Rain, Rain, Rain...record breaking rain

 

Its been record breaking rainfall in Washington. The kids haven't minded too much. Cooper and Tyler have loved it actually spending as much time wading through it as possible. The field is a lil muddy and the water level around the house is a little alarming but other than that.... 

 

 

 John's Dad was out to help put in fence posts and may have fallen in the mud.

 

 Driving straight on through, our driveway is in there somewhere.

 Grandpa Payne, not deterred by a lil water...

 

 

The Rainbows have been a definite bright side, but have not proven to promise no more storms... or flooding.

Tylers happy accomplishments...teeth and other awards

Tyler feels like she's been waiting FOREVER for a tooth to get loose. Then at the end of December she noticed that it had finally happened a loose tooth, but then she had to wait for her tooth to come out. She's watched as friends, cousins and her sister lost tooth after tooth and has grown a little impatient. 

 Finally on Jan 17th the stars were aligned and Tooth #1 was loose enough to come out.

 

 
I believe this tooth was worth a dollar.

 

 

 And then month later her 2nd bottom tooth came out. Happy Days!

 We also go the word that Tyler was getting an award for reading and math at school. Apparently she has already reached the standards. Good Job Tyler!

At the school she was called right after her Bestie Addison, another Best Day!

Tyler turns 7

 

 We told Tyler we'd give her a birthday party this year and she loved planning it, from the theme to the games and the cake. She struggled with who to invite because she doesn't like to leave anyone out and so it was hard to have a limit to a number.

 

On Saturday Feb 8th Tyler invited 8 friends (Addison, Colleen, Sydney, ) her theme was Ever After High, based on a book she'd read and doll she'd gotten for Christmas. Since most of her friends weren't all that familiar with EAH we decided to base the games on the different dolls. We started coloring pictures and then played a follow the leader game (Apple White-leadership) then we made friendship bracelets (Raven Queen-kindness) then a tea party (Madeline Hatter) choosing hats that were hanging on the wall and told riddles as we ate.

 We then headed to the kitchen where we made valentines (CA Cupid), decorated sunglasses (Briar Beauty)

and then we had cake and ice cream.

Luckily Ady came to the rescue and helped really bring the cake together with its swirly prettiness. 

 Lots of presents 

 

  Loved this card Coleen made

 It was a really fun day for all the girls. Made successful because my parents were there to help, especially grandma who single handled the valentine craft boxes.

 

Sunday was Grandpa Harris' birthday and we were excited to have him with us this year to celebrate.

 

 Monday Was Tyler's "real" birthday and she was thrilled to be able to keep celebrating.

 

Skyping with her cousins Maddie and Keira. 

 Best month ever!

 

 A few words to describe Tyler: 7 years old.... what a great age. Tyler Loves to read, loves people and to make everyone happy, loves to make Cooper and Tate laugh. She is still a great helper, and the first to get her work done in the house an in the barn. She loves making new friends at school and church. She loves riding her bike, playing on the Monkey Bars and building Lagos, especially Lego friends. She has a newfound love for Ever After High dolls and playing with them. She's learning to play the guitar and loves performing both playing and singing and dancing. She's very excited to start horse riding lessons next month. We love our Tyler Girl and can't imagine life without her!

Cooper 18 months

Cooper turned 18 months at the end of Jan, which sadly was a month later than I thought. 4th child and I can't keep track of his age already. Haven't had a chance for formal pictures but he's so stinking cute and home alone with me for half the day so I've been able to capture lots of moments that pretty much sum up his life. He's pretty much on the go constantly. He LOVES LOVES LOVES being outside whether that be jumping puddles, following his dad, wandering the yard...he just loves the adventure. He also loves following his siblings around, playing with cars and trains, reading books, his bottle of milk (still) and watching Thomas the Train... and only Thomas the train.

 

Love this happy lil guy!

One of my favs-because he's still and we're both happy.

Key notes-bottle and jammies. Decided he wanted to wake up at 5:30 am so he got to come hang out with mom while I finished cleaning up. As you can see He wasn't too upset about it.

 The Barn is one of Coopers favorite places to be. He's a great little helper- he helps John with the hay wagon, helps carry buckets that need to be cleaned.

 

 Not so much as helping but feeling big on his lil truck.

Helping Sandy "find" some tools

Help move the wood chips.

 Loves helping with the Chickens

Cute lil naked man. Loves bathtime, thinks he can swim.

 Greats" helper" in the house too.

 

  Lil helper in the kitchen

a lil too much help/curiousity in the pantry

Still happy to pose for a picture

 This is his wrestling partner, he's convinced its a scary bear and runs around growling and chasing people laughing as they scream and run away.

A rare moment of rest for both boys.

 

Love Sunday afternoon Naps! 

Braces

 

 

 Ever since her consultation 6 months earlier McKenna has been dreaming of the day she would get her braces on. The day has finally come, braces on her bottom teeth and a space on top... what more could she ask for.

 

Here are the smiles to show her approval:

 

 Good job McKenna, may the next year go quickly and happily

Tate wanted in on the action.