We LOVE The Dentist!

I took the kiddos to the Dentist today. It was their 5th visit. Each time I have taken them, it's has gotten better and better. This time..... THE BEST!!! 

I was one proud and glowing mommy! They were on their best behavior every step of the way from the busy parking lot and holding hands, to sitting patiently in the chairs while I checked all four of them in, to using "quiet voices" while playing in the waiting room. They were even BIG KIDS and let the sweet tech take "pictures", x-rays of their teeth! 

When it came time for the teeth cleaning they didn't cry or wine, they each hopped in my lap and took a turn while the other three watched and cheered the current patient on! My heart was swollen with pride... I can't lie! They were sooooooo good and I could not stop saying "you are SO GROWN UP! I am SOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!!" 

All four kiddos left with a new tooth brush, fresh pack of floss and a clean bill of health. 

I can say, without a doubt, our kids LOVE the Dentist and can't wait to go back in September. 

"Mommy says the Dentist is FUN... I'm not so sure...?"

-Molly

(L to R)

Ally, Russ, Molly and Libby

"Okay, this is actually a really cool place!"

Molly (always the leader of the pack) was the first in the chair! The other three kiddos, after hearing her praise, were anxious to take their turns. 

"Look at me mommy!!"

-Sweet Ally

"Cheeeeese...."

-Shy Libby

"Wait, you don't want a picture of this mug - only the chops?  

What are you, nuts?"

-Big Man Russell

PROUD Mommy with Ally!

Of course, when we got home.. my luck ran out and I had four VERY TIRED peeps on my hands. I spent the rest of the afternoon fixing melt downs and getting my own dental exams! It was actually pretty funny. 

"Open wide mommy, you are a such a GOOD girl!" ...

According to Russ my pearly whites are looking mighty good! ;) 

Tonight the house is VERY quiet as they dream away in their beds. Hey, ya never know... we MAY have a future Dentist on our hands! 

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope your all having a GREAT week! 

Fun With Grandma Deb!

The kids have loved being able to video chat with Grandma Deb since Christmas but nothing beats the real thing!

On Tuesday she arrived via airplane from Portland and the kids could not wait to get to the airport. The moment those planes were in site the screams of excitement began. We circled the terminal with the windows down to see who could spot Grandma Deb first. Libby won, our little eagle eyed girl!

The rest of the week was filled with the same level of excitement. The kids and I took Grandma Deb on adventures to many of our favorite haunts.

The river was #1 on our list... 

"What do you think of our river Grandma Deb?"

-The kids were SOOO excited to show her where we hang out!

Ally Boo Boo

Molly Lou Ann

Little Libby

Russell Man

Holing Hands

(L to R)

Russ, Molly and Libby

Rock throwing contest

(L to R)

Ally, Libby, Molly and Russ

Chillin with Gma Deb!

Smelling the flowers, a favorite past time!

Of course the park was a hot spot too. The kids had a great time showing their skillz for Grandma Deb. Like I said in the previous post, they really are growing up so darn fast!  We are truly enjoying this age so much and making every moment count.

"I see you!"

-Mo Mo

Grandma Deb getting a work out!

Libs

Ally, just HAPPY to be with her Grandma!

"Look at me Grandma Deb, I DO IT MYSELF!!!"

-Libs and Molly uttering their favorite line.

Sweet Ally

Grandma Deb and her WILD Man!

Conor took Friday off to spend with all of us. I can't tell you how cool that was! We had a nice, slow start to our morning and headed out to The Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, CA! 

On the way we hit up In & Our Burger, a MUST when our NW family is in town. The sun was shining and it was 80 degrees... HEAVEN! After lunch we piled back in the car and headed to candy paradise. 

"Double double animal style please!"

-MY favorite! ;)

Upon arrival, Russ was THRILLED to see that the Jelly Belly sign was red, his favorite color! We had never visited the factory before so this was a first for all of us. It was a GREAT way to spend the day and just do something different. 

(L to R)

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

Candy Land!

We hit peak field trip hours and had a little bit of a wait. However, the kids did great and made us laugh the whole time we stood in line. We were very proud of them. 

Russ

Ally and Mommy

Conor and Russell

Grandma Deb and her girls

They wouldn't let us take pictures inside :( but I did take this super cool one of Ronald Reagan (made of jelly beans) while we stood in line! Cool right?!

 

He is made from jelly beans dipped in glue!

As we were about to enter the tour I snapped one quick photo of the kids with their hats on. Ally STILL doesn't want to take hers off. 

"On your marks, get set... SUGAR!"

After we learned all about the history of the jelly bean and saw how they were made, we got a little taste test for the road... YUMMMMMY! 

"Wait, your just gonna LET us eat candy? SWEETNESS!!"

(L to R)

Russ, Molly, Libby and Ally

"What were we thinking giving the kids sugar before the care ride home?!"

-Conor and Me

We checked out the gift shop, grabbed a couple bags of "belly flops" for Easter and hit the road with great memories and stories to share. It was a really special day for all of us and so nice to be together.

The car ride home was a quiet one with three out of four kiddos snoring away. Miss Molly kept us entertained with her stories and observations while the other three slept soundly.

The Jelly Belly Factory was the coolest part of our week, but not the best. The best part was just being able to spend time with our Grandma Deb. The kids love her so much that it just makes us smile from ear to ear.

Each morning they would get up and go sprinting to her room and crawl in bed with her. It was truly ADORABLE!! This morning was the first morning she wasn't here and Libby cried outside the guest room door. Having Grandma Deb here was a breath of fresh air and we miss her already. 

Come back soon Grandma Deb!! We love your more than words can say, all 6 of us!

I thought this sign was fitting... 

Have a GREAT week everyone! 

Pictures

Grandma Deb was in town this week and we had a great time showing her the new digs and neighborhood. I'm uploading photos right now.. it's going take a while. Deb, we miss you already! 

So, in the meantime, here are a few fun park shots I took last week. I started to post and never finished! Where did the time go?! 

I tell ya, they are getting more and more grown up with every passing day. This TRULY is a magical time. 

More fun stuff to come later tonight!

Ally Boo Boo

Russell Man

Molly Lou Ann

Little Libby

Libby and Mommy

I hope you ALL had a great weekend!

Just a Little Off the Sides....

Lately, I find myself laughing at the imbalance of testosterone in our house.  The girls (Gen included obviously...) run the roost, with Russ and I holding on to our "guy time" as a sacred tradition.  

Backyard haircuts have become a hilarious event now.  I don't know if I enjoy it more because of my envy/dwindling supply of follicles, or due to the shear (no pun intended) enjoyment that Russ gets out of having something that the girls can't participate in - since they are growing out the locks in between trims.  The conversations are absolutely priceless, and he revels in the chance to gloat and milk the time for all its worth.  Sample quotes heard this evening include:

"No....it's guy tiiiiiime....not for girls!"

"Yeah.....I get a haircut.  I get to help!"

"No no, Mo-Mo - girls have LONG hair - you don't get a haircut like me!"

"That's right ladies - this guy is getting the special treatment today..."

Russell at the local backyard Barbershop

"ha-ha, I don't get it - what's a 'High & Tight' ?"

"Daddy - can I buzz you next?  Oh...sorry....not enough there, eh? "

"I'm next, I'm next, I'm next!!!" 

The female trifecta -  watching intently with envy

"Why don't I get a haircut?  Does Daddy not love me?" 

Libs, laying on the guilt trip

"No fair!  I want a buzz too!"

Allison - not shy about voicing her displeasure

Gen - providing reassurance and comfort

"Cheese!!!" 

 The satisfied Russ-man