Blackmail

Sometimes it is more obvious than others that Nash and Gray have an older sister! The other night they came downstairs to show us what Harlee had suggested the wear! I will have to show their girlfriends one day how they were smiling in skirts!! So funny!

Such a scary morning...

On Tuesday we got up early to take Luke and his friend to tennis lessons. We had to be there at 8:15am and they are done at 9am. I usually just stay there since it is such a short period of time. But either Tag or Gray had a stinky diaper so I decided to run home, change them, and get them dressed for the day. This would mean we could go run errands after tennis. Who would have known the magnitude of this little decision? We were just really close to home, about to turn onto Morning Glory rd which is the back way to our house. The turning lane was all blocked off with cones so you had to turn from the regular driving lane. I slowed down and put my turning signal on. I looked in my mirror and saw a truck coming straight towards me. I just knew that he was not going to be able to stop. He tried to go around me through the blocked off lane but he was going too fast. He hit us on the back passenger side and his car continued down the whole passenger side of the pilot. Then he jumped the curb and actually struck a construction worker that was working in a hole. I was in shock. I could not believe that this had happened. I got out to ask him what happened and the guy driving the truck said "I am so sorry, this is all my fault". I got back in to the car to make sure everyone was all right. Harlee, Nash, and Gray were crying. Tag was just sitting in his car seat. I could not believe that we were all ok. What a blessing. He hit us going really fast so I was sure that more damage would have been done. And it was a miracle that Nash had his seatbelt on. He is notorious for taking it off once we start driving. I just know that we were being watched over. I had to fill out a bunch of paperwork. Thankfully Jenna came and picked up the kids before going to pick up Luke from tennis. Then a friend of mine saw me and came to help me fill out the papers since I was so shaky. She then drove me home. It has been a long week worrying about who is liable and having no car. On Thursday we got the call that his insurance was taking responsibility and were going to cover all the damage. They decided the car was a total loss and are going to give us $8000 for the car. Such a blessing. That poor car was well loved and I just know if we went to sell it, we could have never gotten more than half of that. We are currently looking for a new car. We are wanting something a little bigger so that our kids can have more leg room. We are looking at an Infiniti QX5, a Nissan Armada, or a Yukon Denali. I hate being forced into such a big decision! I am so grateful though for all of the many blessings that have come out of such a scary situation! I just know Heavenly Father was looking out for us and I am so grateful for the comfort that brings.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to one of the best Dad's I know! I sure lucked out to get marry such an amazing man who is the most wonderful father to our crazies! Happy Father's Day Joey! Hope you always know hope much we all love you! *What will it be like when they are are old enough to look at the camera and smile?? This was the best out of the bunch! Last night we went to spend time with my Dad for Father's Day. So grateful for him and for the way he loves his family. The second picture is of him and all his kiddos that were there.

Girls Trip

On Thursday I left with my dear friend Jen Mason, for a couple days of relaxation in the SG! It was a perfect break! We left around 3pm and drove down. We had so much fun talking the entire time about everything. Then we went to Brick Oven for dinner and back to the house to watch Pitch Perfect. We woke up Saturday morning got pedicures and spent some time at the pool. Then we got ready, went to lunch at Camille's and then some shopping! We went for a little visit with Grandpa and Grandma then to dinner at Chili's. After dinner I introduced Jen to the "dirty coke" which was our treat while we watched another chick flick. Saturday we spent the morning at the pool before packing up and coming home. It was honestly one of the best times I have had in a while. Jen is such a perfect friend and example. I told Joey that she makes me want to come home and be better. So grateful that Joey supports these much needed breaks. I think this will become an annual thing!

How can she sleep like this??

Almost every night the kids beg us to let them sleep downstairs. I don't quite understand why you would want to sleep on a couch as opposed to a bed but they love it. So the other morning I came down and Harlee was sleeping on the floor behind the couch. Then when I came down this morning she was sleeping like this! How uncomfortable does this look? Our crazy sleeper award definitely goes to Harlee. Her husband is going to love her!!

Our new gymnasts!!

Today was the first day of gymnastics for Harlee, Nash, and Gray. They were all so excited. There is a girl in Upper Chapel Bend that teaches in a basement. Our neighbors take there and when a few spots opened up, I signed them up. Harlee is in the first class. She was so excited to see that four of her friends were in there also. She did such a great job. Nash and Gray were in the younger class. Nash did a really good job and loved it! Gray lasted about five minutes and I took him home to hang out with Joey. I think that he is too young. He would not sit still and got quite opinionated when the teacher tried to tell him what to do. Makes me so nervous for preschool. Hopefully he grows up a lot over the summer. I am so excited that Nash and Harlee have found something else that they love to do.

Luke's Birthday Celebration at Lagoon

As I mentioned in his birthday post, we were celebrating Luke's birthday this year at Lagoon. He invited Harlee to come and we got two sitters (Kaycee for the first half of the day and Hailee for the second) for the younger three. We had Lukes doctor appointment in the morning so we left at 11 to start our big day. We stopped at In & Out for lunch on our way up per Luke's request. Then we arrived at Lagoon a little before noon. Our first ride was the Old Rollercoaster. Harlee was a bit nervous but she loved it. Then we went to Wicked and Harlee did it! So proud of her. We spent the rest of the day going on ride after ride. The lines were so short and we were able almost walk on anything we wanted. Joey arrived at about 5 and we spent the rest of the night enjoying Lagoon together. We begged Harlee to just try Colossis and this ended up being her favorite ride. I think we rode it 6 times. Luke's favorite ride the Rocket and I have to agree. That is so my favorite too! We had such a great day! So fun to spend some quality time with our two oldest. I think next year we will bring Nash along! We love Lagoon!

Luke's 9 year old appointment

Yesterday Luke had his 9 year old checkup. He is doing great! Here are his stats: Weight 96 lbs and Height 4 ft 8 1/4 inches. He is off the charts in weight and 95% in height. Dr. Stampfl says genetically speaking, he is right where he is suppose to be. He asked him about all of his activities and school. He was very proud of how well Luke is doing. He told Luke that according to the height of his parents he and his brothers will most likely be 6 ft 3 in, give or take 3 inches. He said that Harlee will be 5ft 10 inches- give or take three inches. Looks like we will have some tall kids! He told Luke that his goal is to be taller than Joey. The way he needs to do this is to eat more veggies and drink milk!! When I told Joey this he joked that this is what made him so tall. So untrue since Joey hates milk and veggies. So proud of you Lukie!

Look what he can do!!

Tag has turned out to be quite the climber. He loves to go up the stairs which scares me on a daily basis. He has now learned how to climb on top of the ottoman. He is getting so big and growing up too fast. I so wish I had the ability to stall time.

Gray's 3 Year Doctor appointment

On Tuesday Gray had his appointment with Dr. Stampfl for his 3 year old checkup. He was very shy and would not answer most of his questions. Here are his stats: Weight 32 lbs - 50% and Height 38 1/4 inches- 50%. I was so worried about him being too little but the doctor assured me he is an average sized kid! He is 50% across the board. So thankful for the reassurance of his health and that he is growing the way he should be. Love our Gray!

Luke Turns 9

Say what? There is no way that Luke can be nine! I remember just like it was yesterday when he was born. He has sure grown into a good boy! We love Luke and we are so grateful for the great example he is to his younger siblings. He woke up this morning and got to go start tennis lessons for the summer. After tennis we went and got his birthday haircut! He was the least excited about this event! After his haircut, Mimi and Jenna brought over Luke's presents. Mimi made Luke his own blanket. He loves it! Then he had his friend Logan over to play. For dinner we got his favorite, Little Ceasar's deep dish pizza. Then we opened presents. He got some new clothes, some elbow/knee pads, a new helmet, and a razor sparks scooter. He was so excited. Then we went as a family to the elementary school to let him ride his motorbike. He said "Could this day get any better?" Then we came home and had some birthday cake. Not the most exciting day but that will come on Friday. We have gotten a sitter for the younger three and we are taking Luke and Harlee to Lagoon! Happy Birthday my sweet Luke! We sure love you!