A lot of pictures to catch up.

These days get away from me so quickly. They are good days and long days and hard days and faster than fast days. 

As of right this minute, Benjamin is 8 and growing so much. Not just in size, but he is literally growing up and it's so bittersweet! He is such a good helper. He started playing baseball. He's in second grade and ready for summer! He loves science and reading things about science. He wants to work for NASA when he grows up. Benjamin wanted to make some money to save up for something, so he started cleaning out storm shelters for $10 on the weekends! He made $45 and was able to buy his long awaited technology device!

Andrew is 5, going on 15. But he will really be 6 in just a few weeks! It's been harder for me to watch Andrew get older than B.  I suppose you anticipate your older to always be older.  But Andrew growing is just a humble reminder that they don't stay babies. Andrew loves to play and play hard. He likes ninjas and legos and dressing up in whatever he thinks looks cool that day. He is in preK, but thinks he is in high school. ;) He usually styles his hair just so. 

Elise is 3 and we will survive it, I just know it! Somedays she seems so little and other days she must be closer to 23 that we realize. She loves helping and taking care of/bossing Caleb around. Although, she is also terrified of Caleb because he hits and bites her. Elise has a mind of her own and knows her opinions well. She loves babies and clothes and her blankie. She is a great sleeper and still sucks her thumb. She is a lover and so very compassionate and sweet. Her favorite color is pink, her favorite animal is an elephant and her favorite movie is Sing. Also, she misses nothing ever. 

Caleb is 20 months and quite a character.  He loves hard and plays hard and throws tantrums hard. He loves to be held and trying to keep up with the big kids. He sleeps pretty good and eats pretty poorly.  If he has no snacks whatsoever, he will eat great -- but he's always hungry and gets snacks. Caleb is the reason our pantry door is rigged closed :) Caleb is funny and has great rhythm. He loves monkeys and his blankie and his paci. Caleb gets so angry and also gives the sweetest hugs and kisses. 

Below is a random assortment of pictures from the last 3-4 months! :) 

I went to Chicago with KM and it rained. 

BUT we saw Hamilton, so best weekend no matter what. 

Caleb is destructive. 

Elise and Caleb love bathrooms. Bleh and ugh.

Elise loves to paint my nails and loves when I do hers!

Tea time with my girl.

They have a super sweet and super stressful relationship. I'm really glad they have each other!

See note about pantry above in Caleb's section. 

Making the most of daily chaos.

I literally think Elise is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. 

Benjamin enjoys helping in the kitchen and creating. 

Taking the baby thing to a new level.

First job, first pay!

Learning that saying "I'm bored" over and over will lead you to work. 

Pink Dance Party!

Elise asked very persistently for a "pink dance party" for her birthday.  She has been waiting {not} so patiently for this day to come!  It's so hard to believe my girl is THREE! She is such a treasure to us, to me.  She was my easiest delivery, our strongest willed child and the most girly little princess!

Elise is kind and compassionate.  She is feisty and opinionated.  She is vibrant and expressive. She will talk constantly if you give her the opportunity {and sometimes even when you don't}. She loves to sing and dance and play with dolls. She likes to snuggle on the couch and run errands to Target or Trader Joe's.  She likes to help, but also likes her own way.  She can be so sassy and then be so sweet.  We often say that this is Elise's world and we are just living in it :)  And that's a fairly true statement.

Elise loves to take care of Caleb. Sometimes it works out great for both of them and most of the time Caleb ends up crying because she squeezes a little too tight or tells him "NO" a little too loud.  Elise loves Benjamin and admires him so.  She and Andrew enjoy/tolerate one another.  They fight the most between all the kids.  Yet, Andrew is a safe place for her and he loves her well.

Elise is still a daddy's girl through and through.  It's been so sweet to have her develop a desire to spend time with me lately, though.  She loves to wear makeup and dress up.  Elise wears a ballerina dress most days and rarely wears pants these days. Her currents goals are to go to school and take a dance class -- she asks for both daily. 

Elise lights up our days.  She is a treasure and a delight.  She is so different than the boys and I say that a lot, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  She is who she is and it is fabulous! Even on hard days and tantrums and meltdowns and when she is absolutely inconsolable, she is our girl and she is such a gift to our family.

Here are some pictures from her party!!!!

Elise was a little scared/dramatic about the candles. 

friends + cake!

Elise's favorites!

Me and my girl and her girl.

Talking.

Twirling.

Dancing to "Let it go"!

Such a {short} fun dance party! All these kiddos has some great moves!

Pink decorations and pink presents. 

The very pink cookie cake Elise requested.

Snacks and treats! and pink.

Opening presents was a slow and thoughtful process for Ellie!

AND here are some random pictures of our sweet girl! Everyday is a fantastic adventure with Elise!