Cute Little Drew!

Closet Walker for Daddy

Yesterday I was at my computer working and Drew as normal was standing against my chair with his Binky in mouth. (He goes everywhere with that thing) Anyways, close to the chair is a wall that leads into our family room. As I'm working I am watching him out of the corner of my eye. All of a sudden he starts inching his way to the wall, as if he were inching across the couch, from one side to the other. However this time it was different, there was nothing to hold him up. I turned around as he finally made his way to the wall and applauded him! He then plays shy and puts his head on the floor. I pick him up and take him into the front room and do it again. He does it several times and I am beside myself watching this. It was so fun to watch and couldn't wait to show Gavin when he came home.

Gavin finally gets home from work and I stop him in the hall. I get Drew to show him what he has learned. Drew acts like a rag doll and refuses to walk. Ughh!!! It was tonight that Gavin finally got a glimpse. Once again Drew thinks Daddy isn't watching him and he does it. He goes from the love seat to me in the recliner walking sideways as if inching across furniture. He turns around to see Gavin watching him and of course Gavin praises him for walking all by himself. Gavin cracked up and now calls him the crab because he looks like a crab walking with his hands in the air sideways.

Drew has been such a joy in our family! I'll have to get pictures of "the crab".

Random Cuteness

I love being a mom to 6 crazy kids. This summer has been incredible and we've enjoyed every minute. I went to Utah for 3 weeks with Austin, Drew and Ethan. Gavin met us up there after the second week with Liam and Jared. We had a blast "camping" in Nan and Papa's back yard, swimming, hiking and spending time with the family. Zoe is at Drama camp with Grandma Sherry and loving every minute as she is in her realm of being a "drama queen". Life is good!

Ethan Maxwell Curtis

Ethan was born Thursday, June 12 at 5:02pm. He weighed 6 lbs 8 oz and was 17 inches long. He is a sweet natured baby and are so excited to have him in our home. The kids love their baby brother. Zoe has claimed him as her own. She tells everyone that Ethan is her baby. She makes me laugh.

Drew is not sure what to think, but is warming up. He is still learning what "soft" means.

We feel so blessed!

When life is a lemon, make lemonade, or in our case lemon bars!!!

It's been a while since I've written anything and have promised myself that I would get better. We have been busy with life and time slips through your fingers.

We have moved from Surprise, AZ to Litchfield Park, AZ. It's a whopping 15 minutes away from our last house, door to door. Our new house is 24 square feet larger then our last, but feels 10 times larger. We went from a two story to a single story and love the saving on the utilities. With the weather the way it is, we don't turn on the AC until 3 in the afternoon and only run it for a couple of hours. It's been great on our wallet.

In the midst of preparing to move, I started having pre-term labor. I was at about 20 weeks. My parents, being the saints that they are, flew down the week that we were moving to help with the kids and the move. I was put on "restrictions", as how does anyone go on bed rest with a 10 month old, two 6 year olds, an 8 year old and a 9 year old? This has been a challenge, but the kids have been awesome as they don't want to hurt the baby in the tummy. Gavin has been a trooper through the entire ordeal.

We have moved into a ward for our church that has been incredible and have been so loving and full of service and support. We love where we live as there are 5 Mormon families within a 3 street radius. Including the Bishop and 1st counselor. It's been great getting to know so many amazing families in the ward. Zoe has been blessed with a friend her age just two streets down, who she can't separate herself from when she is here.

Liam was baptised this past Saturday, which was an awesome experience. Watching Liam as he has come to understand the importance of baptism has been a humbling experience. He has grasped the concept and really is trying to live more obediently. what a sweet young man we have been blessed with in our home.

Austin was student of the month last month. He was so excited as this has been a goal of his since the beginning of the year. We are proud of him.

Drew is so independent. He is almost 11 months and has an entire world to explore. The kids adore him, especially Jared. Watching Jared interact with him, just warms the soul.

A couple of pictures of what we've been doing since Thanksgiving!

We've been busy with all that the Holiday season brings.

Gavin and the kids with my niece, Meredith, getting ready for a hike behind Nan and Papa's house.

Drew after having a good dinner! He Loves to smile for the camera.

Zoe and Austin decorating cookies with Aunt Kendra. Kendra, Trevor, and Mom and Dad Curtis came out at the beginning of the year to celebrate a late Christmas. We sure had a great time!

Liam and Jared decorating their cookies.

The finished product. This is what I call a sugar rush!

The kids in front of Hoover Damn on the way to Utah for Thanksgiving.

We've been busy, but had fun doing it all! I am now 13 weeks along and definitely feeling pregnant. The kids are back in school and ready to learn. We had a great Christmas break and enjoyed every minute of being together as a family!

Thanksgiving

We had an awesome time at Thanksgiving. We took the kids to Utah to visit my family, Nan and Papa Judd. We also had the opportunity to celebrate Jared's birthday. Yes his birthday is in October, however he wanted to have a party with all of his cousins. It was quite the party.

We also broke the news to the kids that we will be adding another sweet little spirit into our home. I think they took it well. Jared was hilarious and said, "Not another one!" However when we talked with him one on one he was excited and that put us at ease. Liam said he would be okay with it, as long as it's a baby sister. Zoe just couldn't believe how close this one and Drew are going to be. (13 months to be exact.) But she is happy and praying for a sister. Austin is quiet, but seems to be taking it in stride. And Drew of course is just a happy little baby and could care less! :) We have explained to the kids that it is best to just expect another brother, as if it's not a girl, we don't want them to be disappointed. We are overwhelmed to think that the Lord is in trusting us with another child, and are humbled and grateful!