Lately

It's been a while since I've posted and, to be frank, I could quite happily wait a bit longer to do so. The pictures haven't been piling up (I haven't been taking many), and we haven't done too many grand or exciting things. Edith and I are just busy trying to get into the new routine. I can only take so many photos of going to the park or tricycle rides down the same street before it gets a little repetitive. I guess I should have documented our trip to the grocery store yesterday for a change of pace. Truck carts are rather exciting, after all. 

And I know I joked about the blog becoming the "Edith Show", but that's really what it might end up being like and it makes me kind of sad. I really want the other kids to be represented. I had a chance to feature the older kids when we hung out with family and went to the falls a few weeks ago to remember my dad, but I only managed to take photos of Edith. Fail. But, I guess there are a few things that could serve to be documented, even a few pictures of the other kids. 

Anyway, here's what we've been up to over the past few weeks...

I CLEANED THE FRIDGE! Not only did I clean it, but I detailed it. I took out every shelf and took everything apart. It took hours. And now I'm posting a picture so the kids who think I do nothing while I'm home can someday appreciate this. 

The 3 younger kids spent some time painting. I don't let them do this as often as I should because I always imagine that the hassle and mess will be so much more than it ever ends up being. Just looking at this photo makes me vow to let them do it more often. I love it when my kids are being creative.

We spent Labor Day with family, doing some things we used to do with my dad. It was a lot of fun and I know he would have loved to be there in person instead of just in spirit. Edith was absolutely pooped by the time we were headed home from the falls at the end of the day. I was, too, Edith.

Edith is pretty much done napping at this point, but will occasionally request one if she feels tired. Sometimes, though, the tiredness sneaks up on her (You and me both, kid). I guess a morning spent tricycle riding and going to the park can do that to a girl. Don't worry, her head reattached without a problem...

It has been fun trying some new parks with Edith while we're out and about. We're definitely keeping track of which ones we want to take the boys to visit. We think they'll really like this one:

I print out a ton of coloring pages on a regular basis for the kids. I love to color, so I'm glad that the kids do, too. My fridge is overflowing with pictures and I'm thinking it may be time to paint a section of wall with some magnetic paint. I mean, with artwork this good, it needs to be displayed!

I'm super happy that Edith loves to have me read to her. Luckily, we have some great books on our shelves to read from. These are some of her favorites this week:

I'm also super happy that sometimes she gives me a break and I find her doing this:

I kinda can't decide which I like more. 

All of it makes my heart happy, really (even the clean fridge). I love my family.