Let's Go Outside!!!

We are spending almost every afternoon outside and I LOVE it!!!  So do the kiddos!  These are a few pictures from this week.

If there is a ball around, he's playing with it.

 

He's getting too big!

Soccer time

If you tell Ella to smile, she automatically strikes this pose.

Ella had just pushed the little girl down in purple to get to the ball.  I asked her why she did that and she said "so I could make the goal, mom."  Oh, Ella....

Luke was able to find some extra balls and he was in heaven!

Grandma/Nana/Papa Scoggins Visit!

I have not been to Opelika since I was 8 weeks pregnant with Luke.  I know!  That's a long time!!  Which means I haven't seen much of my extended family that lives in Alabama.  I was so thankful when I found out Dad and Mom were going to bring Grandma up here to see us.  They all came in for a short visit on Thursday/Friday.  We packed a lot into a little time (don't we always!).  Dinner, walmart (where Papa overly spoiled the kiddos), swimming at the hotel, lunch...  I am so thankful that Grandma got to make the trip up here and see how big Noah and Ella have gotten, and to finally meet our Luke.  Grandma spoiled all of us too - she brought the kids some awesome gifts (ellas map and stickers, one for Noah, and a book for Luke), and for me, the best present of all, her world famous nothings better than i'm gonna gain five pounds because I can't stop eating it - poundcake. 

Papa and Ella working on her Biblical map of Israel

They've always been best buds

Kim gave Luke Carter's old car.  Luke LOVES it!

Grandma and Luke finally met!

Growing

 I realized I missed posting Luke's 10 month picture, and I'm a little bit behind on his 11 month picture, so here goes...

Luke is curious.  The past few months he has mastered the art of speed crawling, putting himself in dangerous situations, and keeping us on our toes.  Nothing is out of bounds for Luke - a toilet?  Well that looks fun to splash in.  The dishwasher?  Let me help you throw all the plates on the floor, mom.  The cabinets, does that make noise if I bang it together?  The beds, Can I crawl under there and get stuck?  While he keeps me on my toes 24/7.  He brings so much joy to our every day lives in the Siak house.  Luke has the best laugh.  He loves to wrestle.  He knows how to bite until it forms a welt and smiles sweetly at you after he has done it.  He loves to eat any carbs you put in front of him.  And if you have chocolate, you better be prepared to share.  It's so fun to watch him focus in on something across the room and go after it in a split second.  He has no want to walk.  He's timid and is scared to fall, but I am not rushing the next stage of walking.  Luke loves spending time with both Ella and Noah, but he has a special place in his heart for Noah.  He still tries  not to sleep, he doesn't want to miss a minute and only takes two short naps a day.  Luke has mastered the art of begging, he smacks his lips together in a smile until you give him whatever you are eating.  He loves to be outside and has eaten his share of grass and sticks (of course I constantly try to stop him, but he is sneaky!).  I can't believe we are nearing his first birthday.  We are busy prepping for his big day thanks to pinterest and some crafty friends.  I was thinking back to this time last year, I was on bedrest, and didn't even know what his precious little face looked like.  This has been one of the best years of my life thanks to the crazy challenge of being Lukes mom.  I will love you to the moon and back Lukey.  Forever.

Dear Luke

I love that you still let me snuggle you while you are sleeping. You are growing up too fast!!!

Katy Cook Photography

All portraits are by www.katycookphotography.com

Giggling Sideways

Luke's laugh is so contagious.  I filmed this video on my phone and it's sideways... but still absolutely hilarious!  Enjoy!

Oldie but goodie

When I was 14 years old God blessed me by putting Erica in my life. We have walked through all of lifes ups and downs together. I have laughed I've almost peed, cried through struggles, and been supported by and with her for a very long time. We live too far away to get together often but got to have a quick dinner with our family's last week. I am so thankful for our friendship!!!

Springtime?

Crawling after brother and sister!

Man, this weather has been amazing this winter, hasn't it?  We enjoy being outside SO much and I am thankful that we've gotten to take advantage of this beautiful almost-springtime-time of year.  Recently, we've let Luke down.  I mean, he's not in his stroller watching the kids play - he's down on the ground playing right around with them.  When we purchased this house 8 years ago, one of it's selling points was the 1 acre field above the house.  Luke crawls from one end to the next, trying to catch his siblings (and whatever kiddos are hanging out at the house that day).  I LOVE spring and am so glad it's almost here! 

He's standing on TOP of the playhouse. 

Trying to do everything her brother does.

Considering how he can get into trouble...