Snow

 Every year since we've moved here there has been one day of good snow, school is canceled and we spend the day running around outside woefully under-dressed, running back inside to warm up and change clothes, only to run back outside and freeze again. We get just enough of a taste of it that I"m grateful we don't live someplace that has real snow, but I'm also grateful for our one day of snow and wouldn't mind visiting someone who gets real snow.  

 Well this year was different, the who winter was pretty warm and the days that we could have had snow were very dry. so I was surprised when after church one Sunday I happened to look out the window to see very slow falling rain. or at least that's what I thought it was for a split second.  The kids were so excited to run outside and enjoy the snow.  It only lasted a few minutes and we totally would have missed it if I hadn't been looking out the window at that precise time but the kids loved it.  Notice Grant in his shorts, that boy has decided that he doesn't like pants and absolutely REFUSES to wear them, he has been in short in the chilliest of weather this winter.  There are some battles I fight and some that I decide are better left unfought, this was one of those.  He did put on my scarf... too bad it's more for looks then it is for warmth... funny kid.

There were 5 in the bed and the little one said...

 Every morning as the dawn is considering cracking my children race to be the first to get in bed with us. Despite the early hours we have a lot of fun cuddling and talking about the dreams that were just had. Grant is like me and remembers many of his dreams,  it's hit or miss with Katelyn and Dallin.
    Thanks to our oldest we have had to set a few rules for our morning cuddling time,
 1. if it's before 6am they are sent back to their room, but 6:01am is fair game. I am positive that some mornings Katelyn waits by her clock until it says 6:00 so she can be the first one there. Usually it's closer to 6:30 before we are bombarded.
2. if there is crying or fighting over who is in what spot, they are sent back to their room.  Everyone wants to be by mommy or daddy but no one wants to be squished in the middle.  it's hard to fit 5 people in a queen size bed especially since one of those people is still recovering from being pregnant with twins.  and speaking of twins, if they are awake it's nearly impossible to fit everyone happily.
3. no wiggling or squirming especially if mommy and daddy are still trying to sleep... which is most of the time.

 This morning Cameron was still working, and Peter decided he was done sleeping around 6:15am, and we had some time to smile and coo at each other before the other kids came in. and before long Lilly wanted to join in the fun and excitement.

 The kids LOVE playing with the babies,  We all love it,  it's so fun to make them laugh and smile.

 Dallin gets especially goofy with the babies, and they eat it up, they love watching him waiting for him to do something funny.

 Most mornings are pretty great at our house... that is if you like waking up before the crack of dawn.. which we do... mostly.

Birthdays are great... yippee

 This year my birthday high light was going on not one but 2 dates with my husband without kids, I might add. It was so great!  Two of my dear friends offered to watch all five of my kids so that we could enjoy some time together.  Thankfully the twins are in an easy for other people to watch stage (or so I'm told...) because they pretty much sleep from 6pm on,  so the only kids to worry about are the big kids and they pretty much play with my friends kids the whole time,  it's so nice to have good kids... otherwise I'm pretty sure there would be no dating until after the kids move out of the house.
another highlight was having another dear friend drop by with a gift,  it was very thoughtful and I felt loved.
Cameron got me this turtle pie,  it was great and I didn't have to make it.  The kids decided they would prefer chocolate cream pie, so they ate that,  it will kind of be a sad day when the kids decide they like "mommy daddy" food.  we might actually have to share...

why is it I got 3 pictures of the store bought turtle pie and not a single picture of me, Cameron or the babies... clearly my priorities are a bit skewed, or maybe the pie is willing to sit still while I snap a picture...

Just when I needed it most.

 today Katelyn decided on her own, without coercion, to do the dishes for me.

 When you're helping your happy!  and what a great help she is.  

5 Months

Time is flying by, I can't believe how fast These two are growing.   Lilly has discovered her tongue and loves sticking it out at us.  she is very cute.  Peter is such a happy cheerful little guy.   we love making him laugh.

We love having these two in our family, they are amazing babies

Lilly