All Caught Up

Phew!  I'm all caught up on my blogging photos!!  On Docken Days at daycare we have our afternoon snack on the porch after Claire gets off the bus.  She wanted me to snap a photo. Sometimes I wonder what the neighbors must think.  They can be very loud and sometimes obnoxious.  We are excited for nice weather and being able to be outside more. Wesley is getting better about the bottle, but not a real fan yet.  I seem to recall this for the others as well.  He takes some nice naps, as do Mara and Max, so I get a little break most days.

Daycare Addition, School Days, Farm Days, Birthday Girl

 Wesley joins Omi Daycare at 4 months.  He's a challenge, but sleeping peacefully here!

 Claire is helping Max pose for his last day of Pre-School picture.  So grown up, both of them!

 Mara is happy to have Max (and Wesley) in daycare.  We keep pretty busy!

 On a Farm Day, Max is feeding dandelions to the new baby goats, Olaf and Kristoff.

 Papa bought Lincoln Logs for the kids to learn about.  They caught on quickly!

 Mara is right in there with them!  They are very gentle and fun.  They cry when we leave them.

 Mara was determined to help me rake the lawn.

 She has been learning how to paint.  She likes to make "dots", "paintbrushes", "snakes" and circles.

 Fun photo of our kids' family photos.  2015

 Max never gets tired of loving on Wesley.

 Claire and Papa are playing a game while Omi tries to talk Wesley into a bottle!  (she won)

 Here's our birthday girl, Claire Elizabeth, age 6 on April 25, 2015.  Such a beauty!

 Claire with her proud grandmas - Nana and Omi.

 Wesley likes to be snug as a bug and warm and cozy.  Well, don't we all?

 Mara and Max enjoy a snack outside - a little chilly still.

Max is showing Uncle Sean how to drive a 4 wheeler.  Critical for a farmer!

Park Visit May 2015

 Went to the Zoo with the kids on one of their first days.  Claire & Max were in school.:(

 Maverick & Mara share a moment.  (they are 3 1/2 months apart in age)

 The kiddie cars was enough of an experience for the bigguns at the Como Zoo Day.

 Maverick gives the John Deere a workout during his visit.

 Our whole family!!  At the Como Zoo.

 Claire is grooving on Jefferson and the way he rolls over and scoots all over the floor.

 Claire made friends with a seal and asked for a photo!

 Trying to capture Brody and Max, well, this is how we capture them in print!  Running!

 Here are the bigguns.

 Mara got her money's worth out of this (wild) ride!

 Another precious moment with these two friends - Mara and Maverick.

 Took the bigguns to a big park with equipment.  The littleuns enjoyed the sunshine!

 Tea Party!!!  Mara was glad for someone to have a tea party with her.  Brody is always on board for a tea party.  (I think Maverick brought some Lego friends to the party!)

 Como Zoo Day with our family.

Maverick with his pal, Papa!  It's always all about Papa!!

March Happenings

 Project Seashells - Claire is painting shells and gluing to look like fish.

 Jefferson is enjoying the new blanket Omi sent him.  It says Jesus Loves Me in the corner!

 Papa and Omi took Mara to the Zoo one day.  Penguins are always her favorite!

 Max has been pretty hung up on Big Hero 6, so I made him some cupcakes to enjoy!

 Wesley is getting bigger!  We don't see him every day since he hasn't joined daycare yet.

He and Papa are having a serious talk!

Easter 2015

 The Park Family - Jefferson's 1st Easter

 The Park Boys - Brody 5, Maverick almost 3, Jefferson 4 months

 That's a basket full, of Jefferson,

 and that's a basket full, of Wesley!

 Claire & Mara compare baskets.

 Max, Claire and Mara climb on Lulu for a ride.

 The Docken kids - Max 4, Wesley 3 months, Claire almost 6

Max gets in on coloring eggs at Omi's house one day.

 and Mara, too!

Here are their beautiful eggs ready to eat!  Thanks for the help guys!

Random Happenings - Park trip to Mn and Easter prep

 Claire grooving on Jefferson.  He's a keeper too, just like my brother Wesley!

 All the Mieska greats.  This group is growing too big for one shot!
Andrew, Maverick, Mara, Max, Brody, Ethan, Jefferson, Wesley, Claire, Everleigh, Foster & Briggs

 Omi & Papa with their Virginia boys.

 Baby Wesley a few days old.

 Max is crafting.  These became beautiful butterflys.

 Mara is crafting.  Cutting with scissors is her new thing.

 I took the MN olders to the new Cinderella at the theater.  Good times.

 The MN kids at Easter.

 Maverick doing Easter egg coloring in VA.

 Pretty sure Jefferson was helping with the egg coloring as well.

 Brody is amazed by the process, and results!

 Mara needs a bath every once in awhile.  I think this will be the last one in the sink, getting big!