Boys and Babies

The following conversation recently took place with Thatcher. It's the first conversation he's had with me regarding where babies come from.

Thatcher: "Was I the first one here?"

Mom: "No. Who came to our family first?"

Thatcher: (with a smile) "Ryley...Kadyn....me.......then Haley?"

Mom: "Yes. Good job."

Thatcher: "Were you like, "ahhhh, look at all these babies"?

Mom: "No." (trying not to laugh) "You were all a few years older when the next baby came along."

Thatcher: "Did you have to drive far to get the baby out?"

Mom: "No. You go to the hospital and there is a doctor who helps the Mommy get the baby out."

Thatcher: "Oh. (thinking) Does the Mommy slam herself into a wall and the baby pops out of her neck?"

Mom: "Ummm." (trying not to laugh) "No. She works really hard and the baby comes out."

Thatcher: "Of her tummy?"

Mom: "Yes."

Thatcher: "Oh. O.K." (runs off to play)

Short Sometimes Stinks

As we continue to learn the in's and out's of this beautiful town we can at least announce that every box is unpacked and every item set in it's place. After moving five times Steven and I have a pretty efficient system worked out. We tend to start with the toy room and add any additional forms of entertainment possible so that we have ample time to finish the rest of the home.

Steven built a monster tunnel with our first load of boxes and the kid's went nuts. We practically didn't see them for the first few days and when I started taking it apart this morning tears began to fall. I felt like the meanest Mom on earth. It's just, I wanted to see what the living room looked like. When I told them I would leave the boxes in the garage and have Dad set it up another day they were pacified. At least I know what their getting for Christmas now. Hey, why not!?

In addition, we took multiple breaks to check out the local parks and pools. We found a fantastic park with an huge splash pad attached just five minutes from the house. It was such a great set up I couldn't believe it was free.

We also tried out the new water park in town. It was a lot of fun, however, due to height restrictions the kiddos were banned from using a large amount of the facilities, i.e. slides, water trampoline. Even Ryley didn't meet the 48" rule but occasionally was able to slip by. After three hours we headed home with Kadyn and Thatcher in tears. They were tired of being turned away. I don't blame them. I explained they had the "curse" of short parents and if they were out of booster seats by age 12 they should consider themselves lucky. We past our great sprinkler park on the way home and all sorrows quickly faded - no height requirements there!

Steven's tunnel creation

He added even more to this end. It turned and went into the kitchen.

Inside the tunnels you could also find dead ends and various doors.

Before Leaving Bartlett

The day we returned home from our cruise Thatcher Steven Ballard turned the big 4!

I cannot believe our boy is already so grown up.

He loves to have his sisters read to him, he loves to play with his sisters, and he loves to participate in anything that his sisters are doing.

Basically, he loves (as he calls them) "the guwls".

For gifts he received what every young boy needs.

A lightsaber, a Star Wars watch, legos, and an Indiana Jones whip.

He is our monkey and adds the excitement and energy that a house full of girls needs.

(I'm told when they're older that roles reverse and boys become more laid back while girls may take on a more.....emotional role.

Is this true? Don't answer that.)

Happy Birthday Thatchie Boy.

We love you!

Thatch (6 months)

We also played with our friends at a splash park, hit the drive in,

checked out a museum, and Mom had one last girls night out.

It was a full week of fun.

We miss our Bartlett family already.

Toy Story 3

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

Olive Garden, then the long awaited premiere of.... Ramona and Beezus of course!

Just kidding! (We went to Chili's) :)

Disney Cruise '10

Alright, we had to do it again. It was SO much fun the first time, and with fellowship immediately following our year at Ft. Riley, we had a good "excuse" not to let the opportunity pass by. The second time? Even better! Maybe since we knew what to expect and how to make the most of our time, but either way it was fun, relaxing, and beautiful.

This time we took my Mom along with us. Since my Dad passed away she has not taken opportunities to do all of the many adventures they had hoped to complete together. It took some convincing but she agreed to give it a shot. Did she like it? Let's just say her next cruise is already being planned.

My Mom loved watching Haley the first time as she was too young to go herself. With the decision to take Mom however, Steven and I knew we needed someone special for Haley J to hang out with for the week. Teresa is my great friend and neighbor, and volunteered enthusiastically to keep Haley.

Ryley, Kadyn, and Thatcher had the best time ever. Ten months did wonders for Thatchers ability to enjoy the constant activities. We had to frequently coax them away from all the excitement just to see them. It truly was a wonderful trip that will not be soon forgotten!

This guy was hilarious. Thatcher chased him with his sword and he ran around the whole room.

I LOVE Kadyn's pose too.

Digging for whale bones

"Yea, I went down the slides"

Thatch fell asleep at dinner one night so they made a bed and covered him with a tablecloth.

Kadyn creating flubber

Thatch becoming a pirate

The Black Pearl. It's now "parked" at Disney's private island.