Six Flags 2013

I have so many posts started or in my head. It's just crazy. Here's one of them from earlier this summer... The first day of summer vacation we headed to 6 Flags with my sister and kids, minus Nolan who was at basketball camp. On the way down, I thought it was funny because we passed many traveling fair rides. Seeing them on these big trucks made me happy we were going to 6 Flags... permanent rides, not moveable ones!

I'm glad Kate tolerates Ava!

Ready to get wet, girls?

Wow, Abby. Could you be any bigger compared to Kate?

Jen and Cole are more than ready! (Sorry, Jen!!)

Let's go Max and Chad!

Don't worry, Kate. It'll be ok! Abby will save you!

A boat just Ava's size.

Max is such a cross between small and big. He went on everything big he could. And then went on the little kid rides. He was SO enthralled with these boats and the bells and the fake steering wheel. I could just hear the wheels turning in his head.

Our second annual Scooby picture! Just missing Nolan...

Awww, Ava. Loved by a skunk!

Can you read this? Cracks me up every time... Bullet #1 says "Riders must possess one (1) naturally fully formed and functioning arm extremity. The arm must have the ability to be flexed at the elbow and a minimum of three (3) full fingers with the ability to hold on with a firm grip. Riders must possess one (1) naturally fully formed and functioning leg extremity with a foot." It has so much thought put into it... there has to be a reason for each point. even more concerning is that it's changed since last year. Craziness!!

Sisters

Sometimes, they love each other! Abby even likes to babysit Ava every now and again. And, Ava loves when Abby babysits her. I think they get along better when I'm not home than when I am. Hmmm... maybe I should go more often?

Buca just thinks he's one of the girls.

Do you think they're related??

Love my girls... getting so big every day.

Multiple Personalities

Who are these children? They just crack me up. I love it when Ava and Max play well together, and they both love dress up. Sometimes, Ava picks her favorite superhero and Max plays along with her...

Sometimes, Max picks out his best dress, and they play together. I think this picture of the three of them is so funny. I can't even imagine what they were thinking!

Buca's best friend

Meet Lexi. Lexi lives next store with Jenny and Rocky, and is the sweetest dog ever. Here she is taking over Buca's bed. Every chance she gets she sneaks into our house. And she's the biggest lap dog ever. The myth of the pit bull is just that... she is the sweetest, most lovable dog I've ever met.

A boy's best friend

Just love this picture of Max and Buca... Buca is clearly a good sidekick!

11, 10, 9, 9, 7, 6, 4, 3

Last year, we decided to do one birthday party at my mom and dad's house for all eight of the kids. So, we celebrate Christmas in winter and birthdays in summer, and it's all good! My mom picks a theme, and really goes all out making it a great day and event. We have good food (of course!), and good company. The kids just run around, play together, and just generally have a good time. This year's theme was jungle... with all eight kids, it's certainly a jungle out there!

Here's the good food. Well, it's interesting food at least. A meat and cheese bouquet and platter.

I gave Abby my phone and made her take pictures all around. Here's the Hippo Hut. There were lots of crazy concoctions... crocodile punch or swamp water or lots of other kid and grown up drinks. Ava was one of the bartenders, and I think all the kids took a turn. Through tips they made $16! Not sure where that came from!

All the PRESENTS!!!

A photo backdrop, of course. Ava the monkey!

Tiger tails in these cute little cups. Otherwise known as Cheetos.

One of the many games was a scavenger hunt... boys vs girls!

Good company and conversation... and weather!

Fake moustache and tiara... one of the many gifts the kids won from the games.

Ummm, Max?

 The crew... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Yup. All there...

Plus 2!

Ava loved her Barbie bag... and all the Barbie gifts!

Cute Max.

EWWWWWWW!!! But very funny.

In the water wars, Kate and Ava get the "wettest" and the "sticks with it longest" awards. Both were funny. They just kept going back, squirting each other in the face, laughing, and refilling. They were so busy with this!

Night night! Avay got a seatbelt pal, and it clearly worked well on the way home.

Next year half of the kids will be in double digits. How crazy is that!?! The kids are already talking about what the theme should be... I don't think you can ever go wrong with Wild Ones!

Max the Man

Happy birthday to my little man! Six years old is pretty hard to believe. He was born appropriately since he was a firecracker from day 1. His birthday wish list? A water bazooka with a target. A water bazooka. A gift card with $100 on it. Why? To buy his own iPad and another water bazooka. And green lantern rings in every color except green. The kid cracks me up!

Love you Max! Can't wait to see what this year will bring!