Saturday, January 27, 2024

The Twins Arrival Story

The twins are officially10 months so no time like really late - to tell how they got here...

We picking up here and forgetting some of the interim. My due date with the twins was 4/8. After my first appointment at 15.5 weeks my doctor ordered all the things including a level 2 ultrasound so we could hopefully figure out if these babies shared a placenta - they were relatively sure there were two sacs from the regular ultrasound. That was really important because two babies in one sac with one placenta - momo twins - are the riskiest twins because the placenta and sac that normally hold one baby is home to two. You've lucky to get to 30 weeks if I'm not mistaken. 

Anyhow the level 2 ultrasound showed two sac (yay!) and probably two placentas which is the best situation for keeping babies baking for as long as possible. My doctor said if we can just get to 35 weeks he would be thrilled - early March. I was really really April 1 because April Fools Day - and it seemed fitting for whole situation which was God's big joke to us from the get go. 

I don't know if I really processed the gravity of early babies until we went to the hospital the evening of me being 36 weeks pregnant because I was pretty sure (and I was) having contractions. I had taken the kids to swim practice and come home that Friday and I wasn't feeling the best but I mean I great could I really possibly feel after a long week? After unsuccessfully sleeping off the contractions, I rushed a hospital bag together and we left after the littles were asleep. That was definitely the first wake up call of -  okay there's two people going to be coming home with you soon. 

We weren't ready. 

They gave me bags of fluid and medicine for the babies lungs. My doctor said I could camp out there for the weekend or at home but strict orders - do to as little as possible. Thus began the days of drinking a gallon of water daily (thanks gallon Yeti jug for keeping me honest) and lots of time perched on the couch. We really shut things down after that hospital run because the thought of nursing twins seemed tough but nursing two tiny early babies wasn't something entirely different. We needed these babies to grow a little more. 

I'd do the regular morning school run, go to work, pick up the littles from preschool and then I was done for the day.

Between that and the water it worked and I was 37 weeks - and Lee had crossed the St. Patrick's Day school fundraiser cooking hurdle. My doctor said he fully expected me to be back that weekend of March 10 but I always seek to approve him wrong : ) 

The babies were not cooperating and were basically all but heads down for the last 12 weeks of the pregnancy so it appeared a c-section was in my near future. I tried ice packs to try and get them to move but they weren't having it. At one point baby B was in a ball jammed up against my left rib. I was in denial about a c-section for all the reasons but it came time to set the date for it so I was good with March 23 because 3/23/23 seemed like a cool birth date. 

I left my appointment earlier in the week and then the nurse didn't call me to schedule so the 22nd I called and was told I needed come in on the 23rd (and maybe he'd find a reason to do a c-section that day). I was to the point where I was going to say there was decreased fetal movement and boom - I'd be in the OR. Also at play here was the 23rd was a Thursday so I would be in the hospital for a few nights but home in time for the school week so I could still keep tabs on things. 

And the night of the March 22 is when I really learned things weren't up to me. I needed to let go and let God. 

From Valentine's Day to March 22, each week someone had thrown up. Some people were on round 2 and possibly 3. It was crazy. It was crazy. It was CRAZY. So everyone was seemingly healthy and then I was wrapping up work stuff at 8:30 in Lee's office and he comes down the hallway and says - You won't believe this, H just got sick! My heart sank. We were supposed to be through with the funk. And I definitely wasn't going to bring babies home to another round of the stomach bug. So we called our helpers - who were all in place for the next few days - and told them we'd wait to see what the doctor said in the morning. Then at 4:15 AM on March 23, A came down and announced he had just gotten sick. 

Oh the best laid plans. 

So instead of going to my appointment and begging for that c-section. I marched right in there and told them there was no way it was happening today. We discussed again for the last time why I couldn't have the babies on April Fools Day - they don't do elective surgeries on the weekend - but you told me I could choose any day I wanted, I reminded my doctor jokingly. He said March 27. A Monday. Possibly the worst day because then I'd be gone from the house for most of the school week and then there was a bit of work to contend with but I knew walking in the door, I had to go with whatever the doctor said. I had to give up my control/wants/worries - or our house might just spontaneously combust. 

I left at peace with with Monday March 27. That weekend I went back to church for the first time in two weeks because at that point if I did go into labor it would be fine -which I didn't. It was good to go back and get all graces before the babies came.

With a new set of kid care in place, we headed to the hospital early Monday morning - not without them calling Sunday night to confirm my noon surgery and me questioning why I was supposed to be there at 6 am for a noon surgery - I’m always up for a good questioning of procedure. By eight all was well and we waited and waited until noon - so glad I needed to be there that early. We talked. I worked some to take my mind of the impending surgery which I was still not 100% sure about. Noon rolled around and that became 1 and finally at 1:30 ish it was game time.

I was wheeled back to the OR. I got the epidural, the nurses counted off all the instruments in the room - because they have to do a pre and post count just to be sure they don’t leave something on the inside, then the doctor announced what was happening and not long after at 2:07 Baby A who was a girl and Baby B who was a girl were pulled into this world in the same minute. It was surreal laying there listening to two babies scream, grateful for their health and the crowd of people who had gotten us here and still being poked and prodded by the doctors who were discussing their weekends and the rental of a Tesla - that was weird but as someone pointed out, my c section was so normal and what they were doing was so second nature they could carry a normal conversation.

Anyhow…

The girls!

Lee claims he was no surprised it was two girls. I remember hearing one was a girl and waiting for the second to know which names we would call them.



Gianna and Genevieve it was. 6 lbs 5 oz and 6 lbs 7 oz.

I got to recovery and held them for the first time and FaceTimed the kids to share the double pink news! Lee went to get dinner and i was finally snapping back to it with some meds wearing off.

We stayed in the hospital for four nights - feeding to two ain’t no joke and same with a c section - Wednesday at lunch the anesthesia blocks they gave me wore off and I felt it in the form of crazy pain just getting out of bed. I begged my doctor to keep me that fourth night and I am so grateful he let me stay.

I had a day and night nurse who were the best. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have left the hospital nursing babies without them. I think of them especially on the 27th of each month and say a prayer for them. We were syringe feeding babies just to try and get them latched and satisfied. The feeding was constant and I knew I was not ready to tandem feed because they were so small and floppy.

During my extended stay - normally I prefer the get me outta here option - I found out that the week prior on 3/23 the nursery was madhouse with 12 babies and a set of twins - which just solidified for me the mantra of Thy Will be Done. Because if I had gone in on 3/23 and had the babies - I wouldn’t have had the same nurses and there would have been triple the number of babies in the nursery. So crazy to look back at the situation and see it full circle.



So Friday 3/31 we came home from the hospital and had no idea what we were going to do with two babies and a mama recovering from a c section. The village rose up to help and we have been surviving and at times thriving ever since. 

Diapers. Bottles. Formula. Wipes. Clothes. Was all we did for days but we found a routine that worked.

My final thought will be on the c section- the thing I was most nervous about. It was terrible. Well the recovery was. Two and a half weeks it took to finally get halfway to normal. I felt like I was sawed in two. But, the babies are here and safe which was the goal. So while I would never wish a c section on anyone - I would do it over again because our babies were healthy.


Sunday, January 21, 2024

December 2023

December seems like a lifetime ago...

The big 3 had their Christmas choir concert. I go to the rehearsals in the days leading up because two years in a row there were kids younger siblings so this is way easier and less stressful. It was amazing as usual and I am convinced the children's choir is one of the best kept secrets around town. 


The little three! 

Since we have to divide the kids up somehow in conversation or activities so thirds seems good to me. These girls are going to be into all the things before too long. 


The Gs! They are the best. They weren't sleeping through the night still in this month which is not a big deal when you get up once or twice with one baby but when you get up once or twice with two babies it is a little more of a struggle. 


The big three went camping with their AHG troop. E and R needed camping nights for their level awards in the spring and E needed a two night trip so this one fit the bill. We when to a state park about 40 minutes from the house so we left after school Friday and I could shoot home Saturday during the day to feed the (still nursing - yay!) babies and do the shopping run while Lee held the fort down. The girls hiked and played around for the day and made dinner and started the camp fire. Rain was in the forecast for Sunday morning so soon as we heard the first drop on the tent we were up and out of there - even in time to shower and get to 9 am Mass. Friday night was definitely colder than Saturday and I don't think my feet ever really got warm until Sunday afternoon. 


This was H in every other Christmas card picture attempt. The big three and even down to A and C know the drill for pictures. We are doing this until we get a good one so it can take 2 minutes or 10. 


2022 we used the family pics we had taken that fall as our card pictures. It was insanely easy mainly because I didn't have to take them and they were done in September so I could leisurely order cards. Not so this year and if you don't think I tried to squeeze in a photo session you are incorrect but between soccer games and swim meets nothing worked (plus coordinating outfits for 25 million people is no small task)


When the big 5 are at AHG and Trail Life I try and let J and H do things that we would have done with the older kids - like take baths. We are not much of a tub family because they take FOREVER and showering littles in much more efficient but way less fun for them. 


The Gs are enjoying their food selections... Ge is way better at picking up Cheerios but Gi has taken up crawling and scooting all over the place. So interesting the differences between them. 


We went to a swim meet and it felt like we were in outer space inside of the bubble that is put up over the pool so it can be used in the winter. 


E took on the pretzel/M&M treats. I can't think of who she got the organize by color idea from : ) 


M, A and C were in the school Christmas play. M was a narrator, A was a wise guy man and C was a pig. Which Lee and I still get a kick out of because if there was one animal not in the stable/cave it was NOT a pig. 


J and H had their Christmas program recorded so that was a nice gift - though I do miss the in person programs. J did have a Christmas party that I went to. 


The Gs enjoying the afternoon sun with Skittles. 


Then somehow it was time for Christmas and I replaced pregnant Mary with Mary and baby Jesus in our manger scene. I think I did that while the big four were at church Christmas Eve night - I did make it to church Christmas Even morning but Lady C was sick - fever  and really tired 12/23 and 12/24 so I missed Christmas Even vesperal Liturgy for the third time in four year - which is such a bummer. Between COVID and sick kids and having a deacon for a husband I'm the one who stays home. If we can see the sickness on the horizon I can usually squeeze in getting to church somehow but I tuned into Christmas Eve Mass - which is never the same. 


We faked it to make our Christmas pic and our neighbor snapped a few before the church goers left for vesperal Liturgy. 


The stockings were hung and Mama got even more motivated to get As stocking done because I am waaaaaaay behind on them. 


I'm warming up to the faux tree. It is nice to not have to deal with needles all over the place and fluffing the faux tree is a real thing. 


Grammy and Grandpa Joe with their grandkids on Christmas!

We had an action packed first and second day of Christmas with lots of food and family and gifts. My favorite part is sitting around the table at breakfast and singing Christmas carols in between bites of egg bake and coffee cake. 


This is what the twins thought when I told them they were starting daycare in January : ) 


9 months with the twins! Nine months always causes me to pause and reflect more than every month milestone because of the 9 months in / 9 months out thing I guess. We had no idea it was twins until about 4 months but still so much has changed in our life in the last 18 months - and while it has been chaos at times there is definitely peace underneath it all knowing we are doing God's work, raising these souls that He has entrusted us with


J and H wanted in on the 9 month photo action


And that's how that last month of 2023 went down. 

 

Sunday, January 14, 2024

More than 500 yards

Last weekend A swam the 500 free to snag his very own swim bag. See the 500 free is a bit of a right of passage in our house or at least it has come to be. 

It started years ago when E wanted one of those fancy swim backpacks and I told her she had to swim the 500 to get it. 500 yard to a seven or eight year old is pretty grueling. 20 lengths of the pool at 25 yards a piece. You’re talking 8-11 minutes of swimming with no breaks.

The big three have done it. R swears she’s never doing it again but we think she’ll change her mind one day.

So A who was more desperate to get out of his little sister’s swim group claimed readiness for the 500 before our home meet. His coach gave him the green light and he was off to the races.

Not without a whole lot of nerves and psyching himself up - and maybe out too - he was ready. His swim friend and our neighbor counted for him. Yes someone counts your laps just so you don’t forget what lot lap you are on. A had the world’s best cheerleader as his counter. 

The best.

He was racing against 11 and 13 yr olds so he was definitely the small and mighty one who had his whole entire swim team behind him. 



I happened to be timing his lane - unplanned. So he had me on one side cheering and about 15 teammates on the other side pulling him through the grueling race - for an 8 yr old. 



Every time he would get to that end of the pool the natatorium erupted in shouts and cheers of encouragement for A. It was something. It warmed my heart and the thought of it still does. The whole team was behind him and I hope one day he’ll be the one cheering on his younger teammates who look up to him.


And while he may have missed the wall - on more than one flip turn- the swim bag looks great on him. And you never know the impact of your actions and encouragement on others - a mom told me a few days after that her swimmer was thinking about doing the 500 after watching A swim.

Not to overlook Ms swimming accomplishment, she got a time for Age Groups in her 50 fly - during her 100 fly race. She promptly got out of the pool and announced she was going to get sick. Then she celebrated with a new swim cap. We are hopeful for another time or two that she can swim during that meet.

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Here's to 15

I was trying to be really clever and fill in all the number blanks but I'm stuck so here's what I have come up with the some fun numbers for the 15 years we've been married

One of the two anniversary date crashers

15 years of marriage

14 times the dishwasher is run in a week

13 loads of laundry done a week

12 flowers given every special occasion 

11 Kibbe Party of 11

10

9 olive shoots

8

7 girls

6 different cars (and another van on the way)

5 different church locales - but finally no more moving!

4

3

2 boys 

1 set of twins


'Crown them with Glory and Honor O Lord'
 

November 1 we celebrated being married for 15 years. Sometimes it feels like forever and other times it seems like we just got married. When I think back on that day it was such a great day. When I think back on all the years it has been such a great time. I definitely wouldn't want any other life even with all the crazy adventures and ups and downs we have had. I am a much better person for it. Marriage is sanctifying and all these little people that are the result of it are part of the sanctification process for us. We have learned so much and come so far. It is hard to imagine what the next 15 years will look like but I am quite sure it will be great. 

A few other thoughts and pics.

Friday, November 3, 2023

September 2023

Just catching up a bit


We kicked off the month of September with an open water swim that got delayed because of weather and then canceled due to thunder (while some of the swimmers were still swimming) so that was reeeaaalllly fun)


H and J befriended some kids at the park who shared their juice jugs with them and they couldn't have been happier. Its strange reliving some of the stuff I used to do with the bigs or the middles with the littles. 


I've been plotting a rework of our photo wall. I have since spaced out the pics a bit to give them a little elbow room but it remains a work in progress and there are never enough black and gold frames to go around


H is super into dipping her food - even if it is sour cream. 


The Gs are still going strong at work and have even starting stretching a longer nap in the mornings which I very much appreciate. Yes their shirts say I'm the Favorite. I've been accused of only holding my favorite : ) 


Sometimes, some kids can express parental emotions better than the parents themselves 


H had all my feelings locked in her facial expressions the afternoon the van was towed - I think she was just scared of the tow truck but she and I were tracking


One Thursday afternoon I whip into the driveway after hearing a weird noise as we drove down our street. I sat in the front seat texting but then knew we were toast when E announced - ummmm Mama I think you need to see this. 

I hop out to find fluid pouring out of the front underside of the van. I hustle everyone out since I didn’t know what it was. Well come to find out it was coolant and a week and a thousand dollars later the van was back. Transporting 11 people around in two cars for a week gave us even greater appreciation of le Van. Also, we have the exact same van on order because this one is fast approaching the 150K mile mark. More on how we came to that decision later. 


Six month old twins. I love them and I am so grateful they are ours


J helped me make his bday cake and I let him lick the beaters and he proceeded to dip them back into the batter... but I couldn't be mad at him. Also on his bday week we realized that if you are painting with OIL based paint you CANNOT use your oven (unless you want your food to taste like gasoline or propane). Fun Fact


He is FOUR! He loves everything outside. He is not a huge fan of playing soccer but he will stand on the field. He is a very early riser. He is probably the most perceptive kid - he notices where we are when we are driving and if we take a different way. Trains, trucks and machines make his day


For he bday he really wanted a lawn mower - like a real one. We talked him down to a wheel barrow which he loves to fill up with leaves and dirt and yard trash and dump it. Also he has conned A into giving him and C wheel barrow rides. 





Friday, October 27, 2023

Seven months of Twinning


 Or alternatively titled…

I haven’t Slept in Seven Months

The Gs are seven months old today. Crazy to think that it has been that long and crazier to think they haven’t always been here. They have fallen right in line with everyone else and all the activity. 

They are just over 14 lbs which is supposedly on the smaller side of average but when they were on the scales today they looked enormous. I just started jar food two weeks ago and they have taken to that. I was hoping that might push them over the sleeping thru the night edge but alas - still waking up for nightly snacks.

They have used a bottle since the day they came home from the hospital so that has been a super freeing aspect of not being able to nurse both of them 100%. I have been able to run to the store or pick people up or go on a run and they go between formula and BFing without a single issue.

The girls are so funny to watch. They hold hands and talk to each other and make each other laugh and cry and sometimes hit each other when they nurse together - it is really the best.

Twins hasn’t been a cake walk though. The not sleeping thing and taking two babies to work has been a challenge. I think they have gone with us to dinner the two times we’ve been out in seven months because I just can’t leave them - along with the rest of the bunch. Maybe if they weren’t 8&9 in line I would feel better about it? 

So how are they different? Personality wise they are pretty the same. The biggest difference I see is Gi LOVES to roll on her tummy and Ge LOVES to scoot around on her back and go all over the place.


Tuesday, October 17, 2023

And then God Laughed

 It seems fitting to check in on the blog life front - today 10/17. I've missed writing about our adventures and, while I'll probably never get caught up, there's no reason not to try. I do enjoy writing carthartic... just me and the screen.

I left off with our beach trip of 2022 - actually I never posted it. It was a fun July 4 week. Sun. Sand. The works. 

The summer came to a crazy end with camps, work trips, COVID, school supply shopping and morning sickness. We thought 7 kids was a lot but God apparently thought we needed an eighth so we were rolling with it - because that's what we do - pray thy will be done and carry on. 

School, soccer, swim, choir, scouts - all the things - kicked into gear and a few more work trips. Completely normal life for us. I finally got around to check on the baby because I mean, eighth kid... been there, done that. Plus they canceled my first early October appointment because I was too late - even though I told them I'd be late because some one has to get all the kids to school!

Anyhow the super nice appointment lady got me in one October 17 because I was well past the 10-12 week mark I was supposed to be seen at. Do all the things. See all the people and sign in for step 2 of 3 of the visit - ultrasound. And everything was totally normal up until the kind ultrasound tech said...

Hey there's two babies in here. You're having twins. 


And that is the point I which I am quite sure God laughed and laughed so hard He might have cried - and smiled a whole lot. 

I lay there is silent disbelief - and gratitude too - all the thoughts swirling. 

I could do one. I got one. I'd done it seven times. 

But two?!?!?! How was I going to feed them? And how were they going to sleep? And how was I going to sleep? Could I take two babies to work? 

Then I saw my doctor - who we have HAD a running joke that I was going to have twins at some point and I had prepared my line of, NOT THIS TIME, only an hour before - but now was eating every single letter of that prepared statement. I can't tell you what he said because I probably wasn't listening.

My BP, which is typically on the lower side of the charts, was definitely on the higher side when the nurse took it. 

Do twins run in your family?

You didn't know? You're 15.5 weeks!

Does anything feel different? 

What is your husband going to say? 

What would the other half of this exponential child mathing equation say? You know, he wasn't there for the shock of everything. Everything at the OBs office had been so routine - he hadn't been there since 2013 when we talked about induction (for the first of five times). 

I rode back to work in silence and surprise and awe. 15.5 weeks with a single baby - you are pretty much in the clear but with twins? Some twin sets are born at 25 weeks - 9.5 weeks away. 

Still pondering how exactly to drop the twin bomb on Lee, I got to the office and talk to a friend who asked the same thing - Well, what did Lee say? Which I didn't have an answer because I hadn't told him. Finally I couldn't bear it any longer and I opted for the text option: 


Which was followed by him calling me moments later inquiring - if what he was looking at this right? Which I assured him, he most definitely was seeing double. 

Hoooooo Boy. Is probably what he said. 

Then we were tasked with telling everyone. Which I was not ready to do. We didn't need 25 million questions and shocked faces and everything. But it was getting increasing obvious that I couldn't hide this these with a hoodie for much longer. So we went to the mountains that weekend and had a totally normal family trip without the twin news being broken. 

We went to church on Sunday at this tiny little church in Bryson City and the priest was super nice younger guy and on the way out he said he was the youngest of nine and E pointed to H and said she was the youngest of seven and all I could think was... nope. 

When we did get home that Monday we told the kids at dinner. There was shrieks of excitement wonderment of TWINS! How were we going to do it? Where would they sleep? All the logistically questions that had been thought of a hundred times over in the last week. Then they wanted to call their grandparents to tell them - but Lee and I saved the honors for ourselves. We told our parents in the off chance literally fell out of their chairs - which they didn't but still twins is shocking and when twins are babies eight and nine in the family - well you know.

The next morning I dropped everyone at school with the news and flew out of the parking lot so the siblings could announce their news. I texted several people once I got to work - we had really kept the twins under wraps so the kids would be the messengers of the news. 

I think my favorite text I sent that day was to several other moms. It said... Well I guess I will be joining the ranks of TWIN moms. 

So that is where we have been for the last however many months it has been since I posted. It has been a journey and maybe I'll check in with more updates 

Monday, June 20, 2022

Spring Soccer Recap

 

I can OFFICIALLY say that spring soccer is in the books - as of about sundown on the first Friday of June. 

PRAISE!!!

We reeeeeeeeally got ours moneys worth this season. 

E played because her mother thinks she needs to play a team sport. I mean then all the swim things happened so soccer got even more lower on the totem pole. E had a great team and some fun coaches so it made the season the more better. E almost scored a goal on her bday - because she was just that fortunate to have a game on the birthday. They ended up coming in second place and runners up in the tournament. 

R&M played together and I'm so glad they'll get to again in the fall. Their team was not the most talented but they were a very dedicated group. Both girls got a ton of playing time and learned how to lose with grace. One of the bottom of the barrel teams found their way into the championship game after a PK shootout the night before. It was an emotionally nerve wracking three days - especially because the season just have been over like 25 days ago. Even though they didn't get the result they wanted in the championship - definitely a reminder that sports are not just about winning and losing but also excellent character building opportunities. 

A had a fun go with his team. His age group is a tough age group to coach so I passed the buck on that. He loved every minute of practice and games. He is definitely looking forward to next season and maybe a soccer camp this summer if we can squeeze one in. 

C and the Killer Whales had a good season. C tried very hard to keep her emotions in check while on the field and was much improved from last season. C HATED when anyone else other than her scored a goal which is only a small problem. C was most excited for the season to be over but she'll be back in the fall for all the post game snacks 

The friends weren't on the same team this season but they are hopeful for the fall

Friday, June 3, 2022

The Many May Things

May is such a busy season with so many activities coming to a close but our mantra for May is embrace it rather than buck it and sometimes it means a late dinner or a meltdown or taking off from work but surely we will look back and know that our energy, time and efforts were worthy.

May kicked off bright and early with 


E prepping for FL by swimming at Jordan Lake early early the first day of May


The water was cold enough for a wetsuit so Amazon find to the rescue


It was foggy so the race was delayed 15 minutes. The pointe where the race took place was really pretty


We found her at the finish


And the infamous Kindergarten bug project commenced. 


I think the girls did butterflies and ladybugs but of course A mixed it up and went for a


ROACH! 

So we looked at pictures of roaches and made sure this roach had hairy legs (curiosity of the evergreen needles - from this project) 


Here's to crafting with boys and turning in the project a few days early


The tractor was back in the field and so we HAD to go check it out. I love that we live 3 houses down from the field and so do they


Preschool was closed for two days so we took advantage of a completely free lunch schedule and had lunch with the big school kids. Lady C introduced herself to her teacher and made herself comfortable in her future stomping ground. 


The weeknight soccer games sprinkled the first few weeks of May


Which usually meant later bedtimes and good night sleeps


H has never been the best of nappers because she's still coming to work with me so some afternoons C would play with H during rest time and you never know what big sister might have in store


Quiet afternoons at home were few and far between but they did happen sometimes


Bath time is so much easier when the baby tub is not required!


Mother's Day breakfast at preschool with a fancy dress and purple tennis shoes - of course!


The singers enjoyed the fruits of their efforts after their choir competition in Williamsburg with a trip to Busch Gardens


We rode some rides. I rode Apollo's Chariot just to prove to E and R roller coasters aren't scary - my eyes were closed basically the entire time. Fortunately we hung out with friends who were much more seasoned coaster riders (and better prepared for the chilly weather!) and watched H while R and E and me rode InvadR. 


E decided she liked roller coaster about 15 minutes before we left - after riding Lochness Monster four times in a row and twice without me - which is a terrible time to decide to be adventurous on a day where the ride line were basically none. 


After InvadR, R stuck to the swings 


And H mostly stuck to the stroller except when we rode the SkyRide. 


Lee manned the non singers soccer games and I would send him pics of what he was missing out. R did enjoy listening to the screams of people on Griffon as they hung over the edge for a few seconds before this MASSIVE drop. No Kibbes patronized Griffon : ) 


There were more soccer games


A birthday!


What one is supposed to do with a birthday bow!


Just a little trip down to FL to swim in a lake


C wrapped up her time at preschool with the program


I've found my new favorite seat for preschool programs - second section, first row. 


And all her buddies


And her BFF!


Its off to all day PreK at the big kids school next year 


Then there was the final day class celebration 


Which was the same day as SnoCones at the big kids school


We survived that week!


Friday night was the choir concert. Grammy gave the girls a rose - because well - I don't think of that kind of stuff. I am glad I called in for sitter reinforcements to manage things because Lady C had her last soccer practice and the girls had to get ready. We went out for a late skillet cookie dessert to celebrate!


Saturday was soccer games all around - end the end of the season for A and C - which we are still patiently waiting to wrap up for E and R&M


H is loving all the food these days. Her latest love is sweet potatoes


AHG and TL wrapped up and I could have sworn I had a group pic but I clearly failed in that department. E is happily aging into the Pioneer group. 


The weather was rainier that usual which meant some earlier evening home for Papa. One afternoon I went to do the swim pick up and heard something in the van as I was leaving the neighborhood. Skittles decided to come for a ride. He has since come along to the dump - I knew it that time - but I think he prefers his paws on firm ground. 


My boys plus the girl sandwiched between them live for the outdoors. J was in their 'puddling pool' which had collected rain water before I even got out of the van! Between the puddling pools and the 'crown thorns' they like to play in in the background they are forever filthy. 


I do relish in the moments of doing things with the little ones - like swinging on the swings (during bigs choir rehearsal). Having a wide family and I can get lost in the repetitiveness of the little years and just trying to maintain sanity but swinging giggles and shouts for MORE and HIGHER remind me to live in the happy moments. 


J and C walking around the lake during swim practice brought me back to A and C walking around the lake during swim practice in May of 2020 as the world was learning how to emerge from covid. I don't miss that time but I do wonder if our kids will look back on those weeks in the similar way that I can reflect on it. 


Summertime HAIRCUT!!! I think Grammy asked A if he liked he haircut and he insisted it wasn't short enough!




I promised J a haircut before he goes to the beach but I can't bear to have his toddler mop trimmed. 


The pool opened in the nick of time for heatwave we had over Memorial Day weekend. Popsicles all around!


The last week of school kicked of with rescheduled Field Day which is not a bad way to end the school year



June started with an end of school party, soccer games and a naughty little boy stealing cookies from the dessert table 

Happy Summer Y'all