Why must it be so difficult?

On Sunday, I had all the kids dressed up in their Easter best. Of course, I wanted to take some pictures of them. But I don't understand why it's so difficult to get one of them all together. I was able to get some good individual ones, but once I try to put them together... well things just get out of hand. Weird faces get pulled, they suddenly forget where the camera is, or get distracted by the lost balloon blowing through our yard. I do get a good laugh at them later though!!

(gotta love Brendan and Hailey's faces in this one!!)

This is about as good as it's going to get

I told them that I was going to get them all dressed up again and try for more, but that sounds like a lot of work. We might just have to call it good.

These months have flown by

This past Friday, my baby hit the 9 month old mark. I really wish there was a way to slow her down a little. Kayden and Carter, when I told them she was now 9 months, both commented that it will soon be her birthday. I quickly told them that we don't talk about such things!!

*Emery at 9 months*

*is 18 lbs 10 oz*

*can clap and wave*

*finally can sit on her own*

*has become very vocal*

*loves to hear the piano*

*won't leave her headbands on*

*can feed herself*

*loves to go outside and watch the kids play*

*will put herself to sleep for naps, but refuses at night*

(that's totally my fault, I really like to rock her)

*is my lovebug*

It's getting much harder to get her picture though. I got her all dressed and ready for pictures, but it wasn't long before this happened...

...and this...

...then this...

...oh well, what can you expect? She did let me get a couple of good shots.

I'm really into random things lately

Emery has just not really been her usual happy little self all week. I can't see anything in her mouth yet, but I think she finally has some teeth trying to push their way in. Yesterday, I really needed a few minutes to get things done. I was out of graham crackers, so I resorted to letting her have a biter biscuit. Looking at the aftermath, I remembered why I only use those when I am really desperate. I am not sure it was worth the mess, but she did enjoy it for a good 30-40 minutes.

I need to make sure I add graham crackers to the grocery list.

We have had a lot of rain around here which has resulted in a lot of little weeds popping up in the front yard. Saturday was such a nice day, I sent the kids out to do a little weeding. Carter was convinced that, since this was on top of his additional Saturday chores, I was only using them as slaves. I figured I better take a few pictures to document my little slave ring. Just to save my own skin, you know, I don't want anything to be called into question.

Breaks are taken...

...the occasional food and drink are even provided.

Come to think of it... can I join? I could use the occasional break.

Wanna lick?!!

Carter has had this one sucker leftover from Valentines. Brendan has been eyeing it forever. Carter finally agreed to let him have it, but told him he had to share it with Hailey. I was shocked he went along with it. Good thing neither of them have germs!!

Baseball?

My boys are not really into sports. They enjoy it, but are definetly not hard core. But we still do some of it because I think it's good for them and despite some of their complaining I know they like it.

However, this is more of what really goes on while we are at the ball field...

...wrestling. I, obvioulsy, have put them in the wrong sport.

Brendan, has actually done really well since the first week. I have figured out how to keep him motivated...bribery. I just have to promise him nachos.

Enjoying his reward

Emery also got to experience the feel of grass, for the first time. ( It would be nice if she could experience that in our own backyard, but since that's still just a dream...)

The first 2 weeks of the season had been so cold. I haven't even gotten a single picture of the older boys because I have been sitting with a bundled up baby.  I was so glad when it was such nice weather this week.  I was determined to get some good shots of them. We finished up Brendan's game and had an hour to kill before the older boys's game. During that hour, the sky turned totally gray and the wind starting blowing so hard we had to run for cover and the rest of the games were cancelled. I guess I am going to have wait another week to document their baseball career.

P.S. Did you notice that Emery is sitting? She just finally started doing it this week. Of course, now she fusses when she if left too long because she can't figure out how to lay down to roll to get things.

P.S.S. This is just to prove that Hailey was there as well, can't forget about her. She was really put out that I wasn't taking pictures of her too.