Mohawk or No hawk? What's your vote?

These pics are in a pretty messed up order, but for the sake of my own heart that feels the need to actually post August pics before Christmas, here are random tidbits of our lives.

Lily lost her 4th tooth while we visited Monroe! What a girl!! To celebrate, at the end of Lily's traditional scavenger hunt after losing a tooth, she found a coupon to take the whole family for ice-cream. 

Here is Great Grandma Selma holding 6 or 7 day old Olivet (I'm not positive, these days are a bit of a blur :)

Our good friends Andy & Karen and their sweet kids came to visit us  while we were all in Wisconsin. We had a jam packed day of picnicking in the rainy park, giving baths to 7, and enjoying a meal together.

What will this couch full look like in 5 years? And 10?
Karen made these BEAUTIFUL hats for each of the kids. I am still amazed, over a month past the gift opening. 

For some reason, our tour takes us back to Appleton...

enjoying more ice-cream!

"mmm! momma, mmm!"

Before Olivet was born, Auntie Danielle & Uncle Phil were sweet to hang out in Appleton to care for some monkeys before their return to Georgia. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!!!

I'm not sure when it was I had time to do this, but it sure looks cute,  AND it stayed in all day!  It's a keeper of a style.

This shirt is not maternity, so this must have been during our "girl time" one day after Olive was born.  Lily and I gave each other facials, and then snuck up on Caedmon and daddy with a big "Roar!"
I don't think I have a picture of our following "girl time" which was a huge blast. Caedmon suggested I rollerblade and Lily ride her bike. And at every corner, we take turns picking 'left,' 'right,' or 'straight.' That was a great idea.

oop, back in Monroe. On this day the kids got to meet their new cousin Olivia Marie! What a doll!

And here is Great Grandma Delores not being able to remember when the last time she held a newborn was.  So sweet.

Olivia taking it easy

After a few days in Monroe, we spent two weeks in La Crosse.  This is my first solo walk (with out my amazing side kick and super hero of a husband) with all 5. Our trip to the park started out good...

And only ended with a few tantrums. Not bad when you consider the ratio of tantrums per kid.

We spent lots of time with really good friends while in LaCrosse.  Here is Natalia with her biggest smile!

And Faith holding Olivet, knowing exactly how to give her her nuk.

Maybe because big sister Malana taught her how!
We had so much fun with you guys!!!

Cooling off from the hot sun at the Nelson's

"What's up with this? I'd like to swim too!"
Maggie & Olivet

We were all excited to hang out with Randa for one afternoon.  We brought her some of her favorite treats from China and I bet there are't any left by now!

Our wonderful friends who we lived near and did life with in China drove a few hours to come and have fun together  for the day. Lily and Abby will always share a special friendship. 

Life isn't all fun and games... or is it?

"Show me your funny face..."

A day at the Brockbergs
Joshie holding Baby and possibly detecting a stinky pants

Matthew & Lily holding fish their dads caught

Most days, Cade is a risk taking machine

"humf. boys." (-Lily)

Now we are in Iowa at the amazing Village Creek Family Camp. Here is Amber in front of the room the littles slept in during naps.

We only spent the day, but it sure was a packed one. We got to meet and play with a litter of cute white puppies.

Snack Time! One of my favorite aspects of this camp was the helpers. Two volunteers hung out with us all day waiting for us to tell them how we needed help. It was like having four extra hands, something busy moms often wish for. 

Getting ready to ride horsey, holding on tight to lion.

"YES, Hadassah, you can jump on that!!"

We are discovering (with joy) that Lily loves to play by the rules.

Here is our risk taker.
"Let me see what else this body can do!"

The finalists from the race all line up durning the rodeo. 

Josh & Caedmon take the gold!

Back in LaCrosse spending time with another one of our favorite families, The Wikkerinks.  They have a crew of their own; their youngest of ten kids is now five. Olivet was blessed to rest in Jade's loved filled arms of such abundant experience.

Josh & James
James was whipping up some homemade mac & cheese, just the way us Wisconsinites love it- cheesy! 

The kids played so well together, and also enjoyed chasing, finding, squeezing & cuddling the six cats!!

Are those Batman ears?

On the way out of town (heading back to Appleton), we stopped at Shepherd's Flock Preschool where Lily attended one semester last time we were in the States. Her teachers are magnificent people who love children more unique & wonderful than I've ever seen in a teacher. THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS!!!

Today is picture day in the back yard! Let's start with the baby since I already dressed her last night!
Olivet at 1 month... boy does the time fly!

Celebrating 3 years since Hadassah's Baby Dedication!
(The plan was to take a picture every year wearing the same t-shirt to note the growth.  But I can't remember what t-shirt we started with. Maybe we can do a three year t-shirt rotation :)

Smile if you love getting your picture taken!

I love Hadassah's many faces... each with their own meaning
"I bet I can get some m&m's out of this!"

"Caedmon! Are you ready! Get out here, it's your turn! "
His smile is in anticipation for the following...

Bonus Question: What else is missing besides lots of hair on both sides of the head?
Answer: the clip on tie.

Not sure how this picture from the park ended up in this spot, but here it is.  If I were a betting person, I'd be willing to bed we have at least one hundred pictures of Lily holding someone.

Back to the question of the day: Mohawk or no hawk? 

I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the two guys in my life, mohawks and all!!!