Just love it.

Playing with Dad before getting out of bed.

Justin was playing with the settings on our new camera so these look a little goofy, but I thought it was cute to see Isaac coloring. He's VERY thorough! And ambidextrous!

Giving me a show with wigs and hats.

One of Elias's favorite games to play when he lays down for naps and bedtime....and any other time of day too. Peek a boo! He usually starts the game by covering his own face with blankets.

We went on another family hike: House Mountain.

Isaac and Olivia pet the turtle that Justin found.

It was a loop and not very long. Perfect for the kids.

Eating lunch at a park after the hike.

At Barnes&Noble playing with the new train table...goodbye Thomas, hello Chuggington! They like to come here and play trains, put on shows on the stage, play with stuffed animals, & read books.

A family night of baseball. We all wore baseball hats...except Elias.

Justin also played soccer with the kids while I fed Elias. I think it wore them out!

I took all the kids to JCP to get free haircuts. On the way, Isaac stopped and studied this guy. I think he was impressed. I thought it was cute because he has his superman shirt on.

This is my and Isaac's lack of communication. I had the bag of Cheerios open, he flung the bag around. Cheerios all over the garage floor. Luci enjoyed helping with the clean up.

Kindergarten

Well here she is. The first day of kindergarten! What a big girl!

Excited faces???? 

It looks like such a big school when it's your own little sweetpea going. Justin was able to come with us and go a little late to work.

Outside of her classroom. Mrs. Curl is her teacher. 

Unloading her backpack at the supply table. Isaac was getting in to it too!

Her classroom.  There were only 4 kids on her first day. 3 girls and 1 boy. She said one didn't show up. She made "best friends" with "the other girl in a dress".

She hung her backpack up and is ready to start! I didn't cry at all until she brought home a paper with her hand prints and a silly little poem about flying the coop (sort of speak).

After we picked her up from school (at noon) we went by McDonalds to get a chocolate dipped cone and hot fudge sundae!

When she came home, she had the giggles for a long while with Isaac. Eventually I had to call it quits so Isaac could nap. O was so happy she didn't have too. However, she did sleep in the car on an errand later in the day. One of her comments about school was "The teacher didn't even play with us. She just sat at a table and gave us our projects." I had to explain the role of a teacher...and school for that matter. Ha ha. After the staggered start is over, she will be going everyday from 7:45-2:45.

Fall Creek Falls

Last weekend we went to Falls Creek Falls State Park with Grandpa and Grandma. It was a 2hr drive, but still lots of fun and I'd love to go back. Isaac found a walking stick just like Grandpa's.

 There were a few swinging bridges to walk across. Kinda swingy but not super high.

 The Picture.

 There were also lots of waterfalls to look at with very nice swimming holes. This one was absolutely beautiful (picture doesn't do it justice of course). It's the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi.

 The park was great because we could go to many beautiful lookouts and waterfalls without having to walk super far.

 We had a picnic. Mom brought her fake flowers and ants on a rock. It was perfect.

 The kids went fishing here (where we ate lunch). Olivia caught a little fish. Isaac's got away.

 Chillin in the shade while I&O fished. Still hot though.

And....Elias playing with lettuce.

July. Swim. Gym. Eat.

Just drawing with chalk one morning in pjs. I like O's toe. 

I&O completed their summer reading log through the knox county library. Their prize was a coupon book for some free things around Knoxville. We enjoyed the East TN History Center and then they had Rita's Italian Ice on the square...all free!

Love it

He's getting closer! 

I love under the table shots. Elias (with help) sitting with Olivia.

This is how Luci was sleeping. She either got tired chewing, or didn't want anyone to take her bone. It was mostly stuck in her lips outside her teeth.

I&O want to feed Elias every chance they get. Here it's just puffs, but they do real food too. I have to tell Isaac to slow down sometimes. And get smaller bites. 

 I think he uses the bumbo more than Elias. He was playing his leapster in it.

We went to Tataru's Gym. Fun times!

 He usually walks sideways on it instead of one foot in front of the other. Kinda cute.

 Rope swing and blocks are fun. The trampolines behind are super jumpy.

 We finally got a picture of how Elias sucks his thumb. His fingers always turn out to the side. So cute!

 She's by my favorite flowers. Daisies. It's great to see them every time I drive up the driveway!

 Splash pad fun.

 Two totally different faces! And both show their unique personalities!

 Like it.

Phone pictures

These are some pictures that I've had on my phone for a while. 

I took Isaac shopping at Old Navy (pre Elias) and this is what he found. I had to help him into the second boot because they were a tad too tall and tied together at the top. He was disappointed that he couldn't walk in them.

This was Olivia giving Justin a ballerina show when he got home from work. She wanted his help. I'm sure this is a picture we'll look back at in 20 years and cry. She doesn't even fit in the outfit anymore.

Isaac came downstairs and said "Look mom!" Hammer pants. Cool!

Grandpa was playing patty cake with him I think. It just made me laugh...with his turtle pjs and all.

Isaac driving a 4 wheeler. Pretend. At Bass Pro.

I'm not sure what happened when I took this picture, but it's a picture of Isaac. I keep it in my phone because it reminds me the kids are little angels and blessings from God, no matter how I feel on some days.

I took this one in Destin FL. I just LOVE the beach. 

Olivia and I went to the doctor for her "bumps". (Another story, but we now know how to take care of them.) Anyway, while waiting for the Dr. we had some fun with my phone. She started it because she loves taking goofy pictures with my phone. Hence, the hair. We did our share of laughing at them.

I took a turn too...

Isaac and Olivia get to drive in my parents neighborhood when we go to visit. It's kind out in the middle of no where with little traffic. I did the same thing when I used to visit my Nana and Grandpa.  

I saw this in the parking lot at the grocery store. I love these kinds of rays in the sky. This and orangey/pinky skies. Thanks God!

This was taken around the 4th of July with my friend Katie. We were not allowed to eat our lunch inside bounce usa. So we took it to the parking lot! It was a really windy day which is why I like the picture. The flag, so patriotic! It's also like we're walking on the moon. Except not.

Justin got this one for me. Just sittin around.