8 months

Arie turned 8 months on Monday. That sure went by fast. He's such a good boy. He started crawling last week and he pulls himself up on everything. His balance isn't that great, especially when he pulls himself up on the rocking chair, so he's had a few tumbles. But he's getting stronger every day.

He's steadily growing more hair.
Here's a video of Arie crawling.

Preschool!

Amelia started preschool at the beginning of this month. We have a little co-op with 3 other kids. We do Tues and Thurs for 2 hours and I teach it the second and fourth Thursday of each month. She's sad when I drop her off, but is usually happy by the time I pick her up. I think the time apart has been good for both of us. I can actually get stuff done and she's learning to be away from me. On that note, she went to nursery for the full 2 hours last Sunday! Slowly and steadily she's getting better. I'm dreaming of leaving her with a babysitter so Ricky and I can got out!

Here she is in her first day of school glory!
She was excited to be home with Arie, she missed him a little bit, even though his crawling and pulling himself up on everything is starting to cramp her style.

An attempt at a nap on the couch, yeah right.

This huge caterpillar was on the balcony yesterday, Amelia was fascinated, but wouldn't touch it.

The twins came over for a playdate last week. We are sad that they are moving, but we're happy for them because they are buying a house with a yard! We'll miss them, but they're not going that far so hopefully we can still have some playdates.

Self Timer Family Pictures

A few Sundays ago, we were ready for church a little early, so we set up the self timer and tried to get some pictures. This was the best one, even though Arie's not even looking.

Isnt' he handsome?

Abuela made this dress and headband for Amelia. Thanks Abuela!

Family Reunion Day 5

Sisters.

On Thursday August 19th, we headed to the lake with the boat. I tubed slowly and without getting very wet. Amelia loved the boat.

On Friday morning we woke up, cleaned and took off for Utah! Thanks Winnie and Linny for a great reunion.

Family Reunion Day 4

On Wednesday August 18th, we had a fun day at the house. Here's Arie taking his morning nap with Shawny.
We got ready for family pictures in our awesome shirts.

Everyone except RIcky and JJ.

Uncle Marq, Aunt Marvene, Pompie, Donna, Marq, Melody and their kids all came up to have fun with us.

In the evening, Lindsey planned some awesome Olympics and let's just say it was awesome. Yellow team ruled. Ask Corey to see the chocolate pudding video.

Amelia stayed inside while the other kids had fun with the pinata.

Family Reunion Day 3

On Tuesday August 17th, I stayed home with the kiddos while everyone went river rafting.

Family Reunion Day 2

Amelia and Linc watching a movie.

On Monday August 16th, we drove up to Silver Creek Plunge. I have very vague memories of going here as a child. The water is naturally heated. There was a very shallow end and Amelia had fun with the cousins.

Family Reunion Day 1

We left the house at 5:30 am on Sunday August 15th with Haylee and Megan and headed for the airport. The flights actually weren't two bad with my helpers. Amelia insisted on pulling Megan's suitcase through the airport and everyone was laughing at her.

At the end of the unbirthday party, Amelia ate her delicious chocolate cake with GJ.

All the grandkids.

Juju, Linny, Arie, Ryan and FC.

Linny and Arie

Amelia spent most of the reunion watching movies.

By far Amelia's favorite activity was 4wheeling, but her legs were too short to reach the gas, so someone had to drive her around, usually Kamilla.

She also stole Oli's scooter and said it was hers.

Haylee and Megan

Haylee and Megan came to help me the week before the reunion and then they flew with the kids and me. They were such a big help!

We went to the zoo when it was 100 degrees, we were so hot.

Megan liked to take care of that baby.

I was surprised Amelia actually let Haylee do her hair.

Story time before bed.