A getaway in pictures…

 

     

 

The holiday was loads of fun. Between mine and my brothers family, we have nine kids under nine, so it has the potential to be a bit much, but it went so smoothly and we all had a blast being together. As you can see from the pictures, besides one or two excursions, we spent the majority of time swimming at the pool or the lake. My favorite evening was when we took the littles go carting. Let me tell you, if you have never taken a four year old go carting, do so now. It is hilarious, I think that's the hardest I've laughed in a long time. The fireworks were lots of fun too, this is the first year it ever occurred to me to bring ear plugs for the kids, and it made all the difference in the world. There was not one tear shed, simple enjoyment. The best part was Eleanor, I'm not sure if any of us actually watched the fireworks, she was just so darn cute. After every one she would ooh and aah, and clap. Oh my, I could have sat in that moment forever. It was a great time and so nice to be with family, looking forward to next year!

10 things to know about me…

1. I'm terrible with anything hair related. I'm sure my hairdresser despises me, I cry at nearly all hair appointments (and Dr. appointments, I don't know why).
2. I have not so great pregnancies. The babies are so perfectly healthy, but I am very sick- hyperemesis gravidarum at it's finest. Were talking weekly iv's, hospital stays, the whole nine yards. I clearly have an obsession because the moment that baby pops out, I forget the whole thing, and would easily have five more.
3. I am the worlds worst arguer/debater. I rare to never even know what were talking about and have absolutely no mental capacity for any of it. Inevitably I will end up saying something like "oh yeah, well the cat is blue." Yes, it really is that bad.
4. I am not a great cook. I am however an adventurous cook. I hardly ever cook the same thing twice, am always trying some new recipe I tore out of a magazine or found on pinterest, and the majority are epic fails.
5. I have a serious and debilitating addiction to reading. I love it. Once I pick up a book I cannot stop until I have read it cover to cover. I banned myself from reading for the past year, for the health and well being of my family.
6. One might say, Im not to grounded in reality. I'm a dreamer, an optimist. I love anything outside the box, and wholly believe that anything is possible.
7. I love to learn, no matter what it may be. I took violin lessons this past semester, I have taken photography courses, and researched the gamut of topics from the birthing of calves to cake decorating. My dad kindly refers to me as a renaissance woman, which is a nice way of saying that I dabble in lots, but am not great at any one thing.
8. I have severe wanderlust. I long to see the world and to take the buggies with us. I want to show them a diverse culture, introduce them to new cuisines and different ways of life.
9. I am a quiet and semi-introverted individual. I'm soft spoken and a bit of a mumbler, which all in all is a terrible combination.
10. I love my friends and family. I am fiercely protective, and forever loyal. I have had the same best friend since I was fifteen. I do true, lasting friendships over acquaintances, and motherhood suits me. I have a built in group that I finally fit in with and I do not take one day of that for granted.

Sanity…

I am with my buggies all day everyday, and it is awesome. I would not trade it for the world, but…sometimes, it can be challenging. There are moments when I feel like a good cry or a loud piercing scream would be just the ticket.

Now, rare to never do Kaleb and I get to go out on an actual date, but we have a home date nearly every night beginning at 8 o'clock. We keep a pretty strict bedtime for the crazies, because it's so important to the both of us that we have some alone time, and at the end of the day were pretty desperate for some adult conversation. Some nights its nothing more then sitting beside each other on the couch watching our favorite show. Other nights its something fancier, like a game of croquet and a cold drink under the stars, or waiting to have dinner just the two of us. Sometimes, it's simply doing chores out on the farm together. Regardless of what it may be, it's my secret to sanity. It keeps our marriage always on the forefront and gives us an opportunity to dream and connect. A moment, to catch up, share and usually have a good laugh.

When we do not have this time together, like the past few weeks, I turn into a big time grump. Those few hours are sacred. They remind me that I am a bit more then a mum, that I'm still a woman, that I can be funny. Let me tell you, I love this man, he is so good to me. He still makes me laugh more then anyone else, and I always look forward to the evenings, so I can have him all to myself. 

Bad Night, Good Day

This little bug just had a no good, terrible night. Which means Mommy and Daddy had a no good, terrible night. Not once since she was a newborn babe has she had a night where she just could not sleep. So I'm thankful, one bad night I can handle. We tried rocking her, putting her in our bed, we changed diapers, changed crib locations, you name it, but she just could not sleep. She's a homebody, she likes to be in her nursery and in her own bed. Anyway, between Kaleb and I both, we got about an hour sleep. I thought it might make the day a little tricky, but it was great. We swam and played, everyone content to lap up every moment of sunshine. 

Eleanor is a total water bug. She absolutely loves it. Her favorite thing to do is raise her arms up high, give you a big grin so she knows your watching, then slam her hands down, splashing everyone. I could watch her do this all day, I know as her mamma I'm biased, but she is just so stinkin cute. 

The day ended with kids so completely weary. We narrowly avoided total breakdown and tucked them into bed quickly. As I type this sweet Eleanor is asleep in my arms. Beautiful child, sleep well. Please.