Viva Las Vegas

The exciting journey began....

 A half hour later....

 Even on vacation, Ryan had to help make dinner.  He truly is Andrew's son.

 All the kids wanted to watch a movie together, well except for Ryan.  When Ry's ready for bed, that's all there is to it - he's out for the count.  Jackson on the other hand out lasted everyone.  When Shay and I got back from the jacuzzi that first night, all were passed out except Jackson.  Of course a tantrum followed my return when I tried to get him to bed but he ended up having a change of heart and fell asleep in my arms within minutes.

 Wednesday we headed to the pool and it was gorgeous.  A tad chilly but turned out to be just right.  Andi really enjoyed playing in the sand, Cole enjoyed the sun and the others enjoyed the jacuzzi.

 In the afternoon we went over to the Lazy River which was really a lot of fun.  My kids were pretty much done with the water at that point but it was still enjoyable playing out in the sun.

When everyone had had enough, we headed up to the room to shower and get ready for the cousin picture and Easter Egg Hunt.  As we walked the grounds of Tahiti Village, I felt as though the kids belonged in a wedding party.  They were adorable.

 Needless to say, their second Easter wore them out just as much as the original.

 But the fun didn't stop there.  The next day, Thursday, we headed out all day.  First, Circus Circus.  I wasn't planning on going and I wish I hadn't.  I am so not a fan of that place.  I feel like it steals all your money and leaves you dirty, broke and stressed.  I mean really, it's so easy to lose your kids there.  And a $1 for one shot at each game!?!?  Give me a break.  But, there was one moment where I enjoyed myself - it was when Jackson rocked the game where you have to throw a softball into a jar.  But, I am doing everything I can to not get rid of this giant banana.

Around 12:30pm, we finally headed out, grabbed some lunch and then made our way to the Children's Museum which was strongly recommended by my friend Nikki.  It DID NOT disappoint.  Seriously, so much fun for everyone and so reasonably priced!

Again, the kids were exhausted as were we.  My kids were in bed by 7pm because they were simply beat.  But of course, that darn banana was still hanging around.  It even gave Jackson a rash on his face - Ewwww!

But that night didn't end there for us.  Tori and her kids headed home and then Andrew, Annette and I headed to the Rio.  Andrew played some Black Jack while the three of us enjoyed the seafood buffet.  It's expensive but oh so worth it.  And this is coming from a buffet HATER!  

It was nice to get away, get some sun and get some time with family that will soon be living in Utah and family that already lives in Utah.  I have no doubt the kids LOVED their time with their cousins.  And can I just say how grateful I am for timeshares.  We had a great time all for $100.  Yes, money well spent!  Now, if only it were that easy to unpack and get this house back in order.  Luckily for us, Bri stopped by and cleaned up a bit.  Yes, a bit, she got overwhelmed - that happens to me ALL THE TIME!  Oh boy, off I go....

8 Weeks

He's ALIVE!  We now have a responsive little man.  I love it when they smile, laugh and talk to you ON PURPOSE.  It's fantastic.  And to add to the excitement, he's starting to sleep much better at night.  I'm still exhausted and he sometimes still wakes up out of habit rather than hunger, but I feel like we're getting somewhere!

Happy Easter!

On this particular trip to the mall, the stroller worked out for us.  Today, when I was all alone and just had to make a quick exchange, the stroller failed me.  They were all loaded up just like the other day, but I wasn't moving to easily through the parking lot towards to the mall.  After figuring out a wheel was all messed up, I had to unload the kids and walk them back to the car.  I then moved around the car seats, long story, and then took sleeping Cole out of his car seat and WALKED all four kids back to the mall.  In Macy's, I needed to exchange a pair of shoes.  How ridiculous did I look holding a newborn in my arms while I looked for shoes and gave dirty looks to my other three that insisted on chasing one another instead of sitting in the chairs.  People were nice and commented how good the kids were but I truly felt like I was that selfish mom as I browsed shoes.  Believe me, the people that spoke to me got to hear how the stroller broke on the way in.  I did not intend to make an appearance like we did.

 Ok, back to Easter.  We began the festivities at Central Park Saturday morning around 9:30am.  It was a gorgeous day and for that I was happy.  Although it reminded me again how lame I was because I didn't think to bring a hat for Cole.  Luckily, Andrew brought along sunscreen for his hairless head.

The hunt was quick but it worked well for us.  Andrew, Matt and Michalle took Alli, Andi and Ryan to the 0-3 section and I watched Jackson attack the 4-5 section.  Oh, and Cole slept.  I feel like the one picture of Andrew is so a where's Waldo feel....

Tacky Bunny picture here - really, they couldn't find a way to secure the purple cloth over the bench?

 Funny how Easter is very much similar to the Halloween aftermath - checking out the loot.

This was the first year we didn't spend Easter evening with the Andersons.  It was a bit chaotic for everyone this weekend and we are going with them to Vegas this week, so we didn't get together Sunday.  Instead, they met up with us at Central Park and then we went to grab some lunch.  In the parking lot, Annette gave the kids their Easter gift - these little stools are awesome!!!  Later that night at Andrew's softball game, Annette gave the boys some grandpa grandpa hats.  My mom had gotten them one for Easter and they loved them.  They Annette found some killer deals so the boys scored more hats.

Sunday morning the kids got little "baskets" before church.  I had a friend that had a tradition of giving the kids their swim suits for the season in their Easter Baskets - I loved it and so we carry that on now.  They also got paints and pens and what not.  Because it was a late night the night before, Sunday morning got a late start - it was about 8am when all began to rise.  So, we made it to church at about 9:20 which really isn't bad.  It was just in time for Jackson to go straight up front to sing with the Primary.  And just in time for Andrew to.... well, you'll have to ask him....

After church we made a stop at my parent's house before heading out to Corona.  The Easter Bunny left slightly larger baskets at their house!

I didn't think to wear green, go figure.  But I like the pictures anyway.  I really like the one where Cole looks like he's smiling.  Oh, and the matching shirts... well my mom and I thought it would be funny.  My dad and Andrew thought they were given a nice shirt for Easter, end of story.  Nope....

 Let's talk about the twins for a moment.  Lately I am asked often if they are twins.  This happens when their get close in height and apparently now is that time.  Sunday we took my dad's car to Corona and so we had to send one kid with my parents.  They took Jackson because really, Andi and Ryan don't like being apart.  I mean look at them, they even gravitate towards one another in their sleep!

Corona was wonderful as always.  The sun finally came out and we enjoyed a fabulous egg hunt.  The kids had so much fun even though we had to repeatedly remind Jackson to slow down and help his siblings.

This morning we were tired once again.  I think it was three or four late nights in a row so again, all woke closer to 8am than to 7am.  Fine by me - but I did miss boot camp :(  It was OK though because there was a ton to do here.  Do you see the mess only a grandma would create!?!?  Mr. Cole has been smiling a lot more lately and I hope to soon be able to capture a real good one.

It was a beautiful Easter full of love and gratitude.

Captured Moments

Because everything is a bit of a blur, I have to use my pictures to remind me of the little moments we are actually capturing.  I feel like there's so much going on I can't really document Cole's first few months and that's a bummer!  So, I just need to remember I love cuddling him.  I am veering away from the schedule sometimes simply because I want to hold him while he's sleeping.  I have never really enjoyed that before.  Maybe it's him, maybe it's because he's my last, maybe it's a change in me - whatever it is, it's fun.  He's my little pal.  Although he is in bed screaming right now because his nap shouldn't be over and I am annoyed that this is the second day he has woken up too early.  So, let's hurry and treasure these "moments" so I can go get him....

Cole fell asleep in my arms while I was cleaning - why do I care??  Because I have BED BABIES!  They would rather be put in bed than sleep in your arms.  I have never had a kid do this and the funny thing was that Jackson caught it on "film".

Way cute 6 month old - ok, he was only 6 weeks but he was totally sportin' the 6 month attire and holding his dummy!

 I shower, then bring Cole in to shower with me.  Then I wrap him up and he waits while I finish, dry off, and dress.  I love how peaceful he is after a shower or a bath.

After boot camp last Friday I took the kids to Longshore park - we had never been before and I now know we have been missing out.  It was beautiful and everyone enjoyed the 30minutes we were able to stay.

 We had to leave so quickly because Ryan now has Speech Therapy every Wednesday at 10:30 and every Friday at 10:45.  It's funny, we haven't had a real schedule for a few months now and it's tough getting back into the obligation.  But, we're also very excited to feel normal again.  And yes, I speak for all of us when I say that.  It all worked out because the other three and I just hung out on the school playground while Ry did his session for a half hour.  I would love for it to be 75 degrees every single day - well, I do enjoy the rain.  Maybe that could be thrown in there once or twice a month??

Friday we had the chance to go to a fundraiser for Ivan or Mya, I don't know.  Anyway, it was a spaghetti dinner but they really decked out the place and the kids performed.  It was a nice night out.

Saturday Zoe didn't want to hang out at the fundraiser again so she came and stayed with us for the remainder of the weekend.  

 A little moment Andrew has been looking forward to.... Church Softball.  Yes, it began last weekend and it was fun.  In between games, we headed to eat with three other families.  That's the type of thing we love to do - eat and socialize... perfect!

After all that "playing" we did, it was time to get some cleaning done.  We have lived here for two months and I still can't park in the garage.  If you want something done, you gotta do it yourself - right!?!?  So, out I went to further organize our garage.  The car still isn't in there but my book shelf is almost full.

 After boot camp on Monday, we were able to meet up with a friend we haven't seen since before Cole.  It was great catching up at the park and later at the Habit.  Yes, this visit did include a beauty make-over.  This chick is obsesses I tell ya.

That night it was crowded in my bed once again.  I am exhausted because if I'm not feeding Cole, I am trying to get comfortable with very little space.  My men, big and small.... (Am I officially crazy taking pictures at 2, 3 or 4am... whatever time it was, I was up and everyone else asleep.)

And yes, t-ball is still happening, I'm just not capturing too many moments taking place on the field.  The spectators are pretty cute as well.  This week they polished a bag of Kettle Corn before we were even half way through the first inning.

Lastly, this morning Cole's shower ran about 15 minutes into his 9am nap.  So, while waiting in his bed, he dozed off - but not before pulling his towel over his eyes to block out the light.  The man has to get his beauty sleep.

Man, things sure have changed - I don't update nearly as often, I don't have pictures for everything (girl's nights, park dates, etc) and this post has taken me ALL DAY.  I want so badly to remember this time but man, how can I take time to document AND keep up??  One day at a time....  

SIX Weeks

As is often said, in some ways it feels like it has been forever and in others, it feels like it was just yesterday.  Cole was SIX WEEKS yesterday!  He seems so much older to us but then at 2am, 5am, and 7am, he reminds me he's still pretty young!  I truly do feel that when they're so young, they can look so different just by a slight change in their expression - so yes, I captured many!

I have to say, driving home from my doctor's appointment yesterday was a bit weird for me.  I had to say good-bye to my doctor, whom I adore, and I had to accept the fact that I will never again:

get the adrenaline of a positive pregnancy test

have the joy of telling loved ones we're expecting

experiencing that first ultrasound

finding out the gender and figuring out a name

getting cute little gifts that make you excited for the baby

going into labor and delivering because seriously, that's my favorite part of all

seeing the kids greet a new sibling - so precious

and soon, I will no longer have a little ball of baby curled up on my chest for a nice, long nap

Today we tried out a couple new things:

1 - The monster onesie.  Isn't it funny how you get things before they're born and you wait and wait to use them and then bam, they're just about to grow out of it!  I'm glad I pulled it out today.  

*The other day we received a sweet package from the Sorenson's, our dear friends from Pepperdine.  These 6 month onesies will for sure be used much sooner than expected!  They're washed and ready to go.  And seriously, they are so stinken' cute!

2 - The Baby Bjorn was pulled out today and he loved it.  I needed something different to distract him because I could tell he was getting sleepy but it was an hour before nap time.  Well, although this brought much fun for me, it brought on an early nap for him.  Oh well, it was cute and cozy.

Day 2 Day

Tuesdays with Gage and Gunner

 Going to the park with friends

 Laundry, laundry and more laundry

 Bribing children using the new sticker chart

 Sneaking things that aren't good for us (I found the used spatula when I got out of the shower!)

Mat Time

First time on the play mat at 5.5 weeks!  Can you see his grin in the picture with all the kids?

Dad's 50th

April 7th - Dad's day of birth.  I remember his first "Over The Hill" party.  He was turning 30 and I couldn't believe how old he was.  I mean 30, whoa!!  Haha, and now here I am approaching it myself and it so does NOT feel old.

But FIFTY, yeah, now he's old :)

Wednesday, or was the 7th Thursday (??), we went over to my parent's house for a family dinner.  It was nice and simple but still good to celebrate the man we all need so much.

Jackson drew a picture of grandpa grandpa golfing and then he drew a duck golfing because, according to Jackson, that's his favorite animal.  Have you heard his duck?

(Reminder: scan and post that picture!)

 That morning dad had spent time on the golf course with Rob and grandpa.  I'd say it was a good day for him!

But that all was just the beginning of the celebrations!  My mom decided to throw a gigantic party - a party no one wanted but everyone enjoyed.  Go figure.

 We had a great turnout - as you can see my mom wanted to try to capture that in a group picture, but it didn't go over too well.  For one thing, it was freezing.  For another, it was too difficult to get everyone.

But, back inside everyone had fun eating and dancing.  Or, watching grandma, grandpa, and Tia dance.

After all of dad's whining and complaining, I think he really enjoyed himself.  We haven't seen family since Thanksgiving, so that was wonderful.  And my dad hasn't hung out with his HS buddies since who knows when, so that too was fun.  Happy Birthday Dad!