Been Busy

It seems like it has been pretty busy around here. The days go by way too fast. So, I thought I would catch you up with what we have been up to these past few weeks.

FREEZIN' PEACHES

It is high peach season on the Western Slope in Colorado.

The past 2 years I have attempted to freeze peaches like Brett's Aunt Helen. Let me tell you that if you are lucky enough to get frozen peaches from Aunt Helen, then you ought to play the lottery. They are so delicious - we can't get enough of them. So I decided to take a few pics through the process.

Fresh Peaches - Yum!

All the left over junk.

Sliced but not sweetened......yet.

A little Sugar goes a long way.

Those beauties are on their way to the freezer so we can eat them in the middle of winter. (yes!)

Toothless Tiger

In other news.....Kai lost her first tooth. She can't find it though. It is somewhere between school and home - or it could be in her tummy.

Lookin' good Kai.

Back to School Fiesta

Okay - so its really not a fiesta - just an annual get together with the cousins. But this time it was special because all 11 cousins got to spend some time playing together at grandmas. I can't get over how adorable they all are.

Kalid, Abuzaid and Lainey are all the newest additions to the Larsen fam. They fit right in.

Of course a baseball game always seems to break out. It seems that Gpa is the only one that can pitch to Kai so she can hit it.

Here's Lainey telling her dad how it is....

And Great Grandma agreeing with her....

"CAPED CRUSADERS"

The newest update on the twins is that they are up to no good. Wait a minute....haven't I said that before?

Okay - so they can climb in and out of their cribs now. Oh holy moly. Nap time and Bed time are totally warped. Plus, when you've just finished feeding the baby at 5am and the twins walk in at 6am saying "Hi Mommy" - well doesn't it make you tired just thinking about it?

They are, in fact, "little monsters."

A friend of mine mentioned that she was surprised they don't work together as a team more. Well, as you might know, 2 year olds don't like to share all that much, but they sure are happy to get into trouble together and laugh at ridiculous things.

Each time I go into their room to try to put them back to sleep, Ben is in Dane's crib and they are giggling themselves to death. I guess you could call that "teamwork."

Ready for Battle.

Brotherly Love

Cody is so darn good with the baby. What a good big brother.

Finishing Projects

Here are Brett's Windows.(3 small ones) Don't they look good?

I have to admit, I had my doubts about adding these windows, but I think it looks really good. I should listen to him more often.

Well, that's the news from Fort Collins. Its not exciting but its what we have been up to lately. Trust me it is a zoo around here - you don't want to know what really happens day to day, so we will just bring you the highlights. Happy Holiday! (Labor Day)

Go Rams

Go Rams!

(sweet crowd, don't you think.)

In January of 2008 I left my job at CSU as an assistant volleyball coach to be a full time mom.

Last night we attended the first match of the season. Us along with over 6,000 other fans (see above photo).

They were awesome and the crowd was amazing. Ben and Dane went absolutely nuts. They couldn't stop clapping, laughing and screaming.

Anyway, I just wanted to put in a plug for my beloved Rammies. Good luck this season and if you get a chance.....go to game. You won't be sorry!

Find Schedule HERE

First Day of School

Thanks to a couple of gracious friends, I was able to take pictures and walk with Cody and Kai on their First Day of School.

(Note - Cody and Kai had different first days - Kinders do it a little differently the first week)

Here's our new 3rd Grader. Do you think he is happy to be back at school?

I know his mom is.

I guess 3rd Grade is when you start doing your own hair and picking your own clothes.

Cool Shoes, though.

Cody at Zach.

Kai's First Day.

All of our kids get a picture by the Pear Tree.

I know she doesn't look excited but she really was. She said her favorite part of the day was making a new friend. She couldn't remember her name, though. That's okay, she couldn't remember Lainey's name for the first 4 days either.

Thanks Mom!

Here's to you mom.

We always love when Grandma comes, but we (me) were very grateful she came to help us when little Lainey was born.

Grandma with the whole crew.

I love baby feet.

If Lainey survives the "help" from Dane and Ben, then we know she can survive just about anything.

I have to say that Ben especially loves his little sister. He really does. You can see it on his face above.

All my kids have my husband's beautiful brown eyes.....we'll see how Lainey's turn out.

What do you think - blue or brown?

She couldn't be sweeter - could she?

Grandma became Ben and Dane's best friend. She took them everywhere and they climbed, mowed and picked everything in sight.

This is Dane thinking about climbing in with the Cows. You know how much Dane loves his cows. Although his imitation of "moo" leaves a lot to be desired.

I love my easy going Kai.

Maybe Cody and Ben are actually twins?

Cody is helpful beyond measure. He read to Dane and Ben for 30 minutes this morning so I could feed Lainey without distraction. What a kid.

Really - I don't know how my mom did it. This first full day without her was a little dicey. The twins cried almost the whole day and were not very happy with me. Not sure exactly why, but that is the essence of the twins - crying for no apparent reason. Dane would be happy to tell you why, but it only comes out in this cave man sounding "Doh-Doh-Doh!!"

Lucky for us Lainey is good.

Two Days Late is Too Much

Lainey Kate Larsen

7lbs 12 oz

July 22nd - 2:13am

She must have gotten word that she was late, because she came rather quickly after that. Brett and I checked in at the hospital at 1:30am and Lainey was born 43 minutes later.

I don't even know what to say - she is such a sweet little baby and our house seems like such a circus. Hope she can adapt!

Thanks Terri for the cute photos and bows :)

Wednesday

"Lucy" - 1 Day Late.

(Cute tin can family with new addition - thanks to Mollie Smith)

Never had a late baby or even an on time baby for that matter. I guess I should be grateful for the new experience.

I did have a thought though, this morning. I have a few loose ends to tie up - or at least that I would like to tie up before she comes. I would like to clean out my bathroom, scan all non-digital pictures, finish a couple of projects and a few other things. Maybe she has some things she needs to finish up too. I am sure they are more important than cleaning her bathroom. Perhaps she needs to visit some special friends and family before she arrives. Maybe there are important messages to deliver or goodbyes to say? In any case, who am I to try to cut short those important tasks? I could just do what I should and get ready. She'll be here before we know it.

Our Unfinished Project #1 - Windows in the basement

Unfinished Projects #2.....

And #3

In any case, we are just waiting to see what happens. No plans for induction right now.

Not so fast

Clouds out our back window.

My dad came to visit us this weekend and made it special.

Thanks Dad!

I thought that might inspire "Lucy Larsen" to make an appearance - alas, she will come when she wants and no sooner.

"Lucy" is due on Tuesday, but we will see....I think that I would like to wait instead of push her hand. Just gotta trust that there is a plan in all of this.

In the meantime, we visited a water park in the 100 degree heat.

The kids had a blast and it was fun to watch them.

Benjo just missed getting it in the face.

Dane opted for the direct "facial" spray.

They all loved it in the end.

We will let you know what happens with "Lucy" - Just know that I am not hopeful for the "sooner rather than later" scenario.

Have a great one.