Tyson at 2 1/2 Years Old

 I downloaded some pictures today and had to post these gems of Tyson. What a boy...

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Party

J.D. wanted a TMNT party for his 6th birthday. So, finally had his party a week late since he was sick the week before. But, he had fun, his friends had fun--so I'd say it was a success!

They made "ooze" (Look out...they may be turning into Mutants!)

They decorated cookies to look like mini pizzas.

I had to laugh at this picture...more boys are snacking on the "toppings" than topping their pizza!

J.D. blowing out his candles.

The cake looked like a pizza...and we had green "ooze" to drink.

I did try to get some real food in them but wasn't overly successful. Thankfully, Ryan led them in several mean games of dodgeball--they were trying not to get attacked with ooze. They had a blast and burned off at least some of that sugar buzz! 

J.D. had a great time and we had a blast with all of his little buddies. He, too, has so many great friends here!

Happy 6th Birthday, J.D.!

Sunrises...

 Some people complain about living in the Midwest....about living in the middle of cornfields. But, I'm so thankful--I get to see these beautiful sunrises most mornings. God is Good...

First Day of School!

It's hard to believe--we're back in school already! And, I sent another baby off to school for all-day kindergarten. J.D. had Mrs. Tittle for his Kindergarten class and Alexa has Mrs. Jones for her 2nd grade class. We prayed for a great year for them! And we are so thankful for great teachers to help make this year the best that it can be!

Look at those two. (Can you see why I often get asked if they are twins?!) You laugh, but earlier this summer I had to get their weights for something...and they both weighed 48.4 pounds. Exactly. What are the chances? Two full years between them!

J.D.--I was worried about him because he had been pretty nervous whenever we talked about going to school. But, we had a "back to school" night last night and that helped him a lot. He even told me I could just drop him off and Alexa would show him where to sit and wait in the gym. I was not needed. (Makes me a little sad, but I'm thankful he's ready and independent enough to do that!)

Ty wanted to join in on the action. He had no clue what was going on. After I dropped the kids off at the school, he looks at me and said, "Where day go?" (can you translate that baby talk?!=)

Look at our little second grader...posing...for her first day of school shot. Too funny!

Trip to the Zoo!

Alexa fell in love with the Indy zoo this summer and wanted to go back for her birthday. So, she invited 3 friends and we went for the day. It turned out to be a perfect day. Cool, sunny, and a great little group of girls! It was actually easier having 6 kids than having just my 3 I think!

The animals were all so active and close because of the cooler weather--it was such a fun day!

Look! Ty finally escaped from the stroller for a short bit! A little baby elephant walked right up to that window. So fun!

The girls' favorite part were the dog sharks. We went back a second time. The first time through, a couple of the girls were pretty timid about sticking their fingers in to pet the shark...but the second time around, they were anything but timid! They loved it! (and thankfully, no one fell in=)

In the Butterfly house. Bridgette was such a great helper with Ty. Made my day much easier!

How cool is that?

I'm so thankful for these sweet girls in Alexa's life. She is so lucky to have such a great group of friends (which extends far beyond this small group) at her school. But these girls did such a great job making Alexa feel special for her birthday, had tons of fun together, giggled a lot. and were just a joy to be around!
Happy 8th Birthday, Alexa!

Birthdays

It's a busy week in our house. Two birthdays just six days apart! Just got home from vacation and school starts this week.

I feel like a rotten mom. JD's birthday was earlier this week--and we did celebrate--but I don't have any pictures. In my defense, half the family had a flu bug, so I think I was in survival mode. But, JD did have a great birthday and was thrilled to turn 6! He got some Legos and some Ninja Turtle things. We postponed his birthday party with his friends until next week.

Our sweet baby girl turns 8!

Tyson is having the best week of his life with all these birthdays...and cupcakes with frosting!=)

Alexa got a lot of American Girl Doll things for her birthday this year. She walked around the house grinning form ear to ear for a week--she was so happy!

Our Ham...I mean, 3rd child.

Like I said...

Ninja Turtles took over my backyard!

Cowabunga Dude!

 Hi-Ya!

 The diapers a good look, don't you think?

Don't mess with our house. We've got Ninjas in training!

Silly ones...

 Look at Ty...stole my phone and grinning. He is way too proud of himself!

Emerson and Alexa had SO much fun together this week!

Picture Day=)

I can hear the whining and complaining now. Everyone detests that dreaded evening when someone yells "Family Picture Time!" But, I'm so thankful we do it every year so we can go back and have them. For the memories. To compare how kids have grown (or how we've aged-yikes)!

Our big clan this year-2013!

Jesse and Kyle

Joel with our newest addition to the family, Alana. (how cute is she?!)

Uncle Mike. I'm thankful I finally got one of him. Just him without a camera strapped around his neck. He's usually the one in all of our faces with a lens!

The Sonnenbergs

The Big Sonnenberg Clan

Julie, Janelle and Craig

Josh and Jillian

Please meet our Supermodels, Sommer and Jami...

(seriously! Aren't they gorgeous!? And, just amazing women! Wish we lived closer!)

The cutey-patooties=) I love watching these girls play together and have so much fun every year!

The Berner Family

one more cutie-patootie picture with Olivia=)

The Beukelman Family

The Rupp clan. Nope, didn't get a Zeeb pic in that was worth posting. Maybe I should for laughs?! But, Ty was over sitting still at that hour in the evening=)