Race Day

May 1st was the Salem-Keizer Foundation's Awesome 3000. Kylene ran the Pre-K race (300 meters) for the second time. (Next year she will make the big jump to 1,500 m; woo hoo!). Since she knew what was going to happen this year, she was really excited for the entire day. And of course, she loved being with her buddies.

Before the race with Gwen, Rachel, and Jacob.

Hudson, Andy, Zach, Kimball, Kylene and Spencer before the race. Spencer told me he didn't want to run so I didn't register him. Of course, the day of he wanted to, but such is life. He enjoyed eating graham crackers on the sidelines while Kylene ran.

Walking over to the starting line. Woo hoo, such excitement!

And they're off! I loved how Kylene & Rachel held hands the entire race. So darling.

After race medal! Way to go!

The family.

After the race, it's back to life as usual: play dates and more play dates! Her and Rachel just can't seem to get enough time together:).

Too Much Cuteness!

Skyler is cuter, and busier, than ever! Man, I can't keep up with this kid. One of my favorite things about this age is, even though they can't talk, you know they understand. He can be so mischievous, silly, flirtatious and more, without saying a word! And don't even think about turning your head for a minute--he's outta here!
Doing is favorite tree-shaking-thing! I hope the tree survives toddler-hood.

Do I have to wake up, mom?

You put my clothes where?

A bin and a book; it doesn't get any better than this.

Drums make the best chairs...

And the best snacks.

Kids Town

Kylene & Spencer got to have Zach & Andy over for a play date last week (it had been forever). They had a great time building this Lincoln Log town. Zach & Kylene went on to build a chicken coop, another log house, and a wood pile, but I didn't get a picture of it before Skyler destroyed it. He was taking a nap during the creation, which is the only reason we made it this far:).

Choo, Choo!

Mine & Spencer's train creation.

I love the focused look on his face.

May? What Happened to April?

Is it really true that I haven't posted for a month? Does the calendar really say May? I am still trying to let it sink in. Last month went by in a daze. Mostly a good daze, but a daze nevertheless.

Life is filled with taking care of kids, church callings, kids' activities, running errands, Kyle's school work, and trying to stay on top of the pile of ______ (insert any word here) that somehow appeared _____ (insert any location). I used to pride myself on never finding any cobwebs, because I regularly dusted ceilings and wiped down walls, yet lately cobwebs seem to be appearing everywhere. I used to think I was pretty amazing for never having sticky kitchen chairs because I regularly wiped them down, yet now I almost daily go to move a chair and my finger sticks to it. "I'll wash it as soon as I wipe Skyler up," I tell myself. Which chair was it, again? Or, more appropriately, which chair isn't sticky? Today my couch was 2/3 covered with a pile of laundry with two overflowing laundry baskets next to it. At least it was clean laundry, I told myself! At least Kylene, Spencer, and I can all fit on one cushion to read stories together:). And I'm happy to report, it is now all folded laundry! Hopefully it can successfully be put away before one of the kids spreads it all over the floor or manages to dump it all out tomorrow morning.

I remind myself as I fall into bed trying to rub my sore back that this stage of life will go by way too quickly and I'll long for these days! It really is wonderful; just exhausting. I'll try to post some pictures of my cute kids soon!