{never forget}

Our neighbors mostly all have family that live near by. But for us our neighbors are very much our family here. We gathered our folding chairs & The G family pulled their grill curbside. All this spontaneously on a pretty evening. Gabby sent me a text the other morning & it was a picture of a quote that read "you never forget the neighborhood kids you grew up with." I know without a doubt that our children will always hold dear the memories they are making with these wonderful families.

{Daddy}

The weather has been beautiful. It seems to put us all in a great mood. We spent much of the weekend outside playing. Presley was out jumping on the trampoline in dress up. Rod joined her. I love watching them together. Rod is so tender with his little girl. & she is so affectionate with him. But on occasion she makes him work for a kiss. 

{hugs}

Our adorable little neighbor, C invited Presley over to watch Frozen.  We hurried home from ballet class, sent Maddox off to school on the bus then walked in the rain down 3 houses. We felt rather spoiled when we walked into a party! Andrea made snow with the children, they ate cupcakes & other treats. The movie started & the children each received a blanket and popcorn. Presley returned to me all smiles & with painted nails. Her way of showing me her happiness since she still struggles to find her words is to hug me tight. She hugged me over & over again. 

{special}

 After church it seems like a mad dash to shove food into their tummies & put them down for naps. 3 hours at church can really wear out the babies. The bigger boys have "quiet time." They read, color, tinker on electronics, dig out the play doh. whatever it is...it needs to be quiet. Im a crazy person when it comes to quiet time. Complete compliance or else! Like I said...Crazy person. When naps have been had its always very obvious that we won't be on schedule and kids will be getting to bed later than usual & thats just part of late church & late naps. No complaints here. This Sunday was much like others before it. Shirtless lounging & brother hugging. Nothing special. But I imagine someday these pictures of just a regular old sunday evening will be pretty special to me.

{Arizona prt.4}

Mom & Dad, 

The kids walk  run into your home like 5 little swirling tornadoes of energy & personality. Each one demanding something different. Christmas brownies, play doh, markers, your iPad, your attention. I never see you skip a beat. I never see the look of  desperation during their storms.  I  feel it on my own face, but never see it in yours. You act as if you yearn for this chaos.  & that is why you are the most magical of grandparents. You embrace each of these babies. You make sure they each get a moment or two or three alone with you. You listen & hold their hands. Your patience seems limitless. Spilt juice (again)? no problem! fingerprints (on everything)? no biggie!  loud squeals and tag matches in the house? Lets join in!  Mom & Dad, you are blessings in the lives of these children. They find their identity in this family of ours. When we speak about families here at home or when they draw pictures at school...its never just 7 people. There are 9 & a dog, named Luca.  You are every bit a part of their everyday as Rod & I are. Thank you for being here for us even when the miles keep us physically apart. Thank you for loving the messes & the noise! We love you & certainly never take you for granted. Not for a second. 

I love you.