Two Pregnant Girls

Recently, we went to the Cities for Kelly's (Chris' sister) baby shower. She's due just a couple of days after my c-section date.

Uncle Dean

We stopped in to see my aunt and uncle not too long ago. Gavin and Uncle Dean shared a little moment of cuddling while we were there.

We tried...

We really wanted to get a nice, loving picture of Gavin and Daxton together. I don't know if you can tell or not, but his facial expressions and body language totally gave away the fact that Gavin did not want Daxton touching him. I hope that this isn't a foreshadowing of what I'm in for with Reily's arrival.

All 4

Here's one of the four of us, Daxton, McKenya, me and Gavin.

Daxton

Recently, I got to see my friend, McKenya, and meet her new baby, Daxton. He was as cute as can be and I really enjoyed spending the day with the two of them.

Our Family

The family photo seemed a little empty without the boys, so we added Sofie back in. Soon, we'll add Reily, as well. It looks like he'll be joining us on November 9--if all goes according to the plan. In my life, how often does that happen though?

Blueberry Pancakes

Chris made blueberry pancakes for all of us one Saturday morning. Gavin enjoyed 2 of them!

About the boys...

Well, we have some very sad news to report. Roth and Dera won't be with us much longer. We had to have the boys evaluated earlier this year and those evaluations determined that the two of them really shouldn't be placed together. It was also determined that Roth and Dera should not be in homes with younger children. They have really just suffered too much abuse and it's been too tough for them to overcome, thus far. We will still be involved in their lives, but obviously, we won't be adopting them. I can't really say much more because of strict confidentiality rules, but know that none of us are happy about this. It was very tough to come to this decision, but it is best for all of us.
Thank you all for loving them as though they were mine. I will always love them and they will always be special to me. Please pray that God would fulfill His plan for their lives and heal them from their past.

First day of school

September 6th was the first day of school...yea for me!

Spoiled

Chris and I bought a jet ski for the cabin--it's a used one. We finally found the deal we've been looking for, just in time to store it for the rest of the year. We all made sure we took a couple of turns on it, first, though. The big boys really enjoyed it.

New Puppy!!!

Gavin apparently thinks that he is our new puppy. He has taken over Sofie's bed. Fortunately, we had just washed everything. The funniest part is that now Sofie won't go near it. She sniffs it every night and then chooses to sleep under our bed instead. Oh well, at least someone is enjoying the dog bed.

Cute picture

My dad, Dera, and Gavin were watching the ducks. It was just a cute "picture" to see them all sitting there.

Tired baby

The State Fair really tired Gavin out. Fortunately, he had this cute froggy to cuddle with--his uncle Scott gave it to him.

Who knew?

Sheep

Gavin got to pet a few sheep while we were at the State Fair. He wasn't quite sure what to think of them.

Lemons

Chris and I took Gavin to the State Fair in Minnesota this year. We had some tasty fresh squeezed lemonade. Gavin made good use of the 1/2 a lemon they put in each cup.

Our Anniversary

The 25th was our anniversary--5 years. Chris and I spent the weekend in Bayfield with NO children. It was heavenly! As much as I hate photos of myself at this point, I thought I'd post this one of Chris and I in Bayfield just for your viewing pleasure...

Me, too

Of course, whatever the big boys get, Gavin gets, too. This time we let daddy feed him.

Mmmmm...

Here's one from the 2nd celebration. Dera and I shared an absolutely delicious dessert that could have fed a large family.

Gifts twice, too

Of course, Dera received gifts both times we celebrated. He was one lucky little boy!

Sharing cake

Dera even got to feed a few bites to Gavin. I'm not sure which of them enjoyed that more.

Dera's Birthday

We celebrated Dera's birthday twice. Once at my parents house and once on his actual birthday. He definitely enjoyed having cake and presents more than once!

Water Baby

Eventually, Gavin and I went for a little "swim". He didn't mind, since he was so close to me the whole time.

Beach Bum

The water was a bit chilly without the sun, so we just hung out on the beach for a little while. Gavin wasn't quite sure about those waves.

Sleepy Boy

This weekend we went out on the St. Croix with Chris' sisters, Kelly and Katie, and Kelly's boyfriend, Shane. It was a nice day, but Gavin missed nap time, so he decided to just take his nap on the boat next to his daddy. It was too cute not to take a picture!

Baker?

Apparently, Gavin would like to be a baker as well. At least we know that he can figure out where to put the dishes once they're dirty.

Spatula Man

Gavin just loves those dirty dishes. Maybe he'll be the family dish washer once he gets a bit older. I'm certain that Chris won't mind handing that chore off!

Bees

Roth got stung by a bee or two the other day--the worst was on his lip! Of course, now, every bug bite he gets must be a bee sting. Yikes...

Almost...

Gavin's almost walking. He's gotten really good at standing on his own. He's even taken a step all by himself a couple of times. Hopefully he'll be walking in a few more days. I can't wait to see it!

Isn't He Sweet?

Roth had a bit too much time on his hands one day...a rainy day, I think. At least he decided to be sweet with his efforts.

Swimming

We had a great time with Chris' sister, Kelly, and her boyfriend, Shane, not too long ago out on the lake. Gavin loves the water!

Stillwater

Chris, Gavin, and I all went to Stillwater today--just to spend the day walking outside. Gavin enjoyed his grilled cheese while sitting on his daddy's lap. I enjoyed getting out of the house.

Pretty Lips

To ward off the heat, while at the zoo, we got the boys bomb pops. It turned Dera's lips all red, which he thought was funny. Doesn't he look pretty?

A Day at the Zoo

We took all the boys to Como Zoo. This turtle was very hot, but the boys insisted on sitting on it for a picture anyway. Crazy kids...

Bored Boys

The boys are getting a bit bored with summer. They decided to sell some "things". Their hottest item was sharpened sticks...no joking! I think people thought they were cute in their efforts to pass the time and make some money. They ended up with about $4 each.

Poor Gavin

Gavin was a little disappointed that all of Roth's gifts weren't for him...or so we thought. We soon found out that he really just wanted the wrapping paper.

Roth's Ramp

Roth received a ramp for his birthday, along with many other things. I'm thinking this may not have been the smartest purchase we ever made. He certainly enjoys it. I'm just glad we don't have to pay his medical bills!

Roth's Birthday

Happy 12th birthday to Roth today!

Golfing guy

Roth had a great time golfing on the 4th. I'm sure he does much better than I would!

Wheeeee

Dera enjoyed the water slide at the hotel. It sure doesn't take much for a kid to be happy.

Water Slide

At the hotel there was a little swimming pool for Gavin-sized kids. He loved it, or at least we like to think he did. He wasn't so sure about going down this slide!

Eating Out

We stayed at a hotel recently and had no highchair for Gavin in the room. We sat him at the executive desk in the executive chair and he just looked so silly that I had to take a picture.

Being Helpful?

Gavin just loves to "help" with the dishes. Hopefully, he'll love doing this just as much when he gets older! Right now, he's not much help, but it sure is cute when he climbs up on the dishwasher door and plays with the dirty silverware.

Baseball

Roth ended up doing very well in baseball this year. His team actually won their division. He was very excited and looks forward to playing again next year.

The Mystery Machine

The Old Folks

The numbers seem to be dwindling, but this crew keeps on making the 4th fun. We keep saying we're not coming again the next year, but then nothing better ever comes up. Plus, the idea of being with family and friends is always appealing.

All the "Kids"

This year, another "kid" came back for the celebration besides just Ben and I. It was nice to see Kris again and meet his fiancee. The doggies were just an added bonus!

Typical 4th

We spent the 4th at my parents house, as usual. The big boys went golfing in the morning and we all had a great lunch. We did make it home for the fireworks--which all three boys enjoyed.

Big Babies

I had to pry their fingers off the side of the boat to get them in the water! Once they were in, it was amazing...they actually enjoyed it. Silly kids.

Gavin Drives the Boat

Well, not really, but he sure looks cute pretending!

Local Parade

Roth walked with a couple members of his Tae Kwon Do class in our local parade. It was a hot day, but he enjoyed it.