Summer gone by...

Well, considering that I'm now an avid Facebooker, I'm not updating this blog like I should be. FB is good for those day to day things, but it's just not a place to keep the memories like the BK8 blog is. And so, this I will try to update more regularly.

So, this summer. Now that it's officially over, I am happy to report we survived it. We spent the longest time yet away from home in NC. We left a week after school was out and came back 2 weeks before it started back. We enjoyed the mountains, the girls and I mostly. Bob Bob and Grammy finally moved into their house about a week before we came home, so now we have a beautiful place to stay at a moment's notice! We spent a lot of time at parks and playgrounds. We did go to Tweetsie a couple of times, but since I was the solo adult most of the time, with 3 little ones that still need naps, we stuck close to home. The older girls spent a week at the local college at a performing arts camp...you can imagine that! They also spent a week at Camp Ginger Cascades doing their annual girl scout camp stint...they loved it! My niece Bailey spent about 3 weeks with us, which was fun. We hadn't seen her since she moved to Montana last June. Bailey and Katie spent a week in NYC with my aunt and uncle and had a ball...taking in a showing of West Side Story on Broadway and a journey to the American Girl store!

We watched Sarah grow quite a bit this summer. She blossomed into a pretty sweet little thing, although she HATES the car. Which is a bummer, considering how much time we tend to spend there.

All in all, it was a great summer and I can't wait for the next one...except that it means making my girls all another year older...:-(

And so, we start another school year! Stay tuned!

Happy 12th Anniversary, Ryan!

12 years ago, I married my best friend.  We have had a terrific 12 years, complete with 6 beautiful daughters.  Ryan, you are my hopes and dreams fulfilled, my prayers and wishes answered.  I don't think I could have predicted the life we have built together, but I don't think I could have designed a better one in my wildest imagination.   Thank you for always being there for me and our girls.  I hope they always know how crazy their parents are for one another!

I love you more than words honey!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Birthday to Erin!!!

Well, after a very busy week, we get to say Happy Birthday to our super crazy Erin!!!  Despite having a baby yesterday, we were able to get out of the hospital and over to my parent's house where my mom had cooked a yummy meal (Erin's choosing) and made a chocolate chip cookie cake (also Erin's choice...way to go kid!).  We have been blessed to have Erin in our lives for the last 11 years.  You are an amazing young lady and we are so very proud of your creativity and your fun-loving spirit!  You are a great older sister and you are becoming such a wonderful role model for your younger sisters.

We love you very much Erin...Happy 11th Birthday to you Rynbow!

 

Sprite is a GIRL!!!!

After an awkward induction, and once things got rolling, we welcomed our 6th daughter into the world at 2:14pm on May 21.  Sprite (as we've been calling her in utero), weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds 12 ounces and was 19 inches long.  She looked very much like Cassidy and Lily.  She is beautiful.  Aside from a healthy, happy outcome, the coolest thing from this delivery is that Alison not only got to be there when Sprite was born, but she assisted the doctor and helped deliver her baby sister!!!!  It was a very cool experience for all of us, but for me, it was awesome watching my "baby" deliver my baby.

And for the record, Sprite is now known as "Sarah Paige Birks-Kilman".

Pictures to come soon!

Happy Birthday, Dear Cassidy!

Cassidy is turning 4 today.  Well, if you ask her, she's turning 4 at her party.  If that's the case, can I just postpone the party indefinitely and keep her 3?  Cassidy is such a cool kid.  She can come up with the funniest things to say...this week she coined the term "puke juice", which while gross, was very descriptive of the remnants left over on your hand after you puke.  And after her sister was throwing a fit, "She has got some kind of problem" comes out of Cassie's mouth.  And those things on the car that move back and forth to clear the windshield of rain?  They're "flippers"!  And speaking of flippers, she has become a solid swimmer, diving to retrieve toys on the bottom of the pool, swimming across the deep end, and still floating when she needs a rest.  She still loves her nap (yea!!!!) and sleeps easily usually at night.  She's a very loving sister when she wants to be and very stubborn when she's not getting her way.  She actually puffs up like a cat when she's mad.

Cassidy, you are a light in our lives.  We can't imagine this world without you.  You sparkle and shine brighter than any star in the sky with your wit, silliness and way with words.  You have impressed me with your memory and your ability to get things done.  You are about to become a big sister again, and I know that is a role that you will fill very willingly and eagerly.  We are proud of what a great job you are doing at school and how much your friends love you!  I just hope that you slow down a little...you are growing up too fast for me!!!

I love you always.  Happy 4th Birthday to my Doodle.

Momma

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lily!!!!

There is nothing as precious as a birthday girl! From the moment I laid eyes on this one, I knew she was different...as I knew with all of her sisters...as I will soon find out again with our newest baby. Lily is precocious, smart, and silly. She loves to sing and swim. She is usually pretty easy going, but you wouldn't want to cross her...she might bite. She's a fiesty little imp.

So, to you, Lily Claire, on your 2nd birthday: I am honored and so very proud to be your momma. I have enjoyed every minute of the last 2 years, and cannot wait to see what you have in store for us! You have some very special greatness inside you and I know that we are only seeing a sliver of what you have to offer. I cannot wait to watch you grow and learn. But as your momma, it is my duty to ask you to slow down and stop growing, so that I can keep you my baby for just a little longer! I love you bunches, my Lillers!

The Other Side of the Fence

You know, I've been on the on the delivering end of the baby business quite a few times...but I've really never been on the observation end until tonight. I have got to say there is nothing like watching a brand new life start. I was able to witness the miracle that is Emily Hartwig.

I am basically without words of gratitude for Tom and Shelly for allowing me to be there when Emily was born. I was thrilled, honored, and moved beyond words! She is beautiful, perfect, and so very loved!

Congratulations Tom, Shelly and Ashley. Welcome to the world, Emily...we love you and can't wait to watch you grow up!!!

Love,
Auntie Laurel