Life with sisters

Hopefully Ruston will survive his sisters. Sarah worked to make him comfortable on Saturday. At least she got the memo that you are not supposed to cover his head :)

Ruston's Favorite Spot

Ruston has spent most of his days sleeping in his bouncy seat. If you drop by you will probably find him resting comfortably here:

And then there were 5

The girls didn't get to meet their little brother until the day after he was born. It still seems a little crazy that we have three kids now! Jolie & Sarah are enthusiastic big sisters!

Welcome Ruston!

Ruston James Strain

10-01-10

8 lbs. 3 oz.

20 3/4 inches

Here are some pictures from our little guy's birthday...

Teddy Bear Picnic

This week they are learning the letter "T" at school so today they had a teddy bear picnic. Sarah & I went to join in the fun so I took a couple of pictures. We are loving Jolie's teacher & her school. I love hearing her first impression of her day each afternoon - it's usually something like "awesome, fabulous, fantastic or super!" Her teacher has been complimentary of her fun, sweet attitude. We are so glad she is enjoying school.

Dance

Jolie's first day of dance was last week. Needless to say, she was a fan from the start. They do ballet, tap & tumbling. She loves to wear her ballet shoes & give Sarah lessons at home :)

First Day of Kindergarten

Jolie, her friend Eileen & another friend from church.
Jolie's first day of school went well. Just the girls went on Friday so it was less overwhelming. We all walked her to class so that Todd & Sarah could see where she would be each day. She was not the least bit anxious about going or us leaving. At the end of the day she was pretty tired. On the way home I said, "So do you think you are going to like Kindergarten?" Her reply, "I already LOVE it!" We'll see how day #2 goes tomorrow!

Ready or not here she comes!

Jolie begins Kindergarten in the morning! We went last Friday to meet her teacher, Ms. Tynes. She is so excited! Sarah & I will miss her, but I am looking forward to spending some one-on-one time with the little sister. Hopefully, the folks at her school are ready for this fun, drama-filled kiddo!

Sarah & swimming lessons

This was Sarah's first year of lessons. She would have dived head first into the water last year, but this year has developed a slight fear of water. She really did pretty well, but was super tired on her last day of lessons. I really think the only reason she got in the water today was to get the treat - this kid is motivated by candy! Here she is in action (& that is her whining the whole way across):

Our little swimmer

Jolie took another year of swimming lessons & became an even stronger swimmer. We are so proud. Here she is in action:

Easter Bunny Cake

We baked our annual Easter bunny cake today. We are taking it to share with Jolie's class tomorrow. Jolie did a great job helping me place the jelly beans on the cake & sprinkle the coconut. Sarah did a great job getting in the way & eating icing.

Our finished cake:

Trouble maker:

My big helper:

Welcome spring!

After a really long winter we've been enjoying more time outside (well most of us).

Here is Sarah smiling in the sunshine...

Here is Jolie watching us from inside because of her serious fear of stinging insects...

Playing catch up

So pregnancy has significantly influenced how many pictures I have not taken over the last few weeks, but I did capture a few so here they are...

These Kids Surf (artwork by Jolie):
My sweet little Valentines:
I'm now 10.5 weeks pregnant & head back to the doc for a check up on Thursday. Hopefully, now that I'm beginning to feel better & spring is in the air I'll have more to share.