George Crawling

Here is a video of George making his way across the room. I can't believe he's crawling already!

The Picnic and More

August is winding down and the weather is fine so we've been out a lot. Here's a moment of peace between Patrick and Becca in the backyard.

Isn't George super cute?


They found some sticks and used them as microphones. I was treated to "Hey Jude" and "I Want You to Want Me" for at least 10 minutes.

On Wednesday we had the pre-school picnic. The volleyball court became a giant sandbox for all the kids.



George was so excited with all the kids he had to take a little snooze on Dad's shoulder.

Emily tried to hide from the camera behind her dad but I got her anyway.

Here's Teddy playing with the soccer ball.


Becca and Patrick were happy to hold still just long enough for me to get these shots.

I have a video but it doesn't seem to want to download but I hope to have it up soon. We wish all our friends and cousin the best of luck as you head back to school. The kids and I are looking forward to Patrick going back in a little over a week.

On the Move

George is officially mobile. I won't call in crawling, more of arm-out-pull with a knees-bent-push but he's getting around the living room. Say a prayer for me and all the little fights that are to come.

Bones on the Water

We headed north once again to Grandma & pa Hatton's but this time some fellow 'bones meet us there. This was the first time we've seen the Cronks in almost 4 years and the first time meeting their kids. Despite the late arrive (it was just about midnight), Lisa's all smiles the next morning.

"Little" Sarah is only a week older than George but she's got about three pounds on him.

George and Sarah had a great time sharing toys.


Becca loved the tea set Grandma found in the basement.

Mike had Patrick and Austin help him make ice cream.

Grandma Jan during one of the many reading sessions.

Klondike in his usually spot...in a chair with a drink in his hand.

The sun came out in the afternoon and we managed to swim a little. Mike tried to teach Becca how to use a kick -board but it didn't got over too well.

George had a good time with Grandma.

Lisa and Sarah getting ready to go on the boat.

Here are Steve and Austin eating breakfast.

Patrick did not feel so great on Saturday but some toast and Grandpa time made him better.

Thanks to the Cronks and Klondike for making the trip and to Mark and Jan for allowing this crazy bunch to invade your house. Byer, you were missed.

George is 6 months old.

Yes, George is 6 months old today. Here is a shot from his photo session yesterday. He weighted in at 17lbs 2oz and is 28in long, but I think this was a little generous.

We went the the park last weekend and got some fun pictures. I love this picture of Becca and Mike.

George had some fun on the swings as well.

Becca and Pat are great at making friends everywhere they go.


We won't be us if we didn't have this picture.

Patrick just being Patrick.

Becca looking serious....

...while being very silly.

And one of the family minus me. That's why I take the pictures.

We hope everyone is doing well and managing in the heat.

He can sit up!!

George is officially sitting up on his own. He did it last night and allowed me to get it with the camera early this afternoon. I was so proud I had to post right away.

Another shot. He fell over and bumped his head right after this was taken.

Patrick displaying his cheese-ness.

Doesn't see look cute it this hat?

Here we can see the budding musician...

...or a frustrated 5 month old.

I'll end with a picture of the three kids on the couch. I'm so blessed to have them.

Patrick's Pebble

Yesterday was a banner day at the Hatton household. It started with Aunt Mary come down on Friday on the way to St. Louis to help Annie move. It took about 10 seconds for Becca and Patrick to get a book in her hand.

George enjoyed the story from his excer-saucer.

Mary and Mike left bright and early Saturday morning and the kids and I stayed in Washington. George practiced sitting up.

After dinner we went outside and had fun in the pool with their clothes on.


Patrick told me his clothes shrunk and Becca just loved the whole thing.

George just hung out in the grass.

Now for the banner part of the day. The older kids had just gone to bed and I was nursing George when I heard Becca crying upstairs. I went up to help and heard Patrick calling for me with a hint of panic in his voice. He told me he needed a Kleenex, which I got for him and went back downstairs. 5 minutes later I hear crying again and march upstairs ready to combat Becca's nightly fight to go to sleep. But again it was Patrick. After several minutes of confusion he finally told me he had a pebble up his nose. It'd been a long day and after several attempts to blow the pebble out, I started to freak out...a lot. I called Mike on the road asking him what to do. Then I called my mother, and finally my doctor father-in-law. He suggested plugging the open nostril and blowing into Patrick's mouth. I did these at least ten times and nothing came out. By this time I'm completely crazy and don't know what to do. Then my sainted mother-in-law (thanks Jan) called and got me calmed down enough for me to wait an hour for Mike to come home. In that time, I tried at least 10 more times to get that pebble out to no avail. Within minutes of Mike walking in the door, we were off to the ER as Becca stayed home with Mary (thanks Mary). Once we saw the doctor and he found the right tool, the pebble was out in no time at all. After waiting to fill out some paper work, we headed home and put the boys to bed around 11:30. Here is a picture of the stupid pebble.

All in all, Patrick seemed to have a good time. He talked the whole way to the hospital, saw a rescue helicopter and a red ambulance. Some how we managed to miss anything scary while waiting in the ER. I would say our first trip the ER (and probably not our last) was pretty mild and therefore a good one. Thanks again for all of you who tried to calm me down which, let's face it, is a no small task.

To answer the question of how the pebble got there in the first place, Patrick says he was trying to get a closer smell of the pebble, when it was apparently inhaled into his nasal passage.