Put him in a Pumpkin Shell...

...and there we kept him very well.

My friend Lisa saw a similar picture and knew we had to try it out with the boys. (She has a little guy a few weeks younger then Aiden) We could not have been more please with how they turned out. We had a short window of time to take them in because we wanted to get the lighting and everything just right but luckily the boys were both good sports and very cooperative.

Hatteras Beach Trip

Earlier this month we took our first official family vacation since Aiden was born and spent a week at Hatteras Island with Paul's family. We had a fun relaxing time. It was nice to get away from normal life for awhile and just relax and spend time with family. Aiden had 8 adults catering to his every need (or want) so he wasn't complaining either.

Aiden Update

Aiden is now 5 months old. My, how the time flies. Here are a few things about him.

-He is a very social baby and does not like to miss out on anything.

-He is not a very cuddley baby right now but he loves being held.

-He is sleeping through the night for the most part and has been since about six weeks.

-He just got his first two teeth last week.

-He is sitting up. He can't get up by himself but he has enough balance to stay up for awhile.

-He loves to jibber jabber.

-He is rolling around all over the place. For the most part he can only roll one way so once he makes his way over to a piece of furniture or a wall he thinks he is stuck and will start crying. Eventually he will get it.

-He has recently discovered his feet and they have become his favorite toy.

He is such a joy to watch as he discovers new things everyday. Paul and I are so blessed to have him in our lives. We love him more then we could have ever imagined.

Bathtime at the beach

First time eating rice cerealAiden and his BFF WillFirst plane ride. (He looks very excited)

Nauvoo

Our (Holly and I) second summer adventure was driving 16 hours (each way), with 4 children, to Nauvoo. My grandparents are serving a mission there right now so we took the opportunity to go there and stay with them. I had not seen them for about a year and a half so it was great visiting them and seeing them in action. It was also so good to have "girl bonding time" as Camree calls it. It was suppose to be a family vacation but all the boys in the family bailed out on us so it turned into a girl trip. We had my mom and all us girls there. The only one missing was Amanda. We really wish she could have been there too. We had so much fun and I am so grateful for the time I had to spend with my mom and sisters. I love them and miss them so much.

This was after our marshmallow fight. I ruined my shirt but it was tons of fun and totally worth it.

Carthage Jail

This was on the wagon ride but right behind Chanda is the house my Grandma and Grandpa live in. They live right on the Mississippi so right across the road is the river. I think they have the best view of anyone.

We decided to get an old time photo while we were there.

On our last day we all bought these shirts. We also bought the girls bonnets and the boys little hats. This is at the fair they have right before the Nauvoo pageant. Needless to say between what we were wearing and what the kids were wearing we got lots of attention.

Topsail Beach/Fourth of July

I know that July was months ago but I am just getting around to posting this. I am starting to see a trend here.

This year for the fourth we went to Topsail Beach with Holly's in-laws (Cameron's family). Paul was only able to spend the weekend because of work but I stayed the whole week. They always get a house on the beach so all you have to do is walk outside and you are right at the ocean. Paul's favorite part was the pier right next to the house. He probably went out there 6 times in the three days he was at the beach. He wasn't able to do any fishing but I am glad he had a good time. We all had a ton of fun and we are so grateful for Cameron's family and their hospitality.

Someone looked outside one morning and saw this huge school of fish (the big dark spot in the water)

Everyone dressed up for the Fourth

Summer Fun!

Because of Cameron's (my brother in law) work schedule this summer, Holly (my sister) was able to go on a "world tour" as some have called it. Because of this Holly and I were able to spend about six weeks together. We stayed super busy so we didn't get to do all the things I had envisioned us doing and not to mention we always had four kids in tow, but we still had a ton of fun. I miss being around my sisters so I am always grateful for the time I do get to spend with any of them. Now that our time together is coming to an end I am sad but I do look forward to get back to a normal routine and I am sure Paul is excited to have his wife back, at least I hope so. I am so grateful for Paul and the patience he has had this summer with me being gone a lot and when then when we were home having three extra kids around. However, we are both going to miss having them around.
These are some of the fun pictures from the time we spent together. We also went on a couple vactions but I will post those pictures later.

These kids sure do love thier cousin Aiden

Paul came home one day with this huge raft to pull behind the boat. He blew it up and brought it in the house and it filled up almost our entire family room. Then he told the girls they could sleep on it. (That little bundle on the right is Aiden)

At the lake. They are ready to ride.

James and Kyra are ready to go work for Paul.

Aww what a sweet uncle.

Catch Up!

This summer has been super busy. I have not had the chance to post anything since June so now I will have to play catch up and I promise I will do it real soon. I just hope I can remember everything.