me want to be a better person and I thank you for that and a life filled with love!  I love you...Happy Anniversary Sweetie!

Happiness is...

 Licking the pot clean...

Running through the neighbors sprinkler (in sock feet).

Getting Fit

This morning I ran 4k with two kids in the stroller and two kids on bikes. They were so excited to be out on the trail bright and early and kept telling me how great this day was. The weather was perfect in the early morning and the sky was blue. We had a few more water breaks than I would have liked, but I'm so proud of the older two for peddling their hearts out and loving it! On the way home we took a break half way so the kids could enjoy a snack. Camilla asked why I like running. I told her that it's important to get exercise so our bodies stay healthy and fit. She was puzzled and immediately asked, "Fit where?" 

 We dropped off a birthday surprise to a dear friend and then came home and had ice cream for lunch. All I know is if we keep up this tradition, I might not "fit" into my summer shorts for much longer.

 We have been spending most our afternoon in the backyard soaking in Summer in all it's goodness.

 The kiddos polished off three bowls of cherries...

 We soaked up some sun...

 And used the sprinkler to cool off.

 Camilla was overjoyed when I joined them in the sprinkler and we had a pretty awesome water fight complete with belly laughs and squeals. It felt so good to laugh that hard. I love playing with these guys!

Oh, how we love the Summer!

Solids

We are giving solids another shot and I think Finley's tummy is finally getting used to them. He has a huge interest in food lately and whenever he sees me eating something he will smack his lips. It's pretty much the cutest. I'm happy to be getting more and more food into that growing belly of his. Night time sleep is improving and I think everyone is a lot happier because of it! I couldn't help but snap a few pictures today. He was being SO cute!

Fortune

I cracked open a Jones this afternoon for a little boost. 

My fortune fit our life perfectly right now.

I smiled and took a picture to share with Mr. Stannix later.

"Your present plans are going to succeed"

Happy Father's Day

This morning the children woke early. We hung out in the basement for a while and then made Daddy breakfast in bed complete with cards and small gifts. The littles were super excited that they each got to bring something up to him. Camilla asked to carry the plate of french toast, Hyrum brought up the gift and Joe raced in with the card. We all hopped on the bed and chatted for a few minutes. As the littles headed back down the stairs for their breakfast I overheard Hyrum tell Camilla, "I wish there was a brother's day...." I might create the holiday just for him. It was the cutest thing I'd heard all morning! 

I am so grateful to be married to such a great husband and father. He is such a gentle and loving man. I love watching him cradle our babies in his arms, wrestle with the boys, and read with Camilla. He is so loved by all of them and they definitely miss him when he's away at work. Joseph always requests a few extra hugs and a smooch before he leaves for work in the morning. He has a special relationship with each of them and I have loved watching that bond grow. He is a great teacher and role model. He has a great love for the Gospel and his Savior that he is passing onto the children. I am so lucky to call him mine!

Happy Father's day Sweetheart!

Six Months

Dear Mr. Finnegan,

Today you are six months old! That's half a year! I can hardly believe it! You are such a mellow baby and bring so much joy to our little family. Your siblings absolutely adore you and you are doted on all day long. They bring you toys when you cry, hold you while I do stuff and they kiss you all day long. I love that the hugs and kisses haven't worn off much since we brought you home. You are still the first person Hyrum likes to see in the morning. You are such a happy guy and love to laugh! When the big kids are laughing, you start laughing too and it's the sweetest thing to watch. You really thrive off our energy and giggles and feel so much joy when you are around those who love you most! You have a tooth still barely poking through. You have tasted peaches, pears, apple sauce, bananas and baby cereal. We are still taking it easy on the solids and letting your tummy get used to them bit by bit. You are sitting and wiggling around and the kids are so excited for you to learn how to crawl. So far you are just attempting to get your knees under you and trying to pull your tummy off the ground. You can rotate in a circle on your tummy and love to roll around more now. It's so fun watching you learn and explore!

This week we shared a sweet little moment during a midnight snuggle session. You have been having trouble sleeping lately and wake often for a quick cuddle or burp. Usually you are still half asleep but this time when I arrived at the side of your crib your eyes were open wide. I scooped you up and brought your cheek close to mine. You grabbed my curly hair with your right hand and wrapped your left arm around my neck. We stood there for a good five minutes, swaying back and forth and watching the streetlights flicker through the curtains. When you were finally asleep I pressed my lips to your cheek for one last kiss and gently set you in the crib. I went back to my bed and smiled as I looked at the clock. For once the time wasn't important. I was glad to feel so awake and to be so present in that moment. The details from that short time have stuck with me and given me the extra boost I needed to carry on through these long nights with you.

You have turned into quite the chunkster and I love every single one of your rolls and your double chin. This month brings a lot of exciting mile stones and I'm so excited to share them with you!

Love, Mom

Friday Afternoon

Oh to be a kid again.

The Love of Reading

Today we spent the afternoon at our new library. Joseph has been begging me to go for weeks now and we needed an outing today. After lunch we all got our shoes on and took the short drive. 

I love that Camilla is really catching on to reading. It was fun to watch her read to her little brother on the green space in the corner.

 Joseph was totally happy to hang out on the "puters" all afternoon playing games with the special headphones. It was pretty cute!

 While we were there they had family story time and a craft! I jumped in to check on these two every couple of minutes and could keep an eye on Joe (who wouldn't leave the computer) through the bookcases. 

They read some stories about weasels and did a fun "pop goes the weasel" craft. We all enjoyed getting out of the house and it was relatively stress free. Finley slept in the carrier and everyone else was quietly occupied with their crafting and learning and playing. We will definitely be back here on our next rainy day!