The Life You're Living: Week 8

George has been readjusting his napping, which has meant that dinner prep time is usually filled with a frustrated baby and a frustrated momma. Today, like many days, you made it your job to help George and me get through this time. You snuggled him on the couch and before long he was asleep in your comforting arms. You are such a help, especially with your siblings. 

Avery, you are pure innocence. You soak up the world and are always amazed by what you find! I love watching you observe something new. If we all could marvel at creation they way you do, life would be so much more enjoyable.

Finally, doggie ears! What a perfect hairstyle for my spunky little girl!

As expected the hair didn't stay up very long, but your smile sure did. You are so busy, too busy to put your pants back on before your babies need you again. Oh sweet toddlerhood! So much to do!

Still every morning there is a mad dash to find you, sweet George, and cuddle. We try to put restrictions on it so that your siblings will let you sleep. Honestly, you never seem to mind if they wake you up. You love them as much as they love you and every morning is a promise of new fun with one another.

Manic Monday

She caught me filming her. She has been able to count to 18 since October here is a glimpse of her budding knowledge, which is totally attributed to her having two older brothers. Whenever the boys are counting or reciting the alphabet and they pause for a moment, if even just to take in more air she chimes with the next number/letter. She does this little trick all the way up to 100, just never on command, because she is after all a girl.

If you're up to it here's another.

Love Notes

My Sweet Sweet Boy, what a wonderful surprise to find love notes tonight on our pillows. You made sure the whole family got one! I love you, Paul Thomas!

Friday Photo Favorites

Missing some girls...

If there ever was a cabbage patch baby!

Yes, I'm talking about you Lucia!

Lucia's rare pensive side.

Ohhh, this look is so familiar to me...Avery has the same eyebrow raise that comes straight from Papa.

Speaking of Avery, he along with PT adored their littlest cousin.

He was soliciting sweet giggles.

In true boy fashion.

At our visit Brenna had her first cup of hot chocolate.

I asked Brenna how it was and got this...

Philip ask if she like it and got...

GeeGee asked if she like it and got...

I asked if it was good and got this...

Proof that I need to see them more, or that she had clearly answered the question earlier and I needed to pay better attention.

The Life You're Living: Week 7

Valentine's Day came this week and as tradition, we made cookies for loved ones.

Paul Thomas you are become a little pro at the decorating thing. You have such a sweet tooth and love to share sweet treats with special people.

You also got a kick out of your "hug" from Michigan. You are into puns so this was right up your alley. 

Avery you took your time decorating and pairing colors that you thought best suited each cookie. You seem to enjoy creating so much, especially when it's quiet and you don't feel you are missing out on anything.

You too enjoyed your "hug" and sweet surprises from the North.

Mary Colette, you got to decorate one cookie, yours.  It's just too tempting for a 2 1/2 year old. 

You also convinced all of your brothers that this was a good idea.

George you found a new buddy, the bear your big brother Avery gave you has become your snuggle bear.

You played with your siblings.

And had a first ride on the plasma car.

Manic Monday

Telling a joke to Papa!

The Life You're Living: Week 6

Paul Thomas this week even 3 degrees could not keep you from a rare snowfall and using your trucks. Boys just need to move stuff! 

This week also found us venturing into a fully new territory, homeschooling. We have always planned on homeschooling you, however I was too nervous and wanted you to go to kindergarten. After a disappointing realization of how our money was being spent you came home to finish out the year.

Avery, you are my little creator! We made more dinosaur eggs this week because they were such a hit with everyone. You made the most! 

One of the best wins as a mother was buying the standard school supplies and giving each of you your own bin and free reign.  On yucky days it is your sandbox; you spent hours at the work table creating.

 Daddy and George were cuddly, I think Daddy was using it as an excuse to get a weekend nap in too. You my little girl wiggled your way right between them, as you often do.  You are finding it hard to share your Daddy and attention in general. Being the only girl has set a tendency to be a bit on the spoiled side.

George, you too help with making dinosaur eggs by inspecting the dinos. Until it was just too much for you. I love your double chin when you yawn and that you always sit crossed legged. Even when nursing you cross your legs. Oh, how it makes my heart swoon to see these everyday things. 

A Perfect Summary of Our Lives

A few weeks ago, Paul Thomas caught Mammasita and I "lingering" for a bit during the morning goodbye.

He stood still just long enough to ensure that everyone else noticed the awkward silence and then pronounced, exasperated, "You guys are gonna get sick."

Manic Monday

These two are becoming best of friends.

Friday Photo Favorites

Guess where we are?

The boys are giving a hint.

Give up? The Gateway Arch...time would not permit a lift up to the top. Maybe someday.

The Life You're Living: Week 5

Whew, who know that we might actually get a little winter. This week was cold, so you found a fun way to entertain yourself. Totally mess free the best way!

You "hatched" dinosaur eggs and had a great time discovering what kind of dinosaur was inside.

Mary Colette, your brother's shirt sums you up all too well. Your Daddy put it on you and when I laughed and said it was George's he said, logically, that he couldn't see George as a "Wild Child." 

First time with shoes on...completely paralyzed you. This is what you think of them!