Lifting the Weight

This blog has been a weight on my shoulders for some time. When did I get to the point where the routine of writing about our lives became forgotten about. Routines are funny, change them slightly and the old, somewhat comfortable routine becomes a chore. This blog has become that to me and I let it get so far from my reach that I spent more time figuring out how to repair it.

It is time to forget about the lost time, it is time to write again. I had thoughts of starting a whole new blog, making this blog a memory, but as I sat down to make up a new blog I didn't know where to start. I didn't know what to name it, I didn't know what my first post would be. So, ultimately I decided to keep this one going. We are not the "new" Lucas family anymore. Truth is, we have changed so much in the almost four years since I started this site. But I don't believe we are "old" either. We are still changing, learning and finding our family.

I have a lot of ideas of how to use this blog differently. But I am not going to make any promises. I am going to get back into the routine of writing, whether is is about an exciting adventure, a funny saying of Kenna's, or something Q learned to do/say. Let's not forget about Matt and myself, we are worthy of talking about too! :) If I've lost some readers over time, hopefully they will get the itch to check in on the blog and they will see, I AM BACK!

Because photos of the kids is a necessity....

Stay tuned! Love from the Lucas Family!

Q is ONE!

So, it's been over a month since Q has turned one! How does that happen? We had two little celebrations for Quentin.

On Quentin's birthday we set out for our favorite spot in St. Louis right now, the ZOO! Charlene joined us that day. We did all the usual ZOO attractions, the train, penguins, bears... but this time we got to see the Sea Lion Exhibit and Show. It is really cool, you all should come visit us, we'll take you there! The Sea Lions show was great, they jump around on stage, through hula hoops, down slides and catch a million and one fish! :) I think this is the first time Q noticed the animals at the zoo. We exhausted Quentin at the zoo, he fell asleep in my arms on the train, something he hasn't done since he was itty-bitty! We finished celebrating his birthday in small doses. Sunday he got his present, a batman wheelies toy and on Monday he smashed his cake while I snapped some pictures.

The following Saturday was the day of his party. It was kind-of zoo animal themed. We spent some time outside next to the baby pool and water table, but when it warmed up and the shade disappeared, we headed inside. On the menu was pizza, salad, wings, garlic bread, and fruit. Opening presents was like running a marathon for me. Mckenna was so fast a grabbing the gifts and opening them before Q could even blink. I think Q helped open a couple, but for the most part Mckenna stole the show there. Quentin didn't seem to mind much, he was just happy with all the toys he was getting. He was in need of some "boy" toys and his birthday gifts didn't disappoint. He got a Wheelies race car toy, a Wheelies garage, dog pull behind toy, bubble lawn mower, and a simi-truck that carries some of his cars.  He was excited to get a chair just like Mckenna's, too! He is so cute when he sits in it, he sits back with his feet up and looks so happy! After presents we let him smash his cake. He didn't really smash his cake as much as he just put his mouth up to it and started eating. I think he was a fan of all that icing and cake! :)

Love from the Lucas Family!

Picture and Update OVERLOAD!

Has it really been since April 30th that I last posted? I can't believe that much time has gone by! So, give me a minute or two to get back in the swing of things.

In reverse order, this is what we have done since May! (Sorry for the picture overload... I tried to keep it to a minimum!)

July 13-14
We went to Ashley and Matt's wedding in Des Moines. On Friday we enjoyed some pool time with Uncle Jim and Auntie Marge, along with my mom and dad. Friday night Mckenna and Brooke had their very first sleep over. They slept in the same room on two little cots. (Dad did his Lamb Chop routine for them, it was so very cute!) Saturday was the wedding.

 July 7th
Quentin's first haircut! He was such a good boy and looks so handsome in his new haircut!

July 4th
We went to the O'Fallon Parade. Mckenna had a great time watching the floats and catching candy. I think our favorite memory of that day was Mckenna screaming "Look, it's a tuba!" when the marching band marched by. She was right, it was a tuba, Matt couldn't believe that she knew what a tuba looked like! After the parade we went back to John and Charlene's to rest, play in the pool and have some BBQ!

 June 28
The zoo opened the new Sea Lion exhibit. It was awesome. I didn't get too many pictures, as there were a TON of people there and I couldn't get them out of my way!

June 12-13
It shall be mentioned, only once, that I turned 30 this year. Mom came down for a quick visit. I really enjoyed my day with her. We took the kids shopping and then we went to dinner. Sadly, I don't have any pictures to show for, but this was a special day and I wanted to make sure it was recorded in some way!

June 9
All Saints Picnic... We took the kids up to the picnic again this year. Just like last year Mckenna loved the rides. The favorite this year was the Farris Wheel. I think she rode it 5 times, recruiting someone new each time. (Let the record show that I am still a wimp and didn't ride on anything, except the Merry-go-Round) Quentin was a great sport and watched his big sister, without a doubt he will be along side her next year!

May 31
Mckenna's Little Gym celebration. She has grown SO much over the last year. She can almost walk on the balance beam by herself, she can swing from the bars, do a basket on the bars, she is close to doing a roll around the bars. She amazes us! Quentin also got to join in on some of the fun this day!

May 25-29
We spent Memorial Day in Iowa as usual! John and Charlene came with us and we were joined by all the Von Bons too! We had a great time boating in the new boat, playing in the water, watching the boys play games and eating good food! On Monday Angela, Jeremy, Addison and Carter came out too! The girls had a great time playing and the boys even got a little wrestling match in! :) On Tuesday we spent some time with Auntie Marge poolside!

 May 12
For Mother's day we went to a local restaurant, JJ's with the Lucas clan. We tried to take some pictures of the group. It is very difficult to make 3 toddlers and a baby look at the camera at the same time. Or I could argue that it was even more difficult to get the big boys to look at the camera and smile with their mother.

May 6-8
Just hanging out and spending time together. The pool has been out many times and the kids are enjoying the sun. Mckenna got her first ice cream of the year from the ice cream truck.

Well, that's all... I think! Hope I didn't take up too much of your time. Love from the Lucas family!