Exciting News

 Well, I'm dusting off the ol' blog! I can't believe it's been a year. I'm hopeful as I update with current events, I can go back and fill in the gaps. 

So, the most exciting news was one we got on Father's Day.

 See that faint plus sign? Yeah, just barely. But it was sure fun to surprise Benj on his special day.

Pretty crazy we're adding one more to the mix.

These kids really are so excited to have a new baby in the family. Even Max seems to get it and asks daily in his baby voice if there's a baby in my tummy.

Here's a close up of our little nugget - right around 10 weeks. It is always nerve racking for me to wait for that first doctor appointment. It was such a relief to hear the baby's heartbeat and see it on the ultrasound. He/she even gave us a little wave and I fell in love immediately. 

Due date: FEBRUARY 28TH, 2017

My first trimester was similar to what I experienced with my other three. No morning sickness, just had a bit of that icky, bleh feeling, food didn't sound good, I'd have to eat first thing in the morning, and my energy was completely gone (goodbye morning workouts). I am thankful to have good pregnancies, as I know a lot of women aren't so fortunate. 

Here's my first belly shot, right around 12 weeks when I started to notice a little bump.

Enter the 2nd trimester and I'm feeling even better. No nausea, a little more energy and a growing belly. I got this fun maternity shirt that counts the weeks of pregnancy. I'm showing even more now than in this picture, so I feel I can wear it more often. Here's 14 weeks.

On September 13th, we went to the doctor to find out the baby's gender. We didn't take the kids with us and once we found out, we couldn't wait to share the news. Here we are revealing baby's gender while gathered for Max's birthday. 

We're so excited that we'll be having another GIRL! Norah was elated, the boys have warmed up to the idea, and Benj and I couldn't be more thrilled. I'd be happy with a boy too, but it's fun to make it even and to think about have 2 daughters.

My last picture is a bit funny, but one I wanted to document because: 

1-My mom is cute and thoughtful and 2-I think they're fun (and comfy)

I have a couple goals I want to make mention of before baby girl comes:

1 - Decide on a name

2 - Redecorate the baby's room, including painting the walls, crib and dresser

3 - Sort through Norah's clothes, as well as the boys

4 - Declutter and simplify our home

5 - Catch up on the blog! As well as organize current photos and videos

6 - Plan a fun vacation before baby girl arrives at the end of February

That's not much, right? Haha. At least I will know what will keep me busy over the next 5 months!

Max's 3rd Birthday

 Max had a fun birthday weekend! On Sunday we had family over to celebrate with us (Great Grandma Bradshaw celebrated her birthday with us too). Even Grandpa and Grandma Croft and Andy made it down from Idaho after dinner.

Here's the birthday boy checking out his presents. He got spoiled with a Hot Wheels race track, train set, 2 firetrucks, a Blaze monster truck movie, Cars shirt and multiple toy cars. Noticing a trend?

In fact, the birthday boy even got a Cars cake. He was so excited!

 Trust me, he was excited. Excited as he could be for being a little under the weather.

Loved this photo of Max with cousin Colton and Logan.

 The next morning on his actual birthday, he woke up to the tradition of birthday balloons.

 We also have a tradition of a special birthday breakfast. He requested pancakes and eggs.

We had to send Logan off to school and Benj to work, but enjoyed a fun-filled day at the zoo!

Note the new Cars shirt.

Oh, how I love this kid.

One more tradition - birthday dinner. He wanted noodles, so Olive Garden it was. Good choice Max. As you can see, he was pretty happy about it too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAXWELL!

Busy Norah

Norah has a pretty full schedule this year. She has music, preschool and dance class. Busiest 3-year-old I know!

First up music class with Miss Karen.

Max wanted to join in on the picture.

And he's obsessed with the neighbor's cat. Ha!

 Norah went to preschool the next day. She's been waiting 2 long weeks since Logan started school. No fear at all. She has a great teacher and is in a class full of boys. She and another little girl are the only ones in the class.

Last but not least, dance class. This is her second year and she loves it. She takes from my cousin Kalie.

I think she's going to have a busy, fun year!

Max Turns 2

 We had so much fun celebrating our new 2-year-old this weekend!

It's become tradition to surprise the birthday boy/girl with balloons when they wake up.

Max loved it and the older two loved surprising him.

Max came downstairs and immediately fell in love with his new ride.

After riding around for awhile, he opened more gifts - sippy cups, dinosaurs, and a Mr. Potato Head.

He especially loved his dinosaurs.

And LOVED getting candles on his birthday waffles!

After breakfast we took the kids over to the pond to get some photos (I'll save those for another post) and then we went to Logan's soccer game. After lunch and a nap, we headed to our main activity:

KANGAROO ZOO! 

The kids declared it one of the best places ever.

We ate dinner at Chili's where the birthday boy enjoyed a good meal . . .

and even better dessert.

Safe to say Max had a great day. Happy birthday buddy!

Labor Day

 While it seemed a lot of people went out of town for Labor Day weekend, we decided to stay put and enjoy a day together as a family.

We went to one of our favorite places - Cherry Hill!

In our version of mini golf, we don't keep score, balls can be hit, kicked, rolled or replayed as much as we wish. The kids loved it.

We finished our outing with some dinner and  ice cream at Arctic Circle.

Norah preferred my blizzard to her cone.

All in all a fun day in "halibut town". :)