Back to Colt....

Colt's actual birthday was on a Sunday so on Saturday we headed out to try and have some fun for him but he had a double ear infection and a fever from it so he wasn't feeling great. We went to Old Town Spring where they got to ride ponies, feed some goats, ride a "train", and walk around. We also got to see a pet adoption station which they loved but left us with Livy crying for an hour because she couldn't get a puppy.

He did get really happy to ride the ponies though!

And the girls loved it all, until we didn't get a puppy.

Poor Colt, somewhat miserable.

After a nap he was doing much better and we were off to see Christmas lights which he loved.

Sorry you were sick for your birthday Colt. We love you buddy!

Four

Sometimes it seems like a lot but mostly it just seems normal now. Four kids. How did we get here? The girls were just born weren't they? Now they are almost five and amazing me and entertaining me and shocking me everyday at the things they know, remember, learn, can do, say, etc. A tiny bit of that is bad stuff but in general it is so great. Livy is the typical older sister who takes charge and is always trying to help the others and cares about them all. Rachel is always listening and thinking and continually amazes me with how she is so aware of others and their situations. Colt is awesome. He is a typical two year old monster sometimes hitting and screaming for what he wants but other times he is amazingly polite, caring, sensitive, funny, independent and sweet as can be. And he's two. He was honestly a baby last month I think? Oh, Ellie belly or Elle belle, these are her nick names around here. Sweet, smiley, happy and strong Ellie. How we love having a "baby" around here. Everyone loves to see you, say hi, hold you, kiss you, feed you and love you. Man, I love all of you guys.

Sometimes it seems like a lot and some times it doesn't. I think looking in from the outside it seems like more than it feels like most of the time. Don't get me wrong, they are a lot for me to keep up with but when I just look at them in the every day it doesn't seem like a lot. It just seems normal I guess. They are each so special and individual and just part of the family. I don't really know how to explain what I'm talking about. Just wanted to remember this time when I am feeling not so overwhelmed but happy with how things are, probably because everyone is in bed for the night!

I lost my focus of where I was going with that point but I just want to conclude by saying it's not so bad, it's pretty good actually. It is crazy lots of times and every once in a while I want to cry but most of the time I don't. Most of the time I am pretty happy with how it is going and and when I see them loving each other and playing and happy together, there is nothing better. I love you guys. I hope you are loving our life like I am.

Busy is better for me. I struggle to be productive when I have extra time so being busy keeps me focused and moving. I get more checked off my to do list when I know I have to do something now or it will not ever be done instead of having the option to push it off and procrastinate. I now cherish my thirty minutes each night to play words with friends or blog or read or whatever. Don't let me fool you though. I am not getting big projects or anything that productive done. My things I get done are "get a card in the mail" or "fold laundry during the day instead of at night". Yeah, I'm quite productive around here.

And I couldn't do it over and over each day with out Heavenly Father and Eric. I know having the spirit in our home helps everyone have a better day. And Eric keeps me mentally stable now a days. And is a great laughing partner when things get too crazy!

For the most part we are healthy, happy, and pretty much just surviving. I don't cook much and everyone likes to dress themselves so you never know what we will look like from day to day but basically it is going good!

Ellie Again, Growing so Fast!

Ellie at 7 months:

army crawling all over the place and up on her knees and plank position a lot so probably soon to crawl regular style

loves eating puffs, enjoying baby food more and anything else I will give her

has two teeth one the bottom that just came through

can't get enough of her brother and sisters, they make her so happy

loves blowing raspberries on the tile floor

loves the bath, being outside and going on walks, and being held of course

has got curly hair on top of her head when she gets out of the bath

is always kicking her legs, in the car seat, highchair, holding her or on the floor

getting more clingy, doesn't want to spend time alone on the floor or exersaucer

loves barney, just like her brother

takes a bottle full time now and loves it

has a contagious beautiful big smile

doesn't laugh much but smiles all the time

Rachel, Livy and Colt can seem to get her to laugh though

spits up a lot still

loves the mobile in her crib

copying sounds

I love you so much Ellie! You make everyone smile and what could be better than that! I'm so happy to be your mama! 

New York Continued...

More of Christmas time in New York. We played our traditional white elephant game with my siblings which is always good for some laughs. Richie ended up with sardines, Charlie got an enema, and Eric got a Snuggie!

Here's Josh's present, a huge nerf gun. It ended up being hours of entertianment for the adults shooting the children. They loved it, and so did Danny. He couldn't stop laughing!

"No, no Josh."

Protecting themselves from getting shot.

Another gun game. Safari hunt or something like that. There were quiet a few hours of competition on here!

Aunt Katie getting ready for baby! Finding out the sex in a few weeks! So exciting!

Uncle Dan holding Ellie. Typical teenager. See how he is looking at dad like "why are you making me do this."

"Alright enough already."

"That's it, get her off!" Followed by a swift shove.

Rachel getting in on the gun fights.

Uncle Charlie the playground. The kids all had so much fun with "baby Zeke" as they call him, and with all of their aunts and uncles. Thanks guys. We sure love you all and are so grateful to you for all you continually do to help us and make the kids feel loved.

Colt and Poppy hanging out.

Me and Miss Ellie.

Gotcha!

Stamps and snuggles with Michelle.

What a happy girl! She is again such a good baby. Poor kid got a double ear infection two days after we got there, had a fever, a cold they whole time and started teething. But she was still pretty happy. Thanks Ellie!

And there was of course lots hours logged on the swing this trip too. As well as lots of pizza and some great naps. And 5 trips to the doctors. Rae, Liv, and Colt all came to New York on an antibiotic with colds and ear infections. Ellie got and ear infection and antibiotic while we were there and then the other three all got sick again with terrible coughs and ear infections again. So everyone left New York on antibiotics too! And we got everyone in NY sick at some point too! So sorry everyone!

Saying good night to Dan. The kids loved helping out with Dan. Olivia loved helping feed him and couldn't wait for him to get home to feed him. Colt liked it too, he chased Dan around with the spoon so most of it was on the floor by the time he got Dan to eat it.

Han loving her ipad and loved doing funny photos on it! Thanks for sharing all the time Aunt Hannie and for always being so much fun! You are the best!

Rae with her "pink"tails and her Pop.

Finally! A picture with everyone!