catching up...

i have been taking lots of pictures this spring-but have not been getting them processed and compiled as quickly as i would like. it seems my only editing time falls between 1030pm and midnight. the kids have all gone to bed and and i've gotten things semi ready for the next day. this has left me a little sleep deprived-but the feeling of getting to work uninterrupted is so satisfying that it trumps sleep. so to catch up on the last few weeks with a few collages...

ashley graciously invited ben to join daphne in celebrating their first birthdays. ashley is incredibly amazing at planning these kinds of events and we felt lucky to be a part of such an elaborate and adorable party.  

 the next weekend was another big celebration. becky's graduation! that in itself is such an accomplishment-but she was also chosen to be the student speaker for the ceremony-so ben and i rode down with beth and grandma to join party of people cheering her on. she did a fantastic job and we are so proud of her!

i still have a week to do a 12 month photo shoot with ben-but here are a few favorites from this past week. he is talking with more intention and saying more sounds. ball, mama, and dadda, papa, nana, bah (bottle), duh (duck). he can do a monkey sound and pats his leg for dog. he pulls to stand quickly and is just starting to cruise around things. he just today turned around by himself to go down the 3 steps to the garage. he is getting another tooth- 

he loves to point to the pictures in the hall and at himself in the mirror. he rolls his cars and trunks and throws balls and grass, dirt and rocks. he lights up when the other kids come home from school and starts to wave when he hears the bus coming. he is such a joy.

 emily was worn out from soccer practice-i love her freckles in black and white-