July 4th Trip to the Farm

Time to catch up on the blog!!  This summer has been full of fun so I haven't had a lot of extra time to sit down and write.  I wanted to make sure I blogged our trip to Missouri for the 4th even though it was a month ago.

Family Picture on the farm (I will explain the shirts later)

The 4th of July is a big deal to Mark's side of family.  It is a family tradition to get together on the 4th at the farm.  We went five years ago when Andrew was a baby to experience the fun, so we were past due for a trip to the farm.  The majority of the extended family was able to make it out this year so we thought it would be a great opportunity to see everyone.  We loaded the kids in the van and started our 7 hour trip out to Kansas City, MO.  Let me just say that packing for 5 is crazy!!  The drive out there went really well.  We made it in pretty good time only to find ourselves in the basement for a tornado warning!  There was a tornado in the area but no damage to Mark's parents house.

Things started to get a little crazy towards the end of the road trip!

Our first day we took a trip out to Burr Oaks Nature Center.  The kids had a blast exploring the nature center and seeing all of the animals.  They also had a little play area there too.  The kids loved it.  Mema came along with us.  The kids loved having her there to play with.

Lucas loved the albino snake...creepy!

Checking out more snakes

Playing with Mema on the play set

Mema and the grand babies 

Andrew was most excited to swim in the pool.  We spent as much time as we could swimming in the pool.  Lucas and Andrew had a blast!

On the 4th we went out to the farm in the morning.  The boys had so much fun spending the entire day playing outside on the farm.  They got to see horses and cows, take a jeep ride around the farm with Aunt Laura, do some fireworks, and play with all of the cousins.  It was so great seeing everyone and catching up!

This picture was the big group picture.  That's a lot of family!!! We are in the front on the right.  So now to explain the colored shirts.  Aunt Laura got the idea to recreate the picture below that was taken in 1991.  Each family wore a different colored shirt.  Mark and his family were hot pink.  We decided to branch into a new color, white, because Mark is married with kids.

Eli got to meet so many people for the first time!!

The drive home did not go very smooth but we made it!! Eli survived his first big road trip and we had a great time staying at Mema and Papa's house.  The kids always love visiting Mema and Papa's house!!  Wished they lived closer!

Lucas is 2

Our sweet Lucas has turned 2!!  It is so hard to believe just a few short years ago Mark and I were wondering if baby #2 would ever come along.  Lucas is growing into such a fun and loving little guy.  He knows how to get his way with Mommy with his sweet smile and bright blue eyes.  He is always busy playing or climbing or exploring something he probably isn’t supposed to.  This kid keeps me on my toes.  He is so active and loves trying new things.  He has no fear! 

Lucas had his 2 year appointment this past week and he was 31.8 lbs (85th percentile) and 35.5 in (75th percentile).  Lucas is a big boy!  I always wonder how big the boys will be when they get older.  Lucas is definitely the biggest boy so far.  The Dr said Lucas is doing great!!  

 Lucas loves to be outside.  He loves dirt, bugs, rocks, and mulch.  He also loves playing at the park and going down the tallest slides that give Mommy a heart attack.  He got a new balance bike for his birthday and he has been practicing on that.  He loves to collect all the balls in the garage and kick or throw them around.  When we watched Andrew play soccer Lucas always wanted to join the team.  There were a few times he would sneak out on the field and one practice the coach let Lucas do part of the practice with them.  He cannot start soccer until he is 3 so it’s still going to be a while.  He also loves playing in the water.  He has a blast in the pool or at the splash pad. 

Everyone mows in their diaper?!

Trying out Eli's seat

He totally adores his brothers!!  He loves to hold Eli and give him hugs.  He is always watching Andrew and wants to do everything Andrew does.  It warms my heart to hear Lucas say, “Where’s Nanrew (Andrew) or Where’s Ewhy (Eli)?”  I really wonder how everything will change for Lucas when Andrew is gone all day at school.  As of right now Lucas is still sharing a room with Andrew.  He still sleeps in a crib but can safely climb out of it every morning.  One night he climbed in bed with Andrew and they both fell asleep.  It may have been the cutest thing I have ever seen!  Lucas still naps in the afternoon for about 2 hours and he sleeps very well at night!  He does like to have his striped blue blanket, his blue Ellie (elephant), and his Mickey Mouse.  

So sweet!! 

Checking out his new baby brother

Telling Eli about life

I love watching Lucas interact with people.  He is so friendly.  He loves to say hi to everyone.  Sometimes when we go to the store he will say hi to random strangers.  It is always so weird when adults ignore him, I mean come on, what is cuter than a one year smiling and saying hi to you??!! Lucas loves to give his friends hugs!!  He is a lover, but I have seen his mean side come out with his big brother.  He already seems to have such a great sense of humor.  He also loves music and likes to

dance.  This kids moves are too funny!

Some of his buddies

Hanging out at church with his best buddy!!

This year for Lucas's 2nd birthday we had a party at the splash pad at Hummel Park.  I tried to make it easy this year.  We were so lucky the weather held out for us.  It rained all week and stormed that day right after the party was over.  We splashed with friends and had Chick Fil A for lunch.  Lucas had a blast!!  He loves spending time with his friends!  It was a great day!

We had a little family gathering that Saturday.  Grandma, Mema, Aunt Beth, and Justin came over to celebrate Lucas.  We played outside and then had dinner together.  It was so great spending time with family!!

Happy 2nd birthday Lucas!!!  We all love you so much!!  This past year has been a blast! 

Eli 5 Months

Already trying to sit up!!

Our little man is now 5 months. I feel like the summer is going to fly by.  We have been keeping busy playing with friends and getting ready for another little boy's 2nd birthday!  Eli was a busy boy this past month.  At Eli's 4 month appointment the doctor had mentioned him playing in the exersaucer and that reminded me to actually get it out.  In my mind he surely wasn't old enough for that because I feel like I just put it away!  Nope...definitely old enough.  He loves it.  I like to hold off on all things "growing up" because I want Eli to stay a baby forever!  Just kidding but maybe not kidding :)

Eli did not have a doctor appointment this month, so I did my fancy measurements.  He was 18lbs even and 26 1/2 in.  The funny thing is that I compare the size of all 3 boys every month.  Andrew and Eli were the exact same at 5 months with weight and length!!  I thought it was crazy!  Eli did move up to size 9 month clothes.  Right after he turned 4 months he cut back to eating 5 times a day.  I did not start rice cereal yet...is that bad?!  Is it really necessary??  I do have plans on starting some type of food in the next couple weeks.  Still breastfeeding!

Eli is so aware of his surroundings now.  He loves it when people talk to him.  If I walk away from him he gets pretty upset.  He seems to be a very social little boy.  He loves holding toys now and will chew on anything.  He loves watching his brothers and of course they still adore him and want to hold him.  Lucas has started saying "hold me" and that means he wants to hold him.  He is still sleeping through the night and takes random naps throughout the day.  He is not sleeping as well on the go now so we may
be spending more days at home.

Wagon Ride

Lucas was nice enough to share some big boy toys!

Love them so much!!!

We also had Baby Day at church this past month!  I kind of felt like we just did Baby Day!!  It was so great celebrating Eli at church.  I hope and pray our boys will grow up trusting in God and loving others.

Mema and Papa were in town for the festivities!

Eli also got to go to the church nursery for the first time!  I drop him in there while I am helping out because he is getting bored hanging out with me.  He obviously had a blast!!  I went in to get him to take him to the service and this is what I found.  He totally fell asleep playing.  He is so sweet!!  This little boy is growing up too fast.