Kathy's Pool

We are spoiled getting to swim at both of my aunt's pools this summer. Last Thursday we had a pool part at my Aunt Kathy's pool. Kaden and Lynnlee were so afraid of the water when we started but by the end they were each jumping off the diving board by themselves without anyone catching them. It was so cool to see their speedy progress. I can only imagine how good at swimming they would be if we had a pool.

Jill's Pool

My Aunt Jill had us over for swimming this week. Ali came with Katelyn and Drew. My cousin Erin joined us with her four daughters.

We started off with lunch.

The ginormous tube was enjoyed by all the kids. At one point we had seven kids sitting on it.

James stayed busy going on the diving board, down the slide and relaxing in the lounge chair. The minis loved cruising around in the baby floats. All of the kids wanted to push them around the pool. Too bad I didn't get a picture of it since I was in the pool with them.

Kaden has been scared of water this summer. He used to be so fearless and now he barely will get off the steps into the pool. He doesn't trust that he can float with his puddle jumper or life jacket.  He warmed up though and by the end he jumped off the diving board and went down the slide, as long as someone caught him.

I love this snap shot of Drew going head first down the slide.

Cherry Hill

We decided to check out Cherry Hill. We went Friday and did all of the non water park activities that night and camped out in the RV park. We were so happy that Betsy, Ali and her kids could join us! It was such a fun weekend!

Our RV spot was right next to the water park so that was so convenient.

The minis were all over the place. I'm sure they built up their immune systems eating dirt, crumbs and who knows what else off the ground.

There are some really fun activities there. Lynnlee and Kaden loved cruising around in the bumper boats.

James has come a long way with rock climbing. He was so afraid of heights a year ago he couldn't even handle going six feet up. Now he can go to the very top.

There was a large jungle maze we all got lost in. There were animals throughout spraying water and the kids thought it was pretty great.

Instead of Where's Waldo? We have Where's Katelyn and James?

We finished up Friday night with mini golf. The minis stayed in the double jogger while we were playing. I wish I would have taken a picture of Marshall navigating the stroller around all each hole. There were some steps, narrow sidewalks and bushes he had to get through. His stroller driving was very impressive.

James and Katelyn were buddies and Lynnlee and Drew were buddies all day at the water park. Cherry Hill is not very big so it was easy for them to go off and play and then meet back at our blanket.

Kaden tagged along with everyone.

The minis loved the lazy river and splash pool. They were climbing all over when we took a lunch break. They definitely stay busy. At home they sleep in different rooms but in the trailer they stayed in pack n plays right next to each other. They had a hard time falling asleep Friday night because they kept standing up and laughing together.

I'm so blessed to have such great sisters! I love spending time with them! They were so helpful with my kids too.

Steel Days 5k 2015

Marshall never ceases to amaze me. He ran the Steel Days 5k and took first in his age group. This is without training, well, he plays indoor soccer one night a week but there is no other training. His time was 20:20. I'm a little jealous considering I run 4-5 times a week and still can't run a 5k that fast.

James ran the kids race. You can see him in the red shirt and red shorts on the front row of the line up. He took 3rd in his age group. It was tough for him. He hasn't been running either and we had a late night before so he came through the finish line crying. Don't misunderstand, he wasn't crying because we were yelling at him. He was tired and emotional because it was hard and he just wanted to be done with the race. Luckily he recovered and was beaming when he got a trophy.

Cake Smash

We had a great night celebrating the minis first birthday. We had family over and lots of yummy food. We ate in the back yard and it wasn't too hot. The minis crawled around and ate scraps from everyone's plates. All of the cousins ran around and played. 

We had a cotton candy machine and the kids all took a whack at the pinata. Then the minis each got a cake to smash. They were pretty shy about it. They took finger scoops of frosting and then dug in to the cake a little right at the end. Once they were done they were done. It was late and I'm sure they had a sugar rush. Within a few minutes they were bathed, into bed and asleep.

Kade's 3rd Birthday

Sometimes I feel like for all of the good things in life there are equally bad things and it seems to go that way with other opposites. Kaden is so energetic but he can also be so calm and cute. He can seems so mean but then be the most loving and sweet.

His birthday is the day after the minis so the whole week was full of celebrating. Kaden asked every morning if it was his birthday until then it finally was. He was sleepy and we had to wake him up for breakfast in bed before Marshall left for work.

He loved all of the attention and presents.

He chose donuts for breakfast and then he and Lynnlee painted. Kaden had donut frosting all over but those are all the perks of being the birthday boy....wear what you want, look how you want, do whatever (within reason...).

We had a birthday dinner and cake before Marshall left. Marshall had a young mens' activity he couldn't miss.

I took everyone to Trafalga for a little birthday fun. James, Lynnlee and Kaden had fun going on all the rides while the minis and I watched. The minis were super happy in their strollers which made it an enjoyable evening.

James cruising around the slick track.

The minis were each in an umbrella stroller and James and Lynnlee can each push one and not have to fight over who gets to do it because they each have a baby. (a perk of twins yeah!)

We got home and we had one more birthday treat before bed. Now Kaden is always telling everyone he is three and he tells me that he's a big helper.

Wagon Ride

Sunday we enjoyed the evening at my parent's house. The minis got restless after dinner so we went for a walk. They LOVED the wagon! They were smiling and giggling.

One-Year-Old Minis

The minis are one!!! It is truly a day to celebrate. It has been a hard year and sometimes feels longer than a year. I do love the minis though and am grateful to have them.

Their official party is next week but we still had fun on their real birthday. They got breakfast in bed (drinking cow's milk, grateful they are no longer on formula!)

They got a umbrella stroller for one of their presents. It is nice to have them each in a smaller stroller to get around in tight places. Plus James and Lynnlee love that they each get to push a baby. We went to the Museum of Natural Curiosity. There is something for every age there and the minis loved the baby areas.

That night we went bowling. This was originally suppose to happen on Kaden's birthday (the next day) but Marshall had young mens that night so we went on the minis birthday.

We had a really fun night and Kaden's faces were priceless. Kaden was beating us all until the last frame when Marshall pulled ahead.

When we got home the minis opened their presents from James, Lynnlee and Kaden.....

....And since they don't know how to open presents yet, James, Lynnlee, and Kaden helped open them.

We took our own one year pictures. Actually, when I say "we" I mean Marshall.  I told him that I wanted to do it but he knows I don't know how to use our camera so, gratefully, he took over.

Sienna's stats:
Height: 29" (46%)
Weight: 19lbs. 11 oz. (27%)
Head: 45.5cm (32%)

Taggart's stats:
Height: 29" (24%)
Weight: 19lbs 4 oz. (6%)
Head: 44.5cm (34%)

More pictures to come...