Changing Fast!

 I don't know if you remember a few posts back, when I shared that Esaias liked to watch the cows behind our house. Well, goodbye cows. A couple weeks ago we awoke to tractors and dust, and ever since then the quiet peaceful field behind our house has become a massive movement of dirt and tractors. We're still not quite sure what it's all going to become, but we can only assume that it's the next phase in the new subdivision that we border. It is amazing how fast the landscape and ambiance can change.

 The other thing changing rapidly at our house is this new puppy. Each weekend we realize that Alice has grown another several inches...in height, weight, and length. It is simply astonishing to watch these large breeds grow. I don't know if you can tell the difference from the last pictures, but she at 13 weeks is standing as tall as the couches and chairs. She has outgrown Esaias' little recliner that she liked to lay in. In fact, we already expanded the kennel to it's maximum size. She likes to stretch out at night. And we had to buy her a full size dog bed for the living room. In 2 weeks time, she moved from the small dog section to the large dog section at the dog park. She has past up all the little yappy guys. But she seems to be doing really well around other dogs. We hope to keep that going. We are still working on the not biting/nipping everything. I know...that phase lasts a little while. I will be happy when those baby teeth are gone!

Happy 39th & First Day of School

I celebrated another birthday by ringing in a new school year. My birthday was on Sunday, but pretty much felt like it was just the day before school started. I did get to enjoy a pedicure with my friend Jen and had the best nights sleep I had had in weeks...thanks to a great foot and leg massage. That felt like a pretty good birthday to me. I guess I will spend the year saying goodbye to everything before 40. Kind of seems weird. But lately as I have run into a few strangers, and they have asked about my pregnancy, they have inquired if this is my first baby....hahaha. I like to believe that maybe I don't look as old as I feel. Even if that's not true, don't tell me. Let me live in blissful ignorance that I look to young to have four children and to be turning 40 years old next year. 

I have to just give a shout out to my wonderful hubby, for being my partner and friend through all this last year. He truly is an amazing blessing in my life, and I am so glad I get to grow old with him.

Happy first day of school! Esaias has been going to Roxanne's to be babysat while I work. Roxanne babysat Marina when she was 2 yearsold until she went to kindergarten. It just happened to work out that Roxanne had a last minute opening. What a blessing! Esaias has not cried once to go. And he has even pushed me out the door.  He loves going and  seems very well adjusted. Isaac is off to 7th grade. And both Danny and I were a little shocked to see his new ID badge picture. We thought, "Wow, he looks old." Changing too fast. And Marina happy to start 4th grade with Mrs. Watson. She was Isaac's 4th grade teacher. They are all definitely getting bigger and older. But aren't they still beautiful!?!? Well they are mine anyway...and I love them.

Like Father Like Son

This was one of those priceless moments I was able to catch on film. Esaias is hard to catch in the act of anything spontaneous because he is always moving. But he settled down for a moment to play the piano and sing with Dad. Too Funny!

Enjoying the last week before work & school

 Marina taking pictures of herself.

These pics were taken about 3 days before I had my first meeting and started back to work. As a family, we haven't done near as much this summer, in terms of traveling, and activities...but we sure have enjoyed the back patio, and being outside together. I think we would all agree that it has been a peaceful summer, and that oddly enough we felt like we were still transitioning to the new house. Maybe that's why we spent so much time at home, just getting used to it all????

 Isaac & Ouray chillin'

 Ouray really could careless about anyone, but Danny. Isaac runs a close second since he feeds him and sleeps in his room, but the rest of us are just people he has to live with.

 Okay, so not the greatest shots of me, but I thought for posterity sake I should throw a few in occasionally, and a friend told me I might want one or two of me pregnant. I doubt it, but for my children's sake...I guess I will humor everybody else.

Playful Puppy...and Boy?

 Here is Alice's new perch. It's a good thing that the lounger is long, and gives her lots of room to grow. She might still fit it when she's full grown. Unlike most other places she tries to go, like behind the edge of the coach or under the benches, tables, or beds. Eventually she will have to give up all the other hiding/lounging spots, but maybe not this one.

 Here's the proof. She uses the doggy door. Which has been wonderful for potty training. I've never had a dog use the doggy door before. The only problem is this 1ft x 2ft opening is not going to last forever. I am not sure how this is going to all work out in the winter and as she gets bigger, but she loves being able to go in and out now.

 Another new one for us, Alice plays in the water bowl. Both front paws in. She looks like she is practicing her fishing skills. We will have to see how she fairs out at the lake or the rivers.

Isaac and Marina staging a nice sword fight. It's actually Isaac who still loves to play "imaginary world." He'll probably be mad at me for putting this out to the world, but I have to capture the moments of true youth he still shows. I know that it  won't be long before all that childlike behavior disappears. He has begun to show many signs of adolescence. Danny thinks it's great to see the changes. I have mixed feelings. Especially, when I get the rolling of the eyes and the "Oh Mom" comments and mumbles under the breath. I could live without that. But he has physically grown quite a bit this summer, and looks forward to passing me up. Even his face is changing so quickly, my little fat BOY with round cheeks is fading. But I do see the potential of a handsome and kind young man emerging.
I want to record that he just went on his first week long scout camp at the end of July. Gone from Mom and Dad for 1 whole week. I knew it would be good for him, and I just practiced a lot of faith and tried not to worry or think about what he was doing while he was gone. Of course, he still shared it all with me, upon his return...all the details about shooting guns, rock climbing, hiking a fourteener, fishing, gutting fish, cooking it....and missing his family by Thursday. Yes, I hated the gun part, but got some satisfaction in knowing that he still missed us a little. He came home in one piece, covered in dirt (he did look like a little brown boy that day), talking a lot more "older boy" like, and a few scratches. So I guess, all was well. He had a good time, and a good experience. And, we had the word "freakin'" back out of his vocabulary by dinner.
So, that's why I have to record that he still does play sometimes. He spends most of his time reading, listening to books on tape, and when he can, plays video games, and when forced, or coerced will play with his siblings, but when he needs to get out and expend some energy he's a lot like the puppy. Running around the backyard sword fighting and acting out scenes from his books (hence the term "imaginary world"). So cheers to their still being a playful boy inside that growing adolescent body.