Bike-Riding Family Day

These pictures are from one Monday back in... late March? early April? Either way, it was one of the first Mondays that we had good weather here, and we took the kids to a nearby park so they could get in some bike riding. It was a beautiful afternoon.

It was also the first day Graham ever wore shoes of any kind. Had to take a picture of that!

Meg worked on learning to ride with no training wheels...

...while the younger kids hung out in the grass.

Here she comes!

Later, at the playground...

This girl loves her baby brother so much, and they are so sweet together.

Here's to many more outdoor family days to come!

During the Pause

I guess I kind of hit pause on the blog last month, but meanwhile our lives were in fast forward. We've been up to so much over the last few months that I have no hope of ever catching up on individual posts, but for an overview, we:

-started enjoying spring
-battled spring allergies and ants
-made it through another spring youth musical season at church
-went on a whole bunch of field trips
-did another semester of Adventure Academy, where Meg, Matthew and Esme took classes and I taught one
-wrapped up Meg's art class
-continued with our geography co-op
-babysat for friends
-enjoyed visits from out-of-town family
-dealt with Graham's many food-allergy reactions, including two that sent us to the ER
-hung out with cousins
-had our annual Spring Celebration with the Nalles and Spruills
-went on a wonderful ladies' retreat (me), had some great Daddy time (kids), and went solo at home with four littles for three days (Dave)
-picnicked with friends and family
-got first haircuts
-started planning/praying for our next school year
-shopped for warm-weather shoes
-dealt with disgusting poop disasters
-experienced a whole bunch of changes in our church small group, and more...

In the midst of all that, we remembered to take at least some pictures... I hope to begin posting them soon!

12 Hours

That's about how long Graham slept last night, straight through, with no wake-ups. No demands for feedings, medications, or other ministrations from Mommy. First time ever, folks. At almost 15 months.

Of all of our not-very-good-at-sleeping-through-the-night babes, Graham has so far been the toughest. As of his first birthday, he still woke up to nurse as much as three times each night. Needless to say, I am very, very grateful for the improvement these last three months have brought. He is now apparently fully weaned (we cut him off from that last feeding three nights ago), visibly gaining weight, and sleeping better (even while getting a whole bunch of teeth). Praise the Lord!

Easter Dinner at Mom and Dad's