Get together!

This weekend my cousins came down to visit with their four kids, so my family and I got together for a BBQ at Nana's house! Between my brother, me, my sister and my cousin and of course Charlie, there were 12 kids between the ages of 8 and 1. It was pretty fun for all of the kids to be able to play together, and the weather was perfect for some outdoor fun! I think a fun time was had by everyone!

Uncle Boog is the greatest! He lets the kids jump all over him and even joins in the fun himself sometimes! Joey though it was great loading rocks into the dump truck with him. Yes that's Brian under the pile of kids!

Joey, Avery and Sarah had a good time together! Joey learned the word "MINE" and he used it often, but all in all I think they had a good time! They were all very very grubby by the end of the day!

The slip and slide was a big hit! Even the little one's got in on the action! On our way down to Nana's house we stopped off to see Mike at work. Cole was very excited when Mike came out and was able to take him in to see where he worked and what he was doing! While they were in the plant taking a tour, Gracie was singing songs to me. Here is one that I captured on my camera! She likes to make up her own songs! What a goof ball that one is!

Cole's first day of Pre-school!

Today was a very special day for Cole! He was so excited to be starting pre-school! I was a little worried about how he would react, but he was great! I walked him in and helped him find his cubbie to put his backpack and coat, found his name tag with him and he was then fascinated by the water station set up! I thought he might cry, but he didn't, I told him I loved him and would be back in a few hours to get him and gave him a big hug! As I was walking out the door he yelled Bye Mom, really loud! It was pretty cute, I was a little choked up when I walked away. He is getting so big! They all are! Make sure you look below at Gracie's first day yesterday! Here's a picture of Joey too, don't want to leave him out!

Gracie L First Grader At Last!!!

Today was Gracie's first day of 1st Grade! She was very very very excited to start, but had some morning jitters as the drama queen said she was scared and wouldn't know anyone la la la.... I told her that I bet she would come home and say she loved it, which is exactly what she did! "I love first grade Mom and I can't wait until tomorrow!" She was thrilled to see some of her old classmates and of course the fact that she gets to eat lunch at school was new and very exciting to her! For me it was a little bittersweet! 1st grade is a big change, not only does she get to eat at school, she is there all day! We missed her around the house today! So here are some pictures of the big day! Oh and she also got her hair cut the other day, which is soooo cute! She looks like such a big girl now! Tomorrow is Cole's 1st day of Pre-school, so I will update again soon! I'm hoping to get everyone in school and used to the routine before baby #4 makes his/her arrival! To end the night right, we started Junie B. 1st Grader at Last by Barbara Park! Gracie has been waiting to read that one, but I though it was an appropriate night to start!

Gracie's teacher was just awarded Teacher of the Year by the Kennewick school district yesterday! That made Mike and I feel good about things!

Sprinkler!

Last weekend when my cousin Rachel was here with her kids for our baby shower we spent most of the day Saturday at Nana's house! It was blazing hot outside but the kids were getting a little crazy in the house so we took them out and turned on the water! They had a blast! They quickly stripped down to their undies and got wet! Joey was cracking us up! He loved the water and was letting them spray him right in the face and then he would laugh and laugh! He couldn't get enough! Thank goodness for cold water!

Baby shower

This past Saturday my Mom and Aunt Karen threw an amazing family baby shower for my cousin's wife Rachel and I! Rachel and I are both due in Septebmer. The 12th and the 18th! The race is on! The shower was at the Winery and was so much fun. I can't believe how many great things I got! You would think with the fourth baby that I wouldn't need anything, but it's amazing how much you do need! Thank you thank you to everyone who was able to come! I enjoyed seeing all of you so much! I feel like now I can really get ready for baby to be here! I can't wait to meet him/her!

My cousin Mia made this amazing diaper cake! It is so cool, made all out of diapers, blankets and sleepers. Everything on it is usable! Thanks Mia, Andrea and Sonia!

I think both Granny (Aunt Karen) and Mimi (My Mom) are wanting another grand daughter to even things out! Both Rachel and I have a girl and then two boys! I know both Ani and Gracie are hoping for girls!

Anyone want a burrito?

This has become a favorite! Roll me up like a burrito Daddy! Or a hot dog Cole says! It's kind of fun to watch them try to wiggle out!

Chuck E Cheese Where a Kid can be a Kid??

On Sunday afternoon we took the kids to Chuck E Cheese. I don't know what inspired us, I guess it was Gracie! But we bit the bullet and went. Everyone had a great time, and by the pictures you can see I mean EVERYONE!!! I think they should make their new slogan "Where a Dad can be a kid!" Mike was cracking me up! He had all the kids playing their tokens on the machine that he wanted them too play it on! It was like he was in Vegas! Joey thought everything was fun, so he was running everywhere! They all came away with some "really cool" prizes! Gracie got a princess crown, Cole got a helicopter toy and well Joey and Mike contributed their tickets to the Gracie and Cole! I just got a kick out of watching everyone else have such a good time!