The Stone Triplets

Been WAAAAY too long since the last time I posted! I have no idea where the time has gone! We've accomplished so much since our last entry - here are a few highlights:

Our basket filled with colored eggs - James' fingers were blue for DAYS - liked using them better than a spoon!

Morgan at our Easter Egg hunt in school - she was FAST... and had lots of eggs to prove it~!

Madison showing off her dress for the party! She is definitely our fashionista!!!

James had his eyes set on ONE special, yellow egg. Once he opened it, he was interested in the 2 chocolate pieces inside.  He never tried for more eggs, but his generous sisters made sure his basket wasn't empty :)

James LOVED sliding down the big slides!!!

Morgan like jumping in the arms of Grams!!!  She definitely preferred to be held this day :)  ... and I don't think anyone was complaining :) Madison blowing out her birthday candles --- bless her heart, she kept making the "fff" sound, so it took a while! She does get an A+ for effort! Happy Birthday to US!

We discovered that Monster trucks are never seen on all 4 wheels - so why play with them in the same manner? They are usually found in large piles around the house -- unless Dad sets up a cool Monster truck track!

Dad created a new "waterfall" with PVC pipe... we love it! We catch the water and throw it down the slide, use it to water plants, or drench each other. We enjoyed painting the driveway with cornstarch paint... and I was VERY glad that a good rain washes it away! 

James trying to be VERY still for the nurse taking vitals - notice the bribery piled around the table. Good thing he had on pants - love his little "man" look!



Curled up in bed, watching the Wonder Pets on Daddy's IPad, Monster trucks close at hand.



Shelby loves playing with the kids, but SHE takes advantage of naps, too!

We celebrated Father's Day with time outside--- and fresh sand in the sandbox! We discovered that cinnamon helps keep away the ants... and leaves the kids smelling like Cinnabon! And my little Aggies are learning to pose more for the camera - you can almost hear the unspoken conversations - "the faster we do what she says, the more quickly she'll leave us alone!!!" Nap time is almost over today -- not sure where the time has gone.  I guess that's true about the last 3 years... where HAS the time gone?  Hopefully I'll post more later - and it won't take as long!

Not much time to write, but just had to post a few of my favorite pics :)




The 3 were wearing overalls together for the first time. James LOVES his, Morgan was happy that it wasn't a dress, and Madison had a FIT!  She didn't want to wear them at all, so I was lucky to get a picture!  I did take hers off soon after this shot :)  Thanks Grams & Aunt Suzy for the wardrobe!  Morgan and her cart.  Bless her little heart - she is my hoarder-in-the-making!  She likes to fill her dollhouse with odds & ends, then transfer them to her grocery cart for easy toting.  I've often tried to remove one item to see if she would notice, and she DOES! Amazing memory!  And yes, Uncle Scott, with a cute face like hers, it is hard to deny her of the cart of treats! Nothing beats footed pj's and monster trucks with dad!  We've discovered a few short Monster Truck videos on YouTube, and James could spend every waking minute watching them (if we allowed it). Here is his "Puppy Truck" - he has a toy one as well, and amazed to see the REAL one in action!

 

Every weekend, we have a "date day" with the kids. This means they each get a special day alone with either mom, dad, or Grams.  The kids love the individual attention, and we love being able to take them special places - a task not easily done with the entire gang in tow.  Here, Madison enjoys a photo-op on the carousel at the Downtown Aquarium. As soon as the ride started and the shark began moving, the ride was OVER.  Not a happy girl, but I'm glad she poses for pictures before meltdowns!

Have a blessed day!

Here we are - the latest photo with the kids! We all gathered at the Stone's house... we took a million photographs, hoping to get one good shot.  This is one of my favorites - Little James was in my arms, squirming to break free... when it finally happened, he posed - maybe he just wanted a little time  in the spotlight!  The girls were happy being nestled with Grams and Pop, and Uncle Jon got in on the fun as well!

I also realized this week, just how FAST they are all growing up.  Seems like only yesterday they were born, all in the NICU under constant care and supervision. We all prayed for healthy babies - ones that would grow big and strong.  We feel SO BLESSED that our children are all doing FANTASTIC - absolutely no complaints here...

except...

Maybe they ARE all growing up just a little too quickly for my liking!  I get teary eyed just thinking about kindergarten registration.  Yes, I realize that is still 2 years away - but we're almost 3 years old!  I only have 2 years left with my "babies" until they go to school for 5 days a week, making so many more friends, and loving on sweet teachers.

Several milestones we've reached (well, maybe not physical, but big events in my book):

*Eating off regular plates - no more plastic plates for us! No sippy cups or plastic forks/spoons.  Madison is ready to ditch the booster seat as well, sitting in "Daddy's Chair" as often as possible!


*Separate baths - yep, you heard it --- we can no longer fit our "3 men in a tub" anymore - they are just too big!  SO we have have "stations" - someone starts in brother's room watching a Dora or Diego video while the other 2 are in the tub. As soon as someone is finished in the tub, they switch places with the person watching TV, and I am able to add that 3rd body to the tub.  By this time, bather #2 is finished, ready to be dressed, and off to catch up on Dora/Diego as well... then the 3rd one is finished.  Sounds confusing?  it was until we practiced a few nights...  It now only takes about 20 minutes to have all 3 bathed, hair combed with teeth brushed - a routine that once took at least 30 minutes - and usually ended with someone in tears or unhappy.  Now we have 3 very happy, CLEAN kiddos!

*Once Upon a Time Stories - Once upon a time, Mommy and Daddy would tell the story right before we tucked everyone under their big "cover blankies" --- luckily, James still likes for us to tell a story while he fills in the characters and events.  But now the GIRLS like to make up their own stories!  WE LOVE THEM!  Usually filled with a long list of people and animals, ending with everyone playing in the sandbox.  The end.  I need to find a way to record their stories.  I know I will miss these as well some day.

Don't get me wrong - I pray (and always will) that my children grow up healthy and strong - just wish I could press the "pause" button every now and then.

Here are a few pics from January :)

James would LIVE in the dirt if we let him.  He can always be found with SOMETHING making tracks!

Morgan, playing with squirrel corn - and of course, her favorite blankie.

Madison watching the fun - right before she took off running!

Morgan enjoying her gingerbread man from Naegelin's bakery (special delivery from New Braunfels :)

My laughing boy - what a hoot! Wearing (of course) a favorite Thomas shirt.

My giggling princess - twirling, smiling, and laughing.

The group discovering Hula Hoops:)