Swimming in September

This entire summer we've been living at our pool. Brighton has blossomed in the pool and is a real fish. Porter is a lover of the water now. Things have been good in the pool. I've been too paranoid to take the camera anywhere near water but I finally decided to do it in order to document our summer. I know it's September and in most other parts of the country the leaves are turning red and people are pulling out their sweaters, but here in AZ, we're still in the 100 degree weather. Anyway, we're hoping to have some cooler days ahead of us, but until then we're enjoying the last few remnants of heat our state has to offer.

Princess Party

Today Brighton had the opportunity to go to a friend's princess birthday party. It was an awesome party and her mom did an amazing job with the decorations, games, and cake so I just had to show off her creative work. She had stations where the girls could make princess bracelets, pin the frying pan on Flynn Rider, make magic fairy wands (out of pretzel rods and dipped chocolate), and take their pictures at a castle photo booth. She also made a Rapunzel cake and my personal favorite thing was all the frying pans she hung up for decorations. There were about 20 little princesses running all over the house so I was pretty impressed with everything she did for the party. Porter was invited as well and couldn't let Brighton be the only one dressed up so I had to rustle up a quick Flynn Rider-ish costume that he loved. It was a great party and I think they were both ecstatic to be invited to such an amazing celebration.

Toe Tapping Goodness

Since B's birthday, she has been begging for tap dancing lessons. We didn't want to start her out until we moved to AZ... which was almost 6 months ago, so we finally signed her up and today was the first day of class. I don't think I've ever seen her more excited. When she got there she scrambled to get her new shoes on and was in the dance room before I could blink. Unfortunately, parents weren't allowed in the room so this was the only shot I got of her as I was peeking through the door. There will be more to come I'm sure because she looks super cute in those toe tapping shoes. Especially considering the fact that in December she'll have her very first dance recital. Wish her luck!

Goodbye toes

This is me at 31 weeks. As requested by my friend Clarissa, I finally had to put up a picture of me with the babe in the belly. It's not a pretty sight at any angle. With my first 2, I guess I didn't really have the generic pregnancy woes because this little guy is like night and day compared to the others. I can't do basic household chores for fear of cramps. I can barely walk up stairs without being completely exhausted. I can't wear anything but flip flops because of my swollen feet. And I clearly can't see my toes due to the enormity of my belly. It's been a painful and difficult ride this time around so let's just say for us, the 3rd time is not a charm. It's a joke in our household that the wrath of the vampire fetus is upon me because everything hurts and aches and it's like he's eating me from the inside out (gross visual I know.). Don't get me wrong, it's a blessing to have a new baby and I'm so happy we are able to bring this new life to the earth. I'll just be over the (new) moon....Get it? Yes I'm lame.... when we see this precious little vamp baby come out into the world as opposed to squeezing my guts on the inside.

The Craft Corner

The kids' favorite thing in the world to do is craft it up. Anytime they can, they jump at the chance to paint, glitter, glue, and cut to their heart's content. So you'd think I would be a good mom and let them, but that is not the case. Maybe this is just the selfish behavior in me, but I absolutely hate the mess it makes and I am not willing to spend my afternoons wiping up red globs of gooey crafts. But thankfully when we moved here, the great compromise was born. We have a deck with all of our outdoor equipment and food storage and all that stuff that would be perfect for a garage. But it also has just enough space for a craft table. The kids can go out there with their paper and markers and spend hours doodling and drawing and gluing with pleasure at their 'craft corner'. And mom doesn't have to beg them to clean up their mess because they know they are stuck out there until everything is cleaned up (Call me a bad mom but it's effective.). It's a win-win solution for us all and it has definitely scratched their itch for the arts.

*This particular afternoon Brighton brought her latest creation to me and said, "Mom you just have to blog about this one. It's too pretty for just our family to see." So it is shown above. When your 5-year-old demands that her masterpiece be blogworthy, you know you blog too much.

Pyper

About a month ago, on August 8th, Brighton and Porter received a new cousin and couldn't be more thrilled about it. Her name is Pyper Janene Hatch and is the cutest little ball of goodness. We already love her to pieces! It has been such a tender experience having her come into our family and we can't wait to meet her. We already love her to pieces! Congratulations Annie and Joe and Landon!