MG Parade 2013

We took the boys to the Maple Grove Parade last night with some friends. It was so much fun! I was hesitant about Leo because he just cannot sit still. But we lasted until almost 8, so I'd call that a success.

The babies playing in the wagon - Leo's like hmmm this looks like a nice hat

Poor Callen's ears

Seriously love these boys

And can we please just take a moment to recognize Cooper's amazing hair?

And...time to go home

Fourth of July 2013

We went to Tom's Aunt and Uncle's house on the 4th like we do every year. They live on an awesome lake here in the cities and we always have a blast. Tom took both older boys on jet ski rides and they couldn't get enough. I didn't get that many pictures, I mean it's not like I was busy or preoccupied or anything. haha.

I love the fourth of July. It's taken me a while to get back into the groove of it, being that my brother's accident is so close to this holiday - but I'm almost there. God Bless 'Merica!

Summa Summa Summatime

We have been BUSY this summer. Not including packing up our entire house and purging a ton of things, we've spent ample time at the pool/beach/parks. Days when we don't have any outings planned is brutal around here. I've put on my big girl panties and ventured out of my comfort zone with all three boys by myself to water facilities.

These motorized boats were awesome. They squirt water too. Only downfall is they take EIGHT D batteries and die after like 6 hours

Ughhhh I hate sand

Loved how quiet this beach was

This baby pool is a life saver!

Photo taken by Jack

One Monday morning, I asked my  neighbor to babysit Leo while I took the boys to soccer and t-ball. She happily agreed and I came back to pick him up and found him like this, what a little honey:

T-ball boys

Finn is hot or cold with soccer

Leo needs a haircut, but I'm so sad to cut his hair!

Jack loves monkey bars

Our friends had their second baby girl this past weekend. Finn couldn't get enough of her. Leo almost demolished her and Jack was a pro baby holder. Welcome to the world Brooke Ivy Miller!

Leo is ONE!

July 2, 2013

This little guy is ONE!

I can't believe how fast this past year has gone. It feels like just yesterday it was 115 degrees outside and I was in labor at Maple Grove Spaspital (haha). Leo's birth was honestly a relaxing experience, the most enjoyable of all three births. He's been the best addition to this family. It's been an adjustment becoming a family of 5, but I love it. 

It's hard to believe that you once were so tiny

For your birthday this year we let your brothers pick out gifts for you. This completely backfired on us. Finn insisted that he get you a buzz lightyear spaceship, which is ironic because you could care less about Buzz, and finn is still obsessed with Toy Story. Finn insisted on giving it to you right away when he got back from the store and funny because you didn't even play with it. You haven't touched it once. But don't worry, Finn plays with it all day long. And says, "Mom, Leo is such a good sharer!" Oh Finn, you have so much to learn. You woke up to two balloons - one Avenger and one Toy Story. Can you guess who picked those out?

We got to spend the morning with the Craigmile girls at Grandma and Grandpa's pool. It was so fun!

Then we had to go to the doctor for your 1 year appointment. This is where things get a little rocky. Mommy thought that bringing all three kids would be manageable, I mean I'd done it before. HUGE MISTAKE!!!!!! We get there and it's dead, thank goodness. But the boys are being naughty and not listening to me. Finally they call Leo's name and we go in the room. After we get Leo's weight (about 24 pounds) Finn informs me he has to pee. So I take all three kids into the one bathroom. Finn still doesn't understand the concept of peeing standing up and not having to undress completely from the waist down. So I set Leo down on the floor and hold Finn up so I don't have to undress him. Leo proceeds to the toilet, stands up and reaches his hand in the bowl while Finn is peeing. UGHHHHHHHH. I clean him up, we all wash our hands, and we head back to the room. The doctor comes in and we are talking, and the older boys start making siren noises. They think this is HILARIOUS. I am seriously about to beat my kids in front of the doctor. Then the dr leaves and we wait for the nurse to come give Leo a finger prick and his shots. First up is the finger prick. No big deal until she tells me that they don't give out bandaids for the fingers because they are a choking hazard. Ummmm what? Ok so I attempt to squeeze this gauze on my 1 year olds ring finger until it stops. Do you guys have any clue how good one year olds are at sitting still?! Umm yeah, NOT GOOD AT ALL. So I was following Leo around the room while he was crawling and screaming trying to get his hand free. Finally I gave up and blood was following him everywhere. I asked for a bandaid and said I'd monitor him with it. Then the shots - one in the leg, one in his left arm, one in his right arm! OUCH! I was sore for him. Finally I'm like let's get the EFF out of here. We are walking to the car and Finn totally bites it. Falls big time in the parking lot. Are you kidding me right now? Yeah. Where were the cameras on this doctor visit - this should have been a reality show. Called "what am I doing with my life" haha.

Anyways, we went to my parents house for pizza and cake after this amazing doctors visit. 

I always find myself a little teary eyed on first birthdays because the first year is so life changing and so hard. And this next year will have it's challenges too for sure, but what year won't? I love my boys and I love watching them grow up. I'm so lucky to be their mom even if I have really bad bad days. I am blessed. Happy birthday Leo. We love you so much.