DPP 2014 Day 8

All good things must come to an end. *sniff sniff*

A truly wonderful time was had by all and we are feeling renewed.  We tried to talk ourselves into a few more days - but then the kids reminded us why routine is a good thing too.  Nothing like a few good melt downs to make you appreciate kids having rooms to be sent to. ;)

Today's selection was easy because it embodied our last day.  The weather turned colder and rainy.  This made the good days we had all the more appreciated. The rain and clouds mirrored our feelings about our vacation coming to an end.  It also highlights the commitment to fun we have had all week - because a little yucky weather wasn't keeping us away from Harry Potter and the Super Heroes!  And though a sunny day would have been nice, this day brought its own kind of adventure that we had yet to have.  This one is titled "Rain or Shine."

Because of the rain and a poor choice in one of our first rides (a Dr. Seuss fish ride that it was a challenging to stay dry - wish I would have known that), we made a purchase of sweatshirts for all kiddos.  This came about 1 hour after my declaration that there would be no souvenir purchasing today.  I hate to eat my words but it was clear they were going to need something warm and dry when we got back to the car.  Turns out - might be my favorite souvenir purchase. 

Cracks me up.  

Here is another gem and a reminder of my most important luggage. 

And finally - the only two brave enough and crazy enough to fly with Harry Potter.  We both came out green. Perhaps immediately following lunch at the Three Broomsticks was not our best idea.  But we survived and loved the ride despite the assault on our vestibular system.  

DPP 2014 - Day 7

I had a really hard time choosing which picture to post for Day 7.  I decided to go with the picture which was not something you see every day rather than one of our events from today.  As we were eating dinner tonight at an authentic Mexican restaurant, a Mariachi band came out.  Our table was right in front of the stage.  I am particularly fond of this band because immediately prior to their arrival, Katherine was being less than delightful.  She was wiggling her way out of her high chair seat belt, whining, and was generally annoyed.  Dinner was feeling a bit more like the World Wrestling Federation than a wind down from the day.  When this band came out, Katherine was transfixed.  She sat quietly, clapped loudly, and asked for more.  She was much easier for the rest of the meal.  So therefore, they win the picture of the day.  I titled it Feliz Navidad.

Here is K's reaction.

My close second was this picture of the girls.  We spent a lot of time at the pool today. I had a moment of panic when I turned around and couldn't find Elizabeth or Katherine where I thought they should be.  When I found them, I had to grab my camera.  They were sitting on the steps of the pool and dancing to the music.  Elizabeth is always quite sweet to Katie but it was captured perfectly here. 

Another picture that was in the running today was Omom snuggling Kate.  We had no more than arrived at the pool and K started rubbing her eyes.  She swam for a little while and then was falling asleep in my arms.  Omom was lounging by the pool reading her book and was more than willing to snuggle this little lady.  I love this picture because you can tell Katherine is trying desperately to fight sleep.  Plus this is Omom in her element.  She would hold a sleeping baby all day if she could. . .and she nearly did!  K took a four hour nap in Omom's arms!

The ever elusive Benjamin was caught today in action.  Ben can make a friend faster than anyone I have ever seen -- except maybe his father.  That is a talent that he and Rich share.  I love this picture because it is a window into Ben's sweet personality.  It always amazes me that he can be so high energy, disorganized, and crazy while being sweet, compassionate, and friendly.  Here he is - working his effortless friendship building.

Brandon is taking after his big sis Elizabeth while loving all things arts and crafts.  So when his Omom and Pawee offered to let all the kids to sand art, he was first in line!  He is obsessed with alligators and picked that shape for his sand art.  He even gave it a mouth, an eye, and toes with the shells he put in.  All the kiddos (except the great sleeping Katie), had a blast making these - but Brandon spent twice as long getting his JUST right. 

I will be sad to see this vacation end.  It has been a perfect balance of crazy fun and easy breezy fun. 

Now we are getting dressed for another Theme Park day! 

DPP2014 Day Six

Well today was full of fun and stories and I am unsure where to start.  I suppose you could say that I am filtering through the days events and beginning a selection process.  Which is apropos because my selection for today's DPP Day Six was titled "Selection Process". 

One story that I wanted to make sure I included as it is so important to the day happened while we were swimming today.  There were two older boys playing football and Ben immediately went to see if they would let him join.  They were so kind and included him fully. I made a mental note to make sure my boys would show the same kindness to a little kid wanting to be part of their game.  I had noticed as Ben approached the pump site on the back of one of the kiddos arms but did not say anything. A few moments later, Ben noticed the site and declared - "Hey, you have diabetes.  That is awesome!"  The kiddo said "yea" and looked at Ben like he was crazy.  And then Ben said very matter of fact, "my dad has diabetes too."  The kid smiled and they went back to playing.  Knowing that so many kids with type one get treated as different or strange - I love that Ben embraced this kiddos illness and made him feel "cool" for having it.  It also speaks to how Ben sees his Daddy.   

Another fun story is the altercation that Brandon had with the store.  He had carefully selected his purchases and wanted to know where the pants were to go with his selection.  When they reported that there were no pants, he said "that is ok, just tell me where you go to get the rest of the uniform."  Here is a picture of the uniform, sans matching pants. 

Elizabeth has been a dream on this entire vacation. She has been helpful and kind. She has been responsible and thoughtful. Today she got to go shopping (her favorite thing to do - especially if Pawee or Grandma are around). She spent much of her time selecting her favorite items but she also showed a big heart for her mama. She knows Mom is a Mickey fan and she picked out some treasures for me (with Pawee bankrolling her generousity). Particularly special was a necklace that she, Omom, and I have matching. 

Here are a few more pics from our day off.  

My morning run companion. :)

They CAN get along when they want to. :)

Brandon struggled with the hula hoop contest - but Elizabeth rocked it!

Spectators. 

Time outs happen.  Even on vacation...

Every day needs a good selfie - even if it is blurry. ;)

DPP Day Five

**Still a phone posting. 

After our late night last night, we slept in today. We had a slow morning and decided that the overcast day was a good excuse to hit one more theme park. We might be insane.  

Here is my selection for today because it was so sweet watching the three of them marching down the street (holding up traffic much of the time). These two are so good with their younger siblings and I know that it won't be long before seeing this picture will leave me nostalgic for times like these.  

I didn't take as many pictures today with my camera.  I think I, like my kiddos, was suffering from a fun overload hangover.  We had a blast today but it had a few more bumps in the road. 

Here they are sweetly waiting for the Frozen singalong.  Normally I would insist that there are no screens during family time but it was keeping them happy and quiet.  Picking my battles and choosing to not listen to the tired and whiney.  

This chick has to catch a nap however and whenever she can.  

These two are clearly their father's sons. A serious raid of the chips and salsa.  

And one last gem - because it makes me laugh and because it is so true.  

DPP Day Four

**Still an iPhone posting**

Here is the picture I posted for Day four.  I posted it on time - just didn't get around to blogging.  

The photo doesn't do it justice - especially since it was taken with my phone.  It was breathtaking. I titled it "Happy" Holidays.  

Our day was so much fun. We spent the morning swimming - which was as fun for me as it was the kids. I may have even busted out a few handstands and underwater flips.  Gotta educate the young in the finer things of swimming. Here are a couple fun pics from pre- swim preparation.  

He is serious about his swim gear. 

This pose cracks me up.  I wish I had access to my big camera pics as there is a great one of all four kiddos. 

We had some good naps and then we went to the Mickey Very Merry Party. What a blast.  Favorite moments - in no particular order (pics included - if available)

1.  Katherine and Brandon getting so excited and yelling and waving at the characters on a parade that happened by as we walked in.  

2.  Having a dance party in the streets in front of the castle with those same characters.  My kiddos had a ball dancing like crazy!

3.  We did NOT enjoy Stitch's Great Escape.   

4.  Got great seats for the parade and castle lighting.  All four kiddos were super excited for that and they made great friends with the kiddos sitting next to us.  

5.  Watching K lean in for a good look at Pawee's pictures.  She would studying them really close and with big eyes. 

6.  Taking Brandon and Elizabeth to see Elsa and Anna.  K was asleep, Ben fell asleep waiting for us.  Brandon gave Elsa the world's longest hug!!  Elizabeth reminded me that while she is maturing everyday - like her mom and dad - she is still a kid at heart. :) 

DPP 2014 - Day 3 - a little late

***still trying to post from my phone***

After a full, fun day - I crashed and burned at bedtime. Thus leaving nap time today as my only posting opportunity. 

Here is today's selection.  It was taken by my father - but let's not make a big deal of that. He is always saying what an artist (said arteest) he is.  He is insufferable. 

I chose this pic because it is easy to forget the season in 70 degree weather. We stopped for a rest after a long day of fun and this pic was snagged. It is a bit of a work of art - but again - this should never be mentioned to him.  I am calling it "Tropical Holiday". 

Today was a great day. We were set and ready for some fun. I always say that I feel like I have the whole world on my shoulders - it looks like I do in this pic!

Rich, a big kid himself, got to have some fun with his favorite characters. He is such a crack up. He was giddy and dancing around with excitement.  He came home with the most souvenirs for the day too.  I also love Ben's face in this pic. He was laughing hysterically.  He had just gotten quite a bit of attention from Marilyn Monroe and from Lucy - and then Lisa wanted to dance with him.  He walked away shaking his head and saying - "man, all the characters in this place love me!"

Perhaps my favorite pic from today shows that joy knows no age.  I snapped this a bit late for what I was going for - which was the foam balls falling on Omom's head - but I think I got an even better pic than I intended.  I love the genuine look of happiness on all three faces. 

And finally, the best part of Katherine's day was meeting Shrek and the parade. Here she is taking a selfie with Mom right after the parade. I am surprised she isn't signing "more" in the pic.  She was insistent that they begin again!

Today was a great family day.  So much fun was had - it made the back seat bickering worth it on the way home.  Off to more fun on DPP Day 4.  

DPP 2014 - Day Two

**disclaimer - typing from my phone. There will likely be errors and autocorrects!

There are certain things in life that can strike terror into your heart.  For little ones it is as simple as being in the dark alone.  For grown ups, the 3am phone call or that first morning your infant sleeps through the night.  But I know that all my mom friends will understand that nothing strikes fear quite like the idea of getting into a confined space for three hours with no room to move and no where to go - with an 18 month old.  Today, we attempted that feat during nap time.  What could go wrong?!?

After days of preparation, getting packed, getting a head start on Christmas, getting the housesitters all settled in, and getting work set for the absence, we headed out for a little trip.  Needless to say, no one was well rested and everyone had extra excited energy.  We arrived at the airport with the sudden realization that we would spend the next four hours on the plane.  We needed to feed these kids some lunch - even though it was 10:45am.  That was a close one - a hungry kid is never a compliant kid.

 As we moved to find our way to line up for boarding,  the people parted like the sea.  I took a moment to noticed the faces of those we passed.  We were not fast, quiet, or organized as we bumbled our way through.  The first face I noticed looked amused and the nice man even gave me a wink. I like him.  Santa should bring him an extra gift.  There were a several faces that were full of pity - oh you poor woman trying to get four children through the chaos.  And then there were the faces of fear.  You know the ones I am talking about.  Let's face it, we likely have all been that face.  The face that seemed to say - "for the love of God, don't let that baby sit near me!"  I cannot begrudge the fear faces for I often think the same thing when I travel alone.  I didn't travel alone to hear other people's kids cry, after all.  ;)  I also don't care about them.  While I always will do everything in my power to spend the trip teaching my children to be kind, quiet, respectful, and patient - I also know they are children.  What lies ahead of me is unknown and even the best laid groundwork can crumble under the grenade of "I wanted my drink on THIS side of my tray".  And don't we all know that no kiddo can melt down over the trivial like an 18 month old.  But this mama had one sneaky trick up her sleeve (even if it does break all my Peds PA rules). I spent two hours putting shoes on and taking them off to keep the pin from being pulled on my little, sweet, adorable 18 month old grenade. But as nap time drew near and then passed - she became more irritable.  Alas, I neglected to allow her to put the Velcro down on her shoe.  The pin was out.  Time to throw the Hail Mary!  Into my bag I dug, and pulled out a pacifier. The Paci has been out of K's life now for months.  She silenced the moment she saw it.  Dumbstruck by the vision of a long lost friend.  She giggled and clapped her hands in excitement and into her mouth it went.  I am not sure a sedative could have worked faster than that Paci did!  And she slept the rest of the way.  Sweet success!  All those faces, fear and pity were sminng at us on the way out.  And why wouldn't they - sleeping babies are cute and quiet.  :) (Please note - the pacifier has since returned to the abyss and will not resurface unless needed on the flight home)

While the story is fun - it isn't the only cute pics from today.  

This one is actually the "winner" for today. This is the one I posted for the project and it is called "Expectation". 

And here is another fun one.  Someone is a bit excited. 

This pic has quite a charge.  

And finally a pic of me blogging from my iPhone with nothing but iPhone pics.  It will have to do.  

Hopefully tomorrow I can catch Big Ben. That boy is rarely in one spot for long - so he can be tricky to get on film. 

DPP 2014 Day One

Well, it is official.  I am crazy.  As I try to add in a fun trip to the Christmas preparation crazy, I can't help myself but to participate in the December Photo Project (DPP) again.  My sweet friend Tara introduced this to me last year.  I love her pictures and the comments she puts with them.  I find the little snapshots sweet and often moments that would not have otherwise been documented.  Last year, I had so much fun trying to view my family through a lens; catching those moments that my heart knows so well now but that will fade with time. 

As with last year, we will see how it goes.  I may make it for one day or all twenty five, we shall see.  Day one is in the books.  It was so easy today because the kiddos all wanted to read about our Elf, Windle.  Now our elf is a very polite, easy going, and quiet elf.  He does not participate in mischief or craziness like the elves I see at some of my Facebook friend's houses.  I think Windle understands that I don't need one more thing to do.  Let's face it - cleaning up after four kids is enough without adding a mischievous elf to the mix.  Elizabeth sweetly offered to read the book.  Ben and Brandon sat down and Katherine is never one to miss out on anything.  What resulted seemed to me like the universe saying - "Get your camera! You are doing the DPP again!"  How else could you possibly explain this moment spontaneously occurring?  No yelling, no tattling, no squirming, just reading and snuggling.

My Baby Girl Turns One

The happiest of birthdays to my sweet baby girl.  We celebrated yesterday with a party with family.  It was a lovely party and Katherine had a wonderful time.  She enjoyed being the center of attention and really thought that cake was something great!  I love this chalkboard created by a friend of mine because it will help me remember those finer details about my 4th 1 year old that might have otherwise been forgotten.

 

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone.  I am sure I have said that before on this blog and I assure you - this will not be the last time either.  I can't decide if it is because we are so busy with four kiddos and two full time + jobs or if is because I am getting older or both!  Whatever it is, it leaves me feeling so bittersweet about this birthday.  Good bye babydom. . .hello toddlerhood.  And that is the final good bye to babydom.  The end of an era. . .

 

In general, I don't get too worked up over birthdays, first days of school, and the like.  I do think it does invite some time of reflection as to where you have been and where you are headed.  But as I tell my children, there are advantages and disadvantages at every age.  I would argue that is true for parents of kiddos too - there are advantages and disadvantages of having kiddos at any age.  But look at those four kiddos in that picture above - when I was clicking through the pictures that I had taken from this party - my heart swelled when I saw this picture.  How full and blessed our life is.  That daily grind that we all live and breathe sometimes causes me to lose focus on that big picture - that 30,000 foot view.  I am lost in attempting fair and consistent consequences that I forget that I have amazing and well behaved kiddos.  In the running to and from activities, getting responsibilities done, and getting kiddos off to bed, I forget to see the big personalities these little humans are developing.  This photo brought that back for me.  What a fantastic group of kiddos. . . and I love them dearly.

 

Sweet Katherine was so dainty as she began to eat this cake.  Delicately picking off eat little pink dot.  She enjoyed the frosting - but it took her awhile to find her way to a more aggressive tactic.

 

As you can see - she found it!  :)  Ben came over to say hello to her while she was enjoying her cake and she took the hand she is showing the camera here and patted him on the head.

 

Phew!  This cake eating is exhausting!  :)

 

Bye bye!  My dad is taking me off for bath!