Oh how fast things can change...

It's kind of a bitter sweet thing... change. It's crazy too how fast things can change. Just this week, the baby (almost 13 mo) of our family decided to take her first steps! I cannot believe it. And although she hasn't "taken off" yet, I don't think it will be long... even more I hope it's not long before she decides it's the way to go. She is so strong willed so no form of encouragement will sway her from her lightening speed crawl until she decides it's time. How can she be walking... it feels like the baby stage is coming to a close. I will soon have to take the bottle away and then it seems like she will officially be a toddler. I honestly can't say I long for the baby stages but when they are over, it's still brings a sadness with the joy.

Also, this week, Hannah and Bekah (2 1/2 years old) decided it may be ok to use the potty. Yesterday in fact was a big break through; they decided they liked underwear! I thought at the beginning of the week it was a fluke, but as of last evening, I think it's worth working on. I would love to have 2 less children in diapers for many reasons. But this too would end a season and make them seem more like preschoolers. These are all things I'm proud of and thankful for but wondering too how this next stage will feel.
Jack too is growing up so much. As we all count, say the ABC's, learn letters and numbers I'm amazed and overwhelmed by the amount of things children learn in such a short period of time.
So things are changing fast but I hope all for the good...

She's back!

In Jack's words..."our Emily" is back. We are so blessed to have Emily (my husband's cousin) here again this summer. She lives with my in-laws along with her brother who is helping on the farm. She comes to our house twice a week to take care of the kids, help with chores and bring extra joy into our lives. She is so fun to have around. I feel like I will get to know her better and just enjoy her presence this summer as last summer Julia's was a newborn and I was consumed with her care.

We have already had some adventures... we went to our local county park yesterday and played, did some swinging and swimming but I forgot towels, lifejacket, etc. It was still fun especially for our first real summer day. It was high humidity and 90 degree temps so we played in water all day and cooked outside plus tried to stay hydrated.

They are a tough crowd but they had fun. We didn't get pics of the sprinkler or appliance moving for cleaning (long story with laughter) but they were great too. I plan to repaint my entry so we started with removing some uppercase living letters from the wall and Emily transferred them to a mirror so I can still use them in the redecorating process... this will be separate post.
Anyway... we are so glad to have Emily with us again this summer. I hope to document her stay better this time around.
Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July weekend! Enjoy.