Life's changes

Well what we knew was going to change in our lives has occurred, Kris is working over night, from 7:30 pm until around 9:00 am Sunday through Thursday for four weeks to do a remodel on the store. It has been a huge change for each one of us. He sleeps during the day, is awake for a few hours, and heads to work. The kids are struggling to play quiet, talk quiet and be quiet in general as I am struggling to keep them quiet. It definitely has helped me to appreciate our schedule before because although not a "normal" daily routine we at least knew Dad was going to be home to sleep when we slept and awake when we were awake. I am pretty sure Kris has a whole knew appreciation for family time as well because there hasn't been a lot of it. 
Sunday July 10th was the first night of our change and because we knew change was fast approaching we took the opportunity to spend some quality family time at the lake before Kris started his madness. Kris loves to fish and doesn't get the chance to do so very often. Unfortunately, Kris did not get a single bite. Minus the lack of biting fish we had tons of fun swimming in the lake, playing in the sand, having a picnic, laughing, and most of all loving life as a family. Here are a few photos of the day....

Waiting on the BIG one to bite!!

Beach beauty!!!

All boy for sure!!

I love capturing great days like this! This summer I am treating myself to a new camera with some of the money I made teaching summer school. I am going to purchase Digital SLR camera so I can expand my photography skills. After much research I have decided to purchase a Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xs and can't wait for it to arrive. I have wanted a camera like this for quite some time, but always told myself that was too much money to spend on a camera, now I have decided I have paid too much money to others to capture the things I see of my kids daily. Wish me luck!!
Today Kris came home from work as we were all getting out of bed. He must feel guilty for not seeing a lot of us this week (although we understand it wasn't his choice) that he came home with several items for us all. I was greeted in bed with a white chocolate mocha cappuccino, breakfast burrito, and a kiss!! Addysen and Laiken met Dad at the door when he arrived and they were greeted with a fishing game (so this weekend they can catch the BIG one), bubbles, and cinnamon rolls from the Gering Bakery!! I could really get used to this :) Thank goodness tonight is the last night of the week to sleep alone, I shouldn't say alone because of course Laiken is ALWAYS in bed with me when I wake up in the morning, but it just isn't the same without cramming three of us in bed! 
Tomorrow starts the beginning of the Oregan Trail Days activities with a kiddie parade in the morning. I would like to take the kids to that, but no guarantees I am going to get out of bed in time to go due to the sleepless nights this week. After Kris wakes up we are heading downtown to the food fair for supper and then off to the carnival. I remember the days I loved the carnival and the more twists, turns, and spins the better...now if I even look at them I feel sick. The kids are more than excited to go to the carnival. They have been talking about it all week as it is just a few blocks from our house so they have seen the rides being put up. Addysen has such a great memory that she remembers every ride she went on last year! Saturday we are skipping out on the OT days fun and heading to the sandpits to go fishing. I must say I do love the weekends now that we are trying to get in as much family time as possible to make up for the week. 
One Step at a Time,
Alisha