Story Time

Isn't this what story time looks like at your house?

Go Fish

It is so cute watching my children play games together.  (Especially when Britta is involved bc then no one plays to win which means no tears or fighting when someone else loses!)

Just look at how cute they are together!!

Busy Kids

 Never a dull moment at the Lindseth's.  Someone is always painting, building, or pulling out something or another.  Alas, I will never achieve that "clean house" look...but I'm sure I'll miss some of their more creative messes once they're grown up.

 Britta loves to play in the pretend kitchen (and even the real one for that matter).  She plays independently incredibly well and I am extremely grateful for that!

A Bike Riding Metaphor

 Can it be that Kari is really old enough to ride a two-wheeler??  Yup.  Time's not slowing down!  (Just look at those cute little red shoes though.)

But back to bike riding...

Learning to ride a bike is a lot like growing up.  All kids start with a parent lovingly following (and panting) behind them.

 Little by little, they gain momentum (and independence)...

 Sometimes they veer off course (and crash into the lawn).  But, parents are always there to steer them back and get them going again.

 And, oftentimes there's a younger one following along, just wanting to be big too.

At last, with a lot of hard work and determination, our little ones are off and running (or riding) on their own, ready to find their own way!

(I may, or may not, be just a little teary-eyed while writing this post.  Sniff, sniff.)

Great job, Kari!  We are so proud of you!

You Know You're a Mom of Girls When...

You have an entire load of laundry that's pink.

Kari Eats a Grape and Britta's Bathtime Fun

Kari is notoriously picky with her eating.  Like, the only fruit she eats is applesauce.  No veggies.  No milk.  No meat.  She basically survives on breakfast foods, grilled cheese, go-gurts, snack foods like pretzels, water, and apple juice.  So, when she agreed to try a grape one night, I had to document it.  Sadly, even though she "liked" it, it has not made it into her regular rotation of foods.  {Sigh}

And...on to the happiest baby on earth!  This girl loves her baths and kicks and splashes to her little heart's content.  Isn't she DARLING?!

Who's the favorite?

Can you tell who the favorite child is from these photos?  

(Hint:  She's the one who everyone wants to hold.)

We love our Britta!

Pre-Christmas Church Pictures

Each year I try and get a picture of the kids in their church clothes on the Sunday before Christmas.  This year was especially funny.  Apparently, not getting to hold Britta is just too much for Kari.

 But, she's all smiles once Miss B is in her arms :-).

Oh Christmas Tree!

Tree shopping in our family has varied from year to year.  Long ago (in a galaxy far, far away), we all bundled up and picked out a tree.  (Around here you go buy one, you don't trek out to the wilderness Chevy Chase-style and chop one down.)  Then, we got smart and only started taking the kids who actually wanted to go.  Most years it's only been Christian.  This year, both Christian and Kari wanted to go along!  They were a big help and we all liked the tree we picked out :-).

 Then came the real fun...the decorating!  First, though, the lights.  UGH.  I recall growing up how LOOOONNNGGG it would take my mom to string the lights.  (She hated seeing the wires :-).)  Now, I understand her pain.  Because the lights are a pain.  But, once those were up we got cracking on the ornaments!

Ju Ju loved touching the tree :-).

 I love watching my kids work together!  Such sweet memories.

 We finished up the ornaments when Daddy got home.  (We have a LOT of ornaments.)  And, only one ornament got broken!

 We put Christmas music on while we were decorating and Christian broke out his dance moves.

 Then, he and Emily partnered up!

See Kari's face?  Well, the evening ended on a bit of a crazy note...imagine that!  But, in years to come, I'm sure we'll remember the fun....right??

Meeting the Siblings

To say that the kids were excited to meet Britta would be an understatement.  They were soooo anxious to get down to the hospital once they heard she had been born.  (But, since she was born later in the morning, they had to wait until after naps to come.  Which, was good bc I was EXTREMELY tired and needed to rest up before they all invaded :-).)  

The big moment did arrive at last and they were all so thrilled to meet and hold their newest sister!

Miss Kari-belle and Britta-bear

Juliana is behind Christian--they all just couldn't get close enough!

So excited!!

Looking up at Daddy--love this!!  Cubby actually didn't really get to hold her until that afternoon bc between the nurses checking her over and  Britta nursing, Cubby had to go home around noon to help Grandma with lunch and naptime.

They came back the next morning too and the love continued :-).

 Does Christian mind having ANOTHER sister?  Not one bit!  (At least not until they're all teenagers, maybe...)  He is beyond sweet with Britta and I love watching him care for her!

Christian's an old pro at baby holding.
Baby in one arm, binkie in the other.  Feet up and watching some TV.
He's going to be an awesome dad one day!

Three weeks later and the novelty of Britta still hasn't worn off!  All of the children continue to ask if they can hold her, kiss her, and love her :-).