The last year on one hand

Trip is 5 (and three months)!!

Height and Weight - 60th percentile

I had another mom tell me the other day that 5 is a big deal because it is the last year you can count on one hand. I thought that was so cute. It seems like Trip has been 5 years old for a while, and I can't believe next year is the official start of school. Since we have decided to home school, that feels like a big step for the whole family!

Trip is such a smart boy. Sometimes I want to keep pushing him to learn more and more, and then I realize that I also need to just let him be a kid. Letters and their sounds and putting them together has come fairly easily, and he can read 3 to 4 letter words. He is also sounding out longer words to write them. Below is my favorite. We were playing a game and I asked him to come up with any word he wanted, and gave him examples like "sun" or "dad". Then I would guess what he had written. 

For his first word, this is what he wrote...

Now, because I know his handwriting and that his U looks like a V sometimes, I immediately guessed it. Duck Dynasty! DUc DiNESTSE. Pretty funny! His dad was proud! And it is sooo typical that he would choose something much more complicated to write. He often comes up with these ideas or inventions that are literally impossible to create. And he doesn't just want some play version of his idea, he wants it to really exist. So when we work hard on creating it and it doesn't live up to his vision, he can get quite frustrated. Like his dad, he has an all or nothing personality. 

(Valestim Da Dad card)

Me with my sweet boy.

This past fall

Big boy playing Tball

On to other things ... five year old things ...

For Trip's birthday his big present was a "truck" from his grandparents. It has been the best toy. The kids drive it all over our lot and the empty lot next door. It is such a weird step for me to be able to trust him not to drive in to the street! Being 5 comes with a lot of new responsibilities!

Trip,

As you grow and mature, you remain our sweet, tender-hearted boy. You lead your brother and sister gently and set such a great example for them. We love you more than words can express. Our prayer is that you will come to know Jesus as your Savior and that His kindness and love will shine through you. We know that great things are in your future.

Our hearts are full and we are so proud of you, sweet Bubba. 

Super Hero Kids

Easter 2014

This and That

A few pictures from one of our favorite places, "Random", a bar and food truck spot on the way to Boerne Lake...

Library bike rally, story time with Miss Constance included.

These 3 just being friends...

Boerne Lake

This was one of those last minute trips to the lake that seemed like such a bad idea. We didn't even head over there until it was dinner time and the plan was to stay a short time and then go grab food. The kids were already tired and grumpy (and so were the parents).

But it turned out to be just what we needed.

The fresh air and breeze coming off the lake. The icy water. The time together with nothing else to distract us. It was really nice.

We ate dinner late. And went to bed dirty. But it was all worth it.

Random

A few weeks ago, we decided to take the kids to the zoo, but ended up at the Kiddie Park. We had never been there before, and it was such a pleasant surprise! The kids had a blast and were the perfect age for the tiny tot rides. Even Wills was able to ride a few on his own.

These are a few cute pictures from a late afternoon trip to the park. Getting a good picture of all three of them is never an easy task!

Sometimes I think I focus too much on what a difficult stage of life this is with three littles. But it really is so fun, and I know will pass all too quickly. 

Thankful She is 3

Height: 3 ft. 1 in. (55th percentile)

Weight: 30 lbs. (45th percentile)

This little spitfire keeps me laughing and keeps me guessing. 

Things about being 3...

Anna Kate loves pretending. She has lots of pretend friends, she makes up elaborate stories, and she likes to pretend to be different people and animals. Her imagination knows no limits ... other than her big brother who makes no qualms about keeping her honest. He is quick to let anyone around know when she is not telling the complete truth. 

Anna Kate loves all things girl. Her favorite colors are pink and purple. Her biggest concern in life is that her hair grow to be long like Elsa. She sings the Frozen songs at the top of her lungs. She likes her finger nails to be painted and wearing her "jewels" and princess dresses. She can frequently be seen carrying one or more purses filled to the brim with the most random things. 

This little smarty pants knows her letters and their sounds and can write the letters A, H, T, I, and O. She counts to 30 mixing up only a few numbers along the way. The list just keeps growing. She also seems engineer-minded and loves to line things up or stack and arrange things.

My mom tells me frequently, "She reminds me so much of you as a little girl!" And is usually referring to something dramatic or girlie (or bossy) AK has done. Thanks mom. I have always heard that the child most like you is also the one you butt heads with the most. And that is the truth for me with this baby girl. She is teaching me so many things about myself, and even though that can be hard, I really love it. 

So, the birthday ...

The plan for Anna Kate's birthday was to have a pink tea party with her two best friends Henley and Mia. That was all she wanted. Sadly she woke up with a fever, so the party had to be postponed for a week. But by the end of the day, her fever was gone so I took my girl on a late night run for frozen yogurt. The intention was to have special one-on-one time together. But the whole time she kept asking if we could bring ice cream back to her Bubba so they could have it together. Trip ended up bringing her on his "mommy date" too for his birthday. So sweet. I love how very much they love each other.

Dear Sweet Anna Kathleen,

And just like that, you are a three year old. Although it seems like you have been three for a long time. My big girl. You get so so mad when your dad and mom try and keep you our baby. You are so independent most of the time, but when you are tired or hurt you will still curl up and let me hold you. 

We praise The Lord for the work he has already done in your 3 year old heart. How he has softened it. How he moves you to love your family and friends. How He inspires you to create and play. Our prayer is that He would continue this good work in you. That he would draw you to Himself. And that even as a big three year old, your life would bring Him glory.

You are more dear to us than you know. We love you unconditionally. Happy, mad, or blue.