The Dunne Family

Discovery.....

2011-02-02T15:54:00.000-05:00

Ice Skating

SOME of us enjoyed it......

(Tara and Taylor rocked it! Secret: They got all of my mom's talent - I mean skating backwards!! Really!?!)

SOME of us felt a little twisted and turned around..........

Some of us whined about aching feet.....

and backs

and knees

and hips.

But we all enjoyed every moment together!

Eden Lee Dunne

2011-01-19T15:40:00.000-05:00

Eden Lee Dunne

November 15, 2010 at 3:43 am

8 pounds 6 ounces, 20.5 inches

"Sweet as can be, and certainly attracts the attention of our whole house. If we can pry her from Charlotte’s arms, Bently is a great protective big brother promptly replacing the pacifier when the crying begins. Keira confidently displays her mothering instinct and wants to hold Eden always. And no one does as good a job as Tess at identifying all of the body parts with a firm poking finger (Baby’s nose…baby’s mouth…baby’s eyes…). We all love her very much and are blessed to have Eden in our Family."

~Dakota Dunne

We Have Pigtails

2010-06-25T17:11:00.000-04:00

This is a big deal at our house!

Keira feels like it is some sort of right of passage......

I am just glad that after 20 months she has this much hair......

Tessa could care less. And doesn't love us touching, brushing or anything else to her hair.

However, you want to look at it -
she's one of the cutest sights I've ever seen!
(hair done or not!)

I can Fly!

2010-06-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

This monument/museum

with this family

Loads of FUN!!

Outer Banks 2010

We took our family to the Outer Banks and had a blast! We stayed in a hotel right on the beach which was so beautiful! And the next day we went to the Orville Wright Museum. I thought we would zip in and have a look and then be back out in an hour. Boy was I wrong. If it hadn't have been for the basic need of FOOD (which Dakota and I and our kids reach long before these die-hards:) ) we would have stayed the entire day! The museum and especially the little historical story and outline is so intriguing! These two put in a lot of hard work, effort and means to invent what I take for granted today - flight. The risks they took, the courage they mustered, and the passion they realized has changed the world in such a short time. Sorry about my rumbling belly Grandpa! Come again and I will take you back for Round 2!

We also took a hike over to the sand dunes in the area. It was beautiful weather, we bought a new kite and were ready to play. Wow! As we started climbing upward the wind was simply amazing.....and unbearable. We did get to the top - barely. But was it super fun? No. Another memory to look back on with a smile I suppose! Each kid was wrapped from their heads down to protect them from the airborne sand. And screaming. I could barely stand up against the wind. Deep ex-foliation spa treatment. However, at the top of the dune my dad coaxed me over to the edge and the sight was truly something I had never seen before. No, not a breathtaking ocean view or extraordinary city-scape - but the earth moving right before our very eyes. A wall of sand being picked up and blown to who knows where!! Kinda cool!

Here’s my heart, O take and seal it

2010-06-25T16:27:00.000-04:00

Words from one of my favorite hymns.
And oh, how I need the reminder......

So many wants to be had in my little life - a prettier kitchen, another vacation, a new computer, a playroom, new bathrooms, a trip to Disney World, an early retirement for my Dakota ....it just doesn't end.

But really? Why? I have everything I possibly need and want here in my arms.

I really am so very thankful. I need to pause - remember what is most important to me.

"Here’s my heart, O take and seal it"

World Peace Starts in My Mini-Van

2010-06-21T16:28:00.001-04:00

I heart this in the backseat of a mini-van full of kids!

Swimming Lessons

2010-06-21T16:24:00.002-04:00

I signed Keira up for swimming lessons and was debating between Level 2 and Level 3.

We did Level 3. And then the teacher suggested Level 2.

We did Level 2. And we will probably do Level 2 again!

I told Dakota about my debate and he just laughed.

His comment: "Are we talking about the same girl?! This is the girl who is afraid to get her eyes wet during bath time and asks for a dry washcloth to cover them! Level 1 or Level .5 would have been great for her!"

Abbey and Keira

In the locker room

Abbey: Sometimes I pee my pants.

Keira: Me too.

Abbey: Remember I wore your underwear because I peed my pants at your house.

Please always be this open, honest, loving and accepting of each other!!

(Keira and Abbey LOVE wearing each other's underwear! And it is hilarious!)

Everybody on Wheels

2010-06-21T15:46:00.000-04:00

This is the first year Keira and Bently have loved their bikes!

You may have seen us practicing - so far the track seems to be the best - because at a moment's notice they could be done ......... and we're sick of carrying bikes the rest of the way home.

"Dresses are the best kid of riding clothes because they whoosh and fly in the wind when I am fast."

~ Keira

Bently loves to hang with Dad pretty much always. That doesn't just mean do the same thing. In this case, it meant ride at the same pace. Or else....

And Tessa, you make me laugh all day long! When you aren't cozzied up to one of us, you are on an adventure. Usually a death defying one at that.

Oh that face!

Dakota found this Big Wheel from our previous home owners under the house. It is not in great shape but still works - and speaks straight to Bently's heart!

I have to laugh when he rides it because the front wheel is so worn on one side that is flattened. When he peddales the whole thing bobs up and down as he passes over the flat side of the wheel!

The Return of Frosty

2010-02-23T14:51:00.000-05:00

Like everyone else in the country we have had some pretty cold weather this winter.
This was our second really big snow - and much prettier than the first. You know, the kind where the snow is really sticky and when you wake up every little branch and surface is covered with snow. My favorite!

And good for making snowmen!

Dad helped and it was quite a success! Complete with charcoal eyes a carrot nose and buttons!

(if you look close at Dakota's finger you may think that he he slit his finger to get the rosy cheek effect. no worries though, he just didn't realize that red food coloring is so vicous!)

Yum (and a half!)

2010-02-07T23:43:00.000-05:00

Spinach Pasta

(Thank you Krista - it was delicous!)

1 lb. multigrain pasta

2-4 cloves of garlic

4 oz. goat cheese (chevre - not feta)
6-8 oz. Cream cheese

1 1/2 t. salt

1 t. pepper

6-12 oz. spinach leaves (I used frozen spinach and it was fine)

2 T. parmesan

Half and Half (or cream, or milk) to taste

Cook pasta to al dente. Then mix garlic, goat cheese, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and spinach leaves in food processor. Ad milk until desired consistency and then mix with pasta.

SO SO YUMMY!

PS - Sorry you missed this Ben - we made it the afternoon you left, and it was even better than Cook-Out.

And that is saying a lot!

So Excited

2010-02-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

that this is what our car and home will look like for the next few days!
Full of children that I love.

It's gonna rock!
(in who knows what ways but it will - i can promise that!)

Mr. Whiskers We Love You

2010-02-04T23:52:00.000-05:00

But I'm not sure we should be responsible for you.

Last time you stayed with us you went missing for SIX HOURS! I was a mess.

Keira told me that you just needed a little break and were walking around.

She assured me that everything was fine. You just needed some exercise.

Mr. Whiskers, in the future please use your ball for exercise instead of the vast openess of our home.

Second of all - I'm not so sure rodents should be at the table with us.

But thanks for all the smiles and giggles you provide ..... and for cleaning up breakfast.

We Have SNOW

2010-02-04T16:13:00.000-05:00

Our winter stormhas come! And left us with a few inhe of snow - and a little ice underneath! So exciting until we reaized that our heater was done for - and that the ENTIRE city was litrally shut down.

Still, good times to be had by all (especially since Ben was in town!)

Our neighbor let us borrow his dream sled from Poland - I'm thinking we need to make a trip there!

I love this pctre because you can see all the neighborhood kids playing out in the street.

Church was cancelled on Sunday (so sad - hee hee), so we went to Aimee and Steve's house for some fun!

They have a great downhill driveway, that continues downhill to the edge of the forest.

Oh yes - and a warm house!

Yes kids, this is hat happens to your toys after you go to bed!

So the town shut down (really and truly - even REI......closed).

Then church was cancelled!

Of course no school on Monday - although it was in the high 30's.

No school on Tuesday. I did however see a snowplow with the plow pointed in the wrong directon so that the snow piled up into he middle of the road!

No school on Wednesday - temperature now in the 40's with lots of sun!

2 Hour delay on Thursday.

I think we might be back to normal by Friday!

All in a day's work

2010-01-19T20:51:00.008-05:00

Some people take a day off of work to spend it instead on the golf course, or at the beach, even some at a luxurious spa. I'm sure all of those would have sounded alright ... but this man prefers a little more action on his days off.

So this is what arrived at our home one morning.

The Plan:
Move the existing roof off of the garage and onto the new addition. Then lift the roof that was currently on the ground to the garage. Never again would this house look the same.

Step#1

Lift the roof off of the garage. For this to happen perfectly all of the fasteners and nails had to be pre-removed. Usually, when the crane goes to lift the roof is still connected in a place or two . . . not this roof! Why? Well, because non other than the true master himself engineered this project! The roof lifted with ease free of any fasteners or other complications.

Not only did the roof need to be lifted and then set back down - but it also had to be turned 90 degrees to fit the direction of the addition.

Perfect!

Step #2

Repeat.

This roof had been built by my dad on the ground. I think it is worth mentioning that he was also working on a large hill that he had to account for.

We have lift-off!

Perfection yet again!

We all watch with excitement, nerves and great anticipation!

And these fellows were the brawn of the event! Thanks guys!

And really, how could a 5 year old pass up watching and exploring all the parts

of a real-life crane in action!

If these pictures aren't worth a thousand words than all I can do is tell you in my simple writings how much I love and admire my dad. He is the epitome of honesty and hard work. And never a foul or even negative word slips from his lips. You would think that with a project of this magnitude he must be retired or serve in the construction field through his career, but neither could be further from the truth. He provides very well for our family and comes home to laugh and enjoy our time together while at the same time accomplishing more than I may ever dream of. My dad is a man who gives of his heart, time and resources without a second thought in the matter. Countless have been touched by his goodness. I love him. I feel so honored to be his daughter. You're amazing dad! Only a brilliant mind could have executed this event with the exactness and perfection as you did. Love you!

Somedays are just like this -

2010-01-19T14:19:00.001-05:00

Keira: Mom, I said I wanted fish sticks right now.
Me: Alright!

Somedays are just like this.
I can't help but laugh . . .
and ask her if she still wants fish sticks for lunch!

PS: Yes, I burned the fish sticks right through the plate - I may have ruined our microwave because it still smells bad every time I open it.

PPS: The blue plates are Bently and Keira's favorite. As in they fight about them three times a day. One less blue plate only means an increase in the demand. hmmm.

Gratitude

2010-01-11T20:58:00.009-05:00

So much to be thankful for at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Amidst all the chaos and dust of remodeling, it is a bit of heaven to be together . . .

and the farm just feels like home to us.

Daily walks through the cornfields lead to something exciting at the end.

Much better than a lucky pot of gold are some cows!

Grandpa's tractor is just as much fun turned off and parked as it is turned on. But just in case, theese two were willing to wait for a willing soul to take them on a ride. And I can't lie that Dakota and I weren't just as excited to try it out! Turns out we could all have a ride on the tractor at the same time!

I asked my dad why on earth he needed a tractor. A foolish question I was later to find out. When we went back to Michigan in December and the tractor (which was getting a new clutch) would have been really nice for our 4 plus feet of snow piles which were growing by the hour at times down a 1/2 mile driveway.

Taking care of the horses never really seems like a chore.

Especially to one who wears cowboy boots daily and whose best bud is a stick horse!

Keira discovered her love for cats.

It transformed her in a way and she hasn't really come back to her human form since.

Just so thankful for family and this beautiful world Heavenly Father has created for us.

His love is almost tangible at time like this...

Sweet

2010-01-09T17:12:00.001-05:00

Dear Tessa,
I am sorry that it took me 4 months to realize that you had chronic ear infections. You have been on antibiotics longer than that. It's just so hard to tell when you are so happy all the time. You have the sweetest disposition a mother could ever ask for. You've smiled, and giggled through 4 months of pain - thank you. I am so sorry.

But the tubes are in now. I hope you start to feel as good as you act! I love you little angel.

Love,
Mom

Over 10 Years

2010-01-09T17:02:00.001-05:00

that's how long Dakota said that he has saved this industrial saran wrap . . .

for an occasion just like this

Only because we love you little Boo!

Some days

2010-01-09T16:56:00.001-05:00

. . . just have a rough start.

Glorious Grass

2010-01-09T16:34:00.001-05:00

The day we worked and waited for has finally come. Only a few of you know how much this really means to us - thank you for being so patient with our eternal project.

This is what we started with on Day 1

(if you look really closely you'll notice there is an actual house there)

Yikes.

And finally . . . this is what we have on Day 730.

(exactly 2 years later)

We did all the work ourselves with the exception of a few dangerous trees and stump grinding. I think I know only a small part of the feeling my dad describes from building a house with his own two hands (and any other little one's he can solicit help from) and then having the opportunity to sit back and admire it. I really love this yard. Probably beacuse I've (speaking for Dakota here mostly) have put a lot of time and sweat into getting to this point.

What a peculiar thing to see two people fight over who gets to mow the lawn.

And so happy to do it!

Wasn't just the first time either!

Just Another Day at the Park

2010-01-09T08:06:00.003-05:00

That's really all this is.

And it's a big part of our lives.

It takes up about 60% of our playtime.

(Right after I took this picture we were headed down a very gradual hill and I knew Keira would get a little nervous on the bike. So I reminded her to keep her hands on the handlebars. A second later she not only took her hands off - but also her feet! She very slowly went through a little wooded area and then slowly and gently tipped over. I was dying trying not to laugh!It was very traumatic for her!)

(And this was very traumatic for me. I was helping Tessa out of the stroller and when I turned around this is where Bently was! He climbed up and then took off his shoes and threw them down. I tried to climb up one side only to have him run to the other. New strategy. I tried to cheerfully and non-chalanty coax him down. Nothing. I just watched and panicked inside. At one point a man walked by and laughed saying "mom, you've got nerves of steel". Obviously, he eventually just decided to come down. I will live about 8 years less now from this little trick.)

Anyway, just another day at the park.

My Dear Princess

2009-11-15T22:35:00.004-05:00

Dear Keira.
I love this fantastical stage that you are in right now! You are truly a princess - all the time. Tonight we had a little program at your preschool. We got to go to your classroom and experience your daily routine and meet all your dear friends that you love so very much. You were "as fast as lightning" while eating your dinner. You told us that you needed to be fast so that you could get ready for tonight. When you came down from your room I had to hold back a little giggle and dad couldn't help but let his mouth drop open just a little. Little did we know that this was just the beginning . . . you were not yet finished.

You've loved this pink dress for two years now. Last winter we had a near fatal encounter with this beloved dress. Despite my own fear of riding escalators dad taught you and Bently how to ride them with ease in the airport. Since then, both you and Bently insist that we ride the escalator when available. On this particular day we were at "Meet the Animals" in the Science Museum when you sat down on the escalator. I had Tessa in the Baby Bjorn and didn't see you until the last second. I hurriedly asked you to stand up as I bent down to lift you but it was too late! Your dress had already been sucked into the escalator and was trying to take you with it! The man in back of us had the nerve to tell us to "look-out" and then "move on". The whole time I was frantically pulling yards of pink tulle out of the escalator. So I pushed the emergency stop button gathered myself together (you see, even as an adult I am still a little nervous of these contraptions). I then had to yank and rip the bottom half of the dress out of the jammed escalator. The whole time being overly concerned for you dress - not your life. Since then your dress has never really looked the same. The bottom is worn ripped everywhere, and starting to fray. Nevertheless . . . it is your favorite.

But back to tonight. Not only did you insist that you had to wear this pink dress (of all your pink dresses). You also had to do your hair and lipstick before leaving the house. In vain I suggested "a barrette, how about a ponytail, maybe even a braid". But none of those were quite stately enough. Only this jeweled crown would do. It matched your over sized jeweled ring perfectly! You looked exquisite to say the least. And now, only now, you were ready to go!

Yes, you were a bit overdressed for the event. But you are a princess and princessess always wear their crowns, jewels and best dresses! So you looked perfect.

And we were so proud to see your classroom and to meet your friends! You are happy at school and proud of your independence. I love you Keira, and we are so proud to be your parents and stand by your side. Thank you my dear!

Love Always,

Mom

(your painting that you entitled "Picture of a Waterfall")

State Fair 2009

2009-11-15T22:22:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite times of year in North Carolina is October. The month of the State Fair! Having been advertised since the early spring I look forward to taking the kids to the fair all

summer long! I don't really even know why, honestly . . .

But from the very second that I hear the first whisperings about the State Fair - I start to get excited! This year I was lucky enough to have Aimee and her kids (who we adore) come with us.

Adults = 2

Children under 5 = 4

For the kids one of the best parts of the entire afternoon was riding the city bus!

We parked in a parking lot a few miles from the fairgrounds and then caught the bus so we didn't have to bother with parking.

Each of the kids were able to pick 4 rides each to go on.

Let me say that the decision making is brutal when your little heart wants nothing more than all the rides.

And then my all time favorite part of the fair!

From the time of that first announcement I begin to feel their weightlessness in my hands and the downy of their sweet little feathers.

I look forward to this part from that day on!

(this little chick was fascinated with the polk-a-dots on Keira's dress and pecked at them the whole time!)

Poor little chicks - thanks for being so patient with so many little hands!

All in all it was quite a success!

I am still dreaming about fried oreos.

The wagon was essential. (All 4 kids rode in the 1 wagon most of the time.)

The kids were perfect.

Here's to State Fair 2010!

Thirty-three years

2009-09-29T23:25:00.003-04:00

Thirty-three years has made you nothing short of an amazing man.

Amazing * Honest * Patient

Loving * Respectful * Kind

Ever-Understanding * Romantic * Hard Working

Handsome * Brilliant * Devoted to all good things

Genuine * Grateful * Listening

I hope to spend the next 33 years and beyond by your side. You make me happier than the rainbow we watched over the mountains, happier than a good piece of chewing gum and happier than holding a baby chick! You make me a far better person and have given me the best moments of my life.

I love you so dearly.

Why is it . . .

2009-09-29T23:16:00.001-04:00

that you have absolutely no interest in artwork - except when it's on a brand new oil painting we had plans to hang, a box springs (that we had intended to return) or your walls?

I guess the right medium is everything.

I love you - my little boy, forever and ever and ever!

Girls Week

2009-09-29T23:06:00.005-04:00

and a little education.

My good friend Aimee and I both teach at the gym and both wanted to get our AFAA certification (highly suggested but very b-o-r-i-n-g. Absolutely tortureous. An entire day of lecturing while sitting on the floor of a dirty gym, then hours of repetitive excercises - anyway .......). So we drove to Charlotte with two of our other friends Autumn and Natalie. It was surreal to say the least not to have our kids by our sides and in our arms. In a way we all felt a little empty - but soon found ways to fill back up! We rented a room of a local bed and breakfast (in a gorgeous 100 year old home) and giggled for four days straight! Great dining, wonderful conversations and oh yeah, we made a stop at the National Whitewater Training Center. Such a great weekend!

Tried our luck at mountain biking. This picture was taken at the end of the ride. Almost. Little did we know what lie ahead. Poor Aimee had a crash of a lifetime! But as the superstar that she is - rose to the event and smiled through the pain. I love her!

Then taught the climbing wall a thing or two about our own moves. And flew down the 1700 foot zipline. Despite our swoobies (sweaty boobs) and other general sweatiness - I managed to hide a camera in my bra to take a picture on the way down the zip . . . but amongst the thrill, completely forgot.

And last but not least we fell in love with white water rafting. Again poor Aimee was a sport as I flew to the other side of the boat and completely knocked her overboard. We'll have to

try it all again next year.

What would a girls weekend be without getting a little close - right!?

Who knew that the pull out bed that came with the room was a single?

Thanks for a great time girlies ......

are you ready to book the next trip?

Hand-me-downs

2009-09-29T22:54:00.002-04:00

are not always bad .....

What could be better than enjoying your first corn on the cob?

So what if there isn't any corn left . . .

sucking every last bit of warm salt and butter is delightful!

Washington Mountains - Part III

2009-09-25T16:31:00.003-04:00

On the last day of our vacation Cheyenne had the brilliant idea to leave all the kids with some babysitters and go out - like adults.

So we did and it felt very.....adult-like:)

The activity of choice: climb Mt. Eleanor.

(Adults, sans Taylor, who spent the summer in Alaska. We missed you brother!)

So we began the upward journey.

We chose to go up the chute and the choice did not fail our expectations!

It was breathtaking - as God's creations always are.

Logan claims he saw something very frightening in the distance.

And we summitted!!

The Reward: A mother mountain goat with her two babies.

And lots, and lots of fog.

Then the babysitters had had their fill of six children under the age of 9 (4 of which were under the age of 4, they were very brave girls!)- so we made our way down the mountain.

On the way down, there was so much fog that it started to collect on the tips of our hair. But this was the best weather to be hiking in. One of the millions of reasons we love the northwest! And my heart ached to climb and hike more often.

Luckily this boy takes me on quite a few adventures.

And I fall in love with him more each time!

So long till next summer! We will long for your goodness until then great northwest!

Washington Waters - Part II

2009-09-24T13:16:00.006-04:00

As the family cabin is on a beautiful lake, we have the privelege of spending lots of time on the water while visiting - and it makes our hearts sing! We love it so very much!

Each day starts with the plea for a boat ride.

As the day heats up the layers come off and we are ready continue with our water adventures!

Bently was brave enough to jump off the dock all week - in between thowing rocks, of course.

And Dakota and Logan spent their lazy afternoons exploring the bottom of the lake through their snorkeling gear.....however, no luck with finding his wedding ring from the year before which was lost while wake boarding.

Tessa may be the first to tube around the lake with me in years to come. I did the best I could to convince Keira and Bently this year but they showed total lack of interest.

One last dive into the cold lake before heading up to the hot tub for the evening.

(Check out Keira's swimsuit - or rather lack there-of!)

After watching our California cousins during the first part of the week - fishing lessons were in order for all the children. Maybe next year we'll catch something.

No day would be complete without throwing a few rocks........

Washington Part I

2009-09-15T22:09:00.002-04:00

Once we said our goodbyes to mom, we headed to Washington to spend the rest of our time at the cabin. We had spectacular Northwest weather this year including snuggling up to a nice fire every night after playing in the water all day. And we got to spend more time with the Hayes'!

My kids love Cheyenne - a lot!!

The boys quickly got down to business - ie. throwing rocks at the buoy past the end of the dock. This activity lasted on and off throughout the entire week!

And Bently joined in too. This was his #1 activity!

Gather some really huge rocks, or a ton of really little rocks, walk out to the end of the dock, then through or dump them all in.

Reapeat.

Me and Peyton (Keira's idle right now).

Me and Morgan.

Of course, Logan is central to any kind of fun! Whether he liked it or not!

Lots of family time and lots of fun!

Oregon

2009-09-03T23:09:00.000-04:00

Time with Grandma is precious.
Only a true Grandma knows exactly how to make each child feel totally loved and completely special. . .
even when the meetings are few and too far between.

We celebrated birthdays altogether with Grandma this year. Not only was it a blast - but delicious too! For years I have heard all the kids rave about the "Birthday Cake" - and this year I was able to try it for myself. And the verdict is . . . it is even better than its reputation!

Thanks Mom!!

(this leaopard is really scary, i keep telling Keira that it is going to eat her one of these days.
but alas, like her namesake - she can't seem to stay away. very scary toy!)

Thank you for making our trip so special and memorable! Keira is still enthralled with your beautiful hair and gracefulness. Every time we watch "The Swan Princess" now (which is quite often at the moment) we think of you and the fun we had dancing together in your living room. We love you and miss you!!

My Heart is So Full

2009-09-03T22:45:00.000-04:00

two simple baby blankets

best friends one could ever hope for

the little world they have just created

Recently I just finished preparing a package for our very dear friends Emilee and Ben. I made two simple blankets to add to the package. But those very simple bunches of fabric brought so many very tender feelings to my heart. I am not a good sewer, but I have sewn a few things for other people before taking on this project. However, never before was my heart so full and so filled with love than as I made these blankets for a baby whom I already love so much. As I pushed the yards of fabric through the machine my mind raced with the thoughts and feelings these two might have had before the arrival of their sweet little boy. For hours I was beaming. A huge smile on my face. And my hands trembled with excitement on behalf of my two friends. I would finish for the night and then go to bed still energized with pure joy.

Then I reminisced of the very precious time that Dakota and I prepared and awaited for each of our little one's arrivals. And I thought about the little world we are creating daily within these four walls. How those three little bodies make our life complete and full of joy. How each day is filled with adoration and pride as I watch them grow and learn about this beautiful world in which they have come to live. And we are the lucky one's to witness it. Amazing.

In Emilee's very own words "I can't believe how enamored I am."

In fact, I am still glowing. The family is the most precious creation of all.

There are no better parents than those Talus has been entrusted to.

Now if only I could hold him . . . just for a minute!!

Mmmm Hmmm - Eternity Sounds About Right

2009-09-03T21:53:00.001-04:00

We told ourselves that going to Mexico earlier in the year would be our celebration.
But that just didn't sound sufficient enough. I mean we're talking about us and seven years.
So we packed up and headed out for some fun!

The National Olympic Whitewater Training Center . . . who knew it was right in Charlotte.
It's like an outdoors theme park - what could be better?!

Bike Riding the "green" trail. I won't graduate from that for quite awhile!

A little white-water rafting - our favorite!

No better person to do it with than the love of my life!

My Dear Dakota,

You are my heart. For the last seven years you have made my life full. You are the one I run to to laugh with and to cry with. I know I am safe in my every thought and feeling with you. You know me completely and I love every bit of you.

My paradise will always be with you.

Yours Forever,
Charlotte

PS - I'm just not quite sure if I could get enough of you in one forever!

Seen and Heard

2009-08-14T16:04:00.003-04:00

Before going to the grocery store Bently made sure everyone was properly equipped to leave the house. So both Bently and Keira brought their backpacks, and a purse (both stuffed with miscellaneous toys).

But it doesn't stop there . . . Bently had to have his sombrero and Keira had to have her kitty leash that she made out of Tessa's link-a-doos. I sighed as we left the house and reminded both of them that whatever they choose to take to the car they have to bring back into the house.

After completing our trip to Harris Teeter. I took Tessa out of her carseat and with my one free hand - carefully looped four grocery bags onto my other arm. Bently was kind enough to take Keira's backpack into the house for her, but in doing so dropped his sombrero.

Mom: Keira, will you please take Bently's hat back inside.

Keira: (looks at the hat and then looks at me)

Mom: Please Keira. Bently took your backpack inside for you.

Keira: Mom, I think you can do it.

Beachy Stuff

2009-08-14T15:05:00.007-04:00

We (Aimee, Autumn and I) went to the beach and May and it was great! We all went swimming, had a wonderful day together, and learned a few things . . .

1. We don't enjoy taking young children to the beach for a day.

2. They don't last very long on the actual beach. So after 2.5 hours of driving, .5 hours of trekking everything done to the beach, and 2 hours on the beach . . . they are ready to go home.

3. However, since you aren't staying near the beach - you cannot clean yourself off very well. So you're all sandy, the children are all sandy, and you have to spend the next 2.5 hours in the car like that.

4. And even though you brought a weeks worth of food with you - everyone is starving. Again. So you must stop somewhere on the way home to eat.

5. When all is said and done. It is a great time! But a very long day for 2 hours of playing on the beach!

So we decided to try it again!

This is the crowd we brought! Six of them and three of us.

We stayed on the beach this time! There was a small backyard where the kids could play, and at our leisure we could walk down to the water - and back again.
We got very sandy and dirty indeed! But there was a shower outside as well as two inside!
We stayed for 4 days.
We had more fun than I could ever recount in words!

(notice the tiny little hand holding on to the right side of the bucket)

We survived . . . and wanted to go back the very next week!

Is it really so Smart?

2009-08-06T16:47:00.004-04:00

Today I saw one of these while sitting at a red light.

Cute.

Then I noticed this in the hand of the driver of the previously mentioned car.

Not cute.

And this is what the bumper sticker of said car proclaimed . . .

Really?

And Dakota, I'm sure they will properly dispose of the item in hand when finished. Just for you!

Seen and Heard

2009-08-05T15:13:00.001-04:00

After a long day of lots of fun while sitting at the dinner table . . .

Keira: mmmmmmmmmm.

Mom, you're . . . you're a good maker.

Mom: Thank you Keira!

PS - Keira, you will not know how happy that makes me for many years to come! I love you!

Benefits of Summer

2009-08-04T21:11:00.001-04:00

Summer Perk #1: Empty school playgrounds and athletic fields.
(as if we didn't already have a million and one parks and playgounds to explore - well our options just opened up a little bit more!)

We are happily practicing our soccer skills . . . which makes dad a very happy man!

Oh Tessa, you're breaking my heart! You're so sweet and loveable I am begging you to stop growing so darn fast!

We'll Start at the Beginning

2009-08-04T16:22:00.000-04:00

Of summer that is . . .

These are Bently's teacher's on his last day of school. Miss Amy, Miss Luz, and Miss Shamima

and then his personal favorite - Mr. Lawrence.

Dear Bently,

There have been so many nights that your dad and I have talked about preschool for you. Should you go? How many days per week should you go? What type of preschool should you go to? The questions seemed endless to me. In my mind the only right thing was for you to stay home with me and your sisters. Thankfully dad was able to see hte bigger picture and fought in your behalf for preschool and independance. You have loved every minute of preschool! You have so many friends there. When you wlk in the door your teacher Mr. lawrence as well as all of your classmates welcome you by yelling "Benlty!!" I love the smile that brings to your face as you push the door open ready for your personal greeting!

Everyone at school knows you because you have quite the imagination. Many days you walk into school riding your horse and donning your cowboy boots and red tattered cowbay hat. First you make your rounds through the room giving high fives and riding your horse as fast as he'll go, then you use the bathroom and wash your hands. Next you exit the room to carefully hang your red bookbag, trusty horse and loved hat. On the days that you do not ride your horse to school you enter serenading the school with your harmonica. Once a month your class takes a field trip to Ravenscroft Elementary School. Usually I have you put your harmonica back into your backpack after you display your talent. However, on this particular day you had stuffed the harmonica down your overalls and on the bus ride to Ravenscroft you pulled out the harmonica and started playing all the way there! You Ravenscroft Buddy was so impressed that he took you to each of the classrooms through Ravenscroft so that they too could enjoy a personl Bently Concert! You are quite good at playing the harmonica and even wave your hand as if you know how to bend the sound. Ahhhh - we love you Bently! More than once I have been asked if you take harmonica lessons. I guess your a natural!

For Christmas you decided to give Mr. Lawrence his very own matching harmonica. He ws thrilled! I will never forget the warmth I feel when I come to pick you up from school and I hear you and Mr. Lawrence playing from the front doors. I follow those sweet sounds all the way to the back of the scool and there you are with your favorite teacher - both playing your harmonicas.

I am so grateful to the teachers at Learning Together. They are good people and really do love you Bently. They have held you in their arms on numerous occasions to rock you to sleep in your oversized froggy blanket. They have given you the love that I thought you would be void of if you were to leave home and go to preschool. No one can ever replace the love we have for our little Boo - but we are so grateful for those who take such excellent care of you and who patiently teach you.

Love, Mommy

Our Dear Children

2009-03-31T00:17:00.000-04:00

My sweet Bently, Keira, and Tessa . . .

LOVE

YOU!!

We love you guys sooooo much! We are having lots of fun in Mexico! It seems that everywhere we go and eerything we do reminds of you. You guys mmake our life so full and wonderful!

Today we went swimming in the ocean! The water was very warm and very very blue. We thought about how good you guys are getting at swimming all by yourselves! We can't wait to go swimming with you this summer! We can't wait to catch you when you jump off the diving board. You were so brave last year when you first learned how to jump off the diving board - we are so proud of you!

I hope that you are having a wonderful time with grandma and grandpa and Tara and Taylor and Celeste and Josh. They love you so much. We are so blessed to have such a great family. Please take care of them and give them lots of hugs and kisses!

We love you so much! Hugs and kisses to you my sweet babies. I can't wait to hold you again!

Love Mommy and Daddy

That's My Castle

2009-03-19T14:16:00.000-04:00

Keira Is becoming quite the girly girl . It all started like this . . .
Around Christmas time I was running some errands with my girl and this was one of the ew times that she decided to sit in the cart. I began our errands and started down aisle one for our first little trewasue when keira suddenly gasped . . .
"Mom! Mom, what is that?"
The cart comes to a sudden stop as I suddenly find myself a little alarmed at her anxiousness.
"Hmmm - what do you see?'
"That mom - right there. Is so booaful a me." The sweet chubby finger points directly at a soap dispenser with the Disney Princesses posed around one another in complete grace. Like she said . . . "is soooooo booaful a me mom."

Game over.

Cinderella is the favorite right now.

Yesterday on the way home from taking Bently to preschool (he goes to preschool downtown Raleigh), Keira looked out the window and gasped again. This time . . .
"Mom, I see my castle!! "
"You're castle?"

I look up and immediatly recognize what she sees - the BB&T skyscraper rising up above the flowering dogwoods. I suppose the sight really is magical!

Photogenic Sundays

2009-03-02T14:58:00.000-05:00

We are often a little antsy on Sundays (especially in the winter) for some good activities to do with the children.

One of our favorites : Picture Time!!!

Tessa

Bently has just caught on to "smiling for the camera" - good thing too, since we've spent the last two years with a blank stare every time the camera is out!

Keira wan't really in the mood.

"Leaves are falling all around . . .

2008-11-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

on the housetops on the ground.

Leaves are falling all around,

on my head, my hands and toes."

This fall has made me decide that my favorite time of year is definitely autumn. When I drove up to Michigan in October I drove through the mountains of Virgina and saw the first glimpse of leaves changing. The sight was awe inspiring to say the least - no picture could do it justice. For the past several weeks here the weather has been perfect and the scenery picturesque!

There is something magical about each leave falling to the ground and a colorful array everywhere you look.

Thank you mother nature for a wonderful afternoon of leaf jumping!

Good Help

2008-11-12T23:34:00.000-05:00

. . . is not hard to find around here.

I was playing with Tessa when the phone rang, so I ran downstairs to get it - upon my arrival

5 seconds later

I found Bently and Keira with everything under control.

Halloween

2008-11-12T23:07:00.001-05:00

An adorable ladybug and a ferocious dinosaur!

Hillridge Farm and BFF's

2008-11-12T21:35:00.000-05:00

Bently, Keira, Tessa and I took a little trip to Hillridge Farms to pick some pumpkins and enjoy the fall atmosphere. I told Keira and Bently that they could choose any pumpkin they wanted as long as they could carry it. Bently wanted nothing to do with having to carry something himself. (Poor kid was still a little sick - really couldn't blame him.)

Keira, on the other hand, was delighted to do somthing all by herself. She carried it to the picnic table where we had lunch and then lost interest.

We ended up not coming home with a single pumpkin.

Let me just say that it was all I could do to tote and keep track of 3 children plus their belongings.

Pumpkins were really just unnecessary baggage!

One of the highlights was the train ride ~ always a favorite!

My personal favorite was the corn pit.

Millions of kernels of corn housed in this little octagonal house. It was like a sandbox but with corn. You had to take your shoes off to go inside - once you stepped in . . .

you were swallowed up to your knees in corn. Keira was a bit sceptacle, seeing as how it was a bit difficult to walk in such circumstances.

So she thought it best to just bloom where planted.

Bently, thought it was wonderful! Until . . .

he tried to traverse the pit.

he decided on swimming as the best method of mobility!

And then contentment once again!

But the part of the outing that will melt my heart and make me

smile for the rest of eternity . . .

And as for little Tess . . .

she enjoyed the trip too in her angelic, sleepy sort of way!

Fall Brings Hungry, No, starving Ducks

2008-11-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

I need to thank my father-in-law for this beautiful fall day.

While visiting he helped me take the kids to and from our many destinations. I so enjoyed the lovely conversations we shared. One conversation in particular was about giving children real-life experience with the things we teach them. He asked me if I had anywhere where I could take the kids to feed ducks.

One week later we were feeding ducks just like we have many times before.

But it is fall now and the ducks don't get fed as frequently as they wish . . .

they are STARVING!!

How's that for some real life experience?!

Sweet Tessa

2008-10-04T21:50:00.000-04:00

I cannot put into words the joy it is to have Tessa as part of our family.

As with all my children, it is a great honor to be near her and to have this opportunity to grow with her.

We love you Tessa Ann!

Two Peas in a Pod

2008-10-02T22:46:00.000-04:00

I feel so lucky that I get to "have all the fun," as Dad says - but you know what, he's right.

I do get to have all the fun with you guys! You two are like little peas in a pod.

Always together and loving (almost) every minute of it!

I love you both so much.

I love the way Bently always gets two snacks or two drinks - one for himself and one for Keira.

I love that when I wake Keira up from her nap because it is time to go pick up Benlty from school, she starts giggling and whispers to me that she is "so excited to see Bently."

I love that when we are out people always ask if you two are twins because I know that Heavenly Father meant for you two to be together.

Such a Pretty Face

2008-10-02T22:16:00.000-04:00

We should have known that something was amiss.

Things were too calm and much too quite.

Dad went to go check what was going on and broke into laughter . . .

and then sent these two pretty little faces down to show me what they had been doing!

Mascara was everywhere and our toothbrushes had been shoved down the drain. Finally Dakota was able to suck our toothbrushes out of the drain using our shop vac - I never would have thought that thing would come in so handy!

Mom and Dad's bathroom is way too fun!!

These Days

2008-09-13T21:44:00.000-04:00

These days Bently is at preschool. Lucky for Keira she has a baby to look after! Most often she can be found whispering to sweet Tessa, reading her a book, or potty training one of her own baby dolls. Keira has such talent at taking the lead in our family and I am in awe and so thankful for her nurturing nature.

Tessa is a wonderful baby. I have had so many wonderful moments with her and Keira and Bently. They love to admire her and use the most soft gentle voice when they speak to her. She has brought a sense of clamness to our home. I love watching my three babies begin to form a strong lifelong relationship. I feel so blessed to have wach of them in our home and to learn from their sweet little hearts.

It's a Girl !!

2008-09-01T20:19:00.001-04:00

TESSA ANN DUNNE
Born at 2:31 pm August 26, 2008. 8lbs 1oz, 20.5 inches.
Both mother and Baby are doing super well.

Both Bently and Keira have taken up a nuturing side now that Baby Tessa is around. Keira constantly wants to hold her baby sister, and Bently is always singing to her to calm her down when she is crying. It is a joy to watch them interact.

Charlotte of course is beautiful and radiant in every way. I am so humbled by how much she sacrifices essentially with no complaint. It is amazing to witness not just the miracle of life, but the miracle of absolute perfect love. I have have been blessed to be witness to that experience 3 times now and everytime bring tears of joy. My love for Charlotte grows every day. I love her so much, and hope to be able to support and care for her as she does for our children.

I am a proud Papa, and a very blessed man. I am grateful beyond words...

So Sleepy

2008-06-24T13:47:00.000-04:00

They are impossile not to love and kiss and hug when they sleep so peacefully.

Bently and Keira know when it is getting close to bedtime and it is always the best time of day at our home. In general they get along really well to begin with, but when they sense that bedtime is near they get along even better! They wrestle together, giggle, hug and kiss, and are just a lot of fun. Too much fun in fact - and most of the time they get to stay up later than they should because we enjoy such great times together when bedtime is near.

Before Dakota and I go to bed every night we check on our sweet little boy and girl and I can never resist one more kiss for each of them - they are my sweetest dreams each night.

The Blue Ridge Mountains

2008-06-05T21:51:00.000-04:00

So the big suprise vacation was westward to the Blue Ridge Mountains - a place we've longed to go in the three years we've lived here but hadn't yet made it. The drive up there was suprisingly fast and peaceful due to the new car we bought a few days ago that has a dvd player in it! We stayed in this very sweet cabin.

We quickly unpacked and then went to Tweetsie Railroad for the rest of the day. Tweetsie is a little amusement park near Boone with a coal burning train, animals and miniature rides that Keira and Bently LOVED!!

We were also able to take little mini hikes with two toddlers and they did such a great job tagging along and even hiking by themselves at times. We took Molly and she ate up all the attention and exercise! However, we did learn that she is a little nervous of heights. The Blue Ridge Mountains are gorgeous. Not comparable in anyway to the Rockies. The two ranges are so vastly different but I love them both. Once again I am in awe and overcome with amazement at the beauty of the earth.

Dakota also planned all of the meals during our vacation and two of them required that we go fishing. This was a first not only for Keira and Bently but for me as well. I definately prefer this type of fishing. There were three ponds stocked full of fish and we were able to use all of their equipment. Me and Bently caught our first fish and then Dakota caught the other two. Keira wasn't too sure if this was a good activity and made sure to keep her distance - especially from the fish that were still flopping around in the bucket. And the best part . . . 1. they "took care of" the fish so that they weren't so alive by the time we took them home. 2. Dakota knows how to make fish taste absolutely amazing!!

We also found two great swimming holes which Dakota quickly took advantage of. I love that Keira and Bently find it just as great as Dakota to throw rocks into the water. I had so much fun just sitting in the sunshine watching Dakota be an amazing father to our kids while they all enjoyed the water.

What a Wonderful Man, What a Wonderful Day

2008-06-05T21:47:00.000-04:00

As we went to bed on Thursday Dakota told me that as soon as we could wake up and get ready in the morning we were going to go on a vacation for the long Memorial Day weekend. If you know anything about me - know that this made my day potentially more than any other news could have made my day. And he did all the planning and packing . . . yes, he is dreamy! And I don't even know where we are going!

The Railhawks and Great Dance Moves

2008-06-01T22:41:00.000-04:00

We went to a Railhawks game (the professional men's soccer league in our area) and loved it! Bently especially loved watching the game and all the athletes run up and down the field, and Keira really enjoyed the live bands that played during half time. She tried out some great dance moves and Bently really got the concept of kicking a ball which he continues to practice everyday!

Camping at Jordan Lake

2008-05-30T15:36:00.000-04:00

Jordan Lake is one of our favorite places near our home. The lake is gorgeous and always pretty warm. Also, it is a gradual lake - so the kids have lots of room to run around and play in the sand and water before it gets to deep. There is also camping at Jordan Lake so it is nice to camp there on Friday nights and then spend Saturday just relaxing with Benty and Keira. A few weeks ago we went camping for only the first f many times this season. We had a great time being away from all the other demands of life and just focusing on bently and Keira.

What could be better than oatmeal on a crisp morning?

The campground loop isn't long but we spent a lot of time (at Keira and Bently pace) walking around the sites. Halfway around they became disinterested in their toys so Dakota pulled Benlty in the dump truck and carried the little stroller! What a good sport!

Lately, when bently gets his feeling hurt or feels like life is too hard he will run away and find a wall to lean on while he cries. Keira kept moving his camp chair which obviously really disturbed him - and without a wall nearby he decided that the edge of the road would have to do. Not to fear there is always a loving mom or dad who will come and make life better when these things happen. These two melt my heart. I am so thankful that Dakota is such a great dad.

And of course, no trip would ever be complete without taking some time to throw rocks into the lake.