Mmmmm...Mud

A couple nights ago, Joe was working in the front yard and "watching" the kids so I was able to rest. When I came out to see how everyone was doing, I found Kate playing with the mud Daddy let her make in the the flowerbed. Now, I'm not one to really like messes or messy kids for that matter (especially when I'm super prego) but she lucked out that Daddy was the one in charge. She had a great time. And needless to say, since she was in control of the hose, Sammy was drenched! But he was too busy running around everywhere and playing so I wasn't able to get any pictures of him. At least they had fun.

Fireworks

We spent the 4th of July together as a little family. Kate was really excited to go buy some fireworks with Daddy but when it came down to actually lighting and watching them she freaked out and we had to cut our tiny home display short.
We also took the kids to Melba to see their fireworks display. We'd heard it's good so we thought we'd check it out. We just parked on the side of a country road and watched them in the distance which was actually a good idea considering Kate would have been too scared to be any closer. Sammy was mostly interested in all the other cars driving by. But all in all, Kate and Sam ended up really enjoying the show and had some really great reactions.

A Relaxing Weekend at the Cabin

We took the kids up to my family's cabin in Smith's Ferry for the weekend to have one last little get-away before the baby comes. On the drive up, Kate was getting a little apprehensive about the whole thing and started asking if we could go home. But after the weeked was over and we were driving down the hill to the highway, she started wimpering and saying she wanted to stay at the cabin. So needless to say, they really enjoyed it and it was nice to spend some relaxing time together.

Joe's sister, CoraLyn, and her family came up for a night too but I didn't get any pictures of them. (oops) It was fun hiking, swimming, hanging out, watching movies, playing games and of course snacking and eating!

We took the kids on a little walk (for me it was more like a hike because I'm so huge). Sam was all about just going ahead and tromping down the road without looking back. Kate really loved seeing the flowers.

Joe with the kids on the deck before our walk.

Sammy hiking up the hill like a champion.

Kate with a cute pose during the walk.

Huge Mommy trying to keep Sam reigned in.

Daddy and Sam about to go on their "boys hike."

Kate up on the deck.

Daddy and Sam on the walk.

Here's a funny little video of the kids playing with Joe. They love to do this at home so why would the cabin be any different?

Another great drawing by Kate

Kate loves to draw on the white board in Daddy's office. This is just another one of her great masterpieces. She told me that it's "Mommy in a boat that's floating on the water." Brilliant.

Painting Projects

I finally talked Joe into painting the kids' rooms. The kids were very excited. Kate got to help with the painting in her room and had a good time with daddy. We're still in the process of airing out so the paint smell to go away but the finished products are right around the corner.

Kate and Sam getting ready to paint.

Kate and Sammy excited to get started.

Daddy and Kate having a great time painting pink together.

Kate hard at work painting pink with only a few drips on the carpet and a few splotches on the trim. Pretty good for a 3-year-old.

The newly finished pink wall. (Airing out the room.)

While the rooms are having the paint smell aired out of them, the kids are sleeping on Kate's mattress in our room. We put the baby crib mattress next to Sammy's side just in case he rolls off the bed in the night but he soon found out it actually made for a great trampoline.

Kate...The Next American Idol Super Star

So this is a funny video we recorded last Sunday afternoon. She says, "I'm the next performer on American Idol. And I'm gonna sing Super Star!"

After we watched this video, Kate said, "Did you see my cool moves?" Really, how could you miss them?

Congratulations Phil and Angie!

Molly Fae Chandler

Born: May 30, 2008

19 1/2 inches, 7 lbs. 8 oz.,

Joe's brother, Phil, and his family just welcomed the 10th person in the family to the world last Friday. Mommy and baby are doing just great. I think Angie is the all-time super star for doing everything all-naturale and going home in just 24 hours of delivery.

Molly is so beautiful and tiny and sweet. Holding her just made us that much more excited for when our own baby girl arrives (in 6 weeks...but who's counting).