I'm back...I think

I've finally found a spare moment to blog...six children keep me on my toes! Ava is growing perfectly; she absolutely completes our family! We are all so in love with her. Hope you enjoy these pictures.

the first full week of school

It has been a great week for the kids...well except for Nate who really misses Jack. I feel like as a parent I have a child in almost every phase of childhood: Clark in high school, Lauren in middle school, Nick in the fourth grade, Jack starting Kindergarten, Nate is a pre-schooler, and Ava is the newborn. I love it, these wonderful children will keep me on my toes.

Dave gave the children father's blessings last Sunday. We all felt the spirit, and each child has already made good friends, and is happy at school. I hope this is one of the best years yet for them!

My Freshman is on the Varsity team!

Sorry I don't have pics up yet...just had to share the news. Clark found out today that he made the Varsity Swim/Dive team as a diver!! This was his first full week as a Freshman at Williams Field High School, and needless to say, it's been fantastic! He has a red Varsity locker (I guess JV has black) that's gigantic...just like his ego! ;)

Ava Piper Manwaring

Ava was born on Saturday, July 24th at 9:03 a.m. She weighed 8lbs. 1oz. and was 21 inches long. She is such a sweet happy baby. We are all completely smitten with her!





Clark is changing Ava's diaper, he did a great job.



Look at all these children! I'm the luckiest mom in the world.



I never got around to posting how big my belly was...Nate would ask to "kiss" Ava several times a day, so I just had to get a picture of him.

A Fabulous Baby Shower!

I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends! Two amazing women, Tenneal and Marin held a baby shower for me, and it was wonderful. Of course, everything that these two women do is wonderful...truly! I think I received enough diapers to last me a year, and the cutest baby clothes ever! Now I just can't wait for her to get here...4 more weeks.

Lauren is thirteen!

I just love this girl! I am Soooo blessed to have her as my daughter! Her birthday was last Thursday, so I'm a little late in posting. She had breakfast in bed, we went to Joe's Farm Grill for lunch,we went shopping and had PF Chang's for dinner. I have to say that so far my two teenagers have been amazing, and I am really enjoying this stage with them.

8th Grade Graduation

Clark is officially a Freshman!! He's very excited to start High School at Williams Field High School this year (Go Black Hawks!). Here are some graduation pics.