Laughter IS the Best Medicine

• The kids were playing soccer with Roy and Lydia decided that the best way to win the game was to grab the ball and run away.  Understandably, this caused a great deal of frustration from Abby and Sam and Abby screamed, "You're cheating!"  Lydia got very mad, stomped her foot, and yelled, "I'm not cheating!  I'm Lydia!"
• Sam recently told me, "I have a big armpit."
• Sam and Lydia were playing super heroes when I heard Sam ask, "Lydia, are super heroes the best thing in your life?"
• Abby and Sam were racing matchbox cars when Abby encouraged her car by saying, "Come on, you can do it, even though you're British."

Summer's Ending, School's Beginning

Our days that were already filled with pockets of busy and some precious moments of calm turned very busy with school starting again.  I'm grateful Andrew is such a good baby and that the big kids are helpful, independent and happy!

Abby at Open House

Andrew at one month

Go Cougars!

I love the Summer Reading program at the library and the fun coupons the kids get to redeem all summer!  When Roy traveled last week, we got (free) Noodles & Co for dinner.  With at least a dozen options of what to eat for dinner, do you know what these kids chose?  Mac & cheese and spaghetti.  Here they are sitting in a booth watching their food being put together.  We don't do restaurants that often so this was understandably a fun adventure :)

The girls found these gigantic Olaf dolls and had to take a picture for Uncle Steven Freebairn, who might be the only person in the world to think that Olaf is annoying.  I'm glad my girls have a sense of irony and enjoy teasing people.

Look at those fabulous cheeks and that sweet face.  I enjoy the snuggles.

First days of school are so exciting!

Can you see how unhappy Sam is to say goodbye?

Happiness

Nervousness

Right to work!

Abby will be riding the bus to school this year.  She has loved it so far.  In fact, it's the highlight of her day.  Lydia and Sam enjoy the 5 or so minutes of running around in the morning while we wait.  When Abby boards the bus, they start yelling, "BYE, ABBY!" as many times as possible until she rides away.  Occasionally, they throw in an "I love you".  They are so loud.  Someday it'll be embarrassing but right now it keeps us laughing.

Sam started preschool last week.  We're doing Joy School with 4 families.  He is so excited to have 2 days a week of preschool.

And never one to be forgotten or left behind, Lydia packed her backpack, grabbed her unneeded umbrella and said it was the day for Purple School to start.  We just roll with it and call whatever activity we are doing a Purple School activity.

Abby and Sam both started soccer last week too.  With practices back-to-back, it'll keep us on our toes and out of trouble (and exhausted).

I got out of the shower to find oldest cuddling youngest, both asleep on my pillow.  The flash was a little bright for these sleeping people.  Oops.

I'm so lucky to have these 4 fantastic kids!  I was feeling grateful this morning that I could get all 4 out the door for church in exactly one hour from start to finish and had to get a picture.  These kids bring so much happiness to our family!

Grandma Z Saves the Day

The day Andrew was born was a little wild.  We are so thankful Grandma Z could drop everything and come relieve our good neighbor who watched the other 3.  It was great to not have to worry about them and to have them meet their new baby brother when he was less than 2 hours old.  Here's her blog she posted about our Andrew:

On Tuesday, July 29, 2014 I received a shocking and much awaited call - albeit 2 weeks early!  Michelle was going into labor.  The timing was great as the boss was gone and I was able to leave at noon - run home - pack and drive as fast as the law allows (OK a little faster) to go to take care of Abby, Sam, and Lydia.  They were at the neighbors and watching out the window.  I arrived at 4 pm and all of the grandchildren ran to meet me.  What a wonderful way to be greeted.  Andrew was born an hour later.  

So, that evening I bundled the kids into the car - set the GPS - as unfortunately I have a terrible sense of direction when it comes to the hospital (which Abby and Sam remind me of  all the time!) and we were off to see the new brother.  

Sam picked out the flowers.  He said that yellow and smiles are happy.

2 big sisters so happy to see Andrew and doesn't Michelle look amazing to have had this precious baby a few hours earlier!!!!

Sammy, of course, had to get into the picture.

The beautiful Mother and baby!

Abby is so excited to have a baby to hold and to love

Lydia thinks he is her new doll - she tries very hard to be careful but then will be done and just stand up and you have to be ready to catch the BABY!

Sammy is so happy not to be out numbered by all the girls - he just wishes Andrew was a little bigger and more mobile!!

And, of course, Grandma Z was thrilled with Grandchild #11!!!

Andrew Joseph Zwahlen makes me feel a little closer to heaven.

I am so thankful for each grandchild that has joined our family.  

I thank Heavenly Father everyday for 11 special blessings that make life worth living and the eternities something to look forward to.

I love you all,

Grandma Z

Because I'm Happy!

We had to say goodbye to Mor Mor this week.  We had so much fun together and kept her busy.  She made dinners, freezer meals, had tickle fests, had a mancala playoff, and (wait for it...) built a coffee table!  Roy and I helped (okay, he spent some time sanding and nailing so he gets a tiny bit of credit) but Mom wins the designation of doing the most work and making the most trips to Home Depot :)  We miss her being here!

We went on a little adventure to Hidden Oaks Nature Center and tried on costumes, played outside, and had fun together.

I love this picture.  It is so telling of them right now.  Abby sitting calmly holding a calm Andrew, Sam finding some way to be silly, and Lydia watching Sam and ready to laugh.

Andrew at 3 weeks old.  He already looks older today.

Happiness embodied.