our family

Seems we're always up to something crazy and fun.. and sometimes it the simplicity of life that fills us with joy.  I'm so glad that our family can fun on a dime and that we can enjoy the simple things.  I fully believe there will be a day when they'll want, want, want something that costs money and hopefully I can feel ready to give them some of those things but for now.. I enjoy the simple things and they too as well.

An attempt at a camp out in the living room.  Ali didn't make it long.

Her hair was long enough to put in a pony tail.  But it didn't last long.  She does NOT like bbarrettes pony tails, headbands, etc in her hair.. which is why we keep it short.

Phil's brother gave us a huge dart gun so this summer we brought it out to shoot all over the place.  I was worried about loosing the darts but really, I'd rather loose a few then never use it.  Wendell and the girls go through dress up phases.  Here is our spider man dressed up. 

Wendell would not be happy to know this is posted but the older two insisted on wearing a diaper like their younger sister for a few days.  They just thought it was funny.. and it was.

One of our favorite local parks is so basic (a slide, swings and shovel digger) but here is a sand creation that Wendell made.  Honestly, we rarely go to the park across the street.   They don't ask and I don't suggest but we like to go to other parks.  Not sure if we're burned out on it or because it's so big or why but I just don't really care to go.

These girls love to color.  Don't tell them but I throw so many 'creations' away... it's kind of crazy!

Harlie in a new dress she got for her birthday.

Spent a day/night with Grandma and Grandpa McCulley and they both passed out on the way home.

I finally painted the tree house.  Sadly it's not done all the way but 90%... sounds like everything else in my life.  I get mostly done then bottom out... or in this case, ran out of paint.

Phil had the idea of taking Harlie out on a date.. such a great day that he did.  She requested they dress up so here they are all dolled up.  We debated on where to take her - fancy or quick and he decided on Olive Garden.  Harlie LOVED this so much but apparently all she said on the 'date' was.. isn't it nice that it's just us.. isn't it nice it's just us.  But she had no other great things to talk about.  Oh well, she loved it and I'm sure they'll do it again.  On a side note, I asked Wendell if he wanted me to take him out and he was like.. uh,  no mom.  Ha ha, such a boy!

Wendell's idea to put a tent up in his their room.  Another attempt to let Ali sleep with the older two but didn't last long.  But the tent stayed awhile and was kind of fun for the kids.  Our house is small but really, we could have slept at least 5 kids upstairs... could have.. but didn't.

This was Phil's idea.  It was stormy day with not much to do so the kids put each others clothes on.  Phil printed masks so they could 'look' like each other.  

And in the process, I took the cut out eyes and taped them to mine.  Creapy?!

So glad this phase is done.  For awhile after watching shows like Ninja Warrior and Wipeout this was their idea of fun.  Well after awhile it was just annoying.  Every time I wanted to get from one room to another I had a kid, usually Harlie, trying to see how long they could stand in the doorway.

Looking handsome!

I'm not sure if that is me in the hammock but I did spend a lot of time in the hammock under the tree house.  Very comfy and great for ready while the kids played out side.

A year later and still decorating herself with hair things.

This boy loves his train on a rainy day.  And now he lets little Ali watch, until her little paws can't resist and grabs the train.

Another idea generated from Phil.  He said I need to smile more often so I printed a smile to tape to my face.  Fake it 'til you make it.  A phrase we use at work a lot.  If you can't be 'happy' then fake it until you make it through the hard part.  This phrase works for parenting as well.

This is 'Heatherish'.. a teenager at heart sometimes.. how often do I get to write 'gas man' on my calendar.  Makes me think of Dumb and Dumber.. which I haven't seen in forever.  I wonder if I'd laugh or just think it's dumb?  I'll let you know.. I'll put that on my two do list.

Well, that's it for now.  Those were just some pictures from this summer/fall of how our family passes the time.  Simple but fun.  Love it!