Sharpies, Swimming Phones, & Hoarders

Dearest Elizabeth Dolores McNulty,

Reflecting upon the last few days, I felt compelled to write you a letter.

You are a pistol. You may be small in stature, but you are mighty in all you do. There isn't a play structure you can't conqueror or room you cannot command. I try my hardest to find a balance between loving the person you are and putting you in your place when needed. Lately, you spend a good deal of time on "time out" and apologizing for your actions. Though you have NEVER done something you DIDN'T intend to do.

The infamous "stink face"

You NEVER forget something you "WANT" and rarely rest until it's yours. "NO" is a very hard word for you to understand at times.. although you are happy to spell if for me often! "No? N. O."

If you aren't within direct eyesight, the real trouble begins (GOD FORBID I NEED TO USE THE POTTY or leave the room).

Just last week you honed in your skills and tested our sanity...

How you found it, we will never know. The only ones we have are up high on daddy's desk!! You won't give up your secrets easily, nor your partners in crime. I commend you on your loyalty. Your artistic creativity with a Sharpie is reminiscent of early cave man work. Nicely done!

Any ideas for removing permanent marker???

In addition, my latest phone was treating me well... that is, until you decided to, "call someone." Yes, that was YOUR explanation.

Not even a day in rice could save it!

Really Libby, who were you trying to call? The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles??

Our favorite sewer dwelling reptiles

We won't even talk about your fascination with the dog food, that's a story all on it's own! Needless to say you keep me on my toes and teach me the true meaning of patience. Despite your ability to drive me batty your charm melts my heart.

Girlfriend, you have many endearing qualities such as your talent for collecting everything - especially the toys. Hopefully it eases up as you get older, or we could be heading towards an episode of Hoarders.

You are the most loving cuddle bug around and always the first to share kisses. Your hugs could melt even the grumpiest of grouches and your sweet songs make us all want to sing along. You are a wonderful sister and always looking out for the other kids... they are lucky to have you in their corner.

I have no doubt that you will grow up to make this world a better place. You know what you want, how to get it, and sure as sugar don't take "NO" for an answer! I can't wait to see those talents put to GOOD use!! I love you with all my heart, you darling, confident, feisty little person. You keep life interesting and I can't imagine a moment without you.

Just do mommy a favor... this week... take it easy on me. Please?! Auntie Sandra is hoping I send you off to live with her in Mississippi! ;)

XOXO

Mommy

Scootin' Machines!

Our kiddos never cease to amaze me. Today was a 1st for them and I'm so proud that I HAVE TO SHARE...

All 4 wild ones rode their scooters to the park, played their hearts out, rode home and did it all over again! That's a lot of scootin' folks.. makes me tired just thinking about it! ;) Man was it cute! They were so thrilled with themselves. I could not stop smiling, laughing and snapping off pictures! They are such BIG KIDS!!

Let's get this show on the road!!

Look both ways!

(no Russ isn't wearing a skirt - just a long yellow T underneath!)

And... GO!

"Are we there yet?"

-Sweet Princess Penny

Ally and her doggy

"I'm outta here, gonna go find some dudes to talk to!"

-Russ

"Turns out I'm surrounded by women, that's something new and different!"

-Russ

"I may be little but I have a HUGE appetite!"

-Little Libby, my BEST eater!

Look who's doing great on just her leash!!

-Penny and Libby

Hmmm...

"Wouldn't the world be a better place if cookies grew on trees?"

-Deep thoughts by Libby McNulty

"OMG. Like, tell me she is NOT gonna to wear those pink knee pads with that purple helmet!"

-Molly and Ally

"Let me show you how it's done guys!"

-Molly (aka) Speedy Gonzales

Off to do it all over again!

(back to front)

Ally, Molly, Russ and Libby

When I say "they have endless energy," I'm not kidding! It's like they are little energizer bunnies and keep going and going and going and going!! They are always up for the next challenge and great adventure. Thank goodness, so are we!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Just Call Me Mrs. Rogers...

I'm a broken record lately....

"It's beautiful day in the neighborhood!!"

AND.. I realize I sound a bit like Mr. Rogers.

I already talk to puppets, love my neighbors, entertain children all day long, sing songs and change my clothes when I walk in the door! Now, with all the sunshine & happiness spilling out of me lately, I just need a house coat and some slippers to complete the transformation....

Homer was onto something! ;)

Awww don't hate me. I love this time of year!! Gotta enjoy it while we can right? Before we know it's gonna be too hot to do anything but crank up the AC and swim in Auntie Barb's pool!!! I know many of you have been trapped under snow and are sick of the winter weather. We're sending sunny thoughts your way right now!!

Needless to say we've been going nuts outside the last couple weeks and enjoying every minute. All this spring air is making me picture happy too...

So mature!

-Molly

I hope by the time they are driving I have a wheel (& brake) on the passenger side too!!!

-Molly & Ally

Working her way across the monkey bars!

-Go Ally!

The little joys in life.

-Miss Molly

Part of the gang

-Princess Penny & Libby

Where to Molly?

-Russ, future pilot?

Best Buds

-Libby and Russ

Russell Man

My four favorite peeps!

Well, that's one way to have a picnic....

Love this picture!

SO funny & SO happy!

(L to R)

Russ, Libby and Molly

Little B and "the tongue"...

Ally Boo Boo

Molly

Molly and Libby

Searching for worms... melting my heart!

-Libs and Russ

Don't hate us too much! If it makes you feel better- it rained all day today. Also, we've got to enjoy it while we can because good old Sactown gets WAY TOO HOT - WAY TOO SOON!!! I love the transitional seasons and how the world comes to life when the sun comes out.

I hope your having a fantastic week! Happy Wednesday!

An Interview!

My sweet friend, Amanda, over at Multiples and More, interviewed me! Today I'm their featured blogger. I had a lot of fun looking back and answering her questions. I just cannot believe how fast the last (almost) 4 years have gone.

Sorry I've been a bit of a blog slacker this week. It has been beautiful here and we have been busy enjoying the sunshine. I have not been on my computer at all!!! BUT, I do have some fun pictures and stories to share. I promise I'll get on that tonight!

I hope your week is going great!

UC Davis vs Cal Rugby

Goooooooo Bears!

(front to back)

Molly, Libby, Russ and Ally

PS: If you have multiples or LOVE multiples drop by Multiples and More! It's a great site run by wonderful woman!

Laundry Can Wait

Our kiddos have an ENDLESS amount of energy. ENDLESS. They play and play hard all day everyday. They do not stop. By the time 7pm rolls around they crash for the night. Don't be fooled, though....they aren't sleeping. Rather, just recharging those wild batteries.

I realized the other day that I've mellowed out a lot over the years. I went from being a freaked out first time mom to a mommy of four instantly. I had to learn to chill and just let my hair down. I truly want them to "live" and have a happy and memorable childhood. I realize sometimes it's more important to leave the dishes in the sink and the laundry unfolded. After all, they aren't going anywhere and neither are we if I'm always cleaning!

We've had unbelievably gorgeous weather this week and you KNOW we have spent our days outside!! Our house looks like a bomb went off, but after looking at these pictures I took yesterday, it doesn't matter.

What does matter? These guys...

In birth order...

Russell Man

Allison Ann

Molly Lou

Elizabeth Dolores

Princess Penny

With the weather in the 70's the kids couldn't help but get their feet wet. I can't say I blame them. They had a blast....

Well, three out of 4!

Ally, Libby and Russ

Miss Molly was busy keeping track of shoes & hanging on dry land with me!

Libs and Ally, having the time of their lives.

Russ and his contagious laugh!

Sweet Ally boo boo

Little Libs

Sweet sandy feet

Molly and Me!

Naked toes, wet clothes and cool grass!

Bath tub here we come!

There is nothing better than a little fresh air and sunshine! Sometimes the simplest pleasures in life are the best.

Thanks Uncle Dan for the shirts!! I made sure to get them NICE AND DIRTY! We went to rival colleges and he likes to deck the kids out in his gear! ;

I hope you all had a great week!