Photo overload

I have been MIA and my blog has been neglected these last few months.  I know it is ok because I started this blog as a type of scrapbook for my kids.  Lord knows, I am not crafty enough to actually do a scrapbook.  After finding out about Izzy, I took it to a more personal level.  Journaling became my therapy.  I figured it was cheaper than actual therapy.  But lately, I just didn't have it in me to write or share my feelings.  That is life for you!  Sometimes you get busy, sometimes you get down and sometimes you just have to focus on taking that next step on your journey to keep going.

But... life hasn't stopped or slowed down in the Holt household.  With three kids, I don't think I would be allowed to stop.

Here are some pictures of the kids doing their thing... having fun! 

My boys are growing up so fast.  Ethan just had a birthday- the big 11!  I can't believe it.  He is already acting more and more like a teenager everyday.  Lord help me!  Girls, attitude and developing his own sense of style.  He is growing up!

Aiden's birthday is coming up fast too.  He can't wait until October rolls around.  He will be 9.

All I know, is that I love these guys to pieces.  They give me gray hairs and heartache at times but they are all mine.

and then there is Izzy.  She is so full of personality.  This girl is into EVERYTHING. (not sure if this is a girl thing or just an Izzy thing) She has a nickname- Hurricane Izzy.  It fits her perfectly as she leaves a trail behind her wherever she goes.  This makes cleaning very difficult!  Which keeps Mommy stressed out and probably adds to the gray hairs.

Don't kids want to always be treated like grown ups until they are asked to walk around a fair or well any where??  Then, their legs hurt.  That would be Aiden...hence the ride in the stroller.

Izzy came with Mommy to find a dress for a wedding we were attending.  I haven't put a dress on in a very long time and now I remember why.  She thought the process was hilarious!!  Me... not so much!

and here we are at the beautiful wedding.  We all had a blast and were thankful to be apart of Jordan's big day.

Izzy loves taking selfies.  I figured I could use these pictures one day to track how we have both aged.  Silly faces are always fun, though.

Have I ever mentioned that Izzy loves chips?!?  She wakes up requesting chips.  She goes to sleep requesting chips.  I mean... I love chips but really??

Izzy started her new PreK program and we all participated in a Fun Run/Walk to raise money for their new playground.  It is getting set up right now and I know she is excited to play on it.

Like everyone else, I use my phone as my go to camera.  So now, whenever I am looking at my phone, Izzy automatically says "cheese".  Even her babies are saying cheese.

Milo, our dog, ran into the street and was hit by a car a few months back.  Don't worry... he is ok.  We thought it might knock some sense into him but it didn't.  He did get this nice care package from our neighbor though.

Izzy trying to get a tan.  We did make a few trips to the beach and our local water park this summer. This year was so much easier since Izzy is walking.

I don't think I ever posted pictures from Izzy's birthday party.  Sister was spoiled and ate lots of sugar.  No one offered to take her home with them that night so we stayed up late partying.

Our  little fish taking a break...

Izzy got some new DAFO's.  As you can see, she was very excited about it.

Milos' favorite place, the dog park.  The kids enjoy it too since they get to chase other dogs.

Anyone want to play fetch???

More pictures to come...

Oh sweet Isabelle

But Mommy... I just want to pet him and squeeze him and love him. 
These two have a special relationship.  Izzy wasn't sold on him at first but now they are besties.  Milo lets her pull his ears and tail anytime but don't mess with him when he is eating or napping.  That sounds like someone else I know...

What's going on...

Lots.  Even when we don't really have any obligations like sports- I "forgot" to sign the boys up for the fall sports- we still manage to be on the go constantly. 
We have been to a few of our high school football games.  Let me just say... Niceville High is kicking butt this year. 

 Izzy is starting to get into anything and everything that belongs to her brothers.  Here... she is pretty proud of herself for getting a hold of the galaxy tab.

 Izzy also loves to "do her homework".  I think she ran out of paper...

 Milo is becoming a bad influence.  These two kids are not behaving!

 Izzy's hair is finally getting long enough for a new style.  Two little piggies!!

Something is wrong with this picture and it isn't the clothes in the background that someone refuses to put away...

Milo was feeling a little left out so he decided to do some homework as well.  School is hard work!

 Izzy loves to do a little light reading when she gets home from school.

Some exciting news... Izzy is taking quite a few steps lately.  She gets a little excited and ends up stumbling but Sister is getting it!

Our weekend wrap up...

What would you call this character??

Friday night, the boys had a sleep over with a few friends.  They thought we were mean parents because we kept saying no to sleep overs.  I am sorry.... when I get home from work, the last thing I want to do is watch someone else's kids.  Mine are enough for me!  But we gave in and for the most part, they were all good.  At one point, they had a nerf gun war and each were dressed in a different character.  Thankfully, I had kept all of the boy's Halloween costumes so they got some extra wear out of them that night.

Izzy didn't get the memo about the sleepover so she was up bright and early Saturday.  She is really in to the Disney cartoons now so we watched a little Princess Sophia before all the boys woke up.

and we played with Milo.  He is pretty hyper in the mornings but Izzy was able to get a little love from him before he started running the room chasing after his tail.

Aiden isn't used to doing an all-nighter so it took him a while to recooperate from the sleep over.  He ended up sleeping all.day.long.

Just changing positions. 

When I finally was able to wake him up, he had a slight fever so Izzy felt like she needed to take care of him. 

How about some covers brother?!?

Then, Izzy tried to be my little helper by cleaning the fridge- with her tongue!  Thankfully, I had decided to clean the fridge the day before and then again after she used her tongue.

Izzy is a busy girl.  She has places to go and people to see.

Izzy and Milo have a love/dislike relationship.  He loves to chew on her toys... she really doesn't like that.  Milo loves to get in her personal space... Izzy doesn't like that.  Here Milo and Izzy are having a stare down over Minnie Mouse.  I put my money on Izzy. 

So overall, our weekend was very lazy.  Saturday, I don't think I actually left the house (or even got out of my Pjs).  I offered to take the boys to Big Kahunas but they wanted to wait until their Daddy could go.  I guess I wasn't good enough.  Their loss. 

The latest...

I have been MIA lately.  I figured if I lay low, then maybe life might give me a little break.  A few days ago, I raised my white flag.  Mommy's plate runneth over.  You know the saying... when it rains, it pours.  Yep, that explains our life right now. 
Our AC had been broken for about 5 days (enough said, right?) and I finally broke down and left a message for the repair man partly filled with anger but also begging to please do something.  After the message, he was at our house the next day with a temporary fix and he also sent a text to check on us. 
This is my coconut oil (which is great btw) and it is normally solid...

Yes, that is how hot it was in my house.
Izzy had to wear a cooling rag around her head to stay comfortable. 

We now have a temporary fix and we are so thankful!  Sweating in your house during the summer in Florida is not fun!!
Moving on...
Izzy loves to stand now.  She wants to stand while eating, playing and taking a bath (not safe little Missy)

We aren't complaining about the standing, but I would prefer her not to do this in the slippery bathtub.  Good thing she is flexible.  She has done the splits quite a few times but no busted chins.
Izzy is getting fitted tomorrow for DAFO's (Sure Steps).  These are little braces to help strengthen her ankles in preparation for walking.  We are hoping this helps build her confidence and Sister starts walking soon.  Girl... your getting heavy!
Izzy loves to dance in the car.  She might have found her calling and be a great back up dancer!  As soon as she starts walking, she will be accepting offers- just give her a call.

Izzy is just like her Mommy... she loves chips and salsa.  Although, she is better than me, she is willing to share.

 These two love each other so much!!

On Saturday, we were all a little moody so we decided to spoil our dinner and stop for some ice cream.  Sometimes, dessert before dinner doesn't hurt.  One problem, we couldn't eat it fast enough so it melted all over us.  Bath time for everyone.  But before a bath, I made the kids run to Target with me.  Target will make anyone feel better, right?!?

Daddy, went on his traditional Sunday run to the store while everyone was sleeping.  He brought back milk and donuts.  Does anyone else go through 2 gallons of milk each week - and still run out?? 

Sister doesn't mess around when she is hungry.  She is trying to crawl up my leg to steal my bagel and coffee.

After she ate my breakfast, she moved on to Daddy's.  Milo stuck close to her side so he could lick the crumbs off her face.  Gross!!

What?? Don't judge me... I am hungry!   Don't judge Mommy either, she was too lazy to put me in Pj's last night so I slept in my pretty dress.

This is the latest happenings here at the Holt household.  I am praying for a little rest and relaxation over the next few days.  We will be going on a mini vacation and it is so needed!  I am going to try and shut my brain down this next weekend and just live in the moment- making memories with my family!