vacation time

Nate's been on vacation and we've had lots more time to play as a family! We had an amazing day of walking, lolligaging and taking a few pictures along the way.

Lucy's new summer hair do!

they're all looking somewhat in the right direction

And time for drinks and snacks. Wish I had more time to arrange these kidlets, cause I like the idea, maybe another time- but let's be realistic here, probably not.

All decorated!

We finally got our tree!  I felt like we needed to get it because I wasn't quite convinced it was Christmas yet, it just came so darn fast this year for some reason.  So, it was especially important to have the decorations up so I could start feeling the Christmas vibe.






Ada wanted to wear the Easter bunny hat, sure, why not?




The "after", I love it!  The first night we had it all up Nate and I slept on the couch.  Now on to the Christmas shopping.  I'm doing ok on that.  Can't figure out what to get the twins, so if anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear it.  We don't need any toys and the older kids will be very upset if for some reason M & H were forgotten.  What to do?  What to do?

Cast of Characters

This in fact is Will's true identity, he just chose to reveal it tonight.

Miss 50's thang

Hop Mo Hop!

Fond memories of Will in this costume, had to go to the archives and revisit frog Will.  Do they look alike?



Ladybug Ada.  And in true form, hair and clothes disheveled.

Granny the Great!

We'll just get real with this picture for a moment and point out (as if it needs to be) that getting pictures taken is not Ada's favorite activity (she hasn't yet come to the realization that being a part of this family means getting your picture taken... a lot!) Miss little Ada thang just was not cooperating for the picture with GG (great granny).  Granny on the other hand always cooperates and doesn't seem to mind (in fact, even seems to enjoy), the great amount of energy my children bring.  She never ceases to amaze me.  We loved having you visit Granny- come again soon!

This trip was the first time Granny met the twins- she was a fan... a big fan.

Out and about

Oh my, it was near 60 today and glorious out. I made it out with 4 out of the 5 (ok, with help from Nicole, but still). We went on a walk and played around- I was in a really good mood. Bordering on an annoyingly good mood.

The 5

Sweet Ada (and dad...and Lucy)

I didn't fully get it, but this is the end of one of Ada's first smiles.  I love smiles!

Footsies

SHE's here!

We are thrilled to announce our little girl
Ada Jackson Walker
7 lbs. 11 oz., 21 1/2 inches
Ada is a significant name for us. My mom's mom died when my mom was 1, and her name was Ada. From what we've heard, she was an amazing woman and we can see the evidence of that in my mom. We also wanted to honor Nate's mom by giving Ada the same middle name as her. Whenever we say her name it will remind us of these two beautiful women.

She is an amazing, healthy, beautiful little girl. We are so thankful. Thank you for your prayers!

The sound of silence

Silence makes me nervous. It used to be one of my favorite things, and it still is when I'm home alone, however, now when I hear silence it means I have to get up from the couch (which is a lot of effort these days), or stop what I'm doing to go see what is stirring about the house. I have walked into many interesting scenes and plots brewing. I've seen shampoo dumped in the shower, stickers decorating the whole living room/dining room, the massive dumping of toys (the rest have been selectively blocked out of my memory for sanity purposes). I must say that the silence is usually broken by my children's displeasure with the consequence.

So, the other morning I was lying in bed as the kids were saying, "mama", "can we get out of bed?" I looked at the clock and thought, just a few more minutes. "I'll be there in a few minutes." A few minutes went by and the request came again, this time I offered no reply. To my surprise it got quiet again. I was too tired to be concerned with the silence, I stayed in bed and convinced myself that they must have just fallen back asleep. A good amount of time passed and I decided I should go check on the little rascals. The below picture is what I walked in on. Lucy had climbed in with Will and brought blankets to stay cozy and books to entertain. What joy brought to a mother's heart. I quietly sneaked away without being seen and drank my cup of coffee quietly while the the kids and myself enjoyed the sound of silence.

Swinging on the porch

Cheek ta Cheek

Colors

Well, colors are popping up everywhere. I keep waiting to go out and take some fall pictures until they are really in full bloom. However, last night I overheard on the news that the colors just aren't as vibrant this fall, so I decided to go take some pics before the leaves are on the ground. We found this beautiful yellow tree- so amazing. In case you're wondering:

Yes, I am 8 months pregnant and having back problems.
Yes, I was lying on the ground to take these pictures
Yes, my back hurt after and it was really difficult to get up.
No, I don't regret it- I think they're really fun!

Dad and kids

Gathering sticks