Happy Birthday Allie!

You're the best Aunt Allie!

When I looked out my window on August 29, 2003,

this is what I saw.  

and this is what we looked like.

After awhile, we started to look like this,  

and sometimes this,

and when I look outside, it looks a little more like this.

But I think it all looks just as good, don't you Spencer?  

Happy 6th Anniversary!

yummy rice cereal

She still isn't so sure about this eating food thing. Maybe when we give her something more than just mush she'll be more excited about it.

quadruplets

It was quite the adventure having 6 kids 4 and under in one house. Someone was always sleeping, needing to eat, crying, or fighting over a toy. The boys love to play together, but they are boys, and they are LOUD. We tried to keep them happy and entertained for our santities sake. We were sometimes successful.



Rocks are good. Give boys some rocks, and they'll think of all sorts of things to do. I think here they are playing "mommy and daddy rocks". Although rocks are fun, it doesn't last long before the rocks are being thrown at cars or at each other. Also notice the two sets of matching outfits. People always think each set of brothers are twins. We even got asked if they were quadruplets. We are very thankful that they are not.


Grandma and Grandpa's yard isn't in yet, but that's ok. We made them some mud and it was like Christmas day. Andrew especially likes it. It got mixed in with the snot running from his nose and made a delicious muddy paste all over his face and hair.


Going to the park everyday was a MUST.



And the kids also found a lot of enjoyment from my parents moving boxes. It's all fun and games until they trapped someone inside and wouldn't let them out.

These crazy boys are a lot of work, but a ton of fun... and I am glad I don't have all boys :) Sorry Lindsey, Shelley, Staci, and a ton more people I know!

summer road trip

I have fond memories of summer road trips as a kid. We would all pile into the car very excited to get where we were getting. There would be lots of treats, games, fast food, movies, and giggling.

It's definitely not as fun when you are the mom.

We made the 2 day, 20 hour drive to Kennewick last week. My parents have moved back (hurray!) and the entire family got to be there.



We stayed in Utah over night with my fabulous cousins the VanWagenen's. A big thanks to Uncle Russ for breakfast and for all the girls entertaining the kids. And Elise, thanks a ton for letting us use your bed!

We also made sure to meet up with our BYU BFF's, the Cottrells. Ryan has to meet up with his betrothed wife now and then. Don't worry Ryan, you might be taller than Evie by the time you get home from your mission.

The kids really were troopers and did a great job. We picked up Aunt Allie in Utah and that helped a ton. It's amazing how exhausting just sitting in a car with 3 little kids can be.



My parents new house is beautiful and we loved the view of the orchards and open space.


And despite all the craziness of having us all under one roof, it was great to all be together!

A big lake in New Mexico? You must be joking.

That's what we thought when some friends of ours invited us to go boating.  But Elephant Butte Lake was there, and it was beautiful.

Ryan got to try tubing for the first time.  He was very excited about riding in the tube, until it started moving.  

5 months down...only 205 more to go

Mabel, that's not enough time, stop growing!!

At 5 months Mabel is rolling all over the place.

So she quickly realized that sleeping on your tummy is much better.

We still can't figure out her eye color:  blue, green, brown, who knows?

She is still deeply loved by us all,

including big brother Ryan who can get her to laugh better than anyone.