The Great Emperor

I have been so thankful that my big kids have played really nicely together this summer, especially the first couple of weeks. One day they spent quite a long time constructing this amazingly tall tower, taller than they are, that they called the Great Emperor. 

Summer Reading

The first time we went to the library this summer I showed Ali and Logan the chapter book section and pointed out the ones in their reading level. They felt so grown-up. Logan asked where the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books were, so we found them for him. Even though the books were a bit above his reading level, and there were some words in the book I didn't like and told him I didn't want to hear coming out of his mouth (like "wimpy" actually), I let him check out the book. And I am glad I did. My sometimes reluctant reader spend hours over the next week reading the 200+ page book and he was beyond proud of himself when he finished.

Dream Catcher

Ali's had some bad dreams lately which reminded her of the "legend of dream catchers" (her phrase) that her friend told her about. Ali explained the legend to Logan and then the two of them got to work creating some. Creations aren't made around here nearly as much as they used to, so it made me happy to see them working together on something. And good news--they worked! No bad dreams lately!

Best Buds

Eli is sure a proud and loving big brother. He can't hardly stand to be around Jake without snuggling him, holding his hand, or generally loving on him. He puts his ear close to Jake's mouth and tells me that "the baby is telling me secrets."  He tells friends and strangers alike, "This is our baby," as many times as it takes for them to notice Jake and make acceptable amounts of oohs and aahs. He will even make sure family members realize Jake is around after being away for a nap. Such a sweetie.

The Language of Smiles

I didn't know a baby's smiles could be so expressive until I had Jake; he has very different smiles and I love them all! 

Often when I am feeding or changing Jake he gives me his "Thank You" smile. It is impossible for him to drink when he's smiling but I love it anyway:

Then there is the whole body "I'm so happy" smile:

Often I will notice him smiling so sweetly at the ceiling. I like to think these are the smiles he's giving to the angels, his grandpa in particular:

Then there is the hard to capture on film because it is always just one at a time, and always unexpected, but it is my favorite: the "I love you" smile. It's mostly a smile from the eyes and this picture is almost it.

I love all his smiles and consider myself lucky to have so many "conversations" with this sweet baby every day!

Summer Rain

The kids were outside playing when it started raining. I expected to hear them come in, but didn't so I went out to investigate. They had just gotten on coats and kept playing:)

Joy School Graduate

Eli finished his second year of Joy School this year. He had lots of fun with the four boys and one girl in his group, and I'm grateful for all the hard work of the other moms. Next year Eli is going to go to a regular preschool in preparation for kindergarten the year after, but we've loved our time doing Joy School.

Two Months!

Jake is two months old! Thanks to all the help I got right after he was born, the fact that my other kids are more or less self-sufficient, his sleeping for four or five hours at a time at night, and a husband who feeds him at night on the weekends, I have enjoyed this newborn stage more than I ever before.

Jake is, for the most part, a patient and calm baby. He has been pretty flexible when it comes to being out and about with the big kids and me. He likes to snuggle, to sleep in his swing, and music. We love him!

Last day of 1st Grade

The last day of first grade was May 28, 2015. It was a great year and we're so thankful for Mrs. Ward and Mrs. Richmond. Bring on summer!

Here is the first day, to compare:)

Jake's Blesssing

On May 24,2015 Jason was able to give Jake a blessing at church. It was a sweet thing to hear my sweetheart blessing our darling little boy. How grateful I am for the blessings that come from being a member of this Church.

Here is the family group that was there for the blessing:

We were lucky to have Jason's mom in town for the blessing:

And also my dad:

"Tea" Parties

Ali got this fun tea set from Grandma and Grandpa Quillen and lately she has been bringing it down and filling it with water, setting out snacks, and inviting us to have tea parties with her. It is fun to speak with funny British accents and say things like "simply marvelous," "you're a darling hostess," and "scrumptious." Mostly it's fun to be with my girl.

Generosity

Before he was born, Ali and Logan decided they wanted to spend some of their own money to buy their baby brother an outfit. As fun as it was so pick out outfits, it has been so much more fun to see Jake wear the things they bought for him!