Happy Birthday, Herston!

It is official. Herston made it!

To the Love of My Life

We got a lot done in 8 years. Happy Anniversary.

GFCF

Ever since Larissa was little, she has had horrible eczema. She had enough coordination at 6 months old to scratch until she bled. (She is still Daddy's favorite back scratcher.) For the month of May, Larissa and I had no gluten (wheat) or casein (milk) and her skin was the best it has been since she was a couple months old. She is also much better behaved. She will ask me for a nap.

A couple nights ago, I made her a gluten free pizza with soy cheese. She ate a little bit without complaints. She has even put stickers all over "her" rice cereal box. She still asks for cheese, but she doesn't throw a fit when I can't give her any.

I am so proud of her.
What a champ.

Big Brother

Ethan and Larissa were so close in age I never got to appreciate Ethan as a big brother. He knows how to play rough with his sisters, but he stops the world for his baby brother. His heart is so huge. I finally get to see his growing, protective nature as a big brother. I guess I can't call him my little boy anymore.

I am so proud of him.
What a champ.

Swim Team

This was Raea's first week of swim team. This is the hardest she has ever worked out, and she wanted to quit multiple times. Although she even got physically ill, she never gave up.

(Look at those arms! Are you joking me?!?)

I am so proud of her.
What a champ.

Champ Series

Herston got really sick again. He was on IV antibiotics and is still on oral antibiotics, however, I think the antibiotics cleared his mental fog.

This week he has done so much, and he is really making an effort to catch up. He finally started crawling, clapping, and waving. He says Mom and Dad to the respective person, and after swim team, he even started shouting "Raea".

I am so proud of him.
What a champ.

Light Rail

Remember the light rail? It is perfect for athletic events in Tempe, no parking, but today Grant took the light rail and his bike to work today. It was only 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Ugh. I am going to miss him tonight when he comes home late.

Camp Out

This weekend is the Father & Son's Camping Trip for Ethan and Grant. I protested, but Herston will be staying home this year.

It was so fun to help pack for Ethan. He has a sleeping bag and his clothes inside the backpack as well as the emergency water shoes always required on the outside.

It really makes me want to go on a minimalist backpacking adventure.

Look a Likes

These are pictures of me at my kids current age. It is amazing how much I DO look like Herston, right down to the epicanthic folds.

I always thought I looked more like Raea, but I think my opinion is going to change. Now that Larissa has hair, I look like her, too!

P.S. Why does Ethan look so much older at 4?

What is going on?

Today Larissa was wearing Herston's hand-me-downs.