growing up

i've just realized how nice it is that the kids are getting older and more independent.....usually, the thought of them getting older makes me sad.....the usual, my babies are growing up sulking......but lately, i'm figuring out that there are some pros to this getting older thing.....one being that they are enjoying play time a LOT more - they can go outside, to their rooms, on the front porch, etc. and just play for hours at a time - not needing an adult sitting right by them, keeping watch......of course, i'm looking down from my kitchen window when they're outside - mama hawk, with eyes on her young......it's so cool - my kids are becoming such responsible, independent BIG kids......here's 2 pics of them playing on a wall in the empty lot next door......there used to be a building there, but now there's just the foundation and the steps.....they must have spent 2 hours playing on/around/beside this wall last evening


another pro that i figured out a long time ago......no more diaper bags, sippy cups, strollers, etc. when we go out! this has to be the best pro of all!!!


these ladies (ESPECIALLY corinn!) are cooking fools! they jump at every chance to 'help' in the kitchen.....even if it's just to boil hot dogs.....here they are helping daddy make cornbread last night.....and corinn recently loading the dishwasher


lastly, some pics from the 'photo shoot' that gabby requested last evening.....we had just watched an old home movie from 2004.....gabrielle was 1 1/2 in the video and was such a ham already......she was insisting that her name was jaden "i jaden!" and not gabrielle.....she was singing her A,B,C's and twinkle, twinkle.....telling everyone "no, no!"......all the kids were cracking up! i think that put her in a silly mood...