GENDER REVEALED ....

So, being the awesome, cool, amazing, fantastic, FUN, creative sister that she is ... Jul decided it would be a great idea to throw a Gender Reveal Party.  These are the latest and greatest things.  Every one that is some one is doing it - ha :-) (so, I have to admit I definitely highly encouraged her to go through with it, so that I could live vicariously through her, since they weren't that "big" when I've been pregnant ... and we also have never lived closed to family when finding out the gender anyway).
Plus, let's be serious.  Who doesn't love a good party, right?!
So, Jul and Matt went on August 3 for her "big" ultrasound, had the tech put the gender in a sealed envelope, and Jul took that envelope to the bakery for them to make a cake with the filling either blue or pink .... all to be REVEALED with family and some friends this past weekend!  FUN FUN FUN idea.  Thankfully for technology, we were able to Skype in during the cutting of the cake "ceremony" and also see it revealed with everyone else.  I love technology!!
I'm really happy for Jul and Matt .... I'm so excited to be an aunt!  I can't wait!!!
So, here's the video I took ....
It's a ......



I totally thought it was going to be a girl.  That was my guess.  BUT I'm super excited for another boy. Call me biased, but I just have so much fun with my boys - that I'm so glad they will have a boy cousin so close to their ages.  Plus, he will have all the "hand me downs" that he could ever imagine.  There are going to be lots of FUN times ahead for these cousins!  Way excited to start making some memories.
Congratulations Jul and Matt!!!  We are so excited to have a nephew and a little boy cousin :-)!!!  Your lives are about to be changed in the most amazing way!
Now, if only I can talk Chris into 1 more, so that we can throw a party .... haha!  (kidding)!!!

Busy FUN day!

We have been BUSY since getting here.  This whole living on base thing is going to work out well for our family, I think.  There is just so much to do with the boys!  I love that.  I love that the sun is (almost) always shining ... and there are always things to do.  

Today was one of those busy and FUN days.  

Chris is still in the field (hurry up time) ... BUT this morning, I watched a friend's little girl while she had an appointment.

Then, after she got picked up, the boys and I headed to the splash park to meet some friends!  

Here are the boys enjoying running around in the water ... 

In between the splash park and pool (pictures to follow), Chase passed out from all the excitement of the morning :-)

THEN, the pool.  4 hours of the pool, actually.

Yes, 4 hours with friends!!

Hahaha!!

Jake jumping in from the side to our friend Seth (works with Chris).  Jake is really building up his confidence.  I love that.  

And wrapping up the day, watching The Lorax until bedtime. 

What.a.GREAT.day!!!

All Caught Up!

Well, I'm pretty much all caught up blogging now :-)  

Here are just a few more random pictures from the past week of things we have been up to :-)

Grocery Shopping.  Everyone was in a good mood ... THIS is just what they do when I say smile.

As much as I'd probably rather do grocery shopping w/o 3 kids, it actually works out pretty well - and they are good companions :-)

(and one day soon, we will ditch Cole's pacifier.  I just have to work myself up for that.  But soon.)

Love this little guy!  He is SUCH a 2 year old these days, though.  A 2 1/2 year old (because I swear the 3s are worse).  I also just think that out of all 3 of the boys, Cole has had the hardest time understanding and adjusting to all the change.  He has done a pretty good job - but I just think he is at an age to be most confused.  He's so fun-loving, though.  So resilient.  All of them are.  I'm so lucky - and beyond thankful for these precious faces!  

Blessed.  And I never want to take it for granted.  

I unpacked THE play mat.  I say THE play mat, b/c Jake and Cole LOVED this play mat with the star on top ... and Chase is the same way.  Forget the "underwater fish" one.  Chase LOVES this blinking star!  It totally reminds me of Jake who would just stare at it and smile away! :-)

Chaser Boy....

You may start getting tired of my blog, b/c I can't help but keep posting pictures of this cute boy!

My heart just simply melts every time he smiles at any of us!  He's such a happy boy!!!

So, here are some more of his oh so cute SMILES - and just of his oh so cute FACE!

I.love.this!

This picture was at the request of his older brothers :-)

How could I not be completely  in love?!

Friday Night Bowling...

Daddy has been in the field for a little while now (feels like a long while - we miss him), BUT we are staying busy and keeping the FUN alive, with our latest "adventure" being bowling and pizza on Friday night with friends :-)  The boys had a blast - and we are thankful for the friends we are making here in 29 Palms.  The Lord always always always provides.  

Cole had to do it ALL BY HIMSELF.  All of it.  Thankfully he didn't drop the ball and break any toes :-)

Chase's first "play date" :-)

Our neighbors across the street have 3 kids - all the same ages as the boys.  

Jake showing off :-)

Such concentration :-)

Oh, my older boys.  How I love them!

THEN, we got home that evening ... and took a quick stroll in the new stroller!

I love love love it :-)  The boys do, too!!  

Let the working out begin ....

TANK Time!

Chris left for the field earlier this week ... and as they rolled out on their Tanks, I took the boys to go watch them drive by.  Needless to say, it was a huge hit.  

Here is what their Daddy does day to day ...

Unfortunately, when I was taking these videos, I had no idea which tank Chris was actually on.  This 1st video shows the first 4 tanks heading out .... and come to find out later, Chris's actual tank that he was on was #5.  Go figure.



More videos....


Last one ....

Smiles, Smiles, IRRESISTIBLE Smiles!!!

He melts my heart ...