Summer Cottage Vacation

Last week we had the privilege of renting a beautiful little cottage. It was a MUCH needed vacation for our little family of five. Fisherman is a busy man and sometimes it seems like we don't see much of each other. The summer has been so busy that we have not done a whole lot of fun family things either so this was SUCH a good week for us. If you have a baby and want as stress free of a vacation as you can with three little children I would highly recommend a cottage on some water. Fisherman and I both agreed that this was PERFECT for where our family was at right now. We had such a wonderful week.
I feel like I have been unable to take pictures of the boys as much as I used to so since I didn't have to do laundry or any of the other running around stuff that I have to do at home I took LOTS of pictures.

I will be sharing them in the coming days, but I wanted to start with these pictures of the boys. They sure loved vacation and didn't really want to go home. Monk said that his bed at the cottage was comfier than his bed at home so he didn't want to leave.

6 Month Well Baby for the Buggy

On Tuesday of this week I brought the baby Buggy into the doc to get checked out for the big 6 month mark. He weighed in at 15 pounds 11.5 ounces and measured 26 3/4 inches. He is a bit low on the chart for his weight and around the 50th percentile for his height. The doctor does not seem concerned with his weight at all so I guess we just keep doing what we are doing.

Happiness Always

Happiness Always is what my Grandma had written on my wedding shower cake when I got married and I just thought that it was so fitting. This past weekend my big bro got hitched to a wonderful lady. It was one of the most beautiful weddings that I have ever been too.

We headed north on Wednesday evening so that we could spend a little time with family and help out with wedding stuff as much as we could with a 5 year old, 3 year old, and 6 month old baby. When we got there Monk and Bebo could NOT wait to hit the heated pool at our hotel. I think that we were in there at 9:15 the first morning.

The wedding took place at the bride's aunt's house and the setting was just gorgeous. They got married right on the lawn here overlooking the water.

We got to spend LOTS of time by the water and in the sun.

The rehearsal dinner was at the bride's uncle's cottages on a beautiful lake. Bebo was able to do some fishing and we were all able to enjoy some sea-doo rides.

My parents put together a fabulous rehearsal dinner and Fisherman roasted the pig for the occasion.

I did cry seeing my brother tie the knot. It is kind of an emotional thing. I am so extremely happy for him.

The boys were SPOILED at the reception. There were bubbles to play with and this is where Bebo spent most of his time. They also got these buckets full of fun toys from the bride and groom.

All in all it was a fabulous weekend. Bebo does not like to be out of his element too much so things were a little rough on him, but despite that we had a really good time.

"America's Birthday"

The night before the 4th of July I was talking to Monk about what this holiday was all about. I thought I would have to explain it all to him, but when I asked him if he knew what the 4th of July was he said without missing a beat, "It's America's Birthday!" The day camp he goes to while I work taught him all about it I guess :)
We had a fabulous 4th. Typically we are on vacation over the 4th, but this year we decided to go a different time. It was so nice to not have a whole lot planned. The boys played in the kiddy pool and put the picnic table in there, cuz, "why not?"

They enjoyed some patriotic Popsicles. We headed over to a friends house for a cook out and had lots of fun there with LOTS of other little kids.

And of course we did some sparklers and some of our own fireworks as a family.

Last minute I decided to take the two older boys to watch the big fireworks. They LOVED them and learned all about the "grand finale." I really enjoyed my day and hope that my boys did as well.

Six Months Old 7/3/2011 - The Buggy

My little fuzz head Bug is a half year old!!!! I have SUCH mixed emotions. I LOVE the second half of the first year of the baby because their little personality emerges so much more, but I am so sad that the first six months are over already. Last night just before putting you to bed I held you in my arms like a newborn. You looked up at me and I nuzzled my head into your chubby little baby neck and the giggles that came out were music to my ears. I LOVE moments like those and I wish that I could make time stand still. I smelled your baby goodness, heard your belly laughs, and held you tightly in my arms. EUPHORIC!
In the last couple of weeks I have been amazed at how far you have come. All of a sudden you started getting a hold of my hair, grabbing my dinner plate, and reaching for my glass of water. You are a champ at rolling over both ways and are just about ready to sit on your own. You can sit on your own for about a minute. I love getting you in the morning and after your naps because you look up at me with the biggest smile on your face. It warms my heart and gives me a great start to my day.

You are wearing size 6-12 month clothes. You still nurse around 7 times a day and are eating some avocado and banana once a day. You love to watch your brothers and be entertained by me or your Dad. You likes to blow raspberries, suck on your hands, and play with your piggies.

Oh Bug, my heart swells with love for you! No matter how much time I spend snuggling and holding you, it never seems to be enough time. You are such a happy baby and rarely put up a fuss. I could not imagine my life without you in it. You, your brothers, and your Dad make my world go round! I love you so, so much, Mama