Peace

It's a quiet evening at home and I wanted to record it. 

 Declan sitting on the floor and playing with anything in reach. 

 Claire looking at magazines on our window bench.

Daddy falling asleep on the couch while snuggling Fiona.  Chandler is curled up near his legs on the other side of the couch.

This is peace and calm and happiness. 

This is family.

10 months!

10 months old! 

Our Little Lady

We went to the park today and I was just struck by how beautiful Fiona is.  She is such a little lady and ball of spitfire all rolled into one.  She can keep up with her big siblings, but loves a cuddle.  She plays mama with her dolls and loves on her baby brother but loves playing with Chandler's cars.  She is turning into the most interesting little person. 

Sleepy

I think someone was tired.  (It's only 7pm!)

Hiking!

We went hiking this weekend.  We try to have one "family day" a week depending on Daddy's work schedule.  This weekend we went up to the old fire lookout and tried to find a waterfall.  We didn't find the waterfall, but we still had fun!

 Gorgeous, isn't it?

 An actual picture of me!  I should have turned a bit so you could see Declan on my back.  

 We live in a beautiful place.

 At the lookout!

 Picnic off the trail

 Declan got to get out and stretch his legs too.  

 Fiona getting a ride.

My precious family

New Babies!

 New babies around the "farm"!   We had a broody hen and I left 8 eggs under her.  3 hatched!  Out of curiosity Claire and I checked the eggs that didn't hatch.  Four were gross and one was developed (feathers and all!) but not alive.  So a 50% fertility rate.  Not bad for 1 rooster and 36 hens!

And one picture of Dulci and her babies too!  Look at that roly-poly cuteness!

3/4 Birthday and the Park!

I'm a slacker mom - but Declan is 9 months old!

He is a total mama's boy with 2 teeth and has just started getting on his hands and knees. 

And one of all my crazies!

Then we headed to get froyo and the park!  Everyone had a lot of fun - even Declan!

Claire's Haircut

Claire was having a hard time taking care of her long hair.  She just couldn't reach all the knots and we compromised by her going to a real adult salon to get her hair cut. 

Before!

Getting her hair cut

And a special treat ... a manicure!

After!  

She looks so grown up and she adores her pretty pink nails.

Field Day!

We had our homeschool co-op's field day - always a fun time! 

I helped Chandler's class though the games so I definitely got more pictures of him doing things, but we all had fun.  

Claire waiting to start

Fiona and friend

Chandler racing

 

Sack race!

My Artists!

Claire and Chandler had their art on display at the library this month.  It was so exciting!  They had a homeschool art class that was wonderful.  I love how these turned out and I plan on framing them and hanging them up in the dining room. 

The top one is Claire's artwork and the bottom one is Chandler's piece.

Planting

We started planting our new raised beds today.  Can't wait to have fresh veggies ...

Big Girl Bed!

Fiona got her Big Girl Bed!

She loves it and slept well!