This is the night we've waited for...

It was the annual Phelps Family Night Slip n Slide. This is always a crowd pleaser, with water, soap, and a 100 yard slide. This year, Allie was brave enough to go by herself (and after the first run, we hardly saw her again as she kept going up and down the hill by herself all night). Hadley and Miles needed some help.

Allie showing some of her great moves down the slide. 

Hadley got wiped out at the end of our 2nd run, so we don't have any action shots of her. After that point she wanted to hang out on the side instead.

Popsicles help make everyone feel better though.

Miles liked the popsicles better than the sliding (he has a nice little red goatee here too).

All the kiddos posing for the camera.

One shot of the family. 

(probably should have taken this before the sunset was at burn-your-retina-intensity, oops)

Miles 11 months

Miles has reached the ripe old age of 11 months. Magically he has not caused himself a concussion (although he has tried on multiple occasions), but he continues to explore the house. He still loves to be outside and gets really excited whenever anyone opens the door (and really sad when it gets closed). He has a great smile, a sad cry, and a strong desire to talk (which is generally manifest by loud outbursts of sudden squeals).

His new found mobility makes him nearly impossible to photograph. 

Emotions turn on a dime.

We are glad to have him around (especially when he is happy)!

Walkin' Life

Miles is now walking everywhere, rarely crawling now.  All of our kids were walking by 10 months... crazy!  Miles is a bit fearless and because of that, has a few bruises of show.  People keep asking me what happened... and I say on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday he bonked his head, on Thursday he bonked his cheek.. etc.  He is getting better, but still adds a bit of color to his complexion often.  

Allie's first day of Kindergarten

On Wednesday, Allie had her first day of Kindergarten, and you would have thought it was Chrsitmas  she was so excited.  She was counting down the days for weeks and finally got to meet her teacher, Mrs. Schreiber, on Monday and then go to her first day Wednesday.  

Here are Allie and Patrick on the meet the teacher day.  They were in the same preschool together so it was nice to have a friend.  Upon seeing Patrick outside waiting, she grabbed his hand and they walked hand in hand on the way to the classroom. 

Wednesday finally came and Allie woke up bright and early (though she always does) and was so excited to get her new school clothes on, pack her lunch and go!  

The excitement rubbed off on me, excited and only slightly nervous to see her grow up so much and go off to all-day kindergarten.  We headed off while Steph and Brendon watched Miles and Hadley so we could navigate our way a bit easier.

We made it to the kindergarten playground and found a few friends and Mrs. Schreiber. 

 This morning we found Hallie (not to be confused with Allie or Hadley) and walked hand in hand to  class.

Just a few minutes of waiting in line outside of class and she was off, not looking back to say goodbye.  Here's to a great Kindergarten year!

The Holmes' visit the desert

We were lucky enough to be an extended pitstop for Steph and Brendon on their way to California and we had so much fun!  We haven't all been together since our cruise together before we had any kids.  A bit has chanced since then... like 6 more family members!  

We went swimming together in the morning, played a bunch and went to the dollar theater to see Rio 2.  Once kids were in bed, we played games and caught up.  Man, I wish we could live closer to these friends.... but at least they will be a bit closer soon when they are done with school.  Hooray!

Steph played ring around the rosie with the kids to their hearts content.... which was a really long time.  Thanks Steph!

 Fun in the sun with some cookies!