grant's farm

Last week my friend Angela and I decided to brave the heat and go to grant's farm. I love love the free things that there are to do in St. Louis! While parking may be a little steep, there are a few free places to park within walking distance.

The only downside to our trip was that Maddie and Angela got stung by bees!! They were both troopers about it and didn't complain much at all. Angela got some personal attention from the EMS guy, who was conveniently located bear the goat pen! And the end of the night, Amelia was so tired she climbed into bed on her own and fell asleep! Was a great day despite the injuries and heat!

looking back

When Lucas was born he had a sacral dimple. I saw it, asked the ped (who figured I had seen it) about it, and she reassured me that it was benign. not a big deal. so i brushed it off. and then the postpartum crazy hormones kicked in and i worried about it for almost 2 months. I asked her about it again. she realized I had been worried about it for almost 2 months and she sent us to SLCH for an ultrasound. and it was benign!! no big deal. But while we were there, i got this picture of Lucas. in the old stadium chairs, seat #3.

Fast forward 3 years and we are back at SLCH for another test, this time an xray. I remembered the last picture, so I put him back in chair 3 for a comparison picture! What a beautiful boy he was and a handsome boy he is now!! The three years in between has flown by but one thing has not changed, I love him so!

ready!!

I am sure you can see amelia, and that she is holding Ferdinand. But look close, can you see what she has on? It is an art cape that her nana bought her when she was 2 i think. and in the pockets? cat toys!! hahaha!!! She stuffed all of Ferd's cat toys in her pockets so they could play at a moments notice! love this girl!

Lucas goes to Pre-three!!

chandler??

He may be the chandler bing of our family! this is what I got when I said "look over here lucas and smile!"

look out Picasso, here comes lucas

For Lucas' 3rd birthday we decided to have an art party. I decorated with primary colors, ordered the cake and bought one of every item that crayola makes with the label "washable". We had finger paints, regular paints, markers, crayons, paper and some fun canvas' for the kids hand and feet prints. Overall, the kids did very well, especially since the median age was 4! They painted and colored and made masterpiece's that their families will treasure forever! One of my favorite pics is lucas opening his presents, look how he is hugging his squinkies! he loved them. And then look at how happy he is over getting money! he thought that was the best!

yummy!

birthday #3

Henning here we come!

The day has come. S-day, which is like D-day fo rme. School day. While I was so excited for Amelia, I was bummed for me. My best shopping buddy, my nap partner, my baby was going to school. She was more than ready and excited enough for 5 kids! She was really happy she would know one other person in her class, her friend carter. When i say his name it's more like carrrterr. She likes him. really likes him, a lot. it's so cute! her teacher's name is ms. rennegarbe and this is her first year teaching. Which works out very well because this is Amelia's first year of school! And if you are wondering, yes, i cried when i dropped her off. And i do miss her, but i love love love picking her up and hearing all about her day!!

the night before

kindergarten

the zoo

the kids in their zoo attire - i know i need a 12 step program, as i just can't help myself!!

Lucas checking out the pretty girl next to him. i think he was smitten with ellie and her long golden hair.

and lucas looking bashful when i made mention of it...oops!

more zoo fun!

adorable

on a happy note

lucas is fussy free!! It was pretty painless overall. i opted not to break him from his fussy until after dis.ney, thinking we would need the plug for the trip. and I was correct! We might not have made it out of illinois with out it. Lucas loved his fuss. Once we were back, he only had it during naps/bedtime. we progressed to bedtime only, then we cut him off. He asked for it, but never really cried or wined for it. he might have asked for it 3-4 times after that, but he was easly settled when we reminded him he was a big boy and didn't need a fussy! According to our ped and dentist, four is the cutoff for fussies. we came in 395 early. that's a record for me!!

last known fussy picture

it's fabulous being five

five fabulous faces of my fantastic five year old free-spirited girl

five (5)

happy 5th birthday sweet girl!

For Amelia's actual birthday, we went to get mani/pedi's and lunch with our friends andrea and shelby! It was a great time, until we had to say good-bye. Andrea and Shelby were moving that night to florida!! We miss you already!

In our house on your birthday night you get funfetti cupcakes! here is amelia with hers! her dad bought her 2 books for her birthday, Ferdinand the bull and a book of fairy tales. She loves them both!

a tribute to my girl - who stole my heart the minute her's began to beat. i love you forever sweet girl .

I loved you from the very start,

You stole my breath, embraced my heart.

Our life together has just begun

You're part of me my little one.

As mother with child, each day I grew,

My mind was filled with thoughts of you.

I'd daydream of the things we'd share,

Like late-night bottles and Teddy bears.

Like first steps and skinned knees,

Like bedtime stories and ABC's.

I thought of things you'd want to know,

Like how birds fly and flowers grow.

I thought of lessons I'd need to share,

Like standing tall and playing fair.

When I first saw your precious face,

I prayed your life be touched with grace.

I thanked the angels from above,

And promised you unending love.

Each night I lay you down to sleep,

I gently kiss your head and cheek.

I count your little fingers and toes;

I memorize your eyes and nose.

I linger at your nursery door,

Awed each day I love you more.

Through misty eyes, I dim the light,

I whisper, "I love you" every night.

I loved you from the very start,

You stole my breath, embraced my heart.

As mother and child our journeys begin,

My heart's yours forever little one.

Amelia Rose turns FIVE!

As much as I tried to hold it off, make it not happen, stop the hands of time, my baby turned 5. FIVE! As much as I don't want her getting older, I do love planning her parties!! When I asked her what kind of party she wanted, she said a rainbow party, so rainbow party it was. We invited some of her friends and asked them to wear their favorite color shirt. Everyone looked so cute! And Amelia had the best time! We found these giant pinwheels and bought one for everyone. They were very cute and made the walk in look great!!

Papa Lance and Lucas

Luca is learning how to recycle, papa lance style

life after disney

what did we do after the big D? we hung out, relaxed, tried to get the kids back on a home life schedule! We hung out with our friends too - like Angela, Madison, and Tyler! We went to the museum of transportation with them recently. Lots to see, explore and climb on! It was a little hot, but we had a great time!