Oh, Summer, Where Art Thou? And, a few random things

First of all, it has been raining and raining and raining around here. It is NOT FUN!! My little guy has been really sick. Really bad croup, fever, diarrhea, all the works. And, he was sleeping so good. . . This is the first way bad sickness he has ever had, and it has made him one grouchy baby. In the picture above, he had a fever of 101, (up to 103 when we got home) but we still went to the pool. The older kids were too stir crazy, Jake was gone, and I HAD to get them out of the house.Tay's friends had a wonderful Fairy Party for their 6th Birthdays. Taylee had been waiting for it, staring at the invitation for weeks. She had picked out her fairy outfit well in advance, and couldn't wait to wear it out. The party was so beautiful, and fabulous. She can't wait for her birthday now, and asks all the time if it's August yet.

Last Saturday, we did have a gorgeous day, and headed to our first outing at the Maple Hills Pool. (Thanks to my great sister-in-law for inviting us). It was a big step for the kids, because every other year, they have just played in the little baby pool. But, this time they played in the kid's end with all the other kids. They had so much fun. It was a great 2 hours!

Here's Samantha demonstrating to them how she puts her whole face underwater. She was gettin' a little annoyed with them when they wouldn't follow her instructions. . . They both start swimming lessons again in a couple weeks. Maybe after that, they'll be able to do it.

And, to top it off, when I went to Church on Sunday, I came back to my baby, with a "Shiner." I couldn't get it very good on camera. But, if you look closely, it's swollen and purple underneath is right eye. He bumped his face on the high chair, and the little kid's table. I'm sure there will be many more in his future, if he's at all like his big bro.

Here's another sort of good picture of it. This is what he does when I try to take his picture lately. His "Cheese" I guess you could call it.

We have Tay's Ballet Recital, and Preschool Graduation this week. After that, we're pretty much released for the summer. Still counting down the days until the Hamblin Family Reunion, 10 year Anniversary, and Mr. FussyPants's 1st Birthday! Please send sunshine vibes our way. We really need them!

I Love It. . .

--When the theme song to "Gilmore Girls" comes on, and the baby turns to watch. He has heard it since he was in the womb. Still my favorite show ever.

--When my kids play with each other for 3 hours straight. And, the baby's sleeping. It's heaven.

--That preschool is almost over. Being out the door in the morning by 8:50 A.M. 3 days a week was getting old. Bring on Kindergarten, and the big yellow school bus.

--That I can finally, finally fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans. All but one pair. Still workin' on my waist, but, I'm seeing results, and it feels good. LTL is Awesome! If you want to know more about LTL, let me know.

--That it has rained and rained for 500 days straight. Gotta love Seattle in the Spring! (Yeah Right)

--That Jake can set his own schedule. It's so nice to have him around when I need him. Hooray for running your own business!!

--That I've been married 10 years next month to a wonderful man. We're gonna do something awesome for our Anniversary. Just wait for the details.

--That my baby is almost a year old. I know, it's sad he's growing up. But, I seriously wondered when I had my 3rd child, if I would ever survive a year. I did. He's so so so cute, and fun, and I love him to death.

--(Another sarcastic one) That I can't run anymore. I was supposed to do the Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon here on June 26th, but, I really injured my hip a couple months ago. Still can't run without limping for days afterwards. It sucks getting old. I am once again discovering my love for Aerobics though, thanks to my gym membership.

--That my sister's here. It's so nice to feel some family love every day. And, she cleans my house for me, and watches my kids whenever I want her to. She's the best!

--That's all! I just really needed to update the blog.

Check Out my New Nephew!

Isn't he Beautiful?!

Benson Bryce Jolley

Parents: My lovely sister, Natali, and her husband Bryce

Born: May 24, 2010

Weight: 8 lb. 10 oz.

After trying for a baby for nearly 3 years, we were so excited that Nat was able to add to our Hamblin brood of boys!! It was a long, hard labor (I mean, 33 hours hard), but, she is doing wonderfully. I can't wait to meet him at our Family Reunion next month!! Congrats Nat & Bryce! We love you.

He's a Walker Now!!

So, Tristan started walking!! At 10 months!! It took him a couple weeks to perfect it, and, he still falls a lot, but, he gets right back up, and walks more than he crawls now. How did he get so big?

Same Ol' Same Ol'

So, I know I said I would be a better blogger. And, I fully intend to. We just don't have a lot going on lately. Just the same things. And, I realize when I do have pictures to post, that they're all of Tristan. Not fair. So, I'm going to start taking pictures of all my kids more, and doing exciting things. How's that for a resolution?

I just couldn't resist!! Who doesn't love a dimpley baby bum? This boy is almost walking. He takes 5-6 steps at a time now. So, just working on more balance. Then he'll be rearin' to go. Oh, what excitement!

He loves to race to the stairs, and see how far he can climb before I come and retrieve him. Yes, he has taken a few spills. With bruises to prove it.

Sportin' a little faux-hawk. Love my Babe!!

Summer is right around the corner, and we are soooo ready for it to be here already! We have had some great 70 degree days. And, it's nice to get some Vitamin D. Jake found this really cool park in Kirkland we went to last week. The kids had a blast!

Daddy and Tristan at the park.


A great Tire Swing. Just watching the kids do it made me sick to my stomach. They enjoyed it though.

Here's a couple pictures of the cool park. Who wants to come with us next time? Anybody?

For a little update on us: Whitney found a nanny job with a great family, and is happy to have a little income. Her, Jake, and I started a new diet/exercise program. We are on Week 2, and I'm hungry and grouchy! Why oh why do we all have to get old and go on diets? I just want to eat ice cream and chocolate all day long. Let's hope this program works for all of us. Because it's not easy. . .

Update

So, I guess I've been a bit of a blog slacker lately. Here's a few things to update you all on our lives.

-Tristan is officially 9 months old! At his appointment, he was 21 pounds 5 oz., and he was 29 inches long. He is in the 50-75% in everything. His growth is slowing a little, since he is now so mobile. He loves to cruise around, and cause trouble. He caught a really bad cold last week, (along with all of us, including me) and has been really grouchy. It seems to be hanging on, and I just wish it would go away! He's sleeping a little better at night. In fact, one night last week, I was feeling very under the weather, so, Jake said he would take him all night. Well, I didn't hear him until quarter to 5 in the morning!! Jake totally lucked out. That's the first time he's done that EVER!!

-Taylee and Rohne are loving the warmer weather we have been having. They ask me all day long to go to the park, and ride their bikes. I think we're going to work on no training wheels pretty soon. . . Tay is loving Ballet, and enjoys showing me all of her great moves when she comes home on Saturdays. She can't wait until the Recital in June. I pulled her out of preschool for awhile, because of "issues," but, after a long discussion with her teacher, I decided to put her back in, and she is doing much better. She is so excited for Kindergarten, and is getting great at sounding out words, spelling, and doing simple math. Rohne also goes to preschool once a week, and absolutely loves it. He is our little social butterfly. He loves to make friends, and worships the older boys, who take time to play with him. He has so much energy, and every day is another challenge in finding ways for him to expend it.

-Jake started a new job about a month ago. It has been really scarey for me, but, not for him. He is always so positive, and is doing just great. It is so nice to have him be his own boss again, and not having anyone micro-managing him. He does so much better when he is in control. We're thinking this job could possibly be "IT." We had to get our own Health Insurance, and now we have to pay our own taxes, but, the payoff is so much better. A husband happy with his job, makes for a happier family! He has been up to his ears in Stake and Regional Basketball, and it is Softball season again too. He really loves softball, and although it takes him away from the home more than I would like, it is his release. I guess he deserves it. . . .

-Whitney is here again for the summer! She is frantically looking for a job. I hope something turns up soon. It will be nice to have her around for a few months.

-I am always feeling my age lately. I have been training for another Half Marathon in June. It feels like just when I start seeing results, something sets me back. I got a bad cold, and pulled a muscle, so, I didn't run for awhile. And, I feel like I'm starting all over! Ugh. I still have those pesky 12 pounds hanging on, and I'm getting really MAD at them. I just wanna be able to fit into my jeans again. I do NOT want to have to buy a size up. I also have no excuse now. My baby is 9 months. "It takes 9 months to put it on, and that long to take it off." Dangit.

Here's a few pictures of the park the other day.

I'll try to be better at keeping up the blog from now on. Hope everyone is doing good!

Easter Days

We had a fun Easter this year. It included all of the fun things like dyeing eggs, Easter Egg Hunts, dinner at Grandmas, and new Easter clothes. I think the pictures tell the story. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who gave to us His Son so many years ago. And, for the glorious Resurrection which makes it possible for us to live with Him again. Hallelujah!