Memorial Day Weekend

We decided to spend the weekend at the Beach with Pete's family and Grammy and Baca.  It was a beautiful weekend with lots of good family time.  We made our way to the beach Saturday morning and spent a few hours playing, running, digging, talking, and all sots of fun.  I love watching the boys running around and they were getting brave with the water and seemed more comfortable being near the water without us having to be so close.

Teddy spent the first hour sleeping in the car seat and then woke up to good times.  He spent his time under the umbrella with Grammy and me.

The boys would spend lots of time running into the water and then as soon as the water touched their feet, they'd quickly turn around and run towards everyone.  Peter spent some god time playing with Matthew especially while Adam and Zach played catch for a long time. 

The gang got to see all of Teddy's endless smiles and giggles.  It's just the best to see your children and your siblings develop these precious relationships.  Just the neatest.

The kids seemed to always enjoy playing in Grammy and Baca's room especially on the "magic" bed.  Matthew was showing us his big muscles and Tyler and Julia spent a great deal of time playing together.  In fact, they even got married and Matty was the best man!  The "married" couple were always playing so nicely together and have really starting bonding in a new way. 

The kids also spent a lot of time at Treasure Island.  Tyler even was finally comfortable enough to do lots of swimming but decided he didn't like the muck at the bottom of the canal.  I don't blame him because I think it's kind of gross myself!  We did some kayaking and digging for treasure.  Treasure Island has really been such a fun thing to have because it's kind of the best of both worlds.  The kids can swim in it a little bit, play in the sand, have some adventures on the kayaks, and still be within a short distance of the house.  This trip was so relaxing and overall very enjoyable.  My highlight was definitely seeing the cousins play so well together and genuinely enjoy each other's company. 

Play time with Cassels

Jack and Jill Graduation

Mother's day morning at school

Today was such a joyous and special morning with Tyler. We dropped Matty and teddy off at Willa's house and then went to school together. I was responsible for bringing the cookies (60!!!) to decorate. We went straight to the classroom and soon after the festivities began. The class sang several songs including one in Spanish and Ty had the sweetest smile on his face the whole time. We were then split into two groups and went from station to station with our group. We were with Tycen and Anya and had a good time doing things like dress-up like a mommy, hat making, mommy bingo, decorating a special box with his picture, and snack. Tyler also gave me a special surprise, a plate colored by him with a picture of me baking cookies for him and a story that was precious. It was just so much fun being with him one-on-one. It's rare I get that these days and love when it happens. He seemed equally excited was quite spirited and happy! What could be better! It's in moments like this that I am so so incredibly grateful for my healthy little man and love being able to create these special memories together. And received the cutest text from Willa of a pic of Matty and Bea snacking together with huge smiles and a pic of two baby monitors with sleeping teddy and Millie...so cute and made me smile. What a gift Willa gave me today being to spend some quality time with one of my kiddos while she took care of the two little ones. And it seems like Matty and teddy thoroughly enjoyed their time too because everyone was all smiles when we arrived at the house! Good times.

Mother's Day

I have to laugh because the morning didn't start like I was picturing in my head.  You know, the sleep in late and have some breakfast brought to you.  Instead I was risen from bed at 4:45 and then a 3-month-old not wanting to go back to sleep.  I decided to bring him into the bed with us and promptly at 6:45 the poor little guys threw up everything that was in his belly.  So, I started a load of wash and then heard the other two little men waking up.  Matty wanted Daddy to get him because Daddy was gone for a few days and at first was very clingy to him to the point that he didn't want to give me a hug.  Fine.  Lovely.  Tyler woke up and usually wants me to help him and today he said "no I want Daddy since he wasn't here for a few days"  This usually doesn't bother me in the slightest but today I was looking for a little loving.  He yelled down "Mommy, you can hold my underwear"  Seriously?!  How kind and generous of you, Tyler.  Underwear....just wanted I always wanted!  He didn't know it but it didn't make get the giggles.  Eventually, all the boys came downstairs and sang "Happy Mother's Day" to me while I was putting away dishes (that I really didn't want to do!).  Then they all snuck outside, picked a rose each, and then came back in and each one asked me if I wanted to go on a date.  Next thing you know we were sitting at the Quentin Haus having a delicious breakfast and enjoying each other's company and my morning was definitely redeemed!  It was a whole lot of fun sitting there in our PJ's eating some great food and catching up.

Church was wonderful and all the other mommies were so pleasant and also happy.  It's always a nice mass and we receive a blessing at the end.  I even convinced the family to get a picture under the tree and surprisingly everyone agreed and cooperated quite well (a first for the 5 of us!). 

Loving all the kisses.  So, so lucky to have three healthy, beautiful, silly, spunky, and smart little men in my life and a husband that gives me the strength and love to be the best I can be. 

ZooAmerica

We decided to make a trip to ZooAmerica since Daddy was going to be gone for a few days.  It was a perfect Friday morning.  Cool, crisp air and a lot of sunshine.  We arrived just after 9:00 and were practically the only ones in the park for a while.  The boys were so good and extremely excited to see all the animals.

We did two loops around the park and eventually had a picnic by the porcupine.  The boys were so silly and seemed fascinated to people watch because by that time there were lots of school groups there.

The two older boys were so well behaved and seemed to really enjoy each other's company. 

The two black bears were there and sleeping, but it was still really neat to see them.

I have to say I was thrilled and proud of our big adventure with all three boys by myself, but I think we all missed Daddy a little bit.  We took some pics to "show Daddy when he comes home" as Tyler would say.  Too cute.  All in all, a great morning.