Breathtaking

Have you ever seen a Clydesdale up close and personal?

They are absolutely unbelievable.  

I'm a closet horse lover.  I'd love to be able to have one in my backyard, but I realize all the 'extras' that come with taking care of a horse.  So, I choose to love them from afar for now.

These babies feet are bigger than my head.  

This beautiful guy was one of the smaller ones we saw. 

And, their heads are just massive and gorgeous!  This guy, Coolio, had one blue eye and one brown eye.  We were able to pet a few, but most seemed a little bored with us. 

 And then, there's OUR breathtaking beauties!!!

Beautiful Roundness

Spring Break brought me to one of my favorite places in our state - the round barn!  The last time we were here was several years ago on Spring Break, I hadn't begun to learn how to use my camera.  Now that I know a few things about what all these buttons mean I've been really excited about getting at least a few shots in.

We had stopped at a different place earlier for lunch and it took a while.  So, by the time we got to this gorgeous place the kiddos weren't too into my photography practicing.

I think I still got a few good ones.

These two usually have something better to do when I want them to cooperate.  I'm thankful I got them to hold still for at least these!

This is the ceiling!  It is even better in person.  I love to lay on the floor and just look at it.

The outside is pretty cool, too.  But trying to corral these children next to a busy street where this is located was proving to be a little crazy.  Can't wait for next time!

Typical School Day Morning

No coffee for me.  It's a protein shake to get this chick going!

I'll let you in on a little secret . . . lean in close . . . I have LAUNDRY to do.  If I hit it hard for a few days I can take a couple days off.  But, you know what?  If we have laundry to do that means we have clothes to wear!  Thank you God for clothes to wear!

Then there's this beast.  He has a sister, too, but she's much more mild mannered.  He and I play tag all morning - in and out, in and out, in and out.  Ugh.

 Here's the first of five to get up.  She's always been an early riser.  And a grouchy one at that.

But at least she's cute!

And, then there's dishes.  And, you know what it means if you have dirty dishes?  It means you have FOOD to eat!!!  Thank you God for food to eat!

Well, better get these guys going.  Off for another day!

Sweet Carlie . . .

Oh . . . THIS one . . . this little innocent looking thing is pret-T sassy.  She has earned the nickname "Pepper."  She's number four in the line up of five and she definitely is no shrinking violet!  Girlfriend makes herself be known.  

She is fiercely protective of her baby sister.  When Avery hurts, Carlie hurts.

She's been wanting to change her name recently.  I think she wants something more princess like.  I think Carlie fits her pretty good.  She doesn't agree.

She's in PreK this year and can't wait to be a "big girl."  Not sure what her definition of a big girl is, but I think it might mean make-up and being more independent.

I kind of like her just the way she is!  

Even if she does haul off and punch her brother on occasion.

The Middle One

This is number three of five in the line up.  We call him "Spicy Boy" or usually "Diggy." He's the spoon in the family - he likes to stir the pot, get everyone riled up.  

When he was about two and a half I fixed some dinner for the family.  It was a new recipe, one of those that had stuff all mixed together.  One that adults would like, but not kids.   

Kids are not huge fans of their food touching, much less it all being mixed together where they have no chance of separating it.  So, the hubs and I were going overboard about how delicious this meal was while the kiddos were complaining A LOT.

This kid brings me his plate and says, in his scratchy voice, "I don't eat poop."

He's growing up now, he's seven and a half, and he still keeps us going.  He's not one to be silent, which is good in this big family.

Today, he's not feeling great.  Fever, headache, not eating much, and just laying around.  Which means just he and I get some good snuggle time for today.  I'm looking forward to the snuggle time, but sure don't like it when he's sick.

"Snowmagedden 2013"

This will probably be it for the year.  It snowed almost all day, but it didn't stay cold enough for anything to close anything - i.e. SKOOL!!!  

Between dropping other kiddos off we had a little time to come home and play.  Who doesn't love a yard full of fresh snow?

 The backyard was gorgeous for a while!

I knew that when it started falling, this kid would be all over it!  He's all boy.

We better take advantage of it while we have it.  Tomorrow we are expecting rain which means lots of mud!

Haircut Night!

One of my mostest favoritest things we do on a regular basis as a family is Family Haircut Night with our friend, Jennifer Haircut!  The three youngest gave her that name and that is just who she is to us!  She's been cutting our hair for over 8 years, which was before we even had E.  The little girls think that all the other stylists in the salon are named Jennifer Haircut.  We walked in one time and our Jennifer was the only one.  Avery asked, "Where are the other Jennifer Haircuts?"

 Carlie before she gets glamourized!

 She loves curls.  She loves pink.  And, she loves Jennifer Haircut!

 Ethan looking a little shaggy.

The 'televangelist' look

 Sweet little haircut boy!

 Avery loves her some Jennifer Haircut time, too.  But she usually prefers just a pony-tail or a braid.

 Jennifer doing her thing!

Big brother looking dapper with his slick cut.  Isn't he a cutie??

Dad is hungry.  Where are we going to eat??  After haircut time we go out to eat, tonight it was yummy Mexican food!  See you next month Jennifer Haircuts!