More from the photo sitting

We were finally able to make it in for some professional photos--we dread that kind of thing! The boys are never agreeable and the photographers usually arrange the kids really strange and I end up having to step in, rearrange the kids to make them look like I want and then entertain and act goofy so they smile (control freak, I know)---I always think those places should be paying ME for decent photos because I'm the one sweating when I leave!



Out of 150 shots, we got a few that were good. Many of the shots had Ben flopping on the floor or actually running off of the screen!
















Lydia was a bit shocked---I think she was afraid of the photographer girl. But, we got some cute shots once she smiled!

Finally, a professional photo!

May fun

Lydia really loves the backyard. Her favorite thing to do is swing. But now that it's warmer, she also loves to sit at the picnic table for a little snack or "lay" in the hammock (she really tries to jump on it like a trampoline).





In this pic, she's enjoying a sunny afternoon snack. Surprisingly she sat at the little table for about 20 minutes, without getting up or standing on it!!! I think she was just enjoying a bit of peace and quiet (the boys were at school and Ben napping).












Also surprisingly, she is very content wearing a hat and will keep this huge thing on her head forever! What a sweet little face with rosy cheeks....

We enjoyed Jack's preschool program in May. (Ben, not so much so!) But, Lydia loved to watch the children do hand motions, and hear them sing. She stood on my lap most of the time and "sang" along and tried to do some "motions". Thankfully, she loves music and that kept her entertained throughout the program. Ben, on the other hand, had to be removed by the bouncer (Daddy) because of his rowdy behavior!

Cutie pics

Lydia having an excited squeal---lunch with Grandma at Red Robin. She is a great lunch date so far. Sits in her chair, doesn't want to run around the place, and eats her food (kind of!). Restaurant trips with the boys are quite different! As the boys were smaller, many times Jason and I never enjoyed our food due to several trips to the bathroom, boys running off, peering over booths, or scouring underneath the table (yuck!). Another fun reminder of the vast differences between boys and girls---it's great!!






Lydia's first trip to our pool...she absolutely LOVES the water! She loves to splash, of course, but more strangely, loves to go under! She comes up laughing and squealing with glee, while wiping the water from her eyes. I can see that she might be quite dangerous at the first swim meet coming up in June! Watching the boys swim will be quite a challenge while chasing her around.






Here is our sweet "bat girl"...
Although we have lots of pink and girlie stuff, she also loves her brother's light sabers and super hero masks! She will be quite well-rounded in her play skills---from taking care of dollies, to "saving the day"...all in a day's work for this little gal!





Here Lydia is "cheesing" at Ben's birthday party. She now knows that cameras are for smiling and saying "eeeee"






Below...Jack is learning to read and sat to read to his younger sibs. Yesterday I mentioned that he needs to be a good example because he's a big brother...his response "No I'm not! SAM is the big brother!" I don't know what he considers himself, but I tried to point out that he, also, is a big brother...alas, the challenge for the middle child---trying hard to understand 'who you are' and where you fit in the family.