just livin' life...

We've been so preoccupied with just livin' life 

that I haven't had time to post any pictures of our ever adorable family ;)

And all the 'stuff' that has filled our days.

So here is a random collection of good times...

Exploring a cave that we found on one of our hikes.

My older 2 rock climbers.

Throwing rocks.

Homemade piñata for a special birthday party!

Happy 5th Birthday to my FAVorite twins!

Notice how they are holding hands.

True love :)

And I'm sure you've also notice the cake that they decorated themselves.

Marshall informed me that I did not make a tasty cake this year... I think he missed the point.

Our youngest man.

Hiking with Daddy.

Selfie by Vivian!

Seriously?!

Dyeing eggs for Easter!

Yes, his sister most likely did do it.

Ready for the Easter Bunny!

Happy 7th Anniversary hike up Sauer's Mountain.

(One of my favorites)

A well deserved break 1.5 miles up before turning around.

Kisses for Daddy :)

This is the picture that Rolli took of me and Vivian...

and Bella and Colter by default.  

Happy Spring!

I hope that everyone else is also out there taking deep breaths and enjoying life!

5 year olds!

Yesterday marked the official start of our 5th year as parents!

I cannot believe that we have TWO 5-year-olds in the house!

To celebrate this milestone we started the day off with a special breakfast of 

yummy popovers (made especially delicious using eggs from the flock).

After fueling the growing twins we headed to the doctor for their annual Well Child check.

Rolli and Viv patiently waiting for the Doctor.

One of the questions to help assess if the kids are developing on track is 

"Are they able to participate in imaginative play?"

As if to answer the question themselves 

Rolli drew the Doctor a picture of an Eagle with the sharpest teeth and longest horn.

And Viv drew him a picture of a Cheetah with the biggest belly and most spikes.

Of course the appointment concluded that we do indeed have 2 very healthy and active twins.

 Next stop...

Karate lessons sign-up for Rolli!

His first class is tomorrow and he's already been practicing ;)

Then on to jewelry for the lady.

Ear piercing for Vivian.

This is her 'before' picture taken by Rollin.

This is me as the excited/proud Momma.

This is Big Brother being bored wanting to know when he can start Karate lessons.

I think this picture is a true glimpse into our future as the boys learn to wait for the Queen.

Newly pierced ears!

Vivian didn't even flinch!

I would seriously recommend Integrity Piercing to anyone in Wenatchee.

Best experience ever.

 Just enough time for one more surprise on their big day!

New bikes!!

And best of all we rode those new bikes to go get ice cream!

The weather was perfect for ordering at the window and sitting on the patio.

Lil brother wasn't about to miss out on the birthday treat!

Our new cyclist!

And Colter along for the ride :)

Rolli and Viv LOVE their new big kid bikes!

Big kids get Bigger Bikes!

You can tell from that video that Rolli is a racer and Viv is a cruiser :)

Mega Fast!

Seriously?!  This kid is crazy.  

Rolli has named his new bike "Speed".

Getting going.

These new bikes are a bit tough to get going but of course Rolli has already mastered that.

I think I need a new pair of running shoes!

And just to warn everyone...

If you see us on the trail you might want to get out of the way!

We are still learning proper and polite biking etiquette.  

We are thankful for every day with our fav twins and 

look forward to watching them grow through this 5th year.

In love with the Reptile Man!

The Reptile Man was in Cashmere last week!

Rolli and Viv where super excited to sit right up front 

with all of the other kids during the show.

Afterwards we immediately got in line to hold "Lucy" the alligator.  

Rolli and Lucy.

Vivian and Lucy.

A couple of years ago when the kids went to the same Reptile Man's show

Vivian stood in line to hold the alligator but then chickened out.

This time she held Lucy like a little baby and modeled perfectly :)

Even Colter had fun touching the 100lb snake and poking at the tortoise.  

We splurged on a $5 Reptile Man DVD which we've already watched 5 times!

Good stuff :)

Summer in February.

I kinda miss the snow this winter...

But we won't complain about sunny days!

My FAVorite pair :)

Vivian's personality is shining bright in the sun rays.

And she will always love her brothers.

The sliding trio!

T-Rex 

(his head is the large green circle with a red mouth surrounded by green teeth 

on a bloated belly with long legs for a T-Rex)

Rolli was rather proud of his dino drawing.

Colter posed for his first chalk tracing.

Then mommy, Rollin, Vivian and Bella too :)

By the time today's park adventure was over we had used a full box of chalk.

And where ready for a bubble bath!

15 months!

Our littlest snuggler who gives the BIGgest hugs is 15 months old!

And guess who finally broke the growth chart?!

Yep, this kid!

At 18lbs 1oz he is now in the 2% for weight.

Of course his head circumference 

which houses that smart brain of his is still holding strong in the 27%.

I'm pretty sure that most of his caloric intake goes straight to his noggin. 

ColT's weight gain is probably due to all of the

 sweet potato french toast that he ate up this morning.

After he finished his tray of food he was stealing from everyone else's plate.

We LOVE our lil' scrapper!

And fight over who gets to hug him ;)

And Colter's best new baby trick?!

Sleeping through the night!

We've had ONE full night of sleep!

Whoot!  Whoot!

P.S.  I have no sympathy for mothers who complain 

about their 4 month old waking up at night...

Sweet dreams to all!

C-R-A-B

A couple of weeks ago Rollin requested crab for dinner.

That kid has a big appetite for the finer things in life.

Only problem was we couldn't find any in town.

Then I kinda forgot that he wanted crab till yesterday.

But I wasn't sure if we'd be able to purchase 'fresh' crab in Wenatchee.

So in an attempt to avoid disappointing our leading man I said,

"Hey Marshall, I wonder if we should try to find some C-R-A-B today."

At that Rolli looked at me and said,

"Moaaam! You forgot to get me crab!"

Yes, and I also forgot that I've been teaching them how to read.

Clearly our spelling lessons have been effective.

There will no longer be any secret conversations in our small home.  

And thanks to Mike's Meats we had CRAB for dinner!!

My usual sou chefs. 

Experiencing our meal with all the senses.

Next time we'll have to buy two whole crabs.

Cuz Rolli LOVED it!

(In case you have been wondering....

Colter is wearing a lady bug costume;) )

Snuggle Kids

We have a home full of snuggle bugs :)

And everyone wants to cuddle the baby! 

Big Brother and Lil' Brother.

Big Sissy and her ColT!

As we where driving by the cemetery last week 

Viv announced that she wanted a rose on her grave.

I told her that she should write that down cuz 

I didn't want to be around to make that decision.

She asked why and I said, 

"Because I love you so much."

Her response,

"I hope I die before Colter because I love him so much!"

And she does!

Vivian is head-over-heels in love with her Baby ColT :)

My sweet peas.