Brayden's first horse show

About a week ago, I called Danielle.

I said "The horses are having a really hard time with the bugs this year.  If I can find a trailer, can I bring them down to your house for a bug vacation?"

She said yes.

Through God's grace, we didn't end up going on the day we planned to go.

We ended up going on the day of the horse show.

So Brayden rode Beulla in their very first show.

Everyone was there to watch.

I messed up a little bit...It was my first show, too!

I kinda sorta didn't know we had started already-sorry buddy!

He had to walk his horse in a clockwise circle around the judge,

Then in a counter clockwise circle around the judge.

Then we had to line up, face the judge and get ready to answer questions.

Don't forget to smile, bud.

Here she comes...

Okay, we are next.

Hello, young man.  What is your name?

Braydenzacherria.

What is your horses name?

beaulla!

Okay, please back your horse up.

(oh dear, we hadn't worked on that!  Good try buddy)

Okay, please make her go forward.

(pull, pull, PULL ON THE LEAD ROPE MAMA! oh well)

Okay, thank you!

(High five from the very nice judge)

Way to go Brayden, I am so proud of you!

(Don'tcrydon'tcrydon'tcry)

Good job Beulla.

Thanks for taking care of my little buddy.

See that smile?

4th place.  Not bad.

Not bad at all.

Jack's turn!

So proud.

Oh dear.  I'm all chocked up again.

Ugh, we are so proud!

Wrestling with Daddy...aka babies for pillows

Daddy was trying to take a nap the other day.

It really sounded more like a ruckus.

When I went in to check it out...

I found he had decided to use the kids for pillows.

Brayden between his knees.

Jack under his head.

And little miss for snuggles.

Well, Brayden and Charlie thought it was great anyway.

You just can't hold Jack down though!

Daddy also thought it was time for Little Miss to try out the Jumparro. 

Clearly, she hates it. 

Love that little baby grin!

Mother's Day

Daddy did a GREAT job with Mother's day this year.

All three of my darlings wrote and decorated cards for me that told me what they loved the most.

My little sweeties.

They melt my heart.

Our April in photos

 The boys love spending time with Charlotte!

We bought some crayons for them to use in the bathroom.  

They were such a huge hit, that whenever it was quiet in the house, I knew just to look in the bathtub, water or not!

Jack LOVES to share  his most prized possessions with Charlotte,

including his blankie and his Ranger's hat. 

We were trying to get a pic of all three of them together.  This worked out perfectly!

Except that she looks like she was smiling when in reality...

 she was winding up to let out one heck of a squall!

 I love those little sink baths.  :)

Hello ms. dark and serious!

She takes in everything.  I can't wait to hear all about what she is thinking some day.

Aww, baby curls!

 Our early mornings after late nights.

Charlotte is by far our best night time sleeper.

She started sleeping through the night by 2 months.

It was those mornings, though, early on, when we discovered that Wild Krats is on

PBS at 7:30 and I could sleep for just a *few* more minutes.  Yay!

Not the right nuk for little baby love!

Good morning!  It is early, but I just had to see you, mama!

Sleeping in her bassinet.

Finally-a shot where I have showered!

I love these moments...especially because so early on this girl has claimed me as her own.  No one else allowed.  At least, not while she is awake, that is for sure.

Such a good, sweet, wonderful big brother!

Especially since he wasn't scared to hurt her anymore.

Charlotte's first TV appearance on Twin Cities Live with Elizabeth Reese and James Delfino.

For a little while, her naps took place on the living room floor.  Once we moved her brothers downstairs, she could take her naps in her very own room.  But I liked taking naps with Charlotte on one side of me in the bassinet and Jack on the other side, kicking the crap out of me.  :)  And of course, Mr. B, such a wise little soul, letting us sleep and staying put in his bedroom for an entire hour.

Riding the "few wheeler" with Lilly.

Riding the four wheeler with "Yill"

Sweet little baby love in her hat and sweater set from Anne.