Happy Anniversary!

Conor and I have been married for 6 years TODAY!!

We met in college. I was the first person to welcome him to the University of San Francisco. I checked him into his dorm room. He was a transfer student from the University of Wisconsin. He left the Midwest to come play soccer in San Francisco and I'm so glad he did!! Two years after our first meeting, we started dating and the rest is history.


In the early days we were madly in love and full of dreams of what life would bring us. We never imagined the road to parenthood would be full of so many trials, tribulations and heart break. We NEVER imagined where that journey would take us. We stuck together through it all and became stronger than ever before. We became a team, a team that would become blessed with four amazing, unique and beautiful children.

Marriage isn't easy, but... it's worth it! Life is never what you expect it to be, we find new curve balls around every corner. Wouldn't it be boring otherwise!?!

We are two of the luckiest people in this world and we will NEVER take one single day, each other or our children for granted.

Happy Anniversary Babe! I love you with all of my heart and I am so proud of all we have overcome. We make a great team and I am so proud to be your wife!

Gen and Conor

6 years and four 3 year olds

I hope you all had a great 4th of July!
I'll post pictures from our day soon.

The Hangover

No, not the hysterical/instant classic we saw this weekend, rather, a different kind of hangover...

I'm talking about, what I will now (that my kids are sleeping soundly), affectionately refer to as "The Grandparent Hangover!"

All of you parents out there know EXACTLY where I'm going with this!!

When you have company in town, the kids start to get used to it. You have lots of awesome helping hands and are busier than ever. It's a blast and so great while it lasts. However, when they leave... OH MY LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gma Deb and Papa John pulled out of the driveway at 7:05am yesterday and the meltdowns began. They DID NOT STOP until bedtime.

The kids and I had MANY errands to run. I was silly, or maybe delusional, to think that being out of the house might help with the massive case of the CRANKIES! Needless to say, it did not go well. We powered through and some how made it home in one piece. However, I don't think our regular haunts will ever be the same.

First we hit Costco for our usual list of weekly necessities. Ally SCREAMED the entire way through. People must have thought they were doing free samples/demos of air horns in there...

(L to R)

Ally, Russ, Libby and Molly

Food seemed to be the only thing that would calm the beasts. So here we are taking a lunch break. Moments later Libby and Molly were both SCREAMING over the drink, Ally was shouting at the bird that landed on the table next to ours and Russ just wanted to "go home." Usually this is sorta normal. However, yesterday.. they were utterly inconsolable. It was REALLY fun.

The topper of the Costco trip was a sweet old man who stopped me in my flustered tracks! "Hey, you've got your hands full. At least it's not 8! I hope your NOT having anymore!" I just shook my head (NO), smiled, did a little nervous laugh and kept walking. Oh boy, don't even get me started BUDDY!

I buckled my precious children in kicking and screaming. Then, I unloaded the cart and hopped in the noisy car. My ears were ringing.

After I unloaded the car and reloaded the kids, we were off to the cleaners and grocery store. I was sweating like crazy, but all seemed good in our world. Phew, silence.

That lasted the car ride to the parking lot, about 3 minutes. Being the stubborn, determined, pig headed mommy that I am, we powered on. However, I felt really bad for all the innocent bystanders!

As we were leaving the dry cleaners, all four kids in tears, I looked up and got a brilliant idea, Jamba Juice!! It's hot, they are cranky and I have a gift card in my wallet, this might be just the thing we need! So, off we went!

"Oh boy, she's gonna feed us some yummy treats girls!"

-Russ

"Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy!"

-Ally, isn't' her whining adorable!?! I'm thinking of changing my name!

It was the first time I had taken them to Jamba. They weren't sure what to make of it. But, it stopped the other three from crying and dulled Ally to a whiny roar.

I'm happy to say that the smoothies did the trick! ALL FOUR KIDDOS WERE HAPPY FOR EXACTLY 10 minutes!!! Thank you Jamba!!!!

Miss Molly

Ally, QUIET and happy, THANK GOD!!!

Libby, LOVED her "frozen juice!"

-the hair ties....not so much...

Russ, not sure.. but quickly became a BIG FAN!

All smiles outside! I was even smiling too! ;)

(Front to Back)

Russ, Libby, Screamy ( I mean Ally) and Molly

We hit the grocery store next and the happy vibe quickly changed. Ally proceeded to have melt down #500 on isle 5. Needless to say I shopped at the speed of light and got out of there right before she fell completely apart. I actually ended up carrying her out of the store (while pushing the stroller) under my arm like a football with everyone in line staring at me blankly. By the time I reached the car all four kids were screaming and it was time to get home. Our other errands would just have to wait.

The afternoon was one melt down after the next and I just kept telling myself.. "tomorrow is gonna be a better day!"

Hey, if you can't beat 'um... join 'em.................

"But I wanna go to the store again and see just how BIG of a scene I can cause!!!"

"But Mommy, why can't I drive your car?"

"Mommy, I told you, I want a PINK PONY!"

"I've had enough. I can't take all this screaming. WHEN is my daddy coming home!?!"

-Russ

Poor Ally. I feel so bad for picking on her through this whole post! It's funny, she's USUALLY my MOST easy going child. I can ALWAYS count on her for a hug, smile and a "whatever" attitude. My poor baby just had one heck of a BAD day! The other kids aren't used to her acting like that either. I think that's why she kept triggering the mass melt downs.

Anyway, as I'm sitting here on the sofa, eating dinner and watching bad TV, I can't help but laugh at the day we had. I mean, if you don't have your sense of humor in life.. what do you have?

Today was a MUCH better day. I think the kids are finally starting to readjust after nursing "The Hangover" - LOL!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Outta Control Humongous QUADRUPLE Post!

I almost did it! I almost blogged every night last week! But.. I must admit, I pooped out! I've been working on this post since last Thursday night! It just keeps getting longer and longer. So, tonight I've got a QUADRUPLE post with TONS of pictures!! It's outta control HUGE!

We have been VERY BUSY!!

Last night Conor and I went on a romantic date to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary! We had a nice dinner and hit up a movie. Our anniversary isn't until July 5th, but with his parents here, it was the prefect opportunity for us to sneak away for the evening. It was a great night and we decided we NEED to have "date nights" much more often! ;)

Happy almost anniversary babe!

I love you!

Today was Gma Deb and Papa John's last day in town. It's been horribly hot, so, we decided to take the kids to see their second movie. The theatre was nice and cool and the movie was darling! We saw Monsters vs Aliens.

(L to R)

Conor, Ally, Libby, Grandma Deb, Molly, Russ and Papa John

Me and my mama's Girl, Molly

Before the temps hit the afternoon triple digits, we've been playing outside in the morning. These pics crack me up because the kiddos chose their own outfits. You've gotta love the fashion sense of a toddler.

Silly Princess Ally Boo Boo

Molly in her nightie

Russell Man

A.K.A

Spider Man

With the AC going full blast we tried to beat the heat inside too...

Papa John giving Russ a few helpful hints.

Cheering mommy on while I set up the bounce house.

(L to R)

Ally, Russ, Libby and Molly

Air conditioning and snack time!

So, since it has been hotter than Hades, we've been spending most of our time swimming and playing in the back yard. As ALWAYS, we are ALL smothered in water babies spf 50. If you didn't catch my post on sun safety, you view it here.

Ally Boo Boo

Molly Mo Mo

Russell Man

Little Libby

Early this week we took the kids to the Rail Road Museum in Old Sacramento. Children under 5 are FREE!! You've gotta love that!

Good Old Sacramento

(L to R)

Libby, Molly, Pj, Russ, Ally and Gma Deb

Little Libby

Funny Ally

Molly Mo Mo

Russell Man

-The kid LOVES LOVES LOVES LOVES trains. It's SOOOO cute!

Quadville, train set style!

The girls

Ally, Molly and Libby

Molly and Mommy

The kiddos thought everything, including the pictures on the wall were the most exciting things they had ever seen! There isn't much better than seeing the world through the eyes of a child. We had a great time and followed it up with a very fun lunch at Joe's Crab Shack! Every 30 minutes the staff dances. It's a crack up and the kiddos LOVED it!

Pj and his grandchildren checking out the steam boat.

Papa John and Grandma Deb

*Happily married for 33 years*

"What? You mean you can get up from the table and dance here? I'm in heaven!!"

-Funny Ally

"Mommy, they gave me MY OWN colors!!!!!!"

-Excited Libby

"Yes, I'll have the crab cakes, followed by some french fries & an ice cream sundae.

Thanks!"

-Russ, LOVES restaurants!

Molly and Mommy

Are you noticing a theme yet? Molly is going through a bit of a phase and IS ALWAYS STUCK TO MY HIP! No joke! She is a mama's girl through and through. I guess she always has been. Uh oh! Maybe it's not a phase!?! Ha ha ha! She was very busy with her crayon and paper "taking my order" the entire lunch. She is one funny girl.

Enjoying all the decorations

We spent Wednesday at Auntie Barb's pool while John worked on the interior painting. Thank you so much John! It's a GREAT start and we appreciate it more than words can say! I'll post interior before and after pictures when we finish the entire job. It's gonna take some time for Conor and I to finish.

Already swimming laps! Yep, I'm one PROUD mommy!!!

Little B

Ally Boo

Ally and Auntie Barb

Russell Man

Miss Molly

Thank you so much for having us Auntie Barb! As always, the kids had a BLAST and so did Gma Deb and I! We love you.

On Thursday, thanks to Deb and John, I was able to break away for a couple hours to visit my grandmother, Nani. She has been very sick for quite some time. She means more to mean than words could ever express. Molly Lou Ann is named after her! She is one of the most amazing human beings I have ever known and a SAINT on this Earth. When Nani is up for it, I take the kids to see them. But, I haven't been to see her alone in a really long time. Time alone with her is my idea of heaven on Earth. She is so special. I am going to miss her when she is gone, I can't even type that without tearing up. Thank you Gma Deb and Pj for giving me that gift. I cherish each and every second I have with her.

My Nani and Me

-laying in bed

My Grandmparents

My grandparents have been married for 53 years and you can actually FEEL the unconditional love, adoration and respect between them. It's a beautiful and powerful thing. Not only is Molly named for my Nani, but Russ is named after my Gramp. These two people are two of the most important people in my life. I am one very lucky girl and I know the rest of our wonderful family feels the exact same way!

Oh boy! Sorry to get so mushy on all ya'll! ;) We've just had so much going on lately and I can't help but stop to count my blessing and share my gratitude!

Gma Deb and Papa John are hitting the road tomorrow morning. Thank you guys so much for all the hard work you put into the house while you were here. We couldn't have done it without you! Thank you also for all the wonderful memories we have made together. We love you guys and hope to make it up to Ptown later this summer. We will miss you so much! Drive safely!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and have a great week. We have all kinds of plans. Auntie Erin (Conor's sister) and her boyfriend, Joey, will be coming into town for a visit at the end of the week. The kiddos are so excited!

Alrighty, it's still in the tripple digits and it's nearly 9pm.. I'm off to stick my head in the freezer!

Have a Happy Monday!

Adventures with Gma Deb and PJ!

We continued to show Papa John our new neighborhood on Tuesday and took him to the kids favorite park. It's a long walk, but a goody!

"Ready, set, HIKE!"

*we love our river trails*

(Front to Back)

Libs, Ally, Russ and Molly

Ally Boo Boo

"What up homey?!"

-Russell John

The Diva

"I miss my daddy!"

-Poor Libby is having a hard week.

By the time we got to the park she was all smiles though.

Three's a crowd!

-Grandma Deb, Ally and Libby

(L to R)

Russ, Molly, Libby and Ally

Miss Molly

Russell Man

Little Libby

Allison Ann

"I love you SO much!"

-Libby and Ally

Our kids fight, of course! BUT, they sure do love each other!! They are always putting their arms around one and other while hugging, kissing, and laughing. I can't help but stop and marvel at the bond they have. It is so unique and special. It's enough to make your heart melt!

Searching for a needle in a hay stack?

-Papa John, Molly and Ally

Papa John has been coaching track since dinosaurs roamed the Earth! Needless to say he loves sharing his expertise with the kiddos and already has BIG plans for them.

You gotta love this photo sequence....

(L to R)

Papa John, Libby, Molly, Ally and Russ

"Runners take your marks, get set ...."

"Goooooooooooooooooooooo!"

"Taking the lead .. little Libby McNulty!"

Ha ha ha! That's gonna wear them out!

According to Papa John, Libby is "his sprinter." Ally is "his decathlete." Molly is "his 400 meter hurdler/jumper" and Russ is going to be just like his daddy, "his triple threat- distance, jumping and throwing." I keep reminding him that "mommy was a swimmer and water polo player....turned runner!"

I love how VERY different they each are. No matter what sport they choose to play, they will no doubt have HEART for the game. They come by that naturally. ;)

We finished up our park trip with a nice picnic before the long walk back.

Silly Ally Ann

Our VERY grown up Molly

"Really mommy, MORE pictures? Enough already."

-Russ and PJ

We arrived home and spent the better part of the afternoon in the kiddy pool, eating frozen treats and staying cool. It was a wonderful and busy day.

Today we swam at Auntie Barb's house while Papa John stayed home and painted the cinder block. It was HUGE job. I cannot tell you how GREAT it was to come home to a house that looked so refreshed! Thank you John!!!! The cinder block was the first step, now... the walls!

I've been blogging every night this week and will try to keep it up. It's been fun to get all of this written down and I know it will be really nice for Deb and John to read when they get home.

Thank you so much for reading and for all of your sweet comments!

Happy Thursday!

Grandma Deb and Papa John.. PART 2!

On Sunday the boys did some touch ups on the outside of the house and the kids pretended to help out. They have been patiently watching them for days and could not wait to get their hands on those brushes.

"Look mommy, I'm painting!!!"

-Excited Libby

"Mommy, I paint just like daddy and Papa John!"

-Proud Russell

"Don't worry mommy, I've got this all under control!"

-Helpful Molly

"Oh guys, I think we need another coat over here!"

-Thoughtful Ally

Team Work!

"You missed a spot ladies!"

-Russ

After an entire of day of painting, Conor and Papa John finished the exterior of the house. I've always wanted to have a red door. I know, it may silly to some, but to me... it was a BIG deal! Conor was very sweet about it and Papa John made sure it was perfect. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the way it turned out!

Check out these before and after shots...

I am so excited to have a pretty new paint job and so grateful for the hard work Conor and John put into it! Thank you guys so much. Also, Deb, thank you so for helping me keep the kids busy!! Boy, that's a job all in itself!

With Conor back on the road (for work), we decided to take a break from painting. Papa John hasn't been here yet (since we bought the house) so we took him on a little river adventure. The kids wanted to show him some of their favorite spots! We had a wonderful day and I took tons pictures!!

Sweet Ally Boo Boo

Loving Little Libby

Grown up Miss Molly

Russell Man

Molly and Mommy

Papa John and Russell

Allison Ann

Gma Deb and Molly

Libby

Libby and Mommy

Molly

I LOVE this picture!

Ally

Libby and Gma Deb

(L to R)

Papa John, Russ, Molly, Libby, Gma Deb and Ally

Molly Moo Moo

"Now, when skipping a rock you need to get your form down first!"

-Papa John, always the coach

SOOOOO Serious Libby!

Mommy: "What cha fishing for Russ?"

Russell: "Geese!"

After the park and the river we hit the sprinklers to cool off. I love how children always remind us to find the simple pleasures in life!

Grandma Deb and her babies

Libby and Ally

We took Papa John on another adventure today. When we got home, Deb and I played with the kids in the pool and Papa John started to prime the old and nasty cinder block/brick in our entry way and family room. THANK GOD!! The interior work has begun. Our house is older and a work in progress. Conor and and I have been doing a little bit at a time and making it our own along the way. Every little bit seems to make a HUGE difference. I'll post the interior pics as we go.

I'm still behind on blogging. I'll be back again tomorrow night!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Sending all our love from Quadville!

Grandma Deb and Papa John.. PART 1!

WARNING- LOTS of pictures and MANY more to come!!!! ;)

Grandma Deb and Papa John arrived in Sactown on Thursday. That evening John and I took a drive over to home depot and picked up a power washer and my outdoor paint choices. He has not stopped teasing me about my obsession with the house color "being too dark" and my preference for a red door.

The next day, with Conor out of town, John jumped right in and got everything prepped and ready to go for the BIG day. Deb, the kids and I watched John work while we caught up inside and kept the kiddos busy. The kids LOVED watching him wash down our house and their outdoor toys. They could have sat at the back door for an hour.. it was very cute!

"What cha doin Papa John?"

(L to R)

Molly, Ally, Libs and Russ

Sassy Little Libby

Russell Man

Miss Molly

Mommy and Sweet Ally

Our darling girls!

(L to R)

Libby, Molly and Ally

After a nice day of catching up and playing it was time for a bath. Grandma Deb and Papa John took over and even came prepared with some fun bath tub color crayons! The kiddos went NUTS for them!

Bath time with Papa Jon and Grandma Deb!

"I LOVE makeup, just like my mommy!!!"

-Libs, a girl after my own heart

"Oh Grandam Deb, let me make your beeeeuuuutiful!!"

-Libby, you don't have to ask her for a makeover twice.

Mo Mo

Ally Boo Boo

Russell

Conor arrived home on Friday night just in time to help put the kids to bed. Once they were tucked sweetly into bed I snuck out with one of my best friends in the whole world!! "Big Libby" and I have been friends since first grade and I could not love her more. She is like a sister to me and someone I couldn't live without.

Her sister, Debbie, is in a band, Utz! and the Shuttlecocks. Her bandmates are also childhood friends of mine. I'd never seen them play, and neither had Libby. Soooo we hit up the show - it was so much fun! If you live in the Sacramento area.. you HAVE GOT to check these guys out! Oh, and another fun side note... Debbie sang in our wedding (almost 6 years ago). She has the most incredible voice and we adore her!

Libby and Me

"I've got a thirst, and the only thing to quench it is MORE COWBELL!"

The VERY talented Debbie!

Two of my best friends since childhood!

(L to R)

Katie, Me and Libby

Saturday was THE BIG DAY! We got up and got to work - Conor and John have a system down pat and work great as a team. Our job was to stay out of the way! LOL!

The house before (AWE-SOME teal trim...no wonder some of the neighbors were hesitant to come visit....=)

Papa John, getting started!

One side down!

-Papa John and Conor

Uncle Mike drove into town from San Jose. His job title was "Supervisor Extraordinaire!" He did a FANTASTIC job!!! We love you Uncle Mike, come back soon!!!

So, while the guys worked, Deb and I decided to take the kids on an adventure! I asked the kids, "where should we take Grandma Deb?" The answer was unanimous, "The goose park! The goose park!!" With that, we were off to the goose park...

"Looking GOOD!"

Grandma Deb and her babies!

It was windy and the kids were "flying!"

"Yayeeee we made it!"

-Excited Ally Boo

Miss Molly

Russell John

Monkey Girls

Piggy back swings!

When we arrived home the house was coming along great and the kids were SO EXCITED to see the progress. Russ said to me.. "mommy, we are going to paint our house and it's going to turn into a castle!" That kid cracks me up!

We called it a day and got back to work the next morning. I have so many more pictures to share as well as the finished product! Stayed tuned! I'll try and post every night this week until we are caught up.

Papa John and Deb are going to stay through next week. Conor is out of town, for work, and it's REALLY nice to have so much help. We have some fun plans and will also be painting the inside of the house!

Happy Helpers....

(L to R)

Russ, Ally, Molly and Libby

I hope your all having a great week! I'll be back tomorrow night!

~XOXO Gen

Father's Day

We have had a productive weekend! I have so much to blog about and so many fun pictures to share, I took over 490+ photos!! Ya, I'm and outta control shutter bug, I know it!

Anyway, I think I'll start with today and work my way backwards over the next couple of days/posts.

Happy Father's Day to all of you dads and grandfathers out there!

We had a really nice day today! With Grandma Deb and Papa John in town we had even more reason to celebrate. The day started off with presents, a yummy breakfast and touch ups on the outside paint job (the house turned out so pretty). THANK YOU Conor and Papa John for working yourselves to death this weekend!

Papa John, you are a fantastic father and role model! Thank you for raising such an exceptional man, husband and father! Conor, our kids are the luckiest four I know. I love you more everyday and I'm so proud of the father you have become.

"Now, the proper way to paint a house is all in the wrist!"

-Papa John

After a lesson in painting techniques, we set out on our weekly Costco trip. It's the kids favorite place to go!

Grandma Deb and her girls!

Papa John and his little dude!

Proud Grandparents

After a fun trip around the warehouse, we treated ourselves to a couple costco dogs and headed home.

Later in the afternoon, Conor and I snuck out for a run along the river together. We haven't done that in THE LONGEST time. It was fun and really nice to have that time. As you can tell, we are taking full advantage of having his parents in town. ;)

We ended our day with a family dinner (my brother, Dan, included)! We hit up Logan's Road House. A great time was had by all and the kids hit the sack without a peep tonight. They had a FABULOUS weekend!

Look out Logan's...The McNulty's have arrived!

(L to R)

Grandma Deb, Molly, Russ, Conor, Ally, Papa John and Libby

Uncle Dan and Me!

Ready to order!

Mo Mo and her daddy!

Grandma Deb and Little Libby

The Boys

(L to R)

Uncle Dan, Russell, and Conor

Ally and Mommy

Papa John and Ally

Grandma Deb, Libby and me

I hope all of you had a GREAT Father's Day!

Have a wonderful week!

I'll be posting again tomorrow night~ I can't wait to share the pictures from the weekend!