bus stop

Rowan and Clara love to wait for the bus with Noah.  We all sing songs, play games, ride scooters.  The first day I hauled them to the official bus stop and found the bus actually past our drive.  Since there were no other kids to pick up at his spot she (the bus driver)  happily agreed to stop at the end of our driveway (I can look pretty pathetic without even trying...sweaty pregnant mom, pushing a double stroller, dog on a leash, holding a Kinder's hand...no hesitation on changing stops!)  I really am so grateful, I don't know how I would have managed with a newborn as well.  p.s.  I love that Noah always makes sure to hug and kiss me just before stepping on the bus and we all wave big until the bus pulls out of sight. 

tomato time

Last year we were all about homemade salsa with our tomatoes, this year were are on salsa hiatus and can't get enough of the caprese salad.  So simple, yet so yummy! (mozzarella---the real stuff, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and salt)

a little naughty...

but A LOT NICE!

This little can make a mess with the best of them, but when you do it with such a sweet smile, it's hard not to just smile right back.

sad news

We got some devastating news last week.  I hesitated sharing on the blog, but Josh thought it was appropriate.  Josh's Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer.  (What started as a check up to see about difficulty swallowing turned into a whirlwind of tests, scans, a shunt put in and worse case scenarios unfortunately being found with each prognosis.)  As difficult as this news is and will continue to be his positive, and thoughtful reaction has given the family strength and even strains of gratitude...being able to say good bye, cherishing relationships/family/friends, and making the most of each day.  He has started a milder form (if that's possible) of chemo, that will hopefully let him have a little more time with the best quality of life possible.  Last weekend all the Stika siblings had a chance to be together, here are some of the pictures of the evening.