National Night Out

We went to Tosa's National Night Out last week.  Braden had a blast running around with a bunch of his buddies and seeing some familiar faces from school.  

The kids went on a few different bouncy rides and then we went on the yearly Flashlight Walk.  The mosquitos were horrendous but the camaraderie with friends made it all worth it.  I am bummed that we didn't get a family picture because we all had the same blue shirts on ... we'll do it next year when Norah will be walking!

Banana Bread Smoothie

I have to share this incredible treat!  I follow a blog called picky palate.  She posts incredible recipes - mostly desserts.  I altered her recipe for a Banana Bread Milkshake and the kids LOVED it!  I'll definitely be putting this on the after school snack list this fall.

Banana Bread Smoothie (recipe for 1)

1/2 banana
2 sprinkles of cinnamon - or as much as you'd like
1 tsp (approx... I might have been more generous!) brown sugar
3 scoops of vanilla yogurt
a handful of ice cubes

Blend and Enjoy!!!!!

Family Movie Night is Moving

This was our family movie night last Sunday.  Because it's been so hot and I am a fan of open windows our house was a little toasty so we decided to use the much neglected basement.  We had been at a birthday party earlier in the afternoon so weren't terribly hungry and just snacked on popcorn and smoothies.  Norah didn't last long but Braden and Olivia enjoyed watching "Princess and the Frog," until bedtime.  

Starting in about a month (that is my goal) we are going to be moving Family Movie Night to Friday nights.  In it's place on Sunday will begin a Family Home Evening.  I am borrowing this gathering from the Mormon faith and absolutely LOVE the idea.  I've been pondering on it for quite some time and think I'm ready to dive in.  It will consist of a lesson or discussion followed by some type of activity to reinforce (when applicable) or just time to enjoy each other.  We will have a quick meeting to discuss the upcoming week and then we'll have a special snack.  I think that is the order I am going to use but I am giving myself a month to make final decisions.  

I love the idea of learning together and setting aside another evening for tradition and bonding.  I can't imagine life without my children and husband and I want to make the most of it.  We also want to figure out ways to make room for one more baby in the future and without organization, fun, love and lots of hands on deck that isn't possible! :)

Braden and his Daddy

Braden loves his daddy... and rightly so!  Steve is the most amazing father.  

He is incredibly unconditional and gives his undivided attention when he is home.  I admire his ability to put all other things aside and just love them.  I appreciate how he helps whenever he can and that he works late into the night so our evenings can be spent as a family.  I feel very fortunate to have him as a partner in parenting our children.  It's a tough job and he's an amazing man to have by my side.

Room Swap

These are our new bunk beds which are in Braden's old room.  The amount of time that it took to get them up and set is ridiculous and I won't bore you with the details but they are finally in place and ready for full usage!  We got the kids each the most adorable mini-clip lights for reading and I have matching comforters waiting for winter.  They will eventually be for Olivia/Norah but right now are Braden/Olivia.

The plan is to move Braden into the other room and repaint blue/tan or blue/blue and then repaint this room the same colors I did Olivia's last year (pink/green). I am hoping that can happen this fall while we can still open windows.  We are holding out moving Norah in with Olivia until she sleeps through the night.  Not sure when that is going to happen but we'll let her figure that out on her own. :)  I am feeling much more patient and unbothered by it this time for some reason.

I love redecorating and once I start in one room I have a hard time stopping in the rest of the house so watch out honey... the changes have just begun!

Who does she look like?

Adorable I must say!  People are still really mixed on who Norah looks like so I am posting an 8mo picture of Braden and Olivia below!

Braden - 8 months

Olivia - 8 months

Dupee Family Clean Team - 2nd Weekend

We held the Dupee Family Clean Team once again last weekend with great success... well maybe not great but it was successful.  Olivia partnered with Daddy to do dusting around the house and Braden helped mommy vacuum.  We had to end up taking the vacuum apart to clean out the hose (there was literaly NO suction because it was clogged with dirty junk).  This was the highlight of Bradens morning.

Again I am thankful for their participation in our household.  I know that the job doesn't get done quite as well when they help but the ownership they are taking is amazing to me.  I did learn that the vacuum is pretty heavy for Braden so I don't know that I'll choose that again as a chore and the dusting was a BIG job so maybe we'll all do that one together next time.  Live and learn.

Steve is gone next weekend so I am trying to figure out how I can continue this with three kids and one adult. Hmmmmm.  I'll let you all know what I figure out next week. :)