First Word!

I had been trying to teach Nicholas to say "ma-ma" or "da-da" but he wasn't real interested. Last night while he was taking his bath, I noticed how much he was making the "s" sound. So I decided to see if he could say "yes." After repeating "yes" to him several times, he finally began saying it. It's a big change from the other kids that had always learned to say "no" before saying "yes" since they hear "no" much more often. Here's a couple pictures of the "yes" man.







He's always this happy :)...
even with a big knot on his head!











The biggest and littlest.

Celebrations!

We've been pretty busy with birthday parties, a family reunion, and a t-ball party over the past few weeks. Our first birthday celebration was for our neighbor Morghan. She had her party at the Gymnastics Center (which is where Natalie, Nathan, and Nolan all want their next birthday parties). The kids had a great time jumping on the trampolines, jumping into the foam pits, and running around on the spring floor. The kids and I had been to parties here before, but this was Matt's first time, and he had as much fun as the kids!

Nicholas hanging out on the tumbling floor.

Nolan swinging on the rope.

Nathan's face is definitely saying, "Get me down from here!"

Tuesday was Morghan's actual birthday, so we decided to go to Family Night at Chick-Fil-A and meet up with the Weavers. The kids had so much fun and all got their faces painted again. This time Nathan was Cookie Monster, Nolan was Elmo, and Natalie requested Sleeping Beauty. They all looked too cute!

Nathan getting Cookie Monster on his cheek.

Miss Tea Cup did a wonderful interpretation of Sleeping Beauty for Natalie.

Nolan wanted to coordinate with Nathan, so he got Elmo on his cheek.

Our next celebration was the 4th of July, which is also Poppy's birthday. We drove to Poca and spent the day with my grandparents. Granny set up a slip n' slide and Matt set up the "bounce house" that his sister had just given him. All the kids had an absolute blast. Though I would never move back to the country, it sure is fun to visit. Natalie was stripped down to her panties since I forgot her bathing suit....but it wasn't a big deal at all! Nathan was "country-livin'" as well.....I have him potty-trained now, and sometimes let him pee outside. Well, at Granny's house, he just dropped his pants and peed all over the driveway....this kid cracks me up!

The kids in the bounce house.

Abby and Natalie in an upside-down picture.....look at Abby's pose....LOL

All of Granny and Poppy's great-grand kids.

Joe, Judson, Nicholas, Natalie, Nolan, and Nathan.

After our day at my grandparents, we drove to Spencer to spend the night at my dad's house. We were so lucky to be able to go sit on top of his cellar building and enjoy the town's fireworks. The kids all really enjoyed this. Sleeping arrangements that night were a little less desirable since none of the kids wanted to leave me. Nicholas, though, was in the playpen in Shirley's room....otherwise, I was on an air mattress between Nathan and Natalie and Nolan laid sideways in the bed so he could be even with us. Needless to say I didn't get much sleep, but that's okay.....I'm pretty used to it at this point!

The next day was the Mace family reunion at the park across the street from Dad's house. The weather wasn't that great....in the 60's and damp. I could not believe that I was actually feeling chilly on the Fourth of July! We stayed only until 2:30 and then headed home. The kids were so exhausted from our travelling and are finally rebounding back on schedule.

After we got home from Spencer, we had another cookout to attend for our neighbor's little boy's first birthday. Again, we got out the "bounce house" and wore the kids out. This thing does wonders for night time sleep!

Finally, this past Tuesday, Nolan had his T-ball party at the park here in our subdivision since all but two of the players live in this subdivision. They served pizza, cupcakes, and awarded all the kids with an engraved trophy. Going to the park is always lots of fun, but having food and watching Nolan get his trophy made it so much sweeter!

Is this a proud little boy, or what!