Nothing to say...but have some pictures!

I've been waiting all week for some "blog worthy" event to pop into my head, but I've got nothing. Not that we haven't been doing anything, because we have, it just doesn't seem overly exciting. I do however have some cute pictures that I haven't posted yet...so I'm going to let you have them to tide you over.

*For the record, I would usually NEVER post a picture that was this close up to MY face...but the boys are adorable and it really did turn out cute. Our Caleb is really becoming quite the picture taker (and a poser for that matter...you should have seen him working it at our family photos).

Oh yeah, Caleb had his last swim lesson of the session on Tuesday and they got to use life jackets and ride around the pool in a blow up raft (very cool). Their swim teacher Josh was rocking the boat from the outside and yelling "I'm gonna tip you over" and Caleb yells "quick, jump overboard" and threw himself from the boat (with his life jacket on). The other two little boys quickly followed. He is fearless friends, and apparently holds a strong power of suggestion. Lord, help me when he gets older.

Oh yeah again. Our yard is in a state of disrepair (mostly the back). It was sadly neglected last summer after the birth of Drays. I don't know where to start. I need Desperate Landscape to help me. I want curbing, I want a pergola, I want a winding pathway, I want more trees and border landscaping. But this would take 2 things: lots of money & a landscaper for a husband...It's not looking too promising, folks.

Well, geez. I guess I did have something to say.

Monthly Tidbits- April

So if you couldn't tell from the pics below, we are having a HAPPY month! Kids are smiling, sun is shining and that makes my life so awesome!

Caleb

• buckles himself up ALL by himself--you should have seen the first time he actually did it, he was so PROUD! (and this makes getting the kids loaded into the car SO much easier for me)!
• Daddy's little Shadow. They are "best friends" He goes everywhere with Chip right now and is loving it!
• spelled out and "read" the word DAD yesterday when we were reading.
• his humor is hilarious. told me that the pistachios just "jumped" into the cart while we were at Costco...hmm ;)
• Swims on his own (I'm pretty sure the people at the pool think I'm wacked out and are probably calling CPS on me at this very moment). I chill on a fun noodle and spin Drays around in his baby ring while Caleb throws himself into the deep end and swims back to the edge and then repeats this act several dozen times. Let's just say his strokes aren't "perfected" yet, so it often times looks like he may be drowning to those who don't recognize his "swim technique"

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Drayson

• Loving strawberries, french toast, bbq chips and popsicles at the moment (went for his well baby check a few weeks back and the doc said it was alright to start adding in "some" table foods...yeah we're about 2 months past that)
• Loves the pool as much as his brother
• 7 teeth
• Crawling like a maniac, pulling himself up, trying to walk (so I thought he would at least wait until his 1st birthday, but apparently this is NOTgoing to happen for me)
• Can now pull himself up in his crib and "yell" at me when he is not quite ready to go down for his nap :)
• Thinks Caleb is the funniest person on EARTH!
• Plays "ball" with Caleb and the dogs.
• caught him trying to KICK a soccer ball the other day while he was playing on the floor (remember Caleb was already working the drop kick by ~14 months)
• Follows big brother everywhere--at this very moment he has crawled out the back door onto the porch to play with Caleb (thank goodness we don't have any stairs).
• I lOVE the way he smiles and chuckles at me. We are IN LOVE. We have been having quality time while Chip and Caleb do "big guy" things!

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Now that the weather is starting to turn, it is actually starting to feel like spring and then SUMMER. We love summer, because we get so much time with Daddy and to spend time together as a family. Can't beleive Drayson will be turning 1 in just a few short months! The Southridge boys soccer team is doing amazing and is in 3rd place right now. It is looking like it will be a longer season becuase of playoffs, and we are so excited for them! We are getting our family pictures taken tommorrow, and I am hoping that they turn out to be INCREDIBLE!

This Super Sleuth is on the Case!

When I went to upload my pics from my camera to my computer the other day, I realized that I seemed to have a couple extra. And I thought to myself, "now, who would have taken my camera without asking?" hmmmm.

Then they started to leave some clues...

and then the evidence got pretty incriminating...CASE CLOSED!

Though he did happen to get this awesome pic of Aunt Kass & the Drayson Man

Speaking of Drays, did I mention he is crawling...EVERYWHERE?!

we don't even use a sippy cup here folks-- we just send him to the dog water! (totally joking)

hey, Mom!

oh, yeah. we also promote self-feeding...he doesn't seem to be enjoying himself at all :)

Easter Recap: THIS is where I belong!

Easter Sunday's sermon was on belonging: belonging to your family, to the church, to your church family, to Christ Jesus. As I looked at Chip and the boys, I knew that I truly am right where I belong.

At this very moment in life, I am right where I belong.

Wow, what an amazing feeling. It was like Jesus spoke right to my heart and said,

"see Sara, I do know the plans I have for you, and they are plans for good."

Yeah. Wow and Double Wow.
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Ok, so let's get to the part you really came here for.

The pics

of the kids

during the rainy egg hunt.

Caleb did not seem to care.

talking cousin Alex into holding his basket...it was just TOO heavy!

the boys at Red Robin for dinner with the Elfering side

auntie jamie entertaining Drays

Uncle John, Kass, Caleb & Chip

caleb hammin' it up

So, this was the "SECRET"

I know all of you who read my monthly journal entry were dying to know. Well, the big "secret" had nothing to do with me. We have actually been planning my parents a surprise 50th birthday party for the past month or so. I cannot believe I was able to keep my big trap shut and even more surprised that they were actually, honest to goodness SURPRISED. It was awesome and we all had an amazing time. Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate and make this night unforgettable.

Happy Birthday, April!

OK, prepare yourself. This is a biggie. Lots of pics though. Enjoy!

April 9-Daniel (nephew on Chip's side)

I can't believe that when I started dating Chip, Daniel was only like 3 years old. We have had so much fun with both Daniel and David over the years. And Caleb has had lots of fun torturing them for the past 4 years.

This is at Disneyland over Christmas. I can't believe he is taller than me now. And has a deep voice. But will still get in a family picture with Pluto with only a little harassing, even though he has to keep up his image by looking completely bored!

And he is one awesome basketball player! Like he is already getting invited to college camps in middle school (and not just any camps--we're talking UCLA & UofA to name a few). Daniel, we are so proud of you and hope that you have an amazing birthday!

April 13-Marika (cousin on my Dad's side)

I can remember the day Marika was born. She is growing up to be a beautiful young lady on both the outside AND inside! She is the best Little Mama I have ever met. Our boys ADORE her.

April 17-Papa KevO turns the Big 50!

As I was uploading all of these pics, the "My Buddy" song kept replaying itself in my mind. You know the one I'm talking about, "My Buddy" was the boy doll version of "Kid Sister"

"my buddy, my buddy/my buddy, my buddy, my buddy & me...." anywhoo.

Papa KevO is the Best because:

he buys dirt bikes (and rides along)

helps us climb around on big construction equipment

gives a boost so we can climb big rocks
let's us drive the riding lawn tractor
gives us "rides" when we are tired of walking
he's a good nap taker
he teaches us how to mow the lawn (keep practicing Caleb, Daddy is more than happy to pass this chore off to you in a few years)

he snuggles babies (even the newborn kind that just look "red & wrinkled" (direct quote, I believe) as long as they belong to him :0
and really likes to snuggle babies when they start smiling back
he is a devoted Caleb hockey fan

Papa, we don't know if Caleb has broken you in or just plain worn you out...but you've got at least 2 more following right behind.



April 19-Aunt Kathy (my mom's sis)

(that's her on the left) the third of four Parker girls. Fills her days with "farm" life and coaching high school tennis. She is really great and we hope she has great day!


April 26--Kassie (Chip's little sis)

Can you believe she is turning 19 at the end of this month! The boys and I have gotten to spend a ton of quality time with Aunt Kassie as she has become a devoted Southridge Suns soccer fan and doesn't miss a game. We actually just today made an impromptu trip to watch the team play in Walla Walla. And it sure is nice to have an extra set of hands around. She really has become a cool gal to be around. Oh yeah, she and Drays love to flirt!

Kass, I had to put this pic in, because I think you look HOT here! :)

April 26th is also my parent's anniversary. 29 years and counting! Congrats you two!