The Salmon Six

Life is back to normal and we are perfecting our daily routine. School has it's benefits that way, I love being on a schedule and seeing how much I can accomplish in a day. The hardest part is crawling out of bed in the morning! I'm actually proud of myself, I've been waking up before 7am and really working on getting the kids ready without the whole "hurry, hurry, we're going to be late" speech.
Thanks to my friend Elise, I've been able to trade baby-sitting for time to help in Trent and Trey's classrooms and to go to the gym. It is WONDERFUL! Julia and Mellie love playing together and Lauren is just such a good baby that I don't worry much about leaving her for a little while. It is crazy how much Julia and Melissa look like sisters... they just happened to be matching this day when Mellie came over.


Getting back to the gym 4 days a week has paid off and I am finally down to my goal weight! I've worked so hard the past year and a half that I feel I have the right to brag a bit. During my pregnancy I worked really hard at the gym up to my 37th week. I was doing push-ups, weight lifting, step aerobics, kick-boxing, even ab work till the very end. It was my best pregnancy by far. I felt strong and healthy and I had plenty of energy to keep up with Trent, Trey and Julia. Best of all, I didn't have any pain from my vericose veins which was a HUGE deal (I was bed-ridden and in pain many, many days during my pregnancy with Julia). I gained only 21 pounds (hello.... Lauren weighed 9.2 lbs of it! ) and shed it all within 10 days of giving birth! I really believe that my body was stronger AFTER I had Lauren than before I conceived her. I went back to the gym when Lauren was 3 weeks old and now... 6 months later I've met my goal! It feels AWESOME! I feel strong, empowered, confident, and healthy. I have to say I couldn't have done it without my super supportive hubby and my inspiring gym instructors.


So, back to school means back to soccer practice and soccer games, and we are excited that both boys are playing this year. They battled the 100+ degree heat for their first games and both did really well. Trent is playing on a HUGE field this year AND is learning to play goalie. He is working hard and practicing at home too, I think this will be a good year for him. Trey is thrilled to have his buddy Tyler on his team, they run and run and chase that ball around until someone scores, it is hilarious!


I had to include this cute picture of the girls hanging out during the game.... look at those thighs on Lauren, they are HUGE!


I am already seeing such a strong bond between my beautiful daughters. They are always together. Julia loves Lauren so much and is always sitting behind her or entertaining her with loud, ear-piercing screams. I don't understand why it makes Lauren smile and laugh, but it does. Julia thinks she is a "big girl"and trys to hold Lauren all the time... it is so scary! I can't leave them alone for a minute. Usually she will try to stand with Lauren in her arms, this doesn't frighten Lauren at all, but the thought of what could happen to Lauren scares me so much. One morning I went into their room and found Julia standing up in the crib with Lauren in her arms! Oh my goodness! No matter how much I tell her not to, she still does it. Lauren loves all the attention from her big sister and we haven't had any injuries... yet.

I love these adorable pictures of my girls in the bathtub. They are so beautiful. Darin and I look at them everyday and are in awe of how beautiful they are.


I am enjoying my one on one time with Julia while Lauren naps and the boys are at school. We took advantage of the cooler weather for a few days and baked muffins and bread for after-school snacks. She loves helping in the kitchen and can crack eggs and use the blender like a pro!

Back to school has also meant back to Disneyland! Lauren is more aware now and it is fun to watch her face when we take her on rides.



My days are jam packed from sun up to sun down , but I am living my dream of being a Mom and enjoying every moment! I don't think life gets much better than this!