Curly Isabel....

Off she goes! My sweet curly top Isabel is now in the first grade. Of course, she LOVES school and everything that goes along with it. She has already made many new friends and started learning a lot of new things. She loves learning. She is such a sponge for knowledge... it is amazing to watch. She is sweet as ever and becoming a young lady before our eyes. Before we know it, she will be driving herself to high school and we will be in shock. Our baby is no longer a baby, but a young girl. We are so proud of who she is.

Letting go....

Wow. Elia. That was such a bittersweet moment for me. I can't believe she is old enough to go to preschool and it was so hard to just walk away and leave her there. She was only too happy to stay and loves her teacher and classmates. She said a boy even asked her to be his girlfriend... Thankfully she declined. :) But it seems like yesterday I was in the hospital with her-- just staring at my blue eyed baby girl. She is such a lovely person with so much personality. I love all my babies so uniquely. What a blessing she is to me.

My gentleman.

Gabriel is one month shy of 2. I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. He is growing into quite the gentleman. He has such a sweet spirit and a soft heart.... Of course, I would be lying if I told you he never had his bouts of beating up on his baby brother or teasing his sisters incessantly. :) But I can see his heart is truly so gentle. If any of them is hurt or crying-- he is the first one there with a hug and kiss... or a comforting smile. And I have truly never seen a little BOY so tenderhearted towards babies.... he LOVES them so much. What a gentleman he really is.

Look Mom! I can feed myself!

Elijah is now 10 months old! He is so independent now and loves to try to feed himself.... He is such a happy baby... still no teeth... and impossible to slow down. He watches everything that goes on here so carefully so he can mimic all of it. He moves fast and is learning to defend himself. He is such a lover!

Gabriel and Elijah

The boys are changing every day. Gabe has officially lost his baby look and moved on into toddlerhood. It is so sad. He is the cutest, most handsome prince around-- and is so tenderhearted. I am excited to see where God will take him and pray he chooses to be sold out for Him. Elijah is the sweetest baby anyone could ever ask for. He is crawling everywhere and into everything. He seems to be in a hurry to grow up so he can keep up with his brother and sisters. Of course, they all continue to dote on him- but as he grows more independent, he gets annoyed so easily! He is so laid back and has such a sweetness about him. These two boys are going to be true heartbreakers! :)

Isabel and Elia

The girls are so thrilled summer is finally here. And summer means swimming, of course. :) I can't believe how much they've grown up since last summer and that Isabel will be 6 in a few weeks. It is amazing to me how fast time flies. These girls are such treasures to me. I love them so much!

San Francisco!

We just returned from our first family vacation to
San Francisco! We went to see some old friends- and enjoyed our visit soooooo much! San francisco is a beautiful city...... with no shortage of cool and interesting things to see. Our kids got to see the ocean for the first time, and the ever famous Golden Gate bridge. It was relaxing and enjoyable!