Keeping the Peace

Every five weeks Jim has graduation for Chiefs Academy. This means a long day for him and an even longer day for us. My goal for today was to wear everyone out while keeping everyone happy, with minimal fighting from the big kids. We started the morning off walking Kenzie to school, then I took Emersyn and Finn to the playground. After a morning of playing we went back to pick Kenzie up and had a race home. With lunch and naps finished we just needed to survive the afternoon before dinner. We decided to take another race and head to the playground in our complex. The kids had fun playing in the sand and climbing the structure. Emme enjoyed sitting in the sand and chewing on the sand toys. Then it was on to dinner time, usually the hardest part of the day for us. I was relieved to find out that Anne and Levi were coming to my rescue. The kids were so excited to see them and it made the rest of the night fly by!

running the path

toes in the sand

climbing up the slide

Kenzie and her turtle

face full of sand

So what I have learned about staying sane with 3 kids is keep them busy, keep them outside and keep them moving!

Two Chompers

The Many Faces of Finn

 sometimes sensitive

usually up to no good!

 always curious

 full of laughter

definitely a character, my little man Finn

Fun in the Garage

Tonight Levi stopped by for a visit. The kids were ecstatic to see him and dominate his attention for a while. While Jim worked on some projects in the garage, Kenzie practiced riding her bike and Finn checked out the motorcycle with Levi.

"full speed"

Faithful Companion

This year marks 11 years that Durham has been a part of our family. We adopted him from the Broward Animal Rescue Center in South Florida. He was estimated to be about 8 weeks old, a little black furball, with a dipstick tail and big paws. I went to the rescue center with a friend to help her find a dog. The owner saw a sucker and put this adorable puppy in my arms and the rest is history.

A little older, a little grayer and a little bit grumpier...

but still our sweet fur-baby.

Reaching for toys

Emersyn has gained her balance and can sit up unassisted. Now she's started reaching for items and rocking on her hands and knees. We set Emme on the floor with her basket of toys and let her go to town. We're enjoying these last days before she becomes comes mobile. Then this house will really be crazy!

Emersyn's favorite toy

Zoo Friends

Today we headed to the Oakland Zoo with our friends Tea and Zaira and their Mommies Naeomi and Suzie. With three 2 years in tote we didn't spend much time looking at animals. We mostly spend the day running up and down the hills and counting heads. We did stop to enjoy some time with elephants and had a picnic lunch on the green. We ended the day with a train ride to see the kangaroos. 

Kenzie, Finn, Naeomi, Tea, Suzie & Zaira