Coagulation in Omaha

The cousins unite for a wild few days. This was a last minute trip making it a true adventure. We attempted to drive though the night and ended up in a hotel at 4 am somewhere in Nebraska due to heavy rains and very tired eyes. But my brother and sister-in-law were flexible hosts and all 6 kids and 4 adults stayed comfortably in their home. Kai and Addie were old enough and brave enough this visit to sleep with their cousins instead of each other. There was probably less sleep because of it, but sure was fun! The weather was not ideal but Omaha proved to be much more green and blossoming than home. Accompanied by allergies for me....lovely. Here's all the kiddos together at the Omaha Zoo. Drew 6, Issac 3.5, Kai 3.5, Ella 2, Addie 2, and Eli 11mo. Their zoo is so cool. If you're ever out there, it is always a highlight. Due to rain there was lots of inside play. Dress up costumes was a hit with Kai and Addie. Kai tried on multiple outfits but the lion was my favorite. We've been watching lots of The Lion King lately and Kai has been working on his "roar!" The pic fits. Addie put on all the "pretties" and never took them off. Princess....need I say more (even with an upside down tiarra). Here's Eli and Daddy at the zoo. For the most part, Eli was right in on all the playing now that he's mobile to crawl and stand around furniture. He just appreciates being part of the commotion. He would squawk, kick his legs and bounce in happiness. He also loved crawling after the 2 cats they have! There was some chick time. Aunt Becky painted the girls' toenails (brave job because you have to be quick and an entertainer to keep them from smudging nail polish all over the house)! Addie and Ella are 6 days apart although not apparent by size. They enjoy each other as much as 2 yr. olds are able and will even more in the future! Drew, Issac and Kai thoroughly enjoyed each other. They slept together, napped together and played everything together. Uncle D soaking up some niece time with Ella! Group storytime with Aunt Becky. It was classic. They won't all fit on that couch much longer! Looking forward to our next cousin reunion in September for a wedding and the new arrival of another niece!

Addie's 2nd Birthday Party

Addie joined 4 other friends' kids with May birthdays from our church to celebrate her birthday! The theme was SUPERHEROES! It was a wild time. The moms got together to make Superhero costume accessories for party favors. Each kid got a mask and arm bands to wear at the party. The kids were also encouraged to wear their own costumes. Older youth in our church organized games, a skit, and music for the party!! We ended up with 47 adults and 35 kids. WILD! Here's Addie blowing out her candles. As everyone sang "Happy Birthday" Addie started to cry. She didn't like all the direct attention. She only stopped because I pulled out the cupcake with a candle in it. Booya--cake! As you can see below, she obviously enjoyed it! It's rare we have the chance for a family pic....so here we are with all our 'lil Superheros! Eli is Batman and Kai has a cape with Eli's mask. Hence, the mask fits a little tight on him--size 12 months. Addie refused her cape and any other Superhero accessories...although she was open to the Happy Birthday tiarra! Our little princess. Mommy and Batman. The cutest lil superhero! The mask fit Kai if it was positioned just right.....beautiful baby blues peeking through that mask! Here's the other birthday Superheroes--Noah, AJ, Vivy, Izzy, and Addie. The birthday madness also included a visit from Grandma and Grandpa, a trip to the zoo, more cake with our neighbors, and presents. Addie is a happy 22lb. little squirt. She is starting to talk in simple sentences, although much of her communication is difficult to understand. She uses a whiny voice which makes it even harder sometimes. Derrick is better at translating than I am. Addie dropped her pacifier cold turkey on her birthday as well (not by choice). But she's doing exceptionally well without it! Happy Birthday Addie girl!

Mother's Day

I AM a blessed momma! My Mother's Day started Saturday when the kids couldn't keep my gift a secret after shopping with Daddy. So, welcome amazing new pillow and I-pod shuffle for my new exercise attempt! On Sunday, we all went on a little hike along the creek in our backyard before church, then had some good friends visit during naptime and then a long walk and picnic in the evening. It was a very enjoyable day. Here's some pics from our day together.

Sibling synergy

So wow, I have quite a bit of posting to catch you up on our little munchkins....and some great pics, so stay tuned the next few days!!! First of all I must note, this was the first day wearing shorts! Yeah! Kai and Addie have taught Eli how to JUMP in his crib! And he is pretty good at it! This pic is during one of the "lessons." It was a loud fun time! Here's the boys showing some brotherly love. Kai asks to hold Eli occasionally. It's hard to catch it in a pic because Eli is such a squirm worm. He will not allow holding much longer. Kai and Addie were sportin' their gashes and bumps on their heads! Kai got a huge cut when hit the wall playing at the neighbors and Addie tripped and hit her forehead on the cement steps in front of the house. Ouch. They are both healed up now.

Addie's 2!

Happy 2nd Birthday to our sweet Addalyn! We love you. More to come about birthday madness.