Birthday Boy!

I'm having a hard time believing Ari is 6 years old now!  He had a great day at school including a special visit for lunch from yours truly and his sister and brother.  We got his homework out of the way as soon as possible and once Daddy was home from work it was present time!  Tomorrow will be our annual Olive Garden celebratory dinner.

I don't know if it's the age or the fact that he's in Kindergarten or both, but he seems so grown up suddenly!  The best part is his big, tender heart continues to grow with him and shows itself more often now.  I am so blessed to call Ari my son!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!  I love you!

18 Months

Our sweet baby boy is one and a half today!  About two weeks ago he took some independent steps, but hasn't really cared to walk since then.  He's been cruising a lot more and loves to push his little walker toy around the house.  I know he's getting close, but a part of me also sees physical therapy in our future.  I'm not worried either way.  There are definitely pros and cons to both scenarios!

Aside from the physical stuff, Asher is a typical little toddler.  He still eats fairly well and talks up a storm.  According to my speech therapist sister, he's advanced in the talking department.  He continues to have a happy and laid-back demeanor which makes our busy life not completely crazy.  He knows how to make us all laugh and can be quite the goofball at times.  Asher is also learning to say "mine" when he wants a toy and his tantrums are on the rise.  Terrible two's here we come!

The weekend before school started I was giving the kids haircuts and decided it was time for Asher to have a trim.  I'm pretty sure I started cutting Keira's hair around this age.  It helped to start her young with just a trim so she could learn how to sit still and cooperate.  Asher did really well after watching Ari and Keira and I did my best to keep it quick.  I also wasn't ready to cut off those sweet curls just yet!  (Please excuse my lack-of-sleep, no make-up, weekend look.)

"I promise not to hurt you!"

What a big boy he's getting to be!  

Home Sweet Home

We've been in our new house for one month now.  Just this weekend we were able to unpack quite a few more boxes and even get some art on the walls.  There's still a long way to go and I'm sure many projects to come.  But it's starting to feel like home and we love it!

Welcome!

 The 2-car garage with 1-car garage beyond

Front entry from inside

Dining room just off the entry (kitchen through the door)

Living room from the entry (excuse my poor photography)

The door on the right leads to the master bedroom/bathroom.  To the left of the couch, just out of the picture, is the hall to the kids' rooms, guest room and hall bathroom.

Kitchen to the right of the fireplace, breakfast area to the left.

Playroom beyond to the left, utility room through the door on the right

Utility room as you enter through the 2-car garage

Desk and command center!

Kitchen overlooking the breakfast area.  The door leads to the back patio.

View of the kitchen from the playroom.  Powder room on the left.

Breakfast area and playroom complete with music equipment

Master Bedroom

Master bathroom

Shower, his side, closet

Closet, her side, toilet

Guest room

Asher's room

Hall bathroom

Ari and Keira's room

An organized closet!

Toys put away!

View of the 1-car garage/Keenan's Man Cave from the patio

Our open view out the back (over the fence is a baseball field and a church's property)

Back patio

So there you have it.  I have so many ideas and lists of things I want to do for each room.  It'll probably be next year before we're able to start on any projects, though.  I'll be sure to post updates as we go!