spring...

Some pictures of life lately. The first several are from our Spring Break. John spent the first weekend in Berne and we made a mid-week trip to Fort T. 

These boys. Every night they insist on falling asleep in their sleeping bags on the floor. 

The four of us went to dinner while Johnny was away. Realized at dinner that we totally matched each other. 

 Swimming, John in Berne, playing at the playground and feeding the ducks.

The Cincinnati Zoo.

And slightly more recently. Coloring eggs, walking her Arch-dog, Easter visitors, and painting his critter house at the IAC.

 

 

lately...

A few recent snapshots of life around here. It's been beautiful the last couple of days. Hoping that Spring is around to stay (finally!).

Obsessed is putting it mildly. Lauren and John cannot get enough of jumping on the bed. Especially since they know they are not allowed!

Playing outside after many months cooped up inside.

 Our children were all baptized the weekend before last. A very special day for us.

And last weekend we surprised Kurt for his 40th birthday in Nashville.

catching up...

So this one's for you, dad. 

I was scolded over the weekend for not updating recently. There just hasn't been too much going on that has been photo worthy.

A couple of weeks ago we went to Berne for a family get-together. While there we visited Josh's uncle's farm and got to see some baby goats (Johnny's FAVORITE!) and cows.

 Miles finished his basketball season last Saturday. At the final program, his coach told Miles that when she thought of him, she thought of Joy. He always had such joy on his face whenever he had that ball. A nice compliment we thought.

 We went to my parents' this weekend. While there we spent a little time down at a cool park on the river. The children loved running and dancing around the amphitheater.

 Little Lauren this morning. She's a character!

 And some random phone pics. The tree that fell soundlessly on our driveway the other week. A random picture that I found on my phone (I love being surprised by Johnny pictures). Toots the cat. The obligatory child in a pot at Renaissance Garden. And the most beautiful sunset we've ever seen from last night. Amazing!

valentine's day...

As in previous years, we celebrated Valentine's Day with a little party after school on Friday. Prior to that, I was able to enjoy breakfast with my Valentines and attend Miles' school party (ADORABLE). Only a couple of pictures as there was way too much movement to capture many more. Lots of sugar + lots of children = LOTS of running around! :)

Our breakfast - 

The party - 

And my little Valentines. The big one wouldn't cooperate for pictures.

milestones...

We've reached a few milestones around here lately. This little lady moved into a big girl bed and a room just for her about a month ago (as opposed to the former office/guest room that was only moderately altered prior to her arrival). She's done pretty well. Only fallen out once, but she does not nap anymore and instead destroys her room. I think we need to play outside to wear her out!

She also is very well on her way to being potty trained. No diapers and pull-ups only for sleeps and when we leave the house. So, no more crib and no more diapers in this house!

Last Monday I noticed that Miles' lower tooth line looked a little janky. It took a minute for me to realize that there was a loose tooth in there. He said it had only loosened that day and by Tuesday afternoon, it was gone. Gone at school, that is. The tooth fairy still found him, and I love his new smile. Such a big boy thing, though!

And this is just because it's cute. John found Josh's high school letter jacket and proudly came downstairs to show it off.