Swimming smoother!

By day three the kids decided that they were fish! Actually, on day two Anna was taken with 4 others from her group of 16 and put on the other side of the pool. These were the children that were more advanced and she jumped off the diving board! (Of course I didn't bring the camera that day!) Jake has NO fear and will now just right in! It's amazing how fast they learn!

The First Day of Swim Lessons for the Big Kids....

Tonight was Anna and Jake's first swim lesson. I really thought that Anna would have NO problems and that Jake would be a stuggle, when in fact, it was just the opposite! Jake and Mike had an absolute blast in "Waterbabies", while Anna was quite reserved and acted scared for the first 20 minutes. Sorry about the photos, I couldn't figure out the correct setting for inside a pool area. Any advice just let me know, I have 7 more lessons to perfect it!

Early Birthday Presents!!

Mommy let me open my birthday presents from my buddies in Colorado early! I had lots of fun trying to pull the paper off and eat it too! I love my gifts...especially the swim trunks! Now I can go in the pool like normal little boys! Thanks Auntie Rebecca, Nick, Ellie and Baby William!! Miss you LOTS!

My other girlfriend!!

Luke and Alexa were finally reunited today. Last time they met Luke was 12 pounds or more heavier than Alexa. Now they are probably 5 pounds apart. Luke was very mezmerized by all that Alexa could do. He also helped her look pretty (well according to Luke anyways) by taking her hair bow out of her hair. It was a lot of fun and we hope to see her again soon! Thanks Aunt Meg!!!!

On Luke's final day as the only child, I actually let him play in the bath tub. He didn't know what to do, he played for almost 30 minutes before he finally was sick of the, now cold, water. He has actually been a happier baby since the kids came back, I think he needed a little one on one time, now I just have to find time for the other kids to do the same thing!!!

I could get used to this!!!

Aunt Noelle came over to take the big kids for the afternoon, but when she got to our house she said she and Uncle Danny wanted them overnight!!!! OH YEAH! SO, off they went into the sunset for a fun adventure at Uncle Danny and Aunt Noelle's house. As they left Jake said, Bye, I love you! And he never looked back! This was a first for me letting Jake go...After waving goodbye, Luke and I went back in the house and weren't sure what to do....I think Luke could tell he was on his own because (as you can see) he was hamming it up big time! He has been an angel the entire time the big kids have been gone...I am thinking that he likes this only child business. Too bad for him, all good things come to an end and they will be home tomorrow night! Sorry Luke, it's back to 3rd child!!

The Dunes Part 1

We went to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes on Sunday after nap time. The kids had never seen so much sand and weren't really sure what to do at first. It didn't take long for them to figure out that this HUGE sand box was actually pretty fun.

The Dunes Part 2

O.K. so it was fun for a little while, but when it came time to hike BACK to the truck...well lets just say that was something that I would never want to experience again! Luke screamed the whole way back up and down the dunes, Anna and Jake were quite tired from all the sand and were both a little whiny as well. It was fun, but we are happy to say that was good enough for one year!!!

A visit from Luke's girlfriend, Molly!

Luke had a quick play date with Molly this afternoon. They exchanged birthday gifts (they are one month apart). Luke as quite in awe that Molly can stand alone and has been trying ever since to walk and stand better by himself. He can stand alone, but still is a bit too excited to walk more than 3 steps before falling. Thanks for visiting Molly, we will see you in August!

A Day at the Zoo with Friends

We joined our buddies, Ben, Abby and their mommy Lesley at the zoo today. It was only in the mid 70's so it wasn't too hot and everyone did well. Jake was none too fond of the camels...they make a funny noise that made him shreak and say "it scares me". The bears were a big hit as well as the tiger. Another favorite was the stingrays, Anna actually was able to reach in and touch one, Jake tried but is still too short to reach. He still thought they were cool to watch even if he couldn't reach them. Our last stop before leaving was the train, Jake's favorite part was the caboose of course! Lots of fun had by all the kids (and mommy's too). Even Luke was a good boy the whole time!

The Rottier Children (at their best!)

How can you not love them? I learned an important lesson recently and am trying to take it to heart...God doesn't give patience, He gives you the opportunity to be patient. I now say that at least 100 times a day!

8 years already!!!

I can't believe how much our life has changed in 8 short years!

Cousins....

Madi and Anna love each other, but sometimes you wouldn't know it the way they fight, so it is times like this that I have to cherish the moment!

We want to mow the lawn too Daddy!

Mike called our house phone while trying to mow the lawn to let me know...it could be HOURS before he finished the yard. The kids REALLY wanted to help make the yard look pretty!

My other beautiful children

We did a lot of photo sessions outside today (as you can see). Anna was actually cooperating with me and smiled for the camera, unlike when we had family photos taken yesterday! (GRRR) oh well, our photographer said she can fix things to make it look like we were all smiling...

The Big Man Turns 11 Months Today!

Almost one already! This whole 11 months has been a blur to me!! Luke is now standing independently, sometimes takes steps without help...but still gets too excited for the most part and falls right over!! He has 7 teeth with one very visible but still under the gums. He still takes 2-3 naps a day and sleeps 12-13 hours at night. Down to 2 bottles a day, almost no baby food, doing great with his sippy cup and loves any food you give him. He is probably 26 pounds or more by now, wears size 4 diapers and has size 4 feet and is in 18-24 month clothes....Jake can wear all the same stuff as Luke. He (as you can see) is always very happy and his summer hobbies are the swing set and kiddy pool.

More photos of the Birthday Princess

Isn't she a little beauty!? I took these photos at exactly the time that she was born 5 years ago, how crazy is that!?