Week with Lubug

Playing Pretty, Pretty Princess!
Hudson also loves this game, don't ask me why!
Chowin down on popcorn and watching Bee Movie
Love this one!! It was such a sweet moment that I had to capture!
Hudson decided to join in on the fun
Finally asleep after 11:00, they were in there gabbing and saying the funniest stuff!!

This past week we spent with my little niece London while her mommy was in the hospital giving birth to a handsome baby boy, Recker Clay Harvey. He weighed 6 pounds 6 ounces, I was so impressed with Nicolle, she did an amazing job and only pushed three times!! He is a precious little baby and has such a sweet older sister to look up to. London was an absolute blast to have around, Swayzie and Hudson were so excited to have her stay with us I don't think they left her side ever!! We tried to keep her as busy as possible becuase she was really missing her mommy and new little brother. We spent our time with her at the park, swimming, long bike rides and of course the girl parties at night. The girls could not wait to pick out a "princess" movie from blockbuster put makeup on and play pretty, pretty princess!! Thank you Nicolle for letting us keep her, the kiddies had a blast!!

Easter Egg Hunt At The Park!

Today, our ward had a fun Easter egg hunt at the park right by our house. The kids were so excited last night when we told them about it, they helped stuff the eggs and woke up bright and early this morning ready to start the hunt! Before it started, they let the little ones get a head start but the kids were not supposed to grab more than a dozen eggs, it was a little hard for Swayzie and Hudson to comprehend that. All they could understand was the hundreds of eggs spread across the park and they were set on filling their baskets to the top! Justin had a pep talk with Swayzie before they started, he told her to look inside the eggs first to see if there was "good candy" inside and then put it into her basket. So you'll notice in the picture of Swayzie picking up the eggs, she's looking inside the egg first to decide whether or not she wants it. Of course once they started grabbing eggs they were in a total zone, there was no telling them when to stop. Once things began to settle down and all of the eggs were found, they surprised all of the kids and had the Easter bunny show up!! Hudson was so excited to show the Easter bunny his basket of eggs, he was so proud of himself-it was really cute!! Although some of the kids were a little skeptical about hopping on the Easter bunny’s lap, Swayzie and Hudson showed no hesitation!! The kids had a great time, I feel so lucky to be in a ward with so many fun members and plenty of entertaining activities!!

The Easter Bunny Came

Happy Easter Everyone!! Today, Easter started a little too early in the Read household!! When you have church at 8:00, you end up having to start the Easter celebration a little earlier than expected, we kind of just rushed through the whole thing to make it to church on time. We let the kids pick a couple pieces of candy to take to church which of course was a bad idea, it had them completely wired through sacrament meeting. The kids loved their baskets and treats and were so excited to know that the Easter bunny had visited our house! Here are a few pictures from this morning.

Easter at the Cemetery

It has been a tradition in my family to spend Easter at the Cemetery where my younger brother, Grayson was buried. It's a great place to hide eggs, but somehow we never end up finding all of the eggs that were hidden. The kids really love it there, they can just run around and play for hours while the grown up's get some much needed bonding time. It's also nice for them to learn about their Uncle Grayson who they never had the chance to meet. Swayzie is at the age now where she loves to hear stories about him, he was quite the mischievous little boy so she enjoys all of the details. We didn't want the day to end there, so after the cemetery we went over to Grandma Read's house to eat dinner. She had a yummy feast prepared; ham, potatoes, rolls, salad and yummy angel food cake to finish it off!! Easter has always been one of my favorite Holidays, It's so nice to just be with family!! We are so blessed to have two great families that we love to spend time with!!

Play Day With Cousins

Saturday afternoon we drove out to Peoria where my sister lives and spent the day with the Harvey clan!! The kids had so much fun playing "horsey rides" with Ryan and Justin and even had a little chicken fight while on the horsey's!! Swayzie and Ridge easily won the challenge and London and Hudson were loving being shoved off their horsey. The kids also got to enjoy the chilly pool in the backyard and had a blast out there until poor Ridgey slipped and fell. The kids spent endless hours playing upstairs in London's room, we enjoyed a very detailed tour given by London. She showed Swayzie every piece of clothing hanging in her closet along with all of the cute accessories in her room. Those girls are absolutely hilarious together!! I overheard them arguing because Swayzie wanted to read some of London's books and London was upset because Swayzie wouldn't finish the tour that London had planned and so London decided they were not best friends anymore and started to head downstairs. Swayzie then came running out of London's room and yelled down the stairs; "okay London, please give me one more chance to be your best friend again" and London happily came running back upstairs. I love how quickly they are able to resolve their issues.

Nicolle and I got some much needed "girl time" in while the boys took care of the kids. We were both a little hesitant about leaving all five (yes, that's right FIVE) kids with them while we went for a little cruise and picked up the food. But the boys both insisted that we had nothing to worry about and that the kids were going to be fine. Well, when we arrived home about ten minutes later we found the boys plopped on the couch watching golf and the kids were nowhere in sight. We went upstairs to find them hiding behind London's bed, candy wrappers everywhere and the four of them devouring an entire bag of candy!! To give you a little visual; Hudson had an entire mouth full of gum he couldn't even close his mouth, London had two suckers in her mouth and Swayzie quickly began to shove candy down her shirt while chewing peanut m&m's as quickly as possible. I wish I had a camera ready at the time!! When I entered the room, they all quickly stashed the candy under the bed and tried to hide under whatever was near. It's amazing how sneaky they are already, I have no idea where they get it from!! It was quite a sight to be seen and of course the kids were completely wired the rest of the evening. Nicolle and I should have predicted that this would happen, I've learned that when sports are on my husband is completely unaware of his surroundings. I'm still curious as to how the kids were able to find the bag of candy which was on top of the refrigerator!
We always have so much fun when we hang out together, there is never a dull moment. The only downside is that the time always rushes by too fast!! Thank you Nicolle and Ryan for letting us turn your house upside down, we can't wait for you guys to come out next weekend!!

Happy Birthday to My Sweetie Pie Swayzie!!!

Well the day has arrived; whether I like it or not! The day I've dreaded since you came into this world. I cannot believe you are five years old!! Can someone please explain how this happened so quickly?? It breaks my heart to think of you at Kindergarten in just a few short months. I know how excited you are to begin this chapter of your life. I'm reminded of it almost everyday when we drive by the building and I hear you say; "I cannot wait until I get to go to kindergarten with all the other kids". I, however am not quite ready for this stage to begin, the teasing and the name calling and the bullying. I am completely aware of how vicious young girls can be, you on the other hand are content just leaping right on through with absolutely no worries what-so-ever!! But because of your excitement and positive attitude, we could not be more proud and happy for you! You are so bright and so eager to learn and understand everything around you, I am completely confident that you will do amazing at whatever you decide to accomplish in this life! I've seen how quickly you are able to make friends because of your positive attitude, you are such a sweet spirit and are always so concerned about how others are feeling. I love how accepting you are of everyone and how you always are sure to make everyone feel included. It is one of your best qualities that I hope you never let go of!!

You started out as a bright eyed ball of energy, who never wanted to sleep and have blossomed into a beautiful, sweet and loving little girl (still full of energy and still never sleeps)! You are so full of life, I love it!! It feels like just yesterday we were at the hospital, arguing over who's turn it was to hold you next. We were all so eager to bring you home!! I remember never wanting to put you down, you were always being held even when we were asleep.
You have truly blessed our lives in so many ways and have brought such an amazing spirit full of love into our home. You are just the best example to Hudson and will be so great with your baby sister. You are a constant example to me and a continued reminder of how blessed I am. I know that Heavenly Father knew exactly what he was doing when he sent you to us, I admit I wasn't so certain at first, but as I look back on some of the events that have taken place through this beautiful journey, I fully understand that you were sent to us for an exact purpose. You have enriched our lives and have increased my faith and understanding in His divine plan for us. I hope you always remember how much He loves you and how much we love you! We truly cherish every moment with you and look forward to many more memories to come!! I love ya tootz!! Happy Birthday!!

Here is a look back on some fun memories...

She's Here!!!

They let me hold her on my tummy immediately after she was born while they did the measurments and checked her, I loved it!!

It's finally OVER!!!

Swayzie's first time holding Harbor, I've never seen this child so excited before!!

She's a sleeper!!

The kids- all three of them!!

Kisses!!!

I forgot to mention her name... Harbor Ruby Read

Just thought I'd share the good news... she's here!!! Two weeks early, but healthy and happy!! I started having contractions Wednesday night around 6:00pm and had her at 3:15 am Thursday morning. She weighed in at eight pounds six ounces and is just over twenty one inches long. So I can't even imagine how big she would have been if I had actually delivered her on her due date. She is a very happy but hungry baby!! She has been eating none stop since Thursday!! So I'm just having a difficult time trying to get her on an eating schedule, any suggestions?? Anyways, I don't have time now to post pictures but will for sure update you all later!!