Sobering

This morning as we rolled out of town we stopped to show the kids the OKC memorial. Sobering. I can't believe almost 20 years have passed. Such a huge reminder we live in a fallen world. I'm so thankful for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. 

What we are suffering now is nothing compared with the glory that will be shown in us. (Romans 8:18 NIRV)

Fancy and Free

This is what happens when we are left alone trying to get a picture of the two of us- oh dear! Derek kept saying his tie was choking him and I'm not sure what to do without being needed. Awards dinner night- Tinlee, my incredibly helpful 8 year old kept Kai in the kids area so Derek and I could eat dinner alone. She has no idea what a great big sis she is! And how thankful we were for adult conversation and a moment to feel like a couple. I left my phone with her so she could text us- It was hilarious and she did a great job. Poor thing was worn out, but proud that we trusted her. It doesn't take much to forget this is where we started. Just me and my beau. Love him to the moon.

Orr Family Farm Fun

Saturday, Derek had more meetings to attend, so the kids and I ventured off to find the Orr Family Farm. We rolled out late which was wonderful and it was overcast so a great day to be outside. Derek missed out because the kiddos had a great time! The kids were asking in the parking lot when we could go again and bring dad. I told him what a big girl I was- driving in the city lol, since he is the resident chauffeur. We had breakfast and a full morning without any major meltdowns- mom included ;) 

Tinlee road a horse that was injured in the tornado! Crazy he survived. She was the only cowgirl that wanted to ride. The petting zoo was a little much for the city kids and Kai was not a fan, except from afar. Tinlee did check the sheep and pig out. 

We road the train and went down the slides- hauling kids up alone was a chore ;) and Kai thinks she's a big girl and can do what the bigs are doing! The kids could have just gone down the slides and called it a day. Way to get a work out in! 

What's more fun than a bouncy pillow? Wish you could hear the giggles. 

A little race around the track...

Harper decided her and Buttercup needed to be friends- so we made sure to ride before leaving. 

The whole day was a hit- the bigs were a great help to me. And the littles had so much fun. Moms heart in 4 little people. 

We picked up Dad and headed to lunch- and what's lunch without desert. So, we stopped into a candy shop and picked out some cupcakes and candy and found a pink horse! Harper I'm sure would love one in her room ;), but Violet of course.

Check out Gunnar's cool moves- lol

The music was so loud! 

Friday Fun

The pool was being repaired so we got free passes to the water park- awesome when your a family of 6. Harper ended up passed out before we ever left. Then we ended the evening with a Redhawk game. The weather couldn't have been better! Overcast, cool breezes and kids had a blast. We had dinner with the Jones families. We camped out by the playground and in the grass and the kids played chase and snacked of course. We stayed through the entire game which was a miracle! And got to see the fireworks, Kai's first. She was thrilled and it was so fun to watch her little eyes brighten up. We hiked back to the room where we all slept until 9- can I get an amen ;) 

 

Tinlee taking a break from following MeiMei up and down the hill.

Gunnar racing the night away- he's blurry of course. 

Kai having to try out a cap with the big kids - copy cat! 

First Road Trip

First are happening all the time these days. It's fun to document and of course fun to partake in. This weekend had us heading to regionals for Dad's job. So we were Oklahoma City bound bright and early Thursday morning. The kids did great, Kai napped and was a happy traveler. We even stopped on the road for wildflower pics- which the kids tolerated well ;) When we arrived there was a nap, and dinner with a magician. Gunnar loved it and Kai roamed the hallways, while Harper snuck cookies and Tinlee chatted with friends. 

2!!!

Last year we celebrated Kai without her. Today was a very different occasion. We sang happy birthday over and over again and worked on holding up her two fingers and opened gifts- the wrapping was fun too. And it was a great day. She was a happy camper and swam like a fish. She loves to be outside and loves to swim. And we love her!! It's so fun to watch her discover her new world each day. The kids loved celebrating and of course were excited for cake ;) It's such a privlidge to be her momma. We are so thankful to have her home celebrating with her family. It makes all the incessant email checking and refreshing seem like it was just yesterday- we were waiting on our girl and we are waiting no more! Happy Birthday Sweet Kai! We love you to the moon!! 

I can't believe a pic was snapped with all of us smiling! Such a fun day celebrating sweet Kai. 

Party take 1- the icing slipped off the cupcake 

Uh- oh 

Party Take 2- she was warmed up and ready to go ;) 

Movie Fun

I had the wrong date for movie night at the church...so we improvised! Fancy punch makes it a real treat, veggie tray helps balance the sugar and junk, but for some reason the kids think the veggies taste better when they come out of a tray. So we had our own Lego showing and random dinner. Summer fun continues...

Backyard Baptism

We celebrated with cake and homemade ice cream! It was delicious!

Our Warrior ;)

The boys disappeared out of the spotlight...

The Best Medicine

Harper wore her 'star factor' shirt to bed last night and I was scrolling through pics in hopes of completing a photo book in the next decade. This pic had me cracking up...and is so telling of what life with 4 looks like. Everyone dancing to their own beat. Someone is sleepy, someone is hungry, someone I'm sure needs to be changed. But someone is usually funny. It's hard to take when your being all parental- lol teaching life lessons and all. But I took a deep breath remembering laughter is the best medicine. And Derek and I have such fun laughing at all the crazy that happens around here. It's a wonder! Just when you want to pull your hair out there is comic relief. A friend at the park was saying that children are for our character not theirs. And the ones with more children need the most work. Can I get an amen?! So true that God is more concerned about our character than our parenting because one thing follows the other. And as I let that digest, I thought of His laughter at me trying to get my square children to fit in round holes ;) I love seeing them evolve into indivuals, I dread seeing my own imperfections glare off of them at me, but I do love to laugh. And that sure makes the lessons easier to learn! Here's to parenting! It's a good good life. 

Machine Pitch

We survived another baseball season- filled with sweat and tsunami winds that we have come to Love being in the panhandle. We did have a few pretty days so it did make up for the sandblasting ones. The girls of course enjoyed trips to the concession stand and exploring the fields for friends passing by. 

G ended the season by hitting two foul balls! We were thrilled he made contact and of course boosted his self esteem. When practicing in the backyard I hit him with a ball. Way to go Mom! Good news is he loves me so I think he took it better than he might have from dad or on the field...it's hard to be tough. This year had its challenges...which is unfortunate but gave Dad and I some lessons in life. Cussing at the coach is unnecessary, volunteering is just that, and our boys just want to have fun and have Popsicles of course. We aren't working towards the majors today but just want it to be enjoyable and we hate to see any of them feel discouraged or defeated. And dad always wants to see them learning the game! We are for life experience, but think this should be a fun one. If nothing else Gunnar is learning to make friends ;) We are proud he completed another season...on to soccer we go! 

Home Sweet Home

I'm playing catch up for my faithful reader- you know who you are ;) 

Kai has been a Bryant for 2 months! The stickers are growing on her lol. Not really but mom can't resist. She's a copy cat- her turning her head at me was fun evidence of this... She keeps us laughing and has all sorts of funny faces that she makes. She is a little fish and loves the pool! She is not afraid and thinks she can swim. She knows Popsicles and swimming go together so when we get out she waits patiently for her treat. She also assumes the position with her arms spread to be sprayed with sunscreen. Shes so fun to watch! We can't hardly believe she's been here for such a short amount of time. She is amazing! 

Father's Day

My cup overflows!!! 

Sweet Gunnar decided to be baptized on Father's Day. It was such a special day and he was so excited. To see him make a decision and follow it up in obedience was enough to push me over the edge. It's those glimpses of His glory that make me so thankful to be a mom! 

I told Derek this was the first year to feel sad on Father's Day. Maybe just hormonal and sleep deprived but either way more emotional than others. I can't say too much about my Dad who gave me life because he was here for such a short time, but I'm so thankful for his love for me and for giving me life.  And my Dad/ grandfather has been the man who holds most of my memories and I'm so grateful for that now. Had he not stepped in to become my dad there are so many things about love I wouldn't have learned. He paved the way for knowing we could love Kai as our own. It's a precious picture looking back now. God has paved the road, it certainly has been so rocky and winding, but He has made it good, along with that man He gave me. So blessed and grateful to celebrate Gunnar's personal decision on such a special day!! And am so proud of the legacy Derek is leaving to his children that he is crazy about and is such a wonderful dad too. 

And on top of all that to have hope in our Heavenly Father who gives us the ability to love because He first loved us!!! He is Good! 

Love this with Kai checking Dad out! 

Sweet Embrace! 

Swim and swim some more...