Zachary's first haircut

We finally did it. The mullet was getting much to long and the sides were covering up his ears. We figured he needed a haircut before people really started to question if he was a girl (although I still get that sometimes). So off to see Heather we went. Here are some before, during and an after shot. So grown-up now. (It has now been about three weeks since we cut his hair).

Yes, all our boys must go through this phase.

This is his standard look. Pouty lips are in don't you know. :-)

The lollipop helped him sit still for just a tad bit longer, but sure did leave a mess.

We didn't actually take a picture after the haircut, but this was the next day. You can tell it is shorter, well, at least I can, especially around the ears.

Day at the Musuem

Okay, so I know all of these posts lately are totally out of order, but I still want to document them, so just bare with me.

Brittny and I met at the Musuem one Friday afternoon when the weather was beautiful and too nice to stay inside. It was a great decision. We packed a picnic lunch, sat outside, fed and chased the ducks/geese, played a little soccer, climbed trees and hung out inside the musuem for awhile before picking up the big boys. It was so much fun. We just love all the time we are getting to spend with the Hemphill's that's for sure.

Feeding the ducks

Getting a little closer. Do you think they like Doritos?

Get them Zachary!

Sophie, my little helper.

Climbing the tree.

Sleepovers

Last Friday night we had our first sleepover experience. Burt picked Christopher up after work and brought him to our apartment. The boys immediately went to the room to play trains while I made dinner- french toast and bacon. We all sat down to eat and then were planning on watching a movie. Joshua was the only one who ended up doing this. Nicholas and Christopher were too wound up and just went back to the room to play. Around 730 we decided to get them all ready for bed and had them in the room by 8. Nicholas and Christopher were being too rowdy so Joshua came out to see us. We decided to put him in our room to fall asleep and then move him once the boys passed out. Christopher started off on Nicholas' bed, but we quickly learned that would not work so we made up his palate on the floor. Around 845 the first cry happened because of a "stuffed animal" fight. Not a huge deal. They quickly went back to playing, laughing, whatever boys do. I thought for sure they would tire out at some point, but no. At 930 I finally decided they had enough fun for the evening and went in their to lay with them until someone fell asleep. By 945 they were asleep. They certainly took advantage of the sleepover rules I suppose.

The next morning we got up, had breakfast and then got ready for the soccer game. It was interesting trying to add one more child into the mix of dressing and getting out the door for a 9am soccer game, but we did it. It was crazy for sure, but we enjoyed it and are so glad Christopher felt comfortable enough to stay with us and not want to go back home. Brittny said he was so excited to come over that he kept packing more clothes saying he would be here until Halloween and then waited by the door for Burt to pick him up. Too cute.

Trying to go to sleep.

Joshua fell asleep in our room.

We then moved Joshua to his room after the big boys were asleep. So peaceful.

Since last weekend went so well we told Brittny she had no choice but to send both kids home with Burt after work. She deserved a night off by herself and a chance to really sleep in. The boys went straight to the trains again while Burt took Sophie and Joshua to get the pizza and a movie. We ate dinner and then the kids went back to playing. Zachary tried to get in the mix too. We then attempted to get them to watch the movie to settle down. They did for a little bit and then just played. At 7 we got them all ready for bed and started to get them in their "beds" at 730. Sophie and Joshua set up sleeping bags in the living room where I hung out and Christopher and Nicholas were in the bedroom where Burt stayed for a little bit. I figured this would ensure the kids actually went to sleep at a decent hour this time. The boys still had some rowdy time, but were asleep by 815 I think. The "little" ones were asleep by 745. Good times had by all. I see lots of sleepovers in the future in our new place. We can't wait for the house to be finished.Big boys sleeping in the room.

Smaller ones in the living room.

Soccer games

Nicholas started to play soccer in September. This is his first go at a team sport. It is so cute to watch 4 and 5 year olds play. They follow the ball in little herds mostly to begin with, but now they are getting much better at spreading out and playing. It has been fun watching the improvement of all the players over the weeks. Joshua doesn't like that he can't be on the field with Nicholas and Burt (he is the coach), but he is dealing. And Zachary is being a trooper with being strapped in the stroller most of the time and not getting a morning nap. I am very thankful for his easy going nature (well most of the time he is that). Oh, and Christopher is on the same team too. God is good. We couldn't request them on the same team due to the amount of kids signed up, but it turned out they were placed on the same team anyway and when they needed another coach and Burt decided to do it, their team was the one that needed one. Hmmm, coincidence??? I don't think so. Anyway, on to some pictures.

Waiting for their names to be called.

Nicholas seemed bored this first game and very distracted for sure.

Zachary just hanging out.

Saying good game to the other team.

Nice throw Christopher.

Coach giving a pep talk.

Nicholas going after the ball.

I believe he scored on this shot.

The cheering section for this particular game. Good times.

Such determination.

Brittny's Dad helping me out by holding Joshua for a little bit. He wanted to be on the field so bad with his Daddy.

Only two more games to go. It will be sad to see it end, but good at the same time. The kids have improved so much over the weeks. It is really neat to watch the team working together and the kids getting so excited about playing and scoring goals. It has been a great adventure and start to our team sports.

15 month check-up

Okay, so technically Zachary is 16 months, but that's okay. Everything is looking great for our big boy. He is a character that's for sure. I suppose you have to be in this group. It probably also doesn't help that as we have more children each one seems to grow up faster to keep up with the others. Zachary makes a bee line for the grass once we hit the bottom of the stairs and it is hard for me to keep up with him he is so fast. He loves to be outside. He also climbs up on the table so we now have to pull the chairs away to keep him off. He loves to hum to music and is really good at it. We can usually tell what the song is which is fantastic. Burt says he might be our little musician. He loves to spin around in circles, has the cutest laugh and smile, eats pretty well, drinks out of a straw, can throw a ball and kick it, now has 5 teeth, can scribble, say a few words and sign a few others.....etc, etc. He weighed in at 21 pounds 15 ounces (25%) and is 31 inches long (60%). The Dr. thinks this might be a little off, but we will go with it. So, there you have it. A brief overview of our little one.

This is where he started off. Looks innocent enough. Just a little coloring mommy.

Then I turn around and this is what I find. One little boy up on the table to get a better look. Hmm, this is when I started to move the chairs. I got tired of taking him off and saying no with no luck.