early May

Earlier this month on May 5th we had a pretty windy day.  Thank you Aunt April for the kites, we had a great time!  We wish you could've enjoyed them with us.  Even Isaac had a lot of success with the kite but I don't have a picture of it.  That evening we had a church activity on the grounds of the temple.  It was really great to walk around the temple with the kids and talk with them about it.  I often forget they don't go see the temple as much as Jake and I do.  Jake set up the timer on the camera for these two family shots.  Also this month was the biggest full moon of the year.  Nick and Jake got the telescope out and somehow Jake was able to get a picture using the telescope.  Even though the telescope is Nick's, it has turned out to be a fun family activity.  Erik is now officially 3 months.  He is getting to be such a big guy since he isn't throwing up anymore.  He is very smiley and really loves the attention the kids give him.  Jake and I have noticed that he likes to contribute to the conversation and he is gaining better motor control in his hands.  There is still no sign of him rolling over.  He doesn't like to be on the ground for too long.

Carly turns 7

Lucky to have Uncle Tim visiting again the next day on Carly's birthday.  He was a big hit on the trampoline.

Our awesome Uncle Donnie and baby Erik.

Singing to our big 7 year old.  She wanted a fairy cake, this one turned out more like an angel, but Carly's flexible and didn't mind it.

We sure do love this girl.

Decorating cupcakes at Carly's party.

the whole gang!

Nick and his friend Michael at Carly's party.

best buds - Isaac and cousin Asher.

 

 

 

 

 

It's so hard to believe Carly is 7.  Not that long ago she was that tiny 6 pounds 2 ounces little bundle.  Carly is such a sweet person.  She is kind and thoughtful.  She loves being a big sister.  She is very smart.  She has a great sense of humor.  She can find the silver lining in any situation if she wants to.  Remember that time she said she loved her wart?  She is very affectionate, always wanting to snuggle.  I love all the notes and drawings she creates.  She thinks of others.  When she sees a problem she tries to help out.  She is outgoing and easy to get to know.  She is sincere.  She is caring and passionate.  We feel so blessed that she is a part of our family.

Annelise is 5

 Annelise had 3 friends over to help her celebrate turning 5.  Annelise loves all kinds of animals so much.  We painted little bird houses and had bird seed for them too.

 She also really likes "Dizzy Dancers"  It's a ball - like animal that spins around like a top.  This was my attempt at a dizzy dancer cake and she was happy with it.

 That night we took parts of the dizzy dancer cake, parts of Aunt Amanda's cake from the night before and repurposed them into a cake in the shape of an A.  We had my parents over, Aunt Amanda, Donnie, Jennilee, Asher, and my brother Tim was in town for a couple of days too.

Annelise is so excited about presents she can't avert her eyes to look at the camera for a picture.

Annelise is such a sweet 5 year old.  She is a very thoughtful girl.  When Nick was sick a few days ago she brought him some water with a straw in it "just in case" he would want something to drink.  Last sunday she prepared a plate of dinner for me and brought it to me.  She cuts lots of pretty flowers for me.  She loves to give hugs.  Whenever we announce we're going anywhere, she wants to come along.  She is a great little companion.  She is such a great helper with Erik.  She likes to talk with him and make him smile.  She loves to surprise people with gifts that she's made or things from the toy box she thinks they will like.  The other day she gave my mom a note in an envelope with a quarter inside because she knows people like money.

Walker's in Sacramento!

i think she's trying to make up for that 3 days younger thing.

this thing was supposed to be a kind of outdoor water bed to jump around on, but it quickly transformed into a really fun slip and slide

fun with the dress up box

on our way to the river these two babes didn't seem as squished as they do in this picture.  they quickly fell asleep and looked quite cozy.

 at the American river

 Nick found a crayfish that Jake then caught.

roasting Easter peeps after our little cookout

half decorated, but fully functional pinata

Thank you Walker Family for coming to visit us!  We loved it and we hope you'll come back soon.