Sunday Snuggles

Yes, I still snuggle this boy to sleep. 

And while I rocked today I pondered Motherhood and

counted my blessings.

Happy Sabbath!

Besties

Today our very best friends drove out to visit us! We have enjoyed over ten years of friendship with these guys. One of my favorite songs talks about how you can't make "new old friends". These old friends of ours are pretty dear to our hearts! While the Dad's were inside moving furniture and putting the tv on the wall, Jessica, the girls and I went to pick raspberries and visit. Having a friend who knows your dreams and sorrows is a special thing. I love the way they love our kids and I love the bond our girls have together. 

We finished off our night by escaping to DQ after the littles were all asleep (thanks Mom and Dad!). We had a great visit over poutine and ice cream and ended up laughing pretty hard. We sure are grateful for the Wolsey Family!

Farewell Summer

Today we hosted our annual "Farewell Summer" BBQ. We got a bunch of friends together to enjoy a night of roasting hot dogs and Smores. Everyone brought a dish and the adults had a great time visiting while the kids ran around playing and biking together. It's so hard to believe that Summer break is coming to an end. It all went by too fast!

School Orientation

 This morning we stopped by the school to pick up school supplies boxes and check out the kids classes. We grabbed our boxes and then went down to find Camilla and Joe's class rooms. Camilla found her locker and wanted a picture. Joe's teacher was out and the door was shut so we didn't get to peek, but at least he knew where it was! Hyrum's classroom was looking pretty fun. Every time I went to snap a picture Oliver jumped in! 

After we finished at the school we stopped to find indoor shoes for each of the kids. Oliver needed a pair of runners because he grew out of his. Finley's running shoes were so worn out they could talk, and he was tickled to find a new pair that fit and helped him "run really fast!" It was super hairy having all six kids, a cranky baby, and a toddler who refused to leave peacefully without a treat. When we got home the kids opened their boxes and labeled everything inside. Before long backpacks were packed and ready for the first day of school!

Eye Doctor

This morning Hyrum and Sawyer visited the eye doctors! Hyrum's vision is pretty good and Sawyer was referred to a specialist to get his eyes looked at a little closer! He has one pupil larger than the other which is a bit concerning. We are hoping to get it checked out very soon!

Two, Four, Six

 Today we enjoyed some summer heat. We took advantage of the warm weather and spontaneously took off to the beach at Crimson late in the afternoon once our chores were done. 

 We all dipped our feet in the lake and cooled ourselves off.

 It's so hard to believe that in just a week we will be back to school and these two won't be home anymore! I am going to miss them so much! 

This stage of motherhood is a little bit nuts and sometimes I feel like a crazy person. In a few short weeks Oliver will turn three and the littles will no longer be the ages 0,2,4,6,8,10,

Sweet Smiles

 Today was the end of Summer BBQ for Mike's office and staff. We had a wonderful time visiting with everyone.

 Ollie gave me the most adorable pose when I wanted to take a picture of him eating his ice cream. That kid cracks me up so much!

We also got a handful of colored eggs today. Everyone (mostly me) was pretty excited about it!

Sawyer: Nine months

Sawyer is nine months old as of a few days ago! He is so much fun! Right now he keeps us all on our toes as he explores the house. His favorite room is the bathroom and with a potty training preschooler it's hard to keep the door shut. He is the smiliest, happiest little guy ever! Everyone says so when they meet him. Not too many things upset him and he just rolls with the rhythm of our home. He is snuggly and falls asleep relatively easily and sleeps through the night (except when he's teething or sick). We all adore him!

Summer Loving

 We are soaking up this last week of Summer even though there is hints of Fall in the air. This morning Sawyer and I went out to the greenhouse to help Grampa water the tomatoes and peppers. 

 It's so peaceful and wonderful in there. Sawyer loves sitting in his swing and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells.

 The growth on the plants in insane! 

 After that we took cousin Kieran to see the chickens. They were soaking in the sunshine and enjoying scratching around in the run.

 I've really been enjoying the fact that I have older kids with this baby. Camilla is such a little mamma and adores her baby brother. She often carries him around and even puts him to sleep for me sometimes!

 Sawyer enjoyed a nice long afternoon nap while the clouds rolled in.

 After a nice walk to the mailbox we were welcomed home to this beautiful sight!

 Grampa and Uncle pruned a bunch of trees around the acreage and the boys took a few branches and made them into bows. Hyrum used his new knife to get the bark off and then we attached some string. Sometimes the best toys are sticks.

 We finished the evening off with a fire and smores. I lost count of how many marshmallows my kids devoured.

Mr. Stannix and my dad have been working hard over the last few weeks to get this new pit in working order! Unfortunately we got rained out and weren't able to enjoy it for very long! The thunder grumbled as we walked inside to bath the littles and tuck them into bed.

Star Gazing

 This afternoon was spent doing dishes and getting the kitchen back in order. The littles played in the kiddie pool and then built blanket forts and zoned out on TV when a storm blew in. I opened all of the windows and let the cool air blow through the house. Everything smelled fresh and wonderful.

 When every fork, knife, spoon, and plate was clean it had to be documented because it doesn't happen very often in a house with this many littles. 

 When the storm finished we were blessed with clear skies, and a gorgeous sunset. After tucking everyone in for the night I snuck outside to the back field to watch the fog settle in for the night. 

Later in the evening I stepped out on the deck after letting out the dog only to be mesmerized by the most beautiful starry night! I hugged my sweater around my body and stood barefoot in the chill of night to soak it all in. I forgot how much I love star gazing! Pictures really don't do it justice, it was incredible!