And then there will be FOUR!

The biggest surprise we received this year, is learning that we will be adding one more munchkin to our family.  #4 (which has become this baby's nickname), is due in March 2014.  We are excited to meet this peanut!  

Life and ALL that's New!

Maybe someday, I'll get good at this.  But anyways, 2013 has been a crazy year!

We finally closed on our house at the end of May.  We moved into the house in June.  We have loved living here.  The kids love their rooms and the pool.  Sarah loves being able to walk to school.

We adopted a puppy.  We named her Hershey.  She's a chocolate lab.  She's very energetic.

2012 in Review

Well, I guess my hopes of becoming a "blogger" haven't been all that great!  Life just got too busy, as it always is. So I thought I'd write about the good things that came our way...

1. We welcomed baby Olivia Noelle to our family on June 23, 2012.  She has been a wonderful addition to our family.  It's hard to believe she's already 6 months old!

2. Miles started Preschool this fall.  He loves his preschool and teachers.  I never imaged that he would love school as much as he does.  On top of loving school, he's learning so much.  He has learned his letters, numbers and is starting to read!  I'm very proud of his determination to learn!

3. Sarah started 3rd grade this fall.  She's doing really good in school.  Her first report card had A's and B's. What more could I ask for?!

4.  Sarah and Miles are wonderful to baby Olivia.  Sarah just adores Olivia.  Miles is in love with Olivia.  We are very lucky that the kids all love each other so much!

5. I started my 3rd year teaching 4th grade.

6.  John was promoted at his day job.

7. We had family pictures taken.  That is a big accomplishment cause we haven't done that since I was pregnant with Miles... so it's been a while!

Overall, 2012 was a good year to us.  While I could write about all the wonderful things, I'd be here all night typing.  Here's to hoping 2013 is just as good, if not better than 2012!

Warm Spring Day

Today we had to get up early and had to my doctor appointment for my glucose test (which I passed).   Afterwards, we spent some time at the park by the doctor's office.  The kids had a great time running around and playing.  I can't believe how big they have gotten... as I sat there watching them play I was remembering when they were much smaller and often needed me to play with them.   Today they didn't need me... just each other as they ran around.  As I was happy to see them playing together so well and independently, there was a part of me that missed that they needed me.  But as I was sitting on the swings, I was reminded by the kicks in my belly that soon I will be highly needed again by Baby Girl cause June will be here soon.

Sarah and Miles are going down the slide

Sarah pushing Miles on the swing

Miles trying to push Sarah on the swing

Chicago Auto Show

Since Miles is totally obsessed with cars, we decided to take a trip to the Chicago Auto Show.  John and I decided to make this day trip a surprise.  Which honestly was very hard to do!  Everyday I wanted to tell him about our exciting adventure that we had planned.... but I managed to keep it to myself.

So after the long drive to Chicago and the long walk through McCormick Center .... we entered the Auto Show.  He was one very happy and excited little boy!  I wish I could say that Sarah was as excited, but cars aren't really her thing.  She did end up enjoying herself, as she imaged herself behind the wheel of several cars!  Watching her  getting in and sitting behind the driving wheel, made me and John realize how fast she is growing up.  Yes, we already know she's growing up fast.  But it was like we could see into the future with her and it was scary (but in a good way)!

The first couple of hours the kids had a blast!  Then we went back to our car for lunch and snacks I packed.  I wasn't interested in paying crazy prices to eat at the Auto Show... but hey, in this economy I watch pennies like crazy!  Anyways, after a little food to recharge, we went back for another hour.  By then the kids were worn out and tired, plus it got crowded there.  We lucked out in the morning, cause it wasn't busy.  But after lunch was another story.  

All in all it was a fun day!  And we'll probably need to go back next year for our Future Mechanic!

The kids and a Police Car

The kids thought it was fun to run around in the back of this work truck.

Sitting on the back of a truck bed

Me and my dream car.... maybe in 20 years when the kids are out of the house

Taxi and the kids ... notice Miles is holding onto the Taxi

Sarah wanted to take this car for a test drive!

John and Miles

Miles driving a taxi

Sarah and John as the passengers

Sarah driving the taxi

John, Miles and Sarah checking out a car

Baby #3 News

Today we went for the ultrasound and 20 week doctor appointment.  Baby is healthy and growing fast.  Baby is a GIRL!!!!  Of course, Baby was being difficult for the ultrasound tech.  I had to see the ultrasound tech 3 times because the Baby refused to move so the tech could get the pictures she needed for the doctor.  We are thrilled to be adding a little sister to our family!!!!<3

Snow Kids!

 

FINALLY, we got our first snowstorm of the season!  The kids were thrilled!  After a slow and long drive from work to pick up the kids and then home.... the kids were begging to go out and play in the snow.  So at 4:45 pm, I bundled them up so they could enjoy the snow!  They had a blast!  Of course, they are hoping we get even more snow before winter is over!  The joy of being a kid!