The Stone Triplets

Yes, it HAS been a while since I've posted anything! We've had a very busy summer so far! Fun, but very busy!
Since school has been out, we have let Andrea -- our day helper, friend, angel, and sanity -- move on to help anther triplet family.  WE MISS HER!!!! Gone are the times when I could run errands while she watched the kids for me!  We decided it would be a good time for them to start a toddler school. We found a toddler program that we absolutely LOVE at our church.  The kiddos attend twice a week, giving me time to clean house, go grocery shopping, and run various errands.  They seem to enjoy school - and they are given opportunities for crafts (painting, using glue, etc.) as well as socializing with other kiddos.  The teachers said they couldn't believe that our crew had never been in daycare before because they adjusted so quickly.  I reminded her that we practically LIVE in a daycare - always other students around as well as constant supervision by an adult :)

I thought this post would be a good time to add some photos and give you a glimpse of our summer so far.
Enjoy!

This was our family photo from April. Folks have asked if I still did photography for other families - nope - no time. I hardly have time to take pics of my OWN family!  For our bluebonnet pics, we called on the help of Claire Hill - a mom with twins who does a fantastic job!

Here is the gang visiting Grams and Pops. They LOVE to watch the koi in the pond -- and I love their outfits!  The outfits were bought in support of a triplet friend, Linus, who is dealing with major health issues. The clothes remind me every time I see them just how very blessed we are!



The girls enjoy some time together - I love watching them swing their feet in unison!



James discovered a Girl Scout CLASSIC - THIN MINTS! Believe it or not, this mess was created by just ONE cookie!  I also love the stick that was brought in the house from an outside adventure :)



The group LOVES the family piano! This was the piano that Grams used when growing up!  How sweet it is to hear these 3 "playing" away! (and I'm glad they don't mind all sharing the same bench!)



Summertime means POPSICLES! Here James enjoys his very first one! Of COURSE he liked the stick best :)  After a few minutes, he discovered the tasty treat on the other end!



Madison enjoys her Popsicle as well as the sprinkler!!



Morgan enjoys her Popsicle... and her water bottle... and her watermelon... (and a bath later!)

 

James building a "tall tower" in the kitchen during a rainy day!



Morgan entertains her with a pair of socks! They were originally a gift for me - but they look much cuter on the kids!



Madison and Shelby both watch the rain outside. She was gently feeling Shelby's ear - very sweet...

The BIGGEST news of the summer is the transition for James from his crib to his Big Boy Bed! This photo was taken on a day that he was wiped out from a virus... and the same day the bed was delivered! He was so tired, we didn't have time  to put on the sheets!  It is a trundle bed, so we pull out the mattress for his "step".  We started the transition 5 days ago, and we think he is doing a great job! Last night, it only took 10 minutes to get him settled and ready for bed! Side note - Our trio has shared the same room since the day they were first brought home from the hospital.  They are used to the sounds made by each other, and never had a problem sleeping trough each other's cries.  Well, on the night that James slept in a DIFFERENT room for the first time, he wasn't a happy camper.  We did the "tuck him in, leave and let him cry, tuck him back in bed, leave and let him cry, tuck him back in bed" routine for at least 45 minutes.  During this routine, Morgan was heard crying in the other room. I went in to check on her, and the first thing she said to me was, "James?" I reassured her that he was fine, just sad he had to leave his sisters -- I gave her a kiss and tucked her back in the blanket.  From that point on, she was fine :) I do love the way they will always have each other!