Azalea Park

 We went to check out an Azalea park when they were in bloom. We went a couple days early so they aren't all in full bloom, but we missed all the crowds. It was a pretty park with a fun mini hike.

 We stopped by here on our way back from climbing. It was worth the stop!

 They had some small, red Tori gates and a building with a thatched roof along the hike. Those roofs look so crazy to me! They are probably over a foot thick and would be so heavy! I am surprised that they don't just crush the building.

 I sure love our family adventures!

Rock Climbing in Japan!

 We found a fun place to climb outdoors that is just under an hour away. It is great! There were challenges in climbing with 5 kids, but we figured it out. Christine is the biggest concern, so we just stuck her in the pack-n-play. We also brought gummies and treats for the boys so they would be content to just play around where we were climbing. I was able to climb the first time we went (5 months preg!), but the next few times we went, I just watched and took pictures.

 Claire is a beast climber. She is so ripped! What a tough girl!

 Marie is more reserved, but once she saw Claire do it, then she knew she could do it too! We have some tough girls!

 The boys did what they do best--find the biggest stick they can and wave it around.

 Christine was not content to spend much time in the pack-n-play. She wanted to see if she could make it up the rock too!

 Little Theo tried to make it as well. He had such long, curly hair in this picture! He worked hard, but didn't make it all the way up. Great work buddy!

 We have made it back to this same place a few times. It was a great find!

Little baby Shillig coming!

 We posted this pictures to Facebook and mailed it out to some about our upcoming addition! I thought it turned out pretty cute.

 I wanted to keep the gender a surprise, but Teddy wanted to find out. We didn't find out with Christine, so I secretly had the doctor write the gender and put it in an envelope. I gave the envelope to a neighbor with both blue and pink balloons to put in the box. I then wrapped it up and made some bees so people could cast their votes after Pa got home. The kids helped decorate the poster board. Teddy didn't know that we had this waiting for him! He just happened to surprise me with flowers on the same day! 

 He was excited to find out the gender and the kids had a fun time guessing. The boys were pretty adamant that it better be another boy.

It looks like Theo, Thad, and I were correct! Our little boy, Troy came to join us and was born on Sept. 21st! I'll eventually catch up to his birth in another posting. We are sure blessed with another fantastic healthy child. We love our family!

Christine's Pony

 Christine is very proud and excited about her pony. She couldn't stop playing with it.

 She is also gaining a love for the game of tiger. Everyone thinks Theo makes the best tiger so he is it 99% of the time.

Harry Potter

 Marie and Claire were teaching Christine how to perform spells from Harry Potter. Leviosa is Christine's first word after mama. She is a true fan.

 Like usual, there is a fire going outside.These girls are great cardboard box burners.

Homemade cinnamon rolls!

Thaddeus wanted to help me make some cinnamon rolls! Yum!

Marie is a monkey!

Marie wanted me to document how she can swing out of the tree.

 I think these boys spend more time outside than inside. They love it!

Sakura Trees

 Our kids love to play with all the petals that are falling to the ground.

 I think it looks so pretty with them lining the streets.

I love cherry tree season. They are in bloom for just a few weeks.