Hogan Reunion

We had an amazing time at our yearly Hogan reunion. My cousin hosted it for the second year in her amazing house with the amazing backyard. My kids were literally in the pool from 1:30 until 6:3o with a slight break in the middle to eat some dinner. It was so fun to see everyone and get to relax by the pool in this blazing heat that we are having here. Here is a great picture of Walter before he slipped and scraped his chin. I am thinking of putting him in a bubble for the next couple of months. He is in two upcoming weddings and I am hoping he stays clear of anything sharp. This boy doesn't need another scrape or scar on his face!

Miss Caroline not too sure of the water...

My little mermaids!

Don't rock the boat...

their faces say it all!

Great food, good people, fantastic day!

Kiddie Olympics

The mom's group that I am a part of organized a kiddie olympics this past week and it was a blast. Although it was very hot and humid out it was a fun evening to be outside just doing summer stuff with great people! The night ended with each child getting a medal and a parade of the olympiads.

Two Months Old!!!

Can't believe that my little carrot top is two months old already!

She is chunking up and starting to show signs of a little personality.

Things that we have learned about Miss Caroline:

1. She wakes up in the morning with so many smiles and "coos" that we just can't get enough! I hate it when we have some where we have to be right away and we don't have as much time for this. This is by far my favorite part of the day with her.

2. She goes from happy to mad in about 1.5 seconds and there is just really no in between. I have heard that this may just be a red head thing???? Walter never really cried as a baby so not sure what is going on here.

3. Her favorite way to be held is up over your shoulder so that she can see all around. I think she is already thinking of ways to keep up with her older siblings.

4. She loves her swing, could really just be in it all of the time if mommy let her. All she needs is a little push and her nature sounds to soothe her and she is happy as a clam.

5. Not so happy during tummy time. She does it because mommy makes her and I can already tell those muscles are getting stronger each day.

6. Loves her sisters, who dote on her and answer to her every whimper. Kind of scared though of the red headed guy who tries to play with her like she is already his size. Sometimes when she sees the red hair she immediately starts crying before the poor guy has a chance to do anything.

7. Like I mentioned before, hates hates hates car rides. Not much I can do to help her in this situation. Just hoping that she grows out of it soon.

We just love this little gal to pieces and can't wait to learn more and more about her each day!

Love you sweetie!

Loving the Lake

Spent a wonderful afternoon at Lake Quivera with great friends of ours. We didn't get to make our annual lake trip with my family because it was too soon after having Caroline so I wasn't sure how the kids would do swimming in the lake since it had been a full year. Much to my surprise they just jumped right in and loved every minute of it.

Walter hanging out on the boat

Margaret was actually the first to jump in!

Walter and Isabella enjoying a kayak ride.

I am glad that this went so well because we are leaving for the lake in about a week. I am really looking forward to it, can't wait to tell you all about it when we get back:)

My little FiReCrAcKeRs

We had your typical All-American Independence Day Celebration...all except for the rain and cooler temperatures. Here is a pic from my parents house. Isabella and Walter are trying to get Maggie (she is a horse) to come to the gate to give her treats. I think she had too many treats while we were visiting because she eventually would just stare at the kids instead of running up to greet them. We did get to see a great show in the sky on Saturday night from my parents backyard. They have a neighbor down the way who always spends much to much but always puts on a great show. It is a great view because they are out in the country with a clear view of the sky. The only little one who was up long enough to get to see the fireworks was Walter. He was so excited, each time the sky would light up so would his face.

Kyle and I got in some golf Sunday morning with his parents before the rain hit which was nice. I haven't golfed for years and was a bit nervous but it wasn't so bad. I do need lessons but maybe something I can do once in awhile with Kyle. That would be like a dream come true for him. He has wanted to get me out on the golf course many times in the last five years and I have always been pregnant and this was my excuse. I have dreaded doing it because the last time I golfed Kyle was trying to teach me. The only problem was that he thought I needed to learn to play right-handed. This didn't turn out so well since I had been left-handed for all of my life:) This go around was much better though, maybe I am just more patient now? Who knows.

This little bug is filling out and a healthy little girl, but boy does she cry! She really just wants to be held and I really don't mind doing it, it is just hard when I have three other little ones who need me too. I am thinking that she thinks she might be an only child:) I know that she will soon come out of this but boy if I could go on one car ride (she especially hates the car) with a happy baby in the back I would be a super happy mama!

Margaret loved the sparklers. I couldn't believe that she didn't remember doing fireworks last year but have to keep reminding myself that she is only three. She kept asking me if the fireworks were alive and if they bite people. I kept wondering how on earth she comes up with this stuff. Turns out Papa was telling her all about the snakes that grow when you light them. Poor little thing was worried we were going to make her play with snakes!

Our day ended perfectly with this little reminder of how wonderful God is. We called it quits a little early because it seemed as though the rain would never stop. When we got about twenty miles from my parents house we saw this beautiful rainbow. My girls were so excited because I keep telling them how rainbows are real but they have never gotten to see one. Kyle and I were amazed by this one as well. It was a full rainbow and I swear we were traveling right with it. It was awesome.

Hope everyone had a happy safe July 4th!