52

I was all ready to sit down and write up a 52 of 2014 post. Not to catch up, but just to do one. And then Tayt... I forgot Tayt. So here's a photo of our pretty tulips (sooc). They're long gone now. We're watching for the peonies now. BUT the purpose of this post... nothing really other than stating the obvious. Lots of life has been happening here. Everything is a little greener. Everyone is a little healthier. We've been spending time outside a lot. Mostly enjoying the weather. Photo sessions are picking up. I'd like to say my blog posting will pick up, but I have editing to do already... another session Sunday, a wedding next weekend... so really, my time is almost nonexistent. Story of my life. 

so much to do, sssooo little time. 

Butttt I'm trying to enjoy every bit of time with these little kiddos before they grow up and become a freshman... Peyton! don't get me started about where that time has gone :(

I hope all you Wisconsinites are enjoying the beautiful weather!

11/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Peyton: new braces. oddly, he doesn't mind them.
Lia: growing old right in front of me. and her and Meg are the best of pals. I love it!
Austyn: always smiling.
Tayt: t.r.o.u.b.l.e.
Nash: he's been a handful the last couple weeks. terrible 4, going on 5?!
Drew: rarely sits still. a rare nap.
Meg: this one is giving us a run for our money. she's a wild one.

To think this is the last post I'll be doing that includes only… yes, I use the word 'only' loosely… but only 7 children blows my mind. We're very much looking forward to meeting this new little one any day now. And hoping all goes well! 

Cannot wait to add another Smith to the bunch :)

10/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Peyton: hard to catch sitting.
Lia: recently began volleyball. mom is *not* happy about their 'uniform' bottoms. I may officially be a mom now.
Austyn: making leprechaun traps.
Tayt: it's all in those eyes.
Nash: wants to be just like his older brothers.
Drew: monkey see…
Meg: monkey do.
Duke: yes, we have a dog. no, I don't always like him. yes, he's a good dog. yes, I sometimes like him. entryway benches are his spot. and always an added bonus when the sun is out.

I'm going to go ahead and blame skipping a week on everyone being sick. Go ahead and thank me now for leaving the camera up and put away during that week. 

I'm *really* hoping we see more of the sun in the weeks to come because it does amazing things for my camera… and our moods… and it just makes for better photos :)  ha!

8/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Peyton: recovering from a long night of Xbox.
Lia: mastering her mac n' cheese prep.
Austyn: searching for a baby name.
Tayt: breakfast.
Nash: not so good with mornings.
Drew: dressed herself.
Meg: The (newest) Beast.

I'm trying my darnedest to catch up on my 52 week photos. Yes, I realize it's less than 10 weeks into a new year, and I'm already behind butttt oh well. We've had a rough week so be glad you're getting this ;)

7/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Peyton: he recovered quickly after his wisdom teeth extraction, playing Xbox within hours.
Lia: my kitchen helper.
Austyn: always creating. she was reading me one of her stories here.
Tayt: warm weather for half a day, and they were outside as much as they could be.
Nash: he loves to play with the big kids. and outlasted them this day.
Drew: post-nap stare down. and crazy hair.
Meg: conversation with dad when he got home from work.

and probably the one and only photo I'll get of him this year, but….
Dave: my everything.

6/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Peyton: he is bored with me.
Lia: very proud of her toaster valentine box. I may underestimate her creativity at times.
Austyn: This child is very dramatic… I see her being a good actress one day… ;)
Tayt: we're smack dab in the middle of growing out the shag. and it's scary.
Nash: This child reminds me a lot of Austyn. I'm scared. Very, verrrrrrrry scared. ;)
Drew: She stood still… for a second.
Meg: This one. Oh, this one. We're in that stage where we climb on ehhhh-verrrrr-eeeeee-thing. She's a determined little bugger, that's for sure. I thought Rowdy was going to give me a run for my money. Nope. I'm going to keep my mouth shut from now on.

5/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Peyton: I'm quite certain I can stop him from becoming a teenager… *sigh*
Lia: quite the personality, this one.
Austyn: such a beautiful spirit.
Tayt: pure boy. caught him playing p-i-g with dad, probably discussing 'rules' here.
Nash: see camera. look in the opposite direction. child!
Drew: freshly done nails. fresh out of real smiles.  ;)
Meg: I got nothin. Apparently we're raising pure wild animals around here. She does this a.lot!

4/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Peyton: complete teenager. 

Lia: this was all she could give me…

Austyn: the painting continues.

Tayt: mesmerized with the television lately.

Nash: how he sometimes eats his breakfast.

Drew: rowdy.

Meg: a little too much like her sister.

and just like that, I'm back on last years track… oops! The kids were home for a couple snow days and instead of catching up on things… we just maintained. I'll take it, but now to catch up on the weekly photos in just a few days so I'm back on track... :)