The year of 2011 is always going to be a memorable year for our family. In the last four months we have had a new baby, a new job, a new adventure in buying our first home and now the kids are settling into their new school.
Phew.
What a crazy ride these last several weeks have been. I am relieved we survived and made it through that whirlwind. Things are still pretty busy around here and we still have boxes that need unpacking, but finally we are settling into our new life and adjusting to our new routines … though I can’t wait until the gym can become a regular part of my mornings again. Just a few more weeks until that can happen.
I am absolutely LOVING our new home! I knew it would be great to have more space and to finally have a fully fenced back yard, but it is more than I could have ever hoped for! I am feeling abundantly blessed and I am incredibly grateful for all we have been given.
The kids have adored being away from the city a bit and they can’t get enough of all the “wildlife” they are seeing – mommy deer with babies by their side, frogs, snakes, lobsters and more. It is actually quite cute to hear the two older boys say their prayers because they thank Heavenly Father for all the wildlife they have seen (while also listing all the animals they have noticed) and then they proceed to ask Him to help them see more of it 
!! It warms my little heart, especially since I was a Biology major and teacher. We love nature around here!
I was a bit nervous about the kids starting a brand new school. After all, Keri only has only one year left before she starts middle school and Cory has a tough time with change in general. He had such a stellar year for kindergarten that I was worried that changing schools and making new friends might just be too much for him. However, both kids are acclimating nicely to their new school.
Cory ready to begin first grade. (I tried to get him to smile or be silly for his picture, but he wanted none of that.)
Keri excited to start 5th grade, her last year of elementary school.
Eli overly distraught that he couldn’t get on the school bus with his older siblings. (By the way, Rudy loves his new job. Hooray for wonderful employers!)
And in other news, Ari had his 4 month check up. He weighed in at 18 lbs 4 ounces. No wonder he is wearing size 12 month clothes. He is the average size of a 12-18 month old!
He is an extremely happy and smiley baby. Ari giggles and laughs constantly and those precious sounds simply melt your heart. Apparently, though, we have been too much on the go lately. He needs more tummy time … I guess tummy time isn’t over rated like I have always claimed it to be 
!!
This is one of my new favorite photos. That grin and the way Ari’s eyes light up is just priceless!
I’m so happy to see so much happy in the life of you and your sweet family! This post just made my day! I knew that the change to a house would be amazing when it happened for you guys, and even more so now that you have one that’s truly yours! Sounds like your kiddos are enjoying the nature there the way our girls enjoy the nature up here. We’ll have to visit each other’s back yards. Soon. =)
I’m really glad everyone is settling in better than you expected. A job, a house, a new place to explore. Sounds wonderful!
What beautiful children! We live out in the country and my kids love the wildlife, too. Every day they point out different animals they saw and my little one names all the animals. The sandhill cranes are Bert and Ernie and their babies are always Steve. It never gets old.
1) C & K look darling on their first day of school.
2) The pic of A & K is PRICELESS! A is so handsome!
3) 4th kids prob are lucky to get “tummy time”!
4) Isn’t it a shame for the little ones to get left behind? Poor little E! It’s just not fair!
5) The city is over-rated. I love me some “country”, m’self! I’m glad you’re getting a fix of it!
6) Your home sounds perfect for you. Same with the job. You guys deserve the best.
7) LOVE YOU!
Congratulations on you new place! It sounds like you are settling in well. I loved the pictures too!
S-o-o-o-o-o-o happy for all of you! Thanks for posting the photos – it’s especially nice to see new pictures of the baby – he’s changing so much! Love to you!
Yippee!!! Beautiful family and wonderful new things happening!!!
Hooray for happy & successful transitions! It is always amazing what a difference a little bit of breathing room can make when you’re a mom of little ones! Although your older ones are not quite so little anymore
…but neither are mine, I suppose. Having P start middle school was the first time I have felt anxious about my kids going to school, but she loves it! Now if we could just get her to remember all her stuff for PE, band, etc….
Glad things are going well for you guys! We will have to get together again next time we are in your neck of the woods!
Love the first day of school pictures! They look so grown-up! So glad to hear how much you are loving your house. We definitely need to come visit! It has been way too long!