Busy

It has been awhile since I've posted. The weeks seems to be getting busier and our "to-do" list grows daily.  After several months of discussion and debate, the right time has finally come for our family to make some changes. We've decided to put our current house on the market to sell.  We won't be moving into our new home until later this fall, but we are taking our time and trying to sell our home "by owner."  We're having an Open House this Saturday for potential buyers and real estate agents.  The homes in our area have been selling like hot cakes.  Once they're listed with an agent, they sell within a few days, so we're hopeful that the right buyer will come along soon enough.  It's definitely a bittersweet time in our life.  Randy has lived 35 years of his life in this house, and I have nothing but wonderful memories.  The kids are going to miss the neighborhood.  Everyone on our street is like family, but for the future, it's what we need to do. 

With that being said, we're trying to maintain life at home as normal as possible.  It's been a solemn and sad few weeks as Randy's uncle, Sami Freij, passed away 1 week ago.  He was a young 69 years old and was just beginning to fully enjoy his retirement years.  He was a close uncle to our family, and the last week has been spent comforting each other and honoring his memory.  May his memory be eternal.

Just a few pictures from the last couple weeks....

Zach at his music class, banging on the drum.

His new thing is to hide his eyes while shaking his booty to the beat.

Bubbles, bubbles are so fun!

Last week after music class, we met our neighborhood friend, Grace, for a lunch play date at McDonald's.  Since our kids have an addiction to Subway, this was the first time we had been there together.  I think the ice cream was their favorite part. 

Cheering those Hoosiers on to victory! Zach says, "Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers!"

Making necklaces during Zach's nap.

When did our big baby turn into such a handsome little boy?!? So in love with this guy!

 I was able to spent the morning with Helaina's preschool class, giving them a dental health presentation.  The kids loved the presentation and activities and it was fun to spend time in her class.

Dates

This weekend was filled with quality time spent with everyone we love! Thursday night we had our sweet neighbor girl, Lia, babysit the kids in the evening so Randy and I could go out for dinner with another couple.    Helaina and Zach both love her, but I was a bit worried Zach would be upset that she was putting him to bed.  In the end, it wasn't an issue at all and it feels so good to know that we have another babysitting option! Maybe a few more dates will be in our future :). 

Friday my parents came into town.  It's always nice to see them and have some extra hands for the kids.  The kids count down the days till they arrive and it's always a party while they're here visiting.  

Saturday night Helaina and Randy attended their very first daddy-daughter dance.  Not sure who was more excited.  Helaina wanted to dance and eat candy and drink punch.  Randy was excited to get some alone time with his girl. Before they left for the evening, Aunt Abla brought over flowers for the handsome man and his beautiful date...they were precious.  Just the first of many pictures on the staircase.  

Sunday, my mom watched Zach while we went to the Joe for our first Wings game of the season! It was a fabulous game, we won in the last seconds, and Randy was able to sit with us as Jeff was actually working the game.

Days of Winter

It's cold and has been snowing for almost a week.  Only about an inch or two a day, but none the less, we have cabin fever during these long days of winter.  Here are some pictures from the last week, most of them taken at home because that's where we spend most of our day.

Zachary helping Daddy make a "Smoothie Shake".  The kids are addicted.  We have a Magic Bullet, and we make smoothies a couple times a week.  Frozen fruit, sometimes a vegetable, milk, and ice and you have a treat that the kids go out of their minds for.  I am not kidding when I say that Zach can suck his 8 or 12 ounce "smoothie shake" down in 3 minutes flat.  It's amazing and we laugh every time. 

Milk mustache

One of the neighbor boys, Bryce, has been spending time at our house the last few weeks. His mom is my age and is on a kidney transplant list.  She's been a Type 1 diabetic since the age of 9 and has been on dialysis for several weeks.  The neighborhood families have teamed together to cook dinners and help with childcare for Bryce.  We have been praying for their family as I can't imagine the struggle they are facing.  Helaina has enjoyed an extra playmate though!

Zachary hugging his sister while she has a meltdown about something.  As wild as he is, Zach is quite a sweet boy.

Reading books in the corner...Zachary can't let go of his basketball and football long enough to hold a book so sissy reads to him.

Bananas for breakfast.

Zach with his new, shorter haircut.  No clothes as we're also starting the potty training process.  Not much success but I'm taking the slow and steady approach in hopes that one day it will just "click."

Helaina making a train out of our kitchen chairs.  Just the right spot to lay back and watch some cartoons.

Helaina playing "mommy" and putting her "baby" to sleep.  She's lucky Zach was cooperative that day.

Cartoons before lunch.  Love these sweet kiddos!