Thursday, August 12, 2021

May Fun

 May started with baseball for both boys and kept us busy with back to back games multiple nights. 


Patrick helped out on both teams as much as possible and the boys met some new friends! 


We kept working on potty training --- fully confident she can do it - I parked us in the bathroom for a good chunk of a saturday morning. She woke up dry and drank like 4 glasses of juice and still NOTHING! We  are raising a camel! 


We promised they could eat this huge lollipops on the fist warm day --- it FINALLY arrived! 


When you live in a jungle - you use what you can find for shade! 
#rhubarbleaves 


Mother's day celebrations


Grateful for these kiddos and love them so much! 


James was artist of the month --- pretty cool! 


One of those nights where they were extra crazy and I was tired --- thought we would skip the dishes. At first they thought I was being mean when I dumped it on the table, but when I sat down and dug a fork in - they followed and loved it! 


Apparently our new house also provides good vibes for mother birds --- this is right outside the office window and so fun to see! 


Working to have the kids help take care of our gardens! 


Last day of school for these two! 


Can you tell this little miss has two brothers?!? 


First Communion for James! 


Best looking grandparent pew in the whole church! 


James and Father Ryan.


Family photo! 


Anna is starting to wear all the things - anything she can find that looks wearable, she makes it work! 


First communion ice cream cake! 


This is how she eats donuts... every Sunday! 


Summer has arrived and we can't wait! 


Another grey truck driver --- checking out her name on the tailgate with Buppa.


Building a smores fire with Corey. 


We take getting clean VERY seriously in this house! 


Tuesday, August 10, 2021

April Activities

Spring is starting to show itself and we couldn't be more excited! 
We are watching Easter service in our jammies for the second year - but definitely grateful to be in a much different space (literately and figuratively) this year vs. last. 


The kids enjoyed watching the service - though they also had huge piles of treats and peeps to occupy them!


Shorts weather and an outdoor egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpas! 


Checking out their loot on the swing. 


As they grow, they are getting WAY more interested in all grandpa's toys... 


These two were still excited to make silly faces and hang with the bunny! 


April 6th - Anna finally got to go to school! 
She was thrilled to put on her "pack pack" and get in Daddy's truck. 
She was a little sad but had a great time!


We installed the swing set and the kids are pumped up! 


Next yard projects include clearing some garden beds and growing some new grass! 


When they aren't helping, they are swinging! 


We got to celebrate Grandpa's 70th birthday with the whole gang! 


Ellestads don't have any fun together -- none at all :) 


12 grandkids and counting --- posing on Grandpa's new cooler with his Brewski beer! 


Gang's all here! 


Can't remember where we were going and why we were eating in the car - but picnics seem to be a thing lately. The big car and the pandemic --- makes for an easy and safe way to eat out regardless of the weather. 


Pumped up to be adding a door out to our attic --- this was a plan for me to get organized while between SSM and Sargento --- thanks again John for making it happen! 


Also installed a new hoop in the driveway --- this garden house is becoming a play house! 
Thanks for the help Grandpa and Corey! 


Joyfully filling our new space! 


Rapunzel got a visit from Jen -- love this sweet photo! 


And the garden is starting to provide beautiful little (and big) bouquets. Love that Anna enjoys picking them and having them in her room. 


Have I mentioned the sunsets? 
We never realized what we were missing living in the "valley" in McFarland --- every night is unique and beautiful. 


Still need to work on the every day shots - but the trick shots are fun too! 
Looking forward to all that spring has to offer as we get ready for the end of school and the start of my new job in the cheese world!