Friday, April 9, 2010

Saturday Fun

This past weekend we were invited to a friend's weekend house even further out in the country than we already are. Which means it was even more heaven! We DVRd conference and headed out. The house is right off the river and there are gorgeous trees and dirt paths everywhere. The kids could roam and just freely play. There weren't even any stickers in the grass so we could go shoeless. HEAVEN!



Payten loved playing ALL DAY with her best friend Ayden. Big thank yous to Sandra and her famly for inviting us! We all loved it!


We had the girls pose like those posters that say "Hear no evil. Speak no evil. See no evil." They are so cute together.


I would definately say the river was the favorite part. The boys ventured to the rope swing which by the end the three older boys had the hang of. Even Haven was brave enough to monkey onto Bryan's back and go for a ride! Of course my camera battery died by that point but we will absolutely be going back soon and I will be sure to snap some good pics next then.








There was this spot where some little rapids went down a ways. Rylan and Treven had been doing them and Rylan convnced Bryan to give them a go. It was sweet to see Rylan helping Bryan find his footing. They "swam" back up on their bellies and were both sore the next day!




Brayden felt total freedom. He loves the outdoors. It's really the only place he handles having no stucture well. It is beyond joyful to see him just play and be at peace with everything and everyone around him.




And then there was Trevan. He had more fun just chillin' with me. His fav was the rope swing.


Each of the boys took turns overcoming their fears and jumping off the cliffs. Rylan and Trevan did it early and had no probem with merely jumping but Little B Dub (a nickname the brothers gave him short for B.W.) was very scared but mustered up the courage and got the job done!




And once was enough! He didn't do it again but was proud of himself for the one time he did and I was too!


Jakey boy did it twice. (Ths is just him jumping cause remember; battery died. So sad.)


But Rylan's bravery gave Trevan what he needed to make the plunge and once T-Bird did it there was no stopping him. The sun setting on his fun was literally the only thing that kept me from having to spend the night there!



The deal the brothers made with Bryan was that he had to try a flip off of the rope if they tried to swing. He kept his end of the deal. He did try. He side planked it into the water making for one of those moments where you try not to laugh because you know it hurt but just can't help it. But he did try. Maybe next time B.



And this time it was B helping Rylan find his wings.

Oh! How I wish I had a piture of Haven jumping with Bryan. She obviously has HUGE trust in her big brother. That or she really is just fearless! Probably both huh?


I did get her with her Daddy coming back from up the river where they caught some fish. She was brave enough to even touch them. That's a big deal for her!




Daddy got in on some other fun stuff too.


Redneck golf is now one of their favorite sports. (YES! SPORT!) Just look at that concentration!


Him and Bryan made a really good team! The one with the most natural skill was Rylan Jake. We're just oh so proud! ;~) (Again... dead batteries=no pics.)


We had so much fun and are excited to go back when we can. Who knows what other fun SPORTS we can learn!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Big Girl Haven

Baby of mine after baby of mine, I am always astounded at how fast they grow up. And then there is Haven.


Little Gracie just turned five a month ago and since she was three has told people she was seventeen. Scary I know. She's backed off on that one but over the last month she has hit some serious milestones insuring us that these accomplishments make her truly a big girl.


She can blow bubbles.


Really big ones!



She can snap with both hands. Now she snaps as much as she talks. (And that's A LOT!)




She can do cartwheels. Even one handed ones.


She can whistle.


She can hula hoop (sort of but don't tell her I said that!)


And she is definitely growing into her big sister role. I love seeing them play together.


And her most recent and probably her most favorite big girl moment was when she lost her first tooth! (Bottom left) She is wiggling the front one next to it diligently each day cause it's very loose also!


And have I mentioned that she is 49 1/2 inches tall? Definitely a growing girl. With a heart and a smile to match it all!



P.S. Amber this is for you. It grossed me out as a child when you did it and it only grosses me out even more now that it is my own!