Day 2 Adaptation--Emma's Hair

Emma's Hair I decided to try and get another day out of Emma's latest hairstyle. So. . .I connected the braids. I think I like this better. Wish I had tried it first so it didn't look so sloppy for the picture. A couple of times today Emma expressed concern that her hair was gone. In fact, after I put her to bed, she began crying. When I checked on her, she said, "It's falling out." I asked her what was falling out. She said, "My hair." I think because she couldn't get ahold of any of it to twirl in her little fingers, she was afraid that it was gone. I took her into the bathroom and showed her how it was braided and that it was still there. Poor thing! Funny though.

Chores. . .

I have really been trying to get a schedule going with my children and expect more from them. It's tough sticking to it, but things have been running better around here. The boys are expected to get up, make their bed, brush their teeth, get dressed and make sure their rooms are clean. Emma needs to be dressed and ready (with my help) and her room needs to be clean (she's pretty good at that one all by herself). Around 9AM, I put Isaiah down for his morning nap, have Emma play in her bedroom (or sit while I fix her hair) while I help Damian read and Gehrig practice the piano for 30 minutes. We set a timer and go until it rings. The boys are both improving with their piano and reading! After their meals, the boys are expected to clear, rinse and load their dishes. Throughout the week, I have them help me clean bathrooms, vacuum, sweep, sort and fold laundry, etc. It's so tempting to do many of these things for them because it would be much faster, but I want them to learn these skills and I think it's good for them. I let the boys watch a movie while doing laundry yesterday. I just love to see them learning how to work!

More Fun with Emma's Hair

Emma's Black EyeS

Within two days of each other, Emma received two black eyes from one big brother! Yeah, it's risky hanging out with Gehrig. The first time, apparently he was swinging his arm around in circles with a rock in his hand and she stepped into the line of fire. That accounts for the slight black eye and scrape on the left side. The second black eye (and the most colorful) she received by getting in the middle of a game of catch with a rock! What is it with my boys and rocks? I told them that they'd be in big trouble if I saw them playing with rocks again. She's one tough cookie!

A Visit from the Campbells

I bought this tricycle with Isaiah in mind, but Emma has taken possession of it. I think she looks so cute in this dress that matches her little ride!

This car has been a lot of fun for our kids.

The Campbells came to visit us last week. It was a very pleasant evening, so we visited outside while the children played. They served a mission in Lou's hometown many years ago and have been good friends ever since. We appreciate their friendship so much. They only live about 5 minutes away, so they have been surrogate grandparents to our children.

Playing in the Rain

We had so much fun in the rain last week! Annie, Alex & Kimberly came over to play in the rain with us. I thought it was so cute how Gehrig and Isaiah didn't care about the umbrellas, they were just happy to be playing ball in the rain. Isaiah is running after his loose ball (can you see it?).

Emma, Kimberly & Annie (Aren't they so cute?)!!!

When naptime came around, I let the big boys stay up and weed in the rain. Aren't I the nicest Mom ever?!! :) They had a blast weeding under umbrellas, listening to their music.

This is Isaiah stomping a puddle as he runs for his ball.

Notice the definition in his arms. He's a buff little dude!I should have taken pictures of Gehrig playing basketball. He has just turned on to basketball. About a week or two ago I let Gehrig and Damian watch Space Jam (the movie with Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny). Ever since, Gehrig has been practicing and talking about how he wants to be a famous basketball player. Damian is having fun with it too, but isn't quite so serious about it. And Isaiah loves to follow in their footsteps.

The Harris Kids--6 Boys & a Girl!

Lou's twin brother's family was here in Utah for a bit spending time with Suzanne's family. They invited us to visit Saturday evening. We had a great time eating a delicious meal outside at Suzanne's parents' beautiful new home (on the edge of an orchard). It was pretty hard getting a picture of all the kids together, so I just went with these while they were all being entertained by the TV.

Gehrig III, Isaiah, Damian, Davion, Xavier, Gehrig & part of Emma (she wasn't cooperating at all for a picture).

It probably goes without saying, but our poor children have a hard time knowing who's being called, scolded, etc. with all the similar names. . .we'll give their daddies the credit for that one! :)

I love this picture of Gehrig III and Isaiah. I wish we could spend more time together so we could get to know each other better.


It's always interesting to see what Len's children do when Lou shows up and their daddy isn't in town (since they're identical twins). Xavier had an easier time adjusting to Uncle Lou Daddy (if I remember correctly, that is what he called him) this trip. It's hard for the little ones to understand the twin concept at such a young age. It was really cute how he'd come running up to Lou whenever he was upset by something, getting comfort from this man who looks so much like his daddy.

Emma & Xavier are about a month apart in age.

Gehrig III and Damian are about 3 months apart (Gehrig's the older one).

Here's Aunty Suzanne helping Isaiah out. It was really fun to see them all again! Can't wait to do it again.

Isaiah fell asleep on the way home. I just thought he looked so cute over his daddy's shoulder!

Pineview Reservoir (Ogden Area)

I'm so grateful that I didn't let the gas prices (it was a 2 hour round trip) and the $10 entrance fee to Pineview Reservoir stop me from joining my friends today! What a blast! It was worth all the effort and cost to go. . .can't you tell?

I'm not sure the temperature of the water could have been better. It was just cool enough to be refreshing, but warm enough to play in all day long if you wanted to (which my kids did--I actually had to drag them out kicking and screaming 5 hours later!).

It was so nice to have so many great young ladies around to help out with the kids. Thank you!

The little ones loved to play in the water (or at least at the water's edge), but when they got out, they were cold. I showed them how to cover each other in warm sand. Emma was a quick study! :)
Gehrig and Damian had a blast in the water (and out). Thanks to all of the friends that were there and especially to those who arranged this fun day; and Mindy and Morgan for traveling with me (I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of them). It's always fun when our friends who have moved come back to visit (like Jody and her family).