The Big Screen

To beat the summer heat Erich and I took Avery on a special date to see her first movie in a theater.  Norah stayed home with a babysitter and napped.  Sweet girl is still a little too young to be expected to sit still in a dark theater for a couple of hours. Thankfully, she had no idea what she was missing out on. She'll have her turn in another year or two!  We took Avery to see Monster's University.  She liked the movie and it entertained her, but the absence of any princesses means it probably isn't going to be one of her favorites.  Even more than the movie, she seemed to just enjoy the whole experience... time with mom and dad, the awe of the big screen and the fancy seats, and of course... the popcorn (which she was reluctant to try at first but then ate so much we had to cut her off before she got a belly ache).

Getting ready for the movie to start

Posing in the lobby with Daddy 

It was a fun afternoon with our girl. We don't get individual time with her very often and we know life is about to get especially busy with the arrival of baby Paige, so we soaked up some time to love on her and let her know that she's oh so special to us!

With the summer break from preschool I was worried that Avery would get bored being at home every day and set out to find some fun summer activities to keep us busy.  Perrysburg has much to offer for kids, and much of it for free (which I can never resist).  I had good intentions, but ended up making a rookie mom mistake and signed up for way too much.  We were over-scheduled and worn out by the end of the summer. There was somewhere to go almost every single day.  Avery took a soccer class, attended library storytime, had swimming lessons every day for a month, and did a week of Vacation Bible School. Next year I'll tone it down a bit.  But she had fun and didn't seem to mind all of the running around as much as I did.  Norah was a great sport just tagging along for the ride!

Perrysburg's Parks and Rec department has an amazing summer kids program where they offer tons of different classes for kids, most of them for free or for $5.00.  We decided to try out the 6 week soccer class and while Avery looked so stinking adorable in her little shin guards, I think the end consensus is that she had fun but soccer is not going to be her thing.  I'm glad that she tried it, and now she knows!

With Daddy on a water break

Working on her moves

Avery's friend Grace was also in the class and those two girls held hands the entire time. Any moves they made on the field were made together.  Which was adorable and hilarious... and might have given them a slight handicap.  But at least they had fun.  Also, notice the #1 on Avery's shirt.  She had recently attended cousin Will's soccer game where he had on a team jersey with a number on the back.  She was so disappointed when it was time to get ready for her soccer class that she didn't have a jersey... so Daddy to the rescue, he whipped up a quick #1 with some silver reflective tape he had on hand and Avery was a happy camper.  And we cracked up when the sun reflected so brightly off the tape that she was impossible to lose among the 40 other kids on the field.

Sweet friends... they stick together!

Mommy and Avery

Sisters staying hydrated in the heat.  It was a hot hot summer!

Getting ready to leave for VBS.  She attended the VBS put on by the church where she goes to preschool and it was fabulous! She loved it.

Norah was a little bummed that she was too young for VBS, but we enjoyed our mornings together getting to spend time just the two of us.  She was always happy to pick up sissy and watch the closing program each day!

Avery had never taken swimming lessons before.  Each session is two weeks long. She did such a great job during the first session that we just moved her right up to the next class for the next session.  By the end of the summer she was doing great in the water and pretty much swimming on her own, but going to the pool is a lot of work and I'm not sure I'd sign up to do it every day for 4 weeks in a row again!

Practicing with her teacher.  Along with lessons, we also got a pool pass this summer which meant that a lot of times we went twice in one day... in the morning for lessons and then after naps just for fun.  Avery is a fish and loved every second of it. Norah is a little more clingy in the water, but progressed well through the summer. She started out hating it, then tolerated it, and then I think by the end was actually enjoying herself a little (As long as she was being held).

It was a fun and packed summer!  I have to admit it's nice to be back into our usual "school year" routine, but I'm glad we got all we could out of our summer days!

Summer Fun

Some pictures of what we were up to this summer...

No summer photo montage would be complete without a picture of a family trip to Mr Freeze!

Our first visit of the summer came when Avery completed a "I can follow the family rules" behavior chart and Mr Freeze was the reward.  Mommy learned a lesson with this behavior chart... don't make the chart in the heat of the moment when you are feeling angry and emotional. I was a little over-zealous with the number of spaces I drew (she's going to EARN this ice cream, darn it!).  The standards were set a little high for our well meaning 4 year old, but she did eventually complete the chart and we finally got that much anticipated ice cream to kick off the summer.  She is a good kid with a great spirit... a spirit that sometimes gets so wrapped up in the moment and the rules go out the window. We're working on it and getting better!

Loving the swing on the deck.  We spent many hours in the backyard this summer with the swing, the sprinkler, and the sand table.  

Busting out the sand table. Eventually that brown sand got switched out for hot pink sand which was so much more fun and a huge hit with Avery and Norah

Norah was just the right age to enjoy the cozy coupe this summer...

And Avery was just the right age to push her around in it! Lots of trips up and down the sidewalk to the sound of squealing and giggling little girls. Memories etched in my mommy heart forever.

Enjoying the hot weather with sprinkler fun and popsicles at Grace and Luke's house.  Notice Norah is the only child that is completely dry.  Despite the many, many times we had it out this summer she never once would go near the sprinkler. She's not a water baby.  But she always loved wearing her swimsuit and the popsicles.

Sidewalk chalk fun

A family trip to a Mud Hens Game.  Clouds threatened rain and it was close to the girls nap time, so we didn't stay a super long time.  But what summer is complete without a baseball game? Thankful for a friend who got us free tickets so we could give the girls a taste of the great American past time.

Wagon rides with Daddy

Kisses from his girls

Movie parties in the living room with snacks and Avery's sleeping bag (Norah might have to put a sleeping bag on her Christmas list. I'm not sure how much longer they can both squeeze in the same one).  They do their fair share of fighting and being annoyed with each other, but for the most part Avery and Norah have a great time together. I love watching them!

Pink and Princesses

Erich and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary in May at a great Bed & Breakfast in Hocking Hills called the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls.  We dropped the girls off at Grandma and Grandpa's on our way and spent a couple of days relaxing, sleeping in, and eating some of the most delicious food we've ever had.  A few days before our trip we had our 20 week anatomy scan ultrasound that revealed baby #3 was healthy and growing right on track.  During the ultrasound we asked the ultrasound tech not to tell us the gender of the baby, but to please write it down and seal it in an envelope so we could open it together at our anniversary dinner a few days later.  We did the same thing when we were expecting Norah (fun fact - Norah and this baby share the same due date. So both times our ultrasound fell right in line with our anniversary) and it was so neat to share that moment together.  The ultrasound tech was happy to oblige, and she was a sweet, sweet woman.  But she was a horrible actor!  We walked out of the ultrasound pretty positive we already knew what was in the envelope because she unintentionally made a few comments that were pretty telling, but we decided to roll with it anyway and hold onto the envelope for a special moment.

A few days later as we celebrated 6 years together with a special dinner, we opened the envelope and laughed and cried together as our suspicions were confirmed.  You can't read the note in the photo, but it says, "Congrats! It's another GIRL!".  Three girls.  Three little princesses who think Mommy is pretty and Daddy hangs the moon.  Three crazy heads of hair to manage, fair skinned beauties to slather sunscreen on each summer, and three sisters who will undoubtedly share a bond that few could ever understand.  When people hear that we are welcoming our 3rd daughter the most common reactions are "Oh no, are you disappointed it's not a boy?" or "So will you have a 4th to try for a boy?".  The answer is no and no.  While a boy would have been a welcomed and cherished addition to our family, there is no part of me that feels disappointed or let down.  We love our little girls.  I've written about it time and time again, but it remains true that there is not a more perfect "man of the family" than Erich Piland. He is the best dad that our daughters could ever ask for.  And my heart has never felt so full or complete... I love thinking about our future with our three little girls.  As far as having more kids to "try for a boy",  if we ever have another child (probably not, but who can say for sure), it will be because we want another child. Not because we have expectations of any gender.  We know that our family is being built according to God's will and we love that His hands have knit each of our children together in the womb.  He knows the hairs on their head and He knew long before we did that pink would be the theme in our house!

So, Paige Ruth Piland.  Come on out and join us whenever you are ready (as I type this you are currently overdue and taking your sweet time).  I think you'll like it here.  Your daddy and I can't wait to love you up and you have two big sisters who are sure to fight over who gets to hold you the most.  You are already a treasure in our family and we are so happy that you are ours.

Mother's Day and Father's Day

Erich and I count ourselves blessed to be the parents of these precious girls.  It's a gift and an honor and a huge responsibility that we don't take lightly.  Both Mother's Day and Father's Day were celebrated this year around the house in a low-key fashion.  Truthfully, that's exactly how I like it. Just setting aside a day to be together and remember just how good we've got it...

Can't think of a better way to be woken up than these two cuddle bugs climbing into bed in the morning

Momma and her red headed girls

Opening presents

Avery drew a picture for Erich for Father's Day. The best and most heartfelt gift a 4 year old can give

Opening presents

Daddy and Norah

It's amazing to think that we've been at this parenting gig for over 4 years but in so many ways our journey is just beginning.  We can't wait to see who our girls grow up to be and we pray that God will use us to help shape them and mold them in the process.  We are already so proud to be their mom and dad.

A Special Visitor

If there are words to describe how special our time in May was with our sweet Jen, I sure don't have them.  There are certain people that come into your life and you know that no matter how many years or miles separate you, their friendship will always be a present force in your life.  Jen is one of those people for me.  We met during those blessed awkward Jr High years and of all my childhood friendships, she is the one that stuck the closest, even though she is the one who has been farthest away.  While I've always stayed closer to home, this girl and her adventurous spirit have traveled all over the Country... and the World. After high school she ventured off to St Louis for college, had a few stints of studying abroad, moved to a few different states for jobs, and eventually settled in Texas where she stayed for several years. Then, she felt God calling her to a new adventure that most of would never even dream of.  This past summer she packed up and moved halfway across the world to an undisclosed location to tell people who have never heard the Good News that there is a God waiting for them with open arms.  (It's not exactly a culture that is welcoming to someone with that type of news to share, so security is tight tight tight on the details of her location)  Before she left the US, she took the time to fly up to Perrysburg and spend a few treasured days with our family.  The thing about Jen is that she didn't come to be entertained or catered to.  She came just to be with us and live life with us.  No special treatment, no big plans... just being a part of our family for a few days.  Avery and Norah are aware of who Jen is through pictures, gifts she sends them in the mail often, and the fact that her name is spoken frequently around our house. But for them to get to spend some time with her, one of my favorite people, made my heart absolutely swell.  She jumped right in to their little world feet first and spent days doting on them and pouring into them.  And when she left, I cried. I cried because I was so thankful to get to spend that time with her and because I'm so darn proud of her for doing something that is unfathomable to most of us.  Her time away is a two year commitment and Avery mentions often that she can't wait until she turns 6 years old because that means she'll get to see Jen again.  How I hope that is true! But knowing this girl and her heart, I wouldn't be surprised if 2 years turns into 4 and 4 years turns into forever.  She goes where God leads her and that is one of the best things about her!

Love

Bible time.  Jen can preach to the 4 year old crowd like nobody I know. We do Bible time each night before bed in our house and Jen took it to a whole new level. I definitely learned a thing or two!

Like I said, she jumped right into living life with us as if she'd always been here

Saying goodbye

There's not much else I can say other than we love her, we're praying for her, and we think of her all the time as she's washing her clothes by hand and getting used to a donkey that pokes his head through her window each day.  We continue on with life here as usual, but her witness is impacting much more than just the people she is living amongst so far away... the Pilands are better for knowing her.

School Days

Avery had a wonderful experience at her first year of school.  We feel so blessed to be a part of Grace Preschool!  She rounded out the year with a class field trip to Country Lane Tree Farms where she got to meet lots of different animals and take a barrel train ride.  Soon after that came her last day of school and end of the year program where of course, mommy cried.  This time is flying by way too fast!

Sisters getting ready for the farm field trip.  Mommy and Norah got to tag along and we all had a great time!

Avery loved the barrel ride.  It doesn't take much to entertain a 4 year old.

Holding a bunny that she didn't want to give up possession of. For the 10th time Avery, no, we can not get a pet rabbit.

Milking a cow (she was actually really good at this!)

The farm was pretty muddy and messy after a few days of rain, so I was a mean mom and wouldn't let Norah get out of the stroller.  She was not pleased with me.  Other than Norah getting a little impatient towards the end, we all had a great time experiencing the sights and the animals. Avery is an animal lover to the core, so she was in heaven!

A few weeks later came the last day of school which included a slideshow, music program from the kids, and pizza party for the families. This picture pretty much sums up how interested Norah was in the whole thing, so we spent a lot of time walking around in the back of the sanctuary.

Avery showing off her dance moves

Dancing with her little classmate, Kopelyn

Avery and Momma after the show

A sentimental Daddy and an excited little girl

Avery and her best friend, Grace, got to spend the year in the same class together and were attached at the hip.  I love the friendship these two share and hope it continues for many years to come!

Springtime Fun

Spring weather brought us lots of time outdoors. Avery was anxious to get some miles on her new bike and Norah is always happy to tag along in the stroller. We feel so blessed to live in a great neighborhood with unending sidewalks to explore (although with Avery's little legs, we often just made the trip up and down our own street and that was enough for her).  

Norah and Momma on the first walk of the year.

Sisters

Avery and Daddy 

I got a special "mommy daughter date" with my sweet girl one Sunday afternoon when we attended a local high school spring musical - Beauty and the Beast! It was Avery's first experience watching live actors on a stage. She was so excited! We had 2nd row seats which might have been a little too close to the action, as she spent most of the musical on my lap so the bad guys wouldn't get her.  Despite that, she absolutely loved it and did a great job.

We met up with our friend, Sara, and her little guy, Asher.  Unlike Avery, he was not afraid at all and provided hilarious commentary all throughout the show. What a hoot!  Considering they were both skipping their naps for the show, they were both on their best behavior.

After the show Avery had one focus... getting to meet Belle.  We stood in a very long line of anxious little girls until it was Avery's turn for a photo (you would have thought we were at Disney World, not a high school lobby!).  Avery was absolutely convinced this girl was the REAL Belle and was so excited to meet her.  I was almost convinced myself... she was absolutely amazing! 

It was such a fun date and great to spend some one on one time with Avery, something that rarely happens anymore as our family grows. She is getting so big, so fast.  I'm thankful for each precious moment I get with her!