Ahhh nature...

There's a really cool nature preserve by our house and this past weekend DH was actually available to go do something with the fam. So we loaded everyone in the truck and went for a walk around the park's lake and saw some waterfalls

The lake isn't very big but it looks promising for the fam to go fishing some day. There's a trail that goes around the whole thing and so we decided, what the heck. Unfortunately, there are a ton of steps and we had the double seated jogger stroller with us for the 2 younger ones. Soooo DH and I each had to take an end and carry this thing up and down these steps. Can we say WORKOUT?! :-) Anyway, while we were huffin and puffin these steps, DD#1 spies 3 turtles basking in the sun (one got bashful and dove out of sight)

And don't mind the yucky water...it's mud from run-off after like 2 days straight of torrential rain.

So DH and I biceps bulging, made it through the steps around the lake and head towards the cascades. A beautiful day, birds singing, wild flowers everywhere and the nice white noise of the rushing water. i could have stayed there all day if I had the chance.

When we get to the cascades I of course whip out the camera for some family pix... Here's my sexy man with the 3 munchkins:

And here's me with the kiddos (a not-so-happy Bubbah):

It's just amazing that God could make all of this earth just as beautiful if not MORE *just* for our enjoyment and His. I mean, how can you NOT appreciate the Maker when you see His handy-work everywhere?

TTFN

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone out there in blogland is having a great Easter! This is the day we celebrate the resuurection of our Lord Jesus Christ! The tomb was empty hallelujah!

Last night the girls and I decorated eggs. it was fun and they really enjoyed it. I tried to get Bubbah in on it but he jst wanted to eat them. lol that kid loves hard boiled eggs!

Of course DD#2 was sick this morning so we weren't able to go to church. The kiddos woke up and had a few things in their Easter baskets and got to go threw the house looking for plastic eggs Mommy and Daddy hid for them. Both girls have been BEGGING to go fishing so we got them some Barbie fishing poles, a Disney princess coloring book and a chocolate bunny. DS got a little play tool kit and a small nerf football. Oh all the kids got a small soccer goal complete with cones, gloves for the goalie, and a ball. We tried getting DD#1 in soccer this year but were too late for the sign-ups.

Later on we have some "resurrection eggs" to find. In each egg there's a small something that helps tell the story of the resurrection (a small purple cloth, dice, a nail, etc.) DH and I are going to tell the story after naps. DD#1 and I are the only ones awake!! Oh and DH wanted something besides the typical ham Easter dinner....so we are having home-made chicken enchiladas with rice for dinner. Yumm, I have been on a Mexican Food kick lately so this will be goooooood!! And low fat too, this recipe I have is really yumm and not quite as bad for you as the restaurant enchiladas.

I am 17 weeks and 3 days pregnant today and already feeling like a whale. I know people don't think i LOOK fat but it sure feels that way. I am just so afraid of gaining too much weight and not being able to take it off after the birth. I mean, I am getting close to 30 here and my body doesn't like to work out or shed pounds like it used to. Maybe after I am done nursing I could try the South Beach Diet or something. My friend is have some luck losing pounds and it doesn't seem too difficult of a diet.

I have pictures for you that I will be posting soon, I promise! Until then, have a sweet day!

Big gut Part3

So here I er "we" are at 15 weeks and 5 days. I am actually starting to show a bit and once in awhile can feel the little bean's tiny taps. almost feels like a muscle spasm or something but I know it's bean. You'd think that by #4 I'd be an expert at these things! LOL

I have an appointment on thursday so I will let you know what happens.

If you want to see my progress you can look

Belly part1

belly part2

Field Trip

I got to be a driver for my DD's field trip to the Fire Dept. I had to take DD#2 and DS with me. The kids got to watch a fire safety movie and tour the fire house to see where the fire fighters eat and sleep. And then they got to see the fire trucks and go inside for a minute.

DD#1 had a good time but poor Rhi was scared. One of the firemen put on all his gear O2 mask and all and that was a tad too much. But it was good that they did that and told the kids that this guy was there to help him and not to run away from him or be scared. I never thought of that, that during an emergency the kids are stressed enough and to see a big dude in a mask would just seem like a big monster.

So, do you guys have a plan in casr of fire? This has really made me think. We don't have a fire plan/drill but I am planning on making one and practicing soon. And posting all the emergency numbers by the phones.

The kids' bedrooms are on the 2nd story and there's only 1 door to the livingroom. If there's a fire in the kitchen the kids might have to jump out of their windows!! So I have heard of ladders or blow-up slides that you can attach to the windowsill so they don't jump and kill themselves, KWIM? So I will go look that up and let you know what I find.

Anyway, here's a few parting shots of my kids and DD#1's friends. TTFN