Having A Big Family Means...

there's always somebody to help you learn and explore.

A Special Gift

Abby's long-time wish has been to ride a real horse. So, on her birthday, we told her one of her presents was going to be horse riding! She was so excited! After making all the arrangements, we recently packed up our Abby to fulfill her wish.

 She was introduced to the horse she would be riding, Smoke. She brushed him carefully.

 Then she got loaded onto Smoke's back. "Whoa! It's so high up!"

 She got to ride inside the arena,

 and then outside for a bit.

 Then she returned to the arena to learn how to trot. That big smile tells what she thought of that!

At last it was time to say goodbye to Smoke. She fed him a thank you treat and led him out to pasture.

 I'm sure it was a special day that she won't ever forget.

First Day Of School

Today is Sarah's first day of school. Ever! Her home schooling days are at an end as she starts the 6th grade. I'm so excited (and nervous) for her! I'm hoping she finds some sweet girls to be friends with. *sniff*

 Thankfully, though, she's not heading off to school alone.

 And who wouldn't want to hang with this group?

Silly kids!

I love them...

 So with Megan behind the wheel of the car she bought this summer, they headed off! I hope and pray that they have a great year!

The Birthday Girl

Yesterday my super sweet Leah turned 4. There's really no other words to describe her! She's just a sweetie, through and through!

 I wish you all the best, my lovely Leah!

Happy 4th Birthday!

The Blessing Of Hair

4 of my babies were born with heads of full hair. One, a boy, was a blondie which required a buzz cut at 4 months of age. My other three hairy babies were all girls and blessed with dark curls. Beautiful, right?

Unfortunately though, a side effect of thick, long hair is cradle cap.

Yuck.

 Into the tub, Annie! 

With my previous babies, I tried some different cradle cap remedies. The worst? Olive oil! Sure, it takes care of the cradle cap, but it took weeks to get it back out of her curls.

 So this time, my favorite remedy is baking soda. You mix up a thick paste and scrub their little head with it. Let it dry for awhile, comb their little heads, and then wash it out!

 Anna doesn't mind this too much as long as she has a washcloth to chew on!

 And after? A nice, clean baby to snuggle in her hooded towel. 

 So now my baby girly is mostly cradle cap free (it takes a few times!), 

 and ready to be on the move again!

 

Beware Of Corn Dogs!

To date, they've claimed two teeth in our house. My older kids, who don't like corn dogs anyway, said they always knew they were evil.

I think Abby looks totally adorable with her toothless grin!

 

3/4 Of A Year

Anna is 9 months old today!

 She is making messes and exploring toys.

 Her happy spirit is shining through.

 Her favorite pastime? Picking up stuff off the floor, (see it in her pincer grasp?)

 and eating it! ewwww......

 She's everywhere and into everything and finally has a bit of chunk on those thighs!

 I see determination in that personality! I love that...

 and how I love her!