Have I mentioned that Seth LOVES puppies! That's really an understatment. The kids took Zeus' passing very hard. Harder than I thought they would. They still talk about him everyday. They also ask for a puppy everyday. Their reasoning, of course, is that since we have 2 cats, we must have 2 dogs. Gotta love the way a four year old mind works.

Jason and I put off getting a puppy for a little while. We weren't really positive it was the best thing for us right now. But after careful consideration...we decided it was time.

After some research, I settled on a breed and found one that I was happy with. We decided to keep the kids in the dark on the whole thing. Of course they were heartbroken when we went to the petstore during an adoption day, unbeknownst to us, and left without a puppy.

So we went to the airport today to pick up our newest addition, Rascal. He's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The kids were a little confused, like they couldn't believe we actually keeping him, but once we got him home, they knew for sure that he is going to live with us for a long time.

Rascal was pretty traumatized at first, but quickly came around and really has taken to the kids. He loves to play with them and snuggle up on their laps. I know that he is going to fit into our family just fine!

The kids are all very proud of their new pup. Especially Seth! Most of the family has been over to visit him and they all tell the kids that they are going to take him home with them. The kids will hear no part of it! It will be fun to see how much they are going to love him as they grow up together.

Happy Belated New Year!!!!

So, I guess I've been a little lax in updating our blog. I can't believe how fast time is moving. The kids were born, I blinked and now they are almost 5 and will be starting kindergarten next school year.

We had a wonderful Christmas and a very fun New Years! I expect this year to be one of many big changes. Some of them fun and some of them bittersweet and a litte scary. Seth will finally be mofing to his new room. He is very excited to have his own space and a big boy bed. He was planning out the layout of his room today. It will be the first time they have been split up at night since Grace came home from the hospital a couple of days before Elaina and Seth. Also, our district announced the move to full day kindergarten next year. I'm sure the kids will do fine, but I'm really not ready for empty nest.

They are getting bigger day by day and there is no stopping it. I will just sit back, cry (bittersweet tears of joy) and enjoy the ride!

Here are some pictures from Christmas. Enjoy!

Happy Hauntings!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween. Ours was full of silliness and fun! I made the kids a spooky supper of mummies, ghosts and eyeballs. They got a big kick out of that. Then we took to the streets for some trick or treating. These guys are such troopers. Despite the cold and wind, they trick or treated HARD for the whole 2 hours and still wanted more. Elaina was acting like a little drunk girl. She was so giddy. The giggles were contagious! I promised the kids a couple pieces of candy when they got home. There was one older lady handing out apples. Once we were home, the girls picked out their Dora treats. Seth wanted the apple. He could have cared less about the 2 bags of candy he'd just collected.

Agrrrrrr..............

Elaina was Princess Giselle from "Enchanted"

Grace was a Princess Witch, and would correct anyone who just called her a plain ole' witch.

Seth's puppy dressed up as a bumblebee. He was so proud of his puppy's costume. He was showing it off to everyone in the Halloween parade at the mall.

A moment between sisters.

Elaina Had a Surprise for Me Today!

I went out shopping today to buy the kids fall clothes. I left the kids home with daddy. I was really hoping that he would spend some quality time with them. Apparently he did. When I got home, I was informed that Elaina had a surprise for me and that I should not look outside.

Once I was told to do so, I wandered into the front yard to see my little girl, only 4, all padded up from head to toe. She proudly hopped on her bike, and with daddy's assistance...away she went. Down the street, a few houses down and back again. She is amazing! I was so surprised. She is so grown up now. I did cry, I couldn't help myself. All 3 of my kids just keep running from one grown up obstacle to another, and I can't believe how big and self sufficient they are getting!!! And now Elaina is riding a two wheeler.

The grin from ear to ear is something one has to see to truly appreciate. She is so extremely proud of herself and this moment.

I'm Officially A Soccer Mom!

I guess it's official. I'm the soccer mom I so dreaded I might be. It's so much fun though! Seth had his first official soccer game today. He's the youngest, smallest, slowest, day-dreamiest player on the team. But he's for sure the cutest!!!! He's actually already improved some from when he first started practicing. He know which goal is his, so that's a plus! He's not actually the slowest, I don't think...but like his mommy, he has the shortest legs. So he was really running his little heart out and his legs were going as fast as they could...he just couldn't catch up. He sure had fun though! The smile on his face is better than anything. He loves to play and that's the most important thing!

There's my handsome little soccer dude!!!

Kicking the ball in. He's a decent kicker.

He's a decent runner too...his legs are just shorter than everyone elses.

Notice the size difference! :-)

The Roller Derby

So, the kids got rollerskates for their birthday this year. Heeheeheehee!!!!! My mom decided to try them out while I was at work one day. Thank God she thought to take pictures because they were so stinkin' cute on them! They had so much fun and actually did pretty well on them. They even skated over to my aunt and uncles that night.

So Far This Summer.......

we've:

started taking dance lessons (the girls),

been a little goofy,

decided to try something new,

and explore our wild side.

Shared some precious time with dad.

Jason built his first ever sand castle...

with Seth's help.

We've tamed some wild animals,

struck a pose,

(or two).

We've tried to be very good mommies,

practiced some new moves,

learned the proper way to roast the perfect marshmellow,

camped with friends,

passed out from too much fun,

flirted with cute boys,

showed off our swimming skills,

been up to no good!

We used our new bug houses...

to find beautiful bugs!

So far, it's been a very busy summer! It's not over yet, so stay tuned for more!