We made it

We were quite the sight at the airport I am sure. All went smoothly until...we had all four littles, 4 car seats, 2 pack in plays, and 6 suitcases. I know it sounds rediculous to need that many bags for two weeks. This vacation, however, requires us to bring our own sheets, towels, and life jackets.

So anyway, there we were with all our belongings and we are told that the bus we have to get on is two lanes of busy traffic away. Off we went with one in the stroller, another screaming child strapped to my chest, and the other two each holding a side of the stroller and my husband pushing a luggage cart taller then him. We made it through the lanes of traffic, then Andy hits a curb and our bags fly into the street. Better the bags then the kids, so all was still good.

Other then that small part, our adventures to Redimacs, Dutch village, and others along the way went smooth as could be.

this picture is a personal favorite.  i think the best i have ever taken

Here we are. Luke has a new pet frog. Our newest most exciting pass time is playing with grandma meyer's old costume jewelry. These boys are having a blast as am I. I think lily is digging it too. Mostly she is liking sleeping along side the beach.

new friends

since lily has arrived, i have been feeling overwhelmed.  especially in the evenings when all four are craving my attention, everyone is tired, and there is so much to get done.  just trying to make dinner can be a challenge.  not even to mention, baths, some play time, brushing teeth, stories and cuddling before bed.  i just feel like no one gets enough time or attention.

so, i searched and searched.  and have been so lucky to find some help a few nights a week.  and the boys LOVE her.  she runs with them. does cannon balls in the pool.  hide and seek.  yes, she even builds forts.  she has rocked their world (and mine).  and the adventures are just beginning.  

when i get to silver lake...

... the first thing i am going to do is...

"go to the beach"

"run across the dunes, jump into lake michigan and see if i sink"  (lets hope he does not sink)

"i dont know"

getting ready

saturday morning

oh how i love my children but am feeling so blessed to have this quiet saturday morning all to myself.  they are still sleeping away in their little beds, i wish i could sneak a peek but do not dare.  even lily slept all through the night, for the first time ever.
for me it has been a trying week.  one thing after another.  nothing big, just little everyday things.  two trips to the dentist... on the first trip my mouth would not go numb.  then we got it numb, only to have it wear off towards the end of the procedure.  it was the very end, but still, not fun.  then i had to return to have the same tooth looked at again.  lets hope this tooth is better.
i seem to be having a flip flop problem. two pairs have broken.  i saw it coming, they were hanging on by a string. i had ordered a few pairs on line.  the first pair broke and i put on my back ups.  then the back ups broke while out at a friends house as i was trying to put my child into time out.  not only did i have a little boy who did not want to listen, but i also had a flip flop riding up on the back of my leg.  my order arrived, but in the wrong size.  lucky for me, andy suggested (yes, HE suggested) we take a trip to nordstrom to fix this problem.  he even seemed excited about it!  my lucky day.
so, i am enjoying this quiet moment and sharing it with you.  instead of packing for vacation, doing laundry, going through my pile of papers.  and i am loving it.
happy saturday!

101 days

i have not posted anything since vacation because coming back from vacation, is well, coming back from vacation.  we had such a great time and it has taken us a few days to get back into our routine.  

so, she has been waiting and waiting.  for 101 days to be exact.  yes, i went back and counted.  this little tooth of his has been loose and hanging in there for 101 days.  i did not even know a tooth could be loose for that long.  but it was.  and tonight, after his visit to the dentist, he tugged and pulled and finally out it came.  

he came running down the stairs with a big toothless grin and his tooth in his hand.  first he showed it to me, then he shared with lily. we took a picture, made all the important phone calls to share the news, and he was off to bed.  and he never wants to go to bed.  i hope the tooth fairy does not disappoint.  he has been requesting 100 dollar bills.... he may have the wrong tooth fairy.  

science center

our visit to the science center was exhausting (for me anyway).  keeping track of all of them as they ran in three directions was a bit tough.  the center was huge and absolutely amazing.  so much to do in this city!