Quatriple Pool Adventure ...

The quads and triplets in the pool.

The kids, my cousin Patrick and I spent the day at the public pool with my friend Casey and her darling girls.

If your new to our blog, click here to check out my post on sun safety.

I've talked about Casey and her trio many times before. But, I have never shared how we met! Her triplets are about to turn 4 (8 months older than our foursome). We met Casey when 0ur babies were about 8 weeks old. We had just brought Russ home (the last man standing) and he was on oxygen. I was nursing, pumping, pumping and nursing. Sleep wasn't something we thought about and we were just learning how to put one foot in front of the other with four infants at home. We had NO IDEA what we were doing! I look back at that time and laugh!

Our local mothers of multiples group was very sweet and the members were taking turns bringing us dinner! On the day that I met Casey, I had some company at the house and jumped at the opportunity to take a shower between feedings, awwww heaven!! When I stepped out of the shower, I wrapped my voluptuous self in a towel- 2 sizes too small, and stepped out into the hallway of our tiny house. Dripping wet, I look up and there she was, holding dinner. And.. there I was.. in all my post quads/nursing glory! Ha ha ha, I'll never forget it. We've been close ever since.

Casey has been a true friend and life line for me over the last three years. We have been through a lot together! She is unbelievably patient, smart and kind. As our friendship grew from questions about bottles, diapers and milestones so did the topics of conversation. Casey has become so much more than just some one who understands my life, she is someone who understands ME and loves me despite myself! Casey, I LOVE YOU! You are an inspiration to me. You make me a better mother and friend.

Oh boy am I mushy tonight! Ha ha ha!! ANYWAY.... I have a funny story to share about our day with Casey and the girls!! We met them at this GREAT pool. If you live in the area you NEED to check it out! The toddler area was HEAVEN!!!

The 7 kiddos and Patrick played all day long in the wading pool. They had a blast and Casey and I enjoyed ourselves too. We brought a picnic lunch and took a nice long break in the shade between sessions. When the second session started, the kiddos were ready to jumped right back into the pool. They are all becoming such good swimmers! It's really cool to see and this former life guard could not be more proud!

Midway through the second session a bunch of whistles started to go off. The deck had three different pools, the mushroom pool (for toddlers/our pool), a medium sized pool for the little kids and an lap pool for everyone else. The place was quite crowded but you wouldn't know if from where we were. Suddenly, we were evacuated from the water. Of course, Patrick, wondering what was going on, wandered over to the BIG pool to see what all the fuss was about.

Casey and I looked at eachother and ushered our 7 kiddos out of the pool ... confused! "What? Is everyone okay? Is anyone hurt? Why all the panic? What is going on?"

A minute or so later Patrick returned.... laughing a laugh only a 13 year old boy could appreciate. "Hey Gen, have you ever seen he movie Caddyshack?"


I looked at him sideways, and started laughing too.. "OOOH NOoooo they didn't!?" "Oh yes they did!" Some one did a "doody" in the BIG pool. After I composed myself and my 7th grade sense of humor, all I could say was.. "THANK YOU GOD it wasn't Russ!"


When Casey and I get together, there is NEVER a dull moment! NEVER. We LOVE IT! ;)

2 mamas and 7 kiddos!

Casey and Me

Thank Heaven for little girls!

Our girls hit it off from the first play date. It's so fun to see them all together!

(L to R)

Molly, Lissy, Makena, Riley, Libby and Ally

Molly

Libby

Ally

Russell - channeling his inner "Hoff"

Ally and Alyssa

Patrick, Molly, Libby and Russ

Sweet Funny Ally

Pat and the Quads

"Why does mommy keep talking about Baby Ruth's?"
Russ & Ally - hamming it up

Cousin Pat

Have a great weekend everyone!

We're looking forward to having Conor home, and having some family time!

I Think I Love This Age...

The Flamingo- McNulty Style!

(L to R)

Libby, Ally, Molly and Russ

If I step back long enough to find the humor in this age.... our 4 three year olds CRACK ME UP!!

They never, ever, ever, ever, ever stop talking.

Every question is followed by another question.. followed by another question... followed by another and another. "Why mommy, why, why, why, why, why, why, why???" (in chorus!) This goes on until I think of something clever enough to satisfy their intrigue or just plain give up and say "I dunno, quick look at that deer!!!"

Their imaginations are on FIRE! Here is a cute example..

Russ: "Mommy DON'T MOVE..There is a giant hole in the floor!"

Mommy: "Oh my Russell, that is a GIANT hole! What will we do?"

Russ: "Don't worry mommy the prince will save you!"

Mommy: "Oh Russell, don't you worry, mommy is perfectly capable of saving herself."

Russ: "Silly mommy!"

I'm also realizing how unique their childhood is. I mean, really... to have 3 other siblings the exact same age, doing the EXACT same things at the EXACT same time. It's enough to drive any adult nuts, but in their world, it's the way all families are and it's a 3 year old's heaven. It's crazy.. they are NEVER lonely, never alone, and NEVER silent! The dynamics simply crack me up and warm my heart. The conversations they have with each other are priceless. For example..

In the car on the way to the zoo today, Molly and Libby:

Mollly: "B, my favorite color today is yellow! What's yours?"

Libby: "Ummmm, my favorite color today is black!"

Molly: "Oh B, that is a beeeeautiful color. Black is my favorite color today too."

Libby: "Noooooo, black is MY favorite color today."

Molly: "No it's mine!"

Libby: "No (crying) MOMMY.. tell Molly BLACK IS MY FAVORITE COLOR TODAY!!!"

Me: "Molly, black is Libby's favorite color today, mine is yellow what's yours?!"

Molly: BLACK!

Libby: (SCREAMS and CRIES!)

Their observations are hysterical too. They are ALWAYS in each other's business.

Russ (from the bathroom): "Mommy, I need you.. I took a GIANT MAN POOP!"

Ally: "Ya, it looks like a BIG SNAIL!"

Molly: "No, it doesn't - it looks like a snake!"

Russ: "Noooo it's my MAN POOP!"

Libby: "Nooooo Russell it's a GIANT caterpillar!"

Mommy: "YUCK you guys! YUCK. Look at that Deer!....."

Needless to say.. life is NEVER dull and our 4 are NEVER bored. Yet, we like to keep them busy! So far this week we have spent the day swimming at Auntie Barb's (Monday) and hung out at the Zoo (today).

I'm getting back into the groove and took lots and lots of pictures.....

"Open open open!"

-The kids LOVE hanging out at Auntie Barb's house!
(L to R)
Russ, Ally, Molly and Libby

Russ

Libby
BTW-it's a MILLION DEGREES outside! LOL!

Ally

Molly

The Zoo was GRRRRREAT today. We had my cousin (and God daughter) Grace hanging out with us for the day. On the way to the Zoo we talked Auntie Barb into the adventure and our caravan was complete. It was supposed to be so hot and it ended up being perfect! We had a FABULOUS day! Take that Sacto HEAT WAVE! ;)

My FIRST baby, Grace! ;)

The ALWAYS funny Ally Boo Boo

Grace and Russell

Barb with Ally and Molly

Russ and Libs

Ally and Mommy

We hit the animal show for the very first time. The kids LOVED it!

(L to R)
Grace, Russ, Molly, Barb, Libby and Ally

So cute!

"Mommy, what do those little Leopards eat??????"

(L to R)

Russ, Grace, Molly, Ally, Barb and Libby

"Bugs, my babies, bugs...."

Grace and Russell= Inseparable!

Oh Molly, She carried her big girl purse around all day. It was too cute for words!
-Molly and Barb

We are keeping super busy and having a great week and hope your doing the same! Happy Wednesday everyone!!

Powerful Perspective

Our kiddos have been great the last couple of weeks. Simply being with them is healing. They are full of unconditional love, innocence and humor. In all honesty, I have a whole new outlook on life and motherhood. I have a renewed appreciation and joy for what life is about. The usual struggles don't seem so bad and I realize how truly blessed our life is.

We had a GREAT family weekend. The six of us worked on our house and yard (painting inside & digging flower beds outside). We had some special moments and fun times with friends. We hit up a great birthday party Saturday (Happy 4th birthday Marlee!). Today we enjoyed a late afternoon bbq with some VERY special people.

Scenes from Marlee's party...

Our 4 Monkeys!
(L to R)

Ally, Molly, Libby and Russ

Ally Boo Boo

Molly Mo Mo

Little Libs

Serious Russell Man

Molly and Ally at the bubble station

In AWE of the GIANT Dora bounce house...

(front to back)

Molly, Libby, Ally and Russ

Present Time
Happy Birthday sweet Marlee! Thanks for having us!

Molly and Mommy

Ally and Daddy

Our very dear friends, Molly, her daughter, Ellie and Mary came over for a visit this afternoon. The kids played with Ellie 'til the sun went down while Conor and I enjoyed every minute with Molly and Mary. It was a great afternoon full of good food, great friends and fantastic conversation. The kids ended up in the hose-induced mud and we all laughed harder than we have in a long time. Like I said before, children are so healing.... as are wonderful friends!

Molly with her Libby and Ally

The kiddos eating their bbq chicken and fixings!

(clockwise from top)

Libby, Eli, Molly, Russ and Ally

I hope you all have a great week! It's supposed to be pretty miserably hot around here.. so we will be trying to stay nice and cool!

Want to Win $100.00!?!

I was thrilled when blogher asked me to be their newest product reviewer.

www.quadvillesfavorites.blogspot.com

A few weeks ago, while Erin and Joey were here, we got to try a new cracker from Ritz. It was fun having so many taste testers around to help me out.

Click here to check out my first ever review and find out how you can win a $100.00 gift card!

I'm excited to hear from all of you.
Good luck!

And more importantly .. THANK YOU ALL for your warm, kind and loving comments about Nani. I have read them over and over again and will continue to read them again and again. You have lifted me up in more ways than you will ever know. THANK YOU!

Celebrate Love, Celebrate Life.

I want to thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart. Your kind words and thoughts helped us each so much. My entire family read the comments. They meant the world to each and everyone of us. Your support and love helped us through a very difficult week and continue to raise our spirits now that the reality of our loss begins to settle in.

You not only made us smile, you made us realize how many wonderful people are out there. I feel so blessed to "know" all of you and again, THANK YOU.

Now, please excuse my ramblings. I am trying so hard to find some sense of normalcy and I hope that attempting to blog will help. Writing always seems to help...

I really miss my family today. Despite being a hard week, it was also beautiful - full of love, laughter, singing, dancing and togetherness. It was just the way Nani wanted it. We were all with her in the days before she passed. All of us. The love in their house, surrounding her bed, took my breath away. It was so real, so unconditional, so beautiful, truly, a wonderful way to go.

We were told she only had hours left. In true Nani form, she wasn't going let anyone put an estimate on her time here on earth! She truly was a fighter, even to the end.

When we knew she was passing I called Grandma Deb.. trying to compose myself, with tears streaming down my face. I asked her to come down to help with the kids. I knew the days to follow would not be easy and I knew I wasn't going to be very good at being a mom. My heart was broken and I felt like someone was sitting on my chest. Every breath was heavy, every breath is still heavy. Grief is one heck of a powerful emotion.

Debbie was happy to come and Conor flew her down. The two of them have been amazing. Simply, amazing. I love you both so much, thank you. Helping Conor and Deb run the show were my wonderful friends, Katie, Jennifer, Tanya and Shelby. Because of all the help, it was possible for me to be with my family through it all. My Nani was my heart... those close to me understood and selflessly made it possible for me to grieve. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I have no words to express how grateful I am to all of you. THANK YOU.

Our Nani leaves behind her husband (my grandfather) of 56 years, Russell. He is the most amazing man I have ever known and I adore him. When my dad left, the two of them helped my mom raise the four of us kids.

She also leaves behind 7 adoring children (and their spouses) along with 24 grandchildren (I am the oldest) and her four great grandchildren (the quads). We are all heart broken, yet so peaceful knowing she is no longer suffering. Having each other to lean on is a gift and something that none of us take for granted. We are an incredibly close and loving family... a testament to Nani.

The funeral was lovely and the church was packed. Nani was adored by everyone she had ever met! We all wore yellow, her favorite color and Msngr. Kidder read a letter I wrote to the congregation. The quads were so well behaved and a true comfort during the service. When all was said and done our family went back to my grandparents' house where we sang songs, shared stories, laughed and cried. I didn't know I had so many tears!!! But, most importantly we loved each other through the sadness. The emptiness is overpowering but together we will fill it with her memory.

Thanks for listening to me ramble and for letting me share a little of my Nani and family with all of you. I'm doing my best to put one foot in front of the other. Loving on my husband and beautiful babies is what is getting me through. She loved our kiddos so much and was so proud. I see her in each of them every second of the day. I know life will never be the same. I know I will never be the same. All I can do is try to live my life the way she did... living, laughing and loving.

I thought it would be fun to share just a couple of the many pictures my cousin Lauren took at our celebration. Lauren has a love for taking pictures, just like me. I'm so glad she did!

Debbie and my girlfriends had taken the kiddos home by the time the camera came out.

"The hills are alive with the sound of music!"

-Singing sisters

(L to R)

Jody, Peggy, Paula and Donna (my mom)

So loving together

(L to R)

Peggy, De, Barb, Dwight and Pete

Top Row (L to R)

Sam, Katie, Me and my sister, Katie

Bottom Row (L to R)

Jennifer, Mary Jo, Carie

A funny side note: My Nani and I had many WONDERFUL conversations in her last couple weeks of life. However, the VERY LAST thing she said to me was "Genevieve, I HATE your blond hair!!!" You've gotta love the honesty! So, naturally, I went back to my roots... just for her. ;)

Ashley and Andrew (my brother)

Lauren and Conor

Pete and My brother Dan

Me and Lauren

Thanks for the pictures Lauren and for always making me laugh.. no matter what! I love you!

Thank you again EVERYONE for letting me write and listening. I hope your all having a great week.