And then I admit something I NEVER thought I would...

I love camping

There I said it.  It's out in the open now. 

I've never liked the thought of camping.  I think it's been like ten years since I have been, and even then  I despised not showering, wearing dirty clothes, and stinking of smoke...yeah, not my idea of fun.

Scott has always wanted me to go, but my response is usually something like "yeah, right babe.  That's never going happen."  

Well, this weekend, Scotty ran into some friends that were getting ready to head out on a camping trip.  One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was dragging my feet through Walmart shopping for things like a tent and sleeping bags.  I was having a good attitude because I knew scott really wanted to go, and if nothing else, at least we would be with friends, and there would be good food to go around!  I also tried to forget the fact that I was two weeks away from having a baby (less than that now, wahoo!!)

When we pulled up to the camp site in the Olympic mountains, I couldn't believe the beauty around us...breathtaking!  This was the view out side of our tent...

 It's quite literally a rainforest.  Amazing.

Jack and Bianca didn't waste anytime playing in the dirt, picking up sticks, and climbing anything they could.  I knew immediately that they would be in heaven the WHOLE time we were there.  They were both filthy within five minutes, and I just let them stay that way.  In fact, Jack slept in his filthy clothes...eh, whatev.

We were there for some perfect weather.  The day before had been cold and rainy, but we certainly lucked out.  The mornings began cold, and so we would peel off the layers as the day went on.  Here is Jack in the morning, totally bundled...

Once the sun came out, and we got out of the thick tree cover, it really warmed up. 

And off came the layers...

Bianca didn't waste any time getting in the water.

Or taking her shirt off.

Jack however, went straight for the skibbies.

And I let him.

Because every little boy should climb a dock in their superhero underwear from time to time.

This handsome guy didn't feel the need to swim in his undies.  He just stood around looking like a hunk...

We made to sure to take a family picture...well, the best kind you can get with two little kiddos and lots of things WAY more fun to be doing.

I wore a green shirt so you could all tell that I do indeed look like I have a watermelon for a belly :)  Those cashiers weren't too far off!

Later, we went for a short mile hike, but I forgot my camera...bummer too because it was beautiful!

The rest of the group decided to take a longer hike to some waterfalls, but I opted out because I can do that when I am 20 months pregnant Bianca was WAY too tired.  Ali took some great pics of Jack and scotty for me.

Scott said Jack was in heaven.

I don't blame the kid.

My two rugged men...

And then of course there was the food.  aaah, the food.

Ali prepped some FABULOUS desserts for us.

Bananas split open and filled with milk and white chocolate chips, and mini marshmellows, then foiled up, cooked and served with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Next she hollowed out some strawberries, filled with them with chocolate chips and little carmel balls, then wrapped them in foil and warmed over the fire...served with whipped cream of course.

Can you tell I enjoyed it WAY too much?!?

So that about sums it up...great weather, great company, great food, and breathtaking beauty.

I'm sold.

I will go camping anytime.

Oh, and perhaps one of my favorite things...after playing and hiking all day...the little kiddos look like this by about 7 PM.

 

Perfect.

37 weeks...

Here is the moment you have all been waiting for...

When I say I am indeed huge, I'm not joking around.

Not even a little.

I have had two comments from different male checkers at the grocery store that have said "did you want me to ring you up for that watermelon you have there?"  harhar you clever geniuses. 

Sadly, I feel fabulous. Oh, You'll notice that I'm standing in our house!! Wahoo!! It finally happened this weekend...scott and I made the move, and at this point are completely unpacked.  I've been busy getting to work on some furniture refinishing.  I am sure my neighbors get a kick out of a gal as pregnant as me outside on the driveway re-upholstering headboards and painting tables (with proper ventilation to protect Baby Delaney of course).  I will do a post later this week on some of my great garage sale makeovers...as soon as it's all finished and put together!

As I just mentioned,  I really do feel fabulous.  I have your typical aches and pains, and some crazy braxton-hicks at night, but nothing that stops me from the daily grind.  I have a list of too many projects that I need to get done before this little sweetie gets here in 20 days.

I do have one complaint though.

It's my feet...ankles...kankles.

I have NEVER had swelling like this... 

Goodness, let me see if I can get a prettier picture for you.

Oh, what's that you say...there won't BE a prettier picture?!? Ok.

At least I have a beautiful pedicure, and a superb hubby that gives me footrubs.

I miss my ankles.

**Sigh**

A waiting game...

We are still not in the "big house" {that's what Jack calls it...but I suppose anything seems big after a 700 sq foot apartment!}.  It was supposed to the 27th of July, then the 10th of August, and now it's "tomorrow", and has been for about 5 "tomorrow"s in a row.   

Needless to say, I am getting antsy.

Like the kind of antsy that people are afraid of...I'm ornery and fiesty. 

I think it's a combination of the home drama, and me being 20 months pregnant.  Ok, I'm not ACTUALLY 20 months pregnant, just feeling that way.  And it's apparently evident just how pregnant I am by the comments I keep getting..."Oh, you poor thing, you still have a MONTH left?!?" or "Wow, you are huge!" and one of my faves, "Man, are you gonna pop any day now?"  Even my doctor {whose opinion I didn't even ask for} said to me at my appointment yesterday "you just look so big because you are a small person"...Oh really Doc? do you think that's what it is?  I just figured I was going to be giving birth to a toddler.  Thanks for clarifying that for me though.

See, can you tell I'm fiesty? I wasn't joking around.

All that really needs to be said to a pregnant woman with swollen ankles and sausage-like-fingers  is "You look fabulous!" 

End of story.

Rant completed...

Though we are antsy to get into the house, we have been enjoying our time living with the in-laws.  I am certainly not complaining about the Central AC that's currently blasting {something pretty uncommon for Washington because it's only needed a few weeks a year.  Lucky for us, it happens to be those weeks}, or the giant back yard that Jack has been playing in for literally 10 hours a day.  There is also a park in the neighborhood that we like to walk to atleast once a day.

Gramma Susie has about 20 bikes to choose from, and Bianca ALWAYS chooses the one without a seat. 

She's fearless.

Jack has finally mastered pedaling...once he got it down, he instantly became the coolest kid on the block.

Cool enough to wear his collar up, and sport a look that says "Just try and mess with me.  I dare you."

 And when we finally get to the park, the animal in Jack breaks loose and he thinks he can do anything...

Which he kind of can, that monkey has some crazy balance.

When he reaches the top he always says "Look at me mom, Ina big handsome boy!"

Yes, yes you sure are sweetie.

I'm hoping the next post will be an exciting one about finally being in the house...cross your fingers!!

Oh, and I will be posting a picture of "the belly" soon...so you can all be really excited for that :)

The little fish turns into a big fish...

Jackson's floaties popped just before we went to the pool yesterday, so we decided to let him play on the steps until Grandma Susie arrived with a new pair.  Scott took him out to kick his legs a little bit, and then let him go to see if he could stay afloat (I know, I know...please don't call Child Services on us).  Much to our surprise, Jack just took off.  Within 10 minutes this kid was swimming the length of the pool (with Daddy in close proximity of course).  I caught a few minutes of the madness on camera...this kid seriously NEVER slows down.

So, do we see an olympic swimmer in the future?!? 

Maybe not, but we DO see a completely worn out 3 year old who sleeps well and takes 4 hour naps...I'll take it.

Important bedtime teaching...

I walked in on something a little unsettling last night. 

 The kids were waiting for us to come in their room for the usual bedtime routine, and I heard hysterical laughter.  Normally, that would have been adorable and charming...you know, one of those moments that makes you so happy to be a parent.  When I actually walked into the room, I discovered the laughter was coming from Jack and Bianca "knocking" the dolls in the head over the bed as hard as they could, like some sort of piñata or something.

Oh brother...I knew it was time for a lesson about being gentle with babies. Afterall, there will be one in the house soon!

First, daddy showed the kids how to gently wrap baby Delaney {yes, that's what we have decided to name the sweet thing...pretty darling isn't it?!?}.

Spead out the blanket, then put Delaney at the top, VERY softly.  Then fold up the middle.

Then wrap her up tightly (but gently!) like a burrito.

Make sure to hold her head, and give gentle kisses.

Aaah, much better than treating the little one like a piñata.

Your turn Miss Bianca...

She was more of an observant learner.  I'm sure she was just soaking it all in.

And make sure to give gentle kisses, that's the most important part.

I don't know, maybe baby Delaney will have a chance at survival afterall!

Big Changes...

I know it's been a while, but there have been a lot of exciting things going on in the Springer house! 

With a third little one on the way, we knew we needed to upgrade from the apartment life we have been living for the last 5 years. *Gasp* I can't believe we have almost been married that long!  We started looking into buying a home and the perfect one landed in our laps.  We are scheduled to close on the 27th...moving when nearly 8 months pregnant will be all sorts of fun I'm sure.

The price was right, the location was perfect, and the timing impeccable.

Here she is, brand spankin' new...

...with fabulous appliances.  I don't think you all know how excited I am to have a full size refrigerator and a microwave that fits our dinner plates!

I love the big windows, and out the back of those windows is a giant wall of trees.  Fabulous.

I am pretty sure this master bathroom is bigger than the master bedroom we live in now.

 You think I'm kidding.

I'm not.

Hello belly.  You are looking especially plump these days. 

And speaking of other big changes...My belly, ankles, and face are changing at a rapid pace. 

Here I am at 31 weeks. I can't believe I still have 2 months left.  I feel great, but am looking forward to having this pregnancy over with.  For some reason, having two toddlers around drains me like you would not believe!  I can't wait to have my energy back.

And the last big change is the weather! After a freezing cold 4th of July, summer has finally decided to show it's face up here in the Northwest.  Being 7 months prengnant in 90+ degree weather with out an air conditioner is pretty brutal.  Luckily we have an awesome pool to pass the heat away...

I'm convinced Jack and Bianca were fish in a previous life.  

Here is proof of Jack and his mad swimming skills...this kid has more energy than I know what to do with. 

There you have it...lots going on, and more to come in the coming months, stay posted!

Happy Father's Day...

...To a man who plays with his kids like he's a child himself.

...To a man who isn't afraid to get just as excited for a pink butterfly purse as his two year old daughter.

...To a man who can ALWAYS make any "dinosaur bites" or "bonked oodles" feel better.

...To a man who can always put a smile on his kids' faces.

...To a man whose three year old wants to be JUST like him.

...To a very handsome man indeed!

Thanks for all you do for our family Darling,  I'm grateful on a daily basis for the husband, father, and man that you are!

If you think Rice Krispy Treats are too childish...

...then you need to make them like this:

Then the simple combination of marshmallows and cereal will become a sweet, chewy addiction.  I would know, because I have made 5 or 6 (but who's really counting) batches of these babies in the last two weeks.  It might be the extra butter that makes them so wonderful, or the added peanut butter, or possibly the addition of white and milk chocolate...I don't know, but whatever it is, you need to trust me on this one.

Here is what you need:

in microwavable bowl combine-

30 large marshmallows (my kiddos love to help count!)

1/4 C peanut butter

4 TBS butter

Microwave together for three minutes, stirring after each minute.

When it's done, add:

 3 C of Rice Krispies

1/2 C white chocolate chips...don't leave them out, they kind of melt into the mixture and make for a fun, creamy texture.

Press into a greased 9 x 9 inch pan, then drizzle 1/4 C melted chocolate chips over the top.

Put them in the fridge for a bit...or the freezer if you are like me and can't wait that long!

Enjoy!

Oh, and you should all hop on over to my darling mom's foodie blog to see her version of the recipe, along with some other fabulous treats!  (Oh, and I stole these great pictures from her blog...there is  definitely something to be said about a decent camera and good lighting!)

And then he turns into a man...

As I was browsing through the clearance racks at Target, I stumbled on this adorable little suit.  It was the only one on the rack, and just Jack's size.  Upon gazing at the price tag, I knew it was meant to be...only $6.24!

When I dressed him for church today, I couldn't believe how old he looked...

Such a hansome young fellow...

Wouldn't you agree?

Proof...

I know I have gone on and on about Bianca and her obsessions with shoes, purses, clothes, and anything "pretty".  I have also mentioned that not getting her way when it comes to an outfit results in a tantrum...for like 30 minutes. 

You all probably think I exaggerate about this girl and her pretty things.

I don't.

I wish it was all a gross exaggeration in an effort to make a good blog.

It's not.

And now I have proof for you.  Here is a video to give you a little taste of what we experience in the name of fashion AT LEAST once a day at this house. 

This is a fairly mild tantrum...there wasn't any hitting or biting involved, and I was able to get those sparkley shoes on her within about 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Oh, and don't mind the shabby looking blanket hanging with tacks over the window...Jackson thought the blinds that were there doubled as a jungle gym. That turkey. They have been removed :)

Sometimes, being a good mom means...

...letting your vivacious two year old wear whatever she wants.  Even if it means she wears a massive tutu, purple shirt, red bracelet, and giant flower in her hair. 

Because when she gets to wear whatever she wants, the little treasures she finds outside are more exciting...

She can run even faster...

And dance even crazier...

It's easy being a good mom to Jack, because all it takes is giving him free reign to squish every bug and spider he can find...

Then not only will he be the happiest boy around, but will also be kept busy for hours.

I sure love being a good mom.