And we're off!

Now that the kids are 2, we are feeling SO much more independent. This may sound crazy to many of you, but I have really been enjoying taking my kids shopping! I have to be creative sometimes depending on the store with how I fit them all in, but I'm so grateful for kid-friendly stores that come with cool shopping carts. What a lifesaver! When they can drive a car through the store, they're happy and I'm thrilled because I can still get my shopping done!

Lately the weather has been gorgeous and we have enjoyed lots of time outside. Since it's been so long since we were able to actually go out and play, I really saw the difference in how the kids are playing. They can entertain themselves so much easier and love driving their little cars around and pushing their lawnmowers. I realized how much fun this summer is going to be. And even more than that, I realized how much easier it will be! Last summer I felt helpless to go outside without reinforcements, but it is definitely doable now. Yay for independence!

The kids are talking a lot more and it's fun to hear what's on their minds. I especially like our talks at dinner when I ask them to tell daddy what we did that day. It's fun to see the wheels turning in their little heads and to hear what they remember most. Manners are even showing up a lot more these days. Sometimes when I sneeze, I get a "bless you" from one of them. And Braden even looked at me after dinner yesterday and said "Thank you for dinner, Mommy." He knows just how to win me over! Kayla has been talking in almost full sentences. Last week, she was talking to her Aunt Erin and told her, "That is so pretty." It's so fun to see them growing up.

As always, I have to include a few pics of our big boys and girl. Until next time. :)


The Boys


They love reading on the stairs


Ready for Liftoff...


And a very happy Braden