Some fun times

It has been a wonderful first few weeks of 2017.  I've gobbled down five books already; I have thoroughly enjoyed the warm January weather, which has led to many stroller walks up our driveway; I have officially gotten into my smallest sized jean pants (!!!); and have delighted myself thoroughly with Byron, the children, and friends.  Here are a few pictures --

On a holiday when the big kids were off school, my friend Shannon and her children came over and we went out on a hike on our property.  Once we got to the river, the children enjoyed throwing stick and rocks at the water.

It's fun to me how all of our children line up in ages with each other.  Don't miss Shannon on the tricycle in the background. 

And then no matter how often I see my two big children enjoying each other, it still makes my heart swell whenever I see it.  Here they are, Emma reading to her little brother.

And then last week we took them to see their cousin McNeill play basketball.  It is fun to see Emma cheer for her cousin and enjoy the game so much.

And here we are trying to keep our almost-one year old from crawling into the basketball court.

Emma got a little princess crown for a party favor, and here is Naamen gladly wearing it.  But that's not why I share this picture.  Ever since Naamen was eight months old we've noticed how he prefers to use his left hand when eating.  We wonder if daddy finally got his lefty.  

This past week was Spirit Week at Emma's school, and each day she had to wear different things -- pajama day, mismatch day, silly hat and sunglasses day, team day, and finally Heritage Academy spirit day.  Unfortunately, I only took pictures of her on team day.  It was funny though because Byron wanted his own "soccer shirt" and ended up wearing one of daddy's old sports shirts for most of the day.

He loves to eat!

This picture just makes my heart melt.  The kids wanted to "help" daddy outside, but had to eat their lunch first.  Here is Byron eating his sandwich while longingly looking out at daddy working.