{four months}

Oh goodness, four months already.  This little lady is a movin' and a shakin', and keeps us all on our toes.  She is still the most popular member of our family, with everyone just all over her all of the time.  If only I could count how many hugs and kisses this girl gets...

She hasn't had her 4 month well check, because we just didn't have time to squeeze it in before leaving on our trip to Utah.  We were too impatient to wait and see how much she weighs, so we did it very officially at home--with Rick weighing himself without her, and then with her.  She's right around 16 pounds, and still tall as can be.  Her feet are tiny though, and she can FINALLY fit into her newborn shoes--the ones that are 0-3 months.  

She really is the light of our lives, and I simply can't imagine our lives without her!!! 

{snuggling}

Nothing's changed.

Thank goodness.  ♥

{three months}

Three months already??!! I love that Miss Caroline is getting older, and that her darling personality is shining through, but it's happening WAY too fast for me!  Slow down, please!!!

This was an exciting month for her, including several "firsts".  She tried rice cereal, and after a few funny faces, decided she really liked it.  She also ROLLED OVER.  Really?  It wasn't a fluke either, which I thought at first.  She now rolls from her tummy to her back, and from her back to her tummy, which I didn't expect this early.  None of the other kids rolled over before 4 months, so it totally took me by surprise.  It's funny...with my first I was so anxious for every milestone, and couldn't wait until they did _______.  Now I wish it wouldn't come quite so quickly...

She is an absolute delight...so happy, smiley, and never upset unless she's hungry.  She has been such an easy baby, and it's been a blessing to be sure.  I really could just squish her all day long...and I do!

The kids still love to be around her, see her, "look at her eyes", rub her hair, talk to her, and just touch her.  We're working with Henry to be soft...this girl is going to be tough, because of how much she puts up with!

We totally and completely are in love!

{rolled over to her tummy}

{when Ryan is in charge...}

 {first time eating rice cereal}

{the boys took her into her "hideout", under the crib}

{sweet baby}

{love those rolls!}

{all ready for church}

{new jammies}

Happy three months, darling girl!

{swimming lessons}

We just finished up swimming lessons, and I cannot believe how much all four have improved in such a short period of time. It really has made such a huge difference how much they're in the water, and even Jack, who last summer wouldn't even get in the pool, is now swimming across the pool by himself.  

Their teacher is amazing--a swimmer and diver in her own right--and teaches in her backyard pool.  Jack and Henry started out at a Level 1, and next year will be in Level 2/3.  The girls started in Level 2, and next year will be in Level 4!  Both of them can now do freestyle and backstroke across the pool, which is incredible when you contrast it to what they could do when we moved here.  

Living in Michigan we just didn't swim a lot.  The outside pool water was cold, and with so many really young children, it just wasn't something I could do by myself. I'm really not a fan of indoor pools--way to stuffy and humid for me, so we stuck to the splash park. We went to the beach a lot, but they played in the sand and splashed in the water--not much actual swimming.  It's such a way of life here because it's so hot, and kids learn a lot faster.  

They loved lessons.  The boys were in one class, and the girls right after, so it was really convenient for me.  There were only 5 kids per class, which meant a lot of one-on-one attention, and another reason they learned so quickly. I was really impressed by the teacher--I wish we have had time to squeeze in another session.  

I have a few pictures of Jack and Henry, but can you believe I don't have even one of the girls?? It's because I was busy chasing around the boys while the girls were swimming, and I didn't get a chance.  

{They swam in the pool, then moved to the hot tub to practice other things--diving for rings, etc.}

 

{Yep.  That's Henry, trying to escape}

 

{Okay, this KILLS me.  This is Henry's "thumbs up".  I love love it!}

 

Rick wants to know if she gives adult lessons.  ☺

{independence day}

We got home late from the symphony last night, but we had to be up really early this morning, so we could get to the parade!  I'm a member of The Woodlands Moms of Multiples Club, and every year they have a float in the parade, and the kids were excited to be a part of it.  

We dressed in patriotic colors, decorated the wagon, and left before 8am.  That was quite the feat, if I do say so myself.  ☺  There was a big group of us--some riding on the float, but most of us walking behind.  It wasn't too long of a route--just shy of a couple miles--but it was HOT.  Even though the temp was only around 90 degrees, that sun was beating down.  The poor kids were dying, even with Otter Pops and ice water.  I was pushing Caroline in the stroller, and of course she decided it was time to eat right during the parade. I was trying to hold the bottle, push the stroller, keep the girls next to me, and stay in our line. Crazy. We were definitely glad to have it be done, even though it was fun to be in the parade, and see so many people.  We will have to try to figure out something better for next year...

As soon as we got home, it was time to hit the pool.  We were so hot and sweaty, it was the perfect way to cool off.  After a couple of hours there, they kids were actually asking to come home (which NEVER happens), because they were just so tired.  Everyone needed a nap, and everyone had one! It was fabulous!!  Caroline slept for SIX hours!!!  

After naps, it was time for our BBQ, then off to the fireworks.  We had heard The Woodlands fireworks were the best in the Houston area, and we were curious to see if that was the case.  We discovered that pretty much everyone in town comes out for them, because even the freeways were lined with cars.  It was INSANE.  I have to say though, they were good!  

After the big fireworks, we headed home to have a little fireworks show of our own with friends.  The kids were nervous at first, and backed up clear to the garage, but after a few, they were right up there as close as they were allowed to be. It's amazing how many fireworks you can get for $20!!  

Due to naps, no one was tired, even at 11pm, so we brought everyone in, got jammies on, and turned on a movie.  Definitely a holiday, to be sure!  

All in all, it was a really great day.  I hope they'll sleep in tomorrow...

{star spangled symphony}

Last night we took the kids to the Houston Symphony, for their annual patriotic performance.  It's held at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, which is right downtown in The Woodlands. It's actually ranked #2 in the world for the most-used amphitheater, and it's just an incredible facility with a ton of huge concerts every year.  We hadn't taken the kids there yet, and last night was the perfect opportunity!  

We chose to sit on the lawn seats--which is the best for all of our littles--with a perfect view of the stage.  The kids ran around until it was time to start, and then we settled on our blankets, pulled out the popcorn, and got ready to listen.  It was AMAZING.  They were so good, and so fun to listen to, that even the little boys were into--singing and dancing!  They had colorful lights flashing, and when we came in we were given glasses that made the lights look like kaleidoscopes.  Oh my...they just could not get enough of it!  

One of my favorite songs is "God Bless the USA", and when that was played, you should have heard the crowd! Both "Houston" and "Texas" are in the song, and everyone went wild when those parts were sung by the guest artist. 

Even better, the weather was perfect!!!  Seriously, unbelievable, but I'm calling it my 4th of July miracle.  ☺ It was in the low 80's, with a slight breeze, and as the sun went down, it cooled down even more.  It was heaven, after the incredibly hot and humid week we just had. We really missed Ryan--he had other plans--but next year I want him to see it too!  

It was the best way to kick off Independence Day!!

{sweet caroline}

{the stage view}

 

{the crowd}

 

{counting stars}

 

{flags that were WAY too much fun}

 

{national anthem--hand across our heart}

 

 {kate...and a hungry baby}

 

 What a perfect night!  LOVE this holiday!!!

{my lucky day}

One morning last week I wasn't feeling really well, and so I asked Ryan if he could keep on eye on the kids for about 30 minutes while I slept a little longer.  The baby was asleep, and I was hoping to take advantage of it as long as I could.  

When I woke up, I realized it had been longer than 30 minutes, and then I found this list under my door...

It's actually longer than you can see, and it comprises a full sheet of things Ryan had done around the house for the last two hours while I was sleeping.  I think I was actually speechless for a few minutes, which if you know me, isn't very commonplace.  

Ryan has always been like this--so willing to help me whenever I ask, and even when I don't. This is an impressive list of items---and I so appreciated his thoughtfulness to make my day easier. If this is what being a teenager means, I'll take it!!!

 He's right...I AM the lucky one!!!

{michigan love}

We got some Michigan love this weekend!!!  

Miss Lyndi came to visit for a few days, and brought Gabi with her to see Kate & Emma.  I didn't tell the girls that Gabi was coming--I wanted to say something so many times, but I knew the looks on their faces would be worth the wait.

Lyndi texted me when she was close, so I could get the girls away from the window.  I told them a surprise was coming, so when the doorbell rang, they knew it was for them.  Oh. my.  It was SO fun to see their shock...there was a slight pause while they tried to process it (I could see the wheels turning), and that was pretty much the only quiet moment for the duration of the visit!  

We  talked, ate, laughed, ate, shopped, and ate.  ☺  We ate way too much Mexican food and frozen yogurt, and...and could have eaten more if we had had more time!  Friday morning we took all the kids swimming at our clubhouse, and spent several hours there.  The kids wanted to stay longer, but they were getting tired. Rick got off early that afternoon, and we took the girls out for dinner and to see Monsters University (which was so cute!). We also rode the trolley, which we REALLY regretted, because it was so, so hot.  But hey, they were introduced to our 107 degrees and 100% humidity summer weather.  ☺

Saturday morning we got up and headed to our fitness center to work out, and that was one of my favorite things. It's been a long time since I've worked out with someone else, and it went so much faster with her there.  I've missed all of our running days, so it was big deal for me.  

After we got home and showered, Lyndi and I spent the day shopping...and eating.  Rick was awesome, and stayed home with ALL the kids, even the baby, so we could go alone. LOVE that guy. I took her to one of my favorite stores--Charming Charlie's--and we spent more than two hours taking advantage of their Buy One Get One Free sale of their clearance items.  Hello!!!??  We were like kids in a candy store, and certainly came home with a lot of jewelry.  ☺ I took her to my favorite Mexican restaurants, and to the best frozen yogurt place in town.  I showed her some of my favorite spots--a live concerts and Christmas lights at The Waterway, the Cupcake Shack,  and Market Street. 

Our church is super early in the morning, so they had time to come to church with us before their flight.  It was perfect timing as far as Sundays go, because the entire Primary Presidency was gone except me, and I was flying solo.  Rick stayed home with sick Caroline and Henry, so he wasn't there to help with Jack who was having a hard time in Primary.  He ended up snuggling with "Miss Lyndi" the entire time--they totally bonded.  ☺ 

The whole weekend was fabulous.  Best of all, we just had time to talk. And laugh. To snuggle up on the couch at night and watch a show.  To hang out at the pool for three straight hours and play with our kids. To see her with my baby for the first time. To watch our girls giggle, paint nails, play outside, sit together at church, watch movies in their beds, sleep in the same room and stay up late--it was wonderful.  A huge thanks to Trenton and Rick, who stayed with kids and manned the respective forts, so we could enjoy this time together. Love you guys!

{charming charlie's}

{fro yo}

{l & k}

 

{the girlies}

 

{on our way...girls' night out!}

{a little heat}

{the trolley}

{at the movies}

{trying really hard to get a good picture, but finally settled on this one!}

{swimming!}

 

 {they loved doing timed jumps, cannon balls, and "trees" into the water}

{the "tree", a.k.a. belly flop}

Now...who's next????  ☺