Harlee

Well it happened.... The kids broke us and we gave in.... Meet the newest member of the Z gang, Harlee. 

She's a 4 year old brindle boxer and so calm, precious, calm, loving, calm... Did I mention calm? As a mom of 5 let's just say I don't need more craziness so I was pleasantly surprised how peaceful and calm this dog is. She just follows us around and lays at our feet. She doesn't jump up, she's doesn't beg for food. She is polite and well mannered and essentially the perfect dog for a family with 5 kids. We love her! 

Kindergarten graduation

Our little Serene had her Kindergarten graduation last night. We gave her a trophy for her hard work in completing K5 and a medal for her reading. Since Serene was not actually K5 age at the beginning of last year I didn't really do any formal school work with her. I just read to her a lot and let her draw and so art and play with little letter puzzles and such. Low and behold though after the year was over she was reading like a champ. I never taught her she just sort of figured it out. She really amazed us. So her award was appropriately for reading! :)

After we have her the awards we asked if she had anything she wanted to say and she gave the sweetest little speech explaining how she learned to read by learning her letters, then finding out the sounds the letters made and then putting them all together. Then she told us she planned to teach Benjamin next and hoped Ben would teach his little brother and so on. 

It was so very precious and she was so proud and so happy to have an evening solely focused on her and her achievements. 

I'm continually amazed at this little girl and how bright and broad her mind is. She is the light of all our hearts and lives! 

This is her giving her speech

Her special graduation table

Rodeo

Every year Jimmy's boss gives us box seats to this little rodeo and every year the kids have so much fun! It's just become and expected part of our Labor Day weekend! :) 

Beautiful August

We have had an unusually amazing August. Tons of rain, instead of our normal draught and unseasonably cooler temps off and on. 

This past weekend was gorgeous and instead of hiding inside we went to the farmers market, played outside and even had dinner on the patio. Incredible! 

This will be a summer to remember! 

Patience sweet wet head after playing out in her first summer shower! 

Enc

Talent show

This week the kids put together a talent show. Ben wanted it to be in his room and set it all up with our card table chairs for the audience and a special chair for me (the judge). 

The talent consisted of, tower building, original poetry writing and reading, electric guitar and ballet. 

The only bad part was when they wanted me to pick a winner which I refused to do. Not going to pick a favorite child.., ever! :)

I just love how much fun out kids have together! Makes my heart happy. I mean this is not to say they don't fight like every other kids but these precious moments when they have such fun like this make my heart so joyful. 

Patience cheering on the contestants! 

Just "belaxin"

I love this girl!!! Last week while we were waiting for Ben to get done with Speech we went down the street to Starbucks to pick up a few goodies. While we were in the drive-thru I hear "mom look at me".... When I turn around she's in this position and says "this is the life, calm and belaxin". (Relaxing)

Oh my word! This girl cracks me up and steals my heart every day! 

One of the big kids

This girl is working overtime to become one of the big kids. It makes me smile when I watch her copy the things they do but as always you just look up and realize the time is speeding by faster than you can blink your eyes. These are the happiest days of our lives so far! Joy!!

Silly faces...

Drawing just like she sees her big sisters do it....

Reading just like she sees her big sisters... Look at that sweet belly!

Morning face!