Busy weekend

The kids are all so excited to go swimming!

He looks scared here, but he's not! He just didn't want to stop playing long enough for me to take a picture. 

Daddy gave Alexa a swimming lesson. She really wants to compete in a kids triathlon, but needs to improve her swim first. 

Silly boys!

I got all five of them together for a picture. Too bad Tysen wouldn't look at the camera. (Alexa had just gotten done riding her bike for 13 miles while Daddy was running with her. She's gotten to be quite the biker!)

Such a beauty!

Gavin wanted a picture with just him and Erika. Then all the boys wanted their picture taken with Baby Erika. 

Erika looks really big next to Bowen. 

We were invited out to my friend Sarah's farm on Saturday morning. The kids had so much fun. 

Climbing on the hay is always fun. 

The cats and kittens were a big hit. 

I bet you can guess what she's asking me right now. 

Feeding the sheep

Tysen's bottle-feeding the baby calf, Mr. T. 

The horse, Jay, followed Alexa around the pasture. Too cute!

He was a very sweet horse. 

Tysen was very brave to ride by himself. 

Bowen liked it, too. He was laughing. 

My little cowgirl

Got all of us together for a picture (Erika did not go for a ride, just a quick picture.)

Tractor ride!

This little girl is worn out!

We had a great day at the farm. Can't wait to go back. 

Popcorn and Tysen's ouchie

The kids love having a snack in the clubhouse and I love not having a mess to clean up. 

After our snack, we played soccer until it got dark. We were all having fun and getting a little rambunctious when Tysen started saying, "Mommy, my fingers coming off!" He never did cry or scream so I was shocked when I saw that he'd ripped his whole fingernail off. He's a tough little boy. 

I hope that it grows back. 

Zoo

I took the 3 younger kids to the zoo today after Alexa and Gavin were off to school. It was a gorgeous fall day. It seemed so strange not to have all 5 kids. We all enjoyed getting some exercise and fresh air. 

It was a little chilly so Erika got to wear one of her new hats. 

These two look more alike everyday. 

Erika's first train ride!  She was not a fan of the loud whistle. 

A little of everything

The sky was so beautiful. I love the view from our new house. 

Pretty in pink

Bowen's teaching Erika all about this playmat. 

We started potty-training Bowen this week. The first 2 days were terrible (meltdowns and a sobbing 2 year old begging us to put his diaper on) and I almost thought he just wasn't ready and considered taking a break for a few months. But then he suddenly got it and he's only had a few accidents. 

Still a thumb-sucker

Bowen's new haircut!

Erika's rolling over!

He's looking like a big boy now. 

Beautiful baby

New Albany 1 mile Fun Walk

There was a 1 mile fun walk at Alexa's school this morning. I was happy that I was able to participate with her. 

Here's Alexa's class coming out of the gymnasium with their teacher. 

I think it's wonderful how they are teaching kids the importance of exercise and making it so fun. 

Mrs. Dy's 1st grade class at the 1/2 mile marker. Most of the walk was thru the woods on paths. 

The finish line! They were playing music and cheering the kids on. 

Time to cool down

Mrs. Dy counting the students before they head back to the classroom.