Surprise beach trip!

Last night when we put the kiddos to bed they were really excited because they knew that Thursday morning they were going to go somewhere, but they didn't know where. They were told that it was on our summer bucket list, and mama packed them extra clothes. They had their guesses, but we never confirmed anything.

L had his ENT appointment bright and early that morning (see that story here), so while we were there, Coach was getting the other 4 ready, and snacks packed so that when L and I got home we could load up and go.

When we pulled in everyone was ready to go. So after everything was loaded up and we were pulling out of the driveway, we filled the kids on where we were headed; they were ecstatic. The looks on their faces was priceless.  The town we usually visit is just a quick 45 minutes, but today we thought we would mix things up and visit another one that Coach has never been to, but it a popular spot. The plan was to get there, eat lunch, and either check out the beach, and then possibly head to our fav spot where we could do some school shopping at the outlets, or eat and then head to the beach and shop. We once we got there, we quickly found there was not a whole lot there. Maybe we needed to keep driving a little more, but there wasn't any fish restaurants, just local burger shops, and we wanted seafood. We made a quick decision to turn around and head to our favorite restaurant in our normal beach town.

Lunch at Moe's was perfect! We got in super quick, and they even had 3 highchairs for the trio to sit in. Everyone loved their clam chowder, and fish n chips. When we were getting ready to go the gal who was in charge of helping the customers pay their tab came over and asked Coach if she could see our ticket. Confused he handed it to her, and we continued to pack the kids up. We watched her help a gentleman and his son but didn't think anything of it so you can imagine the shock we felt when we got up to her and she told us he had paid for our entire meal, yes OUR ENTIRE MEAL! We couldn't believe it. The nice gentleman and his son also quickly left before we could thank him for his kindness. The clerk told us that he told her that he and his wife have 7 children of their own, and today he was "ruffing it" with just one son. He told her how he observed us while we were trying to enjoy ourselves, and people kept coming over to us. We are just so very thankful for the kindness of this gentleman and his son.

After leaving Moe's, we headed to the car and got all of our gear to head down to the beach; 2 strollers, buckets and shovels, blankets, our Ergo, mini ice-chest, diaper bag, camera, and jackets (I think that's about it).

Here we go!

All five kids had a blast playing on the beach. I packed extra clothes for them so just about nothing was off limits. They loved being able to dig and play in the sand. I thought the trio would want to sit on the blanket and play, but boy was mama wrong. Them boys were all over the place, and even playing with the shovel and bucket. The weather was overcast, but it was perfect. We were able to play on the beach for a couple of hours before nap time, and really took advantage of the time we were having.

E and Daddy 

Mama and B

L loved the buckets

My tiny dancer

Walking with Daddy

The best shot of all 5 I was able to get

Goof balls

After the beach we headed over to the outlet mall and did some school shopping for Missy while the trio napped, and the boys walked around. After shopping we got some ice-cream, and pizza, and then headed home.

So thankful that we were able to take the kiddos to the beach for the day, and see how blessed we were throughout the day. I cannot wait until our next trip.

Successful trip don't you think?

I am trying, really I am

I have had so many things I have wanted to blog about the past couple weeks, but I haven't been able to find the time to do it. I think I am going to try and schedule it into my day so I can be a little more consistent with everything. I want the kiddos to be able to read this when they are older and relive the memories we have, while also seeing what our life was like when they were little. We have been so busy with company, dance, doctor appointments, bow hunting season opening this weekend so I am a single mama for the next couple days, and trying to convince my 3 year old big guy that he really isn't ready to drop his nap for good.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE nap time. It is the one time of day that I can do quality things with my girl, tackle some housework, get dinner done, and even indulge in a little quiet time for myself. Trust me, you are never too old to nap. When Missy was this age she dropped her nap, but she was definitely ready. She would lay in bed for an hour, hour and a half and get up in a great mood. There was no meltdowns and she was ready for bed that evening, this is the completely opposite of what we are going through right now. If he misses his nap, he will do an hour quiet time in his room, but the rest of the afternoon, and evening is hit or miss. We have whining, meltdowns, and a toddler who is ready for bed while we are trying to eat dinner at 5. I love my big guy, and love him even more when he is his silly, upbeat self when he naps.

Like I mentioned we have been really busy with having company visit us. Last month we did a lot of traveling to see and visit family, so it is nice to be home a lot more this month, but at the same time we have had company during the week and weekend. We are so blessed to have family and friends that are able to visit us, when traveling for us is not as easy as it use to be.

Missy is done with dance until September 3. She had a lot of fun doing it during the summer, but we also learned that signing up for two fair dance recitals is a little too much for all of us. Next summer we will sign up for the County fair, and then enjoy the last few weeks of August before school starts.

Finally this weekend was opening weekend of bow season for Coach and his best friend Ryan, and his dad Rob. I was able to talk to him tonight and he was having a good time, and they were able to locate a couple of herds. He will be home tomorrow late afternoon, and will go a couple more weekends before the quick season is over. I am praying he has a successful season, and we get some meat in the freezer.

Visit to the ENT

Of course, the one morning I have to be out the door early with a baby, and I sleep like poop in fear I won't wake up in time, and the lil guy sleeps in and I have to wake him up to eat so we can go. L had an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) appointment first thing to get him approved and set up for tubes (poor guy has had 4 ear infections in the past 4-5 months, 2 in one month!).



We got there at 7:45 am, got checked in and waited for his hearing test. We were taken back by a super nice assistant, who L thought was pretty funny. First his ears were checked to make sure that he didn't have any infections. Both ears looked good, but he was suspecting there was a little fluid build up, possibly from his previous infection. Next, he was hooked up to a machine that checked the wave length of his ear drum. Sadly, the lines were flat, meaning my little peanut wasn't hearing anything.

::my heart broke once again for him. Really? Really? REALLY? He can't hear?::

 Then we went into a little booth where there was a chair, and I was told that he was going to play some sounds with videos, and the goal was for L to look in the direction of the noise, and the video. I was instructed to just hold him, and not help him in any way; fine I can do that, I WANT him to get the help he needs. The first sound played to the left....nothing...he didn't even move his head or flinch. It grew louder, and louder, and louder... nope nothing. Once again this mamas heart broke. Video, then sound on the right side. Phew! He looked. Then video. This continued on for a few more times rotating sound with video, and sound again. L even got to where he was waiting for the video in the neutral position so I was impressed he caught on to that so quickly. The assistant, then called L name and talked to him on both sides, and in front of him. Then L was over the sound game, and wanted to turn and look and play with mama, which was perfect because we were done. He told me there was some hearing loss, and it was most likely from the fluid build up. It seemed more dominant in his left ear.

 Finally, we were taken back to the audiologist waiting area where we were quickly called in by a super friendly nurse. She was impressed with his mood, and liked that I scheduled it specifically around nap time.

 ::uh you don't want a cranky infant in a doctors office trying to be examined any more than I do. We had places to go, plus I did my hair today. Ha!::

Fun waiting for the doctor

Any hoo, the doctor checked his ears (no infection, possible fluid buildup). He asked what type of infections he had, and if there was any puss. I told him that I was mainly told it was a "bulging infection" and I took him in one time for drainage, mainly in his left ear. He noticed that one of the ear drums had a spot where it was grown differently, and it was because of a rupture that healed itself, which was just fine. ::thank you Lord!:: He was really shocked that the other two were not in there with us from ear issues ::thank you again Lord:: After he looked at L ears he talked about the procedure and showed me a sample of the tube that will be put it. When he started telling me about a ventilator/respirator, and how L was big enough for anthesia from a mask, so he was wanted to go that route, I about laughed at him. I guess all the stuff we went through in the NICU has made me not as fearful nervous when they have to have a procedure done. Yes of course I worry, but they seem SO minor compared to those previous 103 days. I did tell him that we have had experience with a ventilator/respirator, and if possible, we would like to steer clear of that route unless absolutely necessary. Once the procedure is done, L should have his hearing fully back. I cannot wait to see the changes in his personality, and also in his speech development. He is doing great with it, but I am sure it is just going to take off.

I should note that while he was feeling his adenoids and tonsils I asked him if they were on the larger side. He said they were and asked if he snored; nope. Now I had him curious why I was asking. I told him that when I was 18 my ENT FINALLY took my tonsils out. He said they were some of the largest he had ever seen, and compared them to the size of an egg. He did confirm that it can be hereditary, but since they are currently not causing any problems and he is so small he was going to leave them alone.... for now. 

I like his audiologist and trusted him. He talked to me like a person, and answered all of the random questions. (For instance did you know that the ear drum grows until you die? Some ear drums grow outside of peoples ears and along their outer ear so it looks like a flap of skin. See if I didn't ask him when he mentioned the ear drum healing itself, none of us would know that random fact.

So I signed my life away, was given some paper work and headed home to the rest of the crew feeling hopeful, and I guess you could say at ease.

Sometime this week I will write another novel about our surprise trip to the beach; lets just say it was FABULOUS!!!

Happy Birthday Kayla Aileen

Wishing my fabulous little (cause she's the middle child) sister a very happy birthday!!!

March of Dimes - April 2013

Sadly, this is the most recent picture I can find of the two of us together.

Love you!!!

Weekend Recap

Today is the first day in almost two weeks that it is once again just the kiddos, dog and I at home. As of right now we have no more visitors penciled in for this month. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE, no seriously, I love having people visit us, however, we are not use to having friends and family over consistently for long periods of time. For the past 10 years we have lived away from all our family, which in turn we have a great circle of close friends, and an awesome support system. That being said, as much as we miss our family and the perks of living near them, we have become quite fond of it being just the 7 of us doing our own thing.We have been going nonstop since the first week in July and today is the first day where we can just relax at home and not worry about any upcoming trips, visitors, or engagements to attend. Such a breath of fresh air. ::ahhhhh::

We have had some pretty amazing sunsets the past week. God sure is good.

Last Thursday night Coach's Mom and Grandma Eileen came and visited us for the weekend. Since Nana and Papa were still here visiting they got a hotel in town, and hung out with us doing the day. Friday was Grandma Eileen's 84 birthday so we had dinner, I made a blackberry cobbler (thanks Papa and Nana for going and picking them!), then loaded everyone up and drove into town to listen to Music in the Park. Michelle Murray was the visiting artist, and she did a great job. We had fun listening to her, people watching, eating cotton candy, ice-cream, and dancing. The kids had a blast and were in such great spirits considering they were up 2 hours past bedtime. ::have I mentioned how lucky we are?::

And we are off! Princess was helping Grandma.

Saturday morning we woke up and had to get ready to head to the County fair where Princess would be doing 3 dance numbers with her dance class. It was a beautiful day, very hot, and muggy, but she did an amazing job. She will have 1 more this month at the State fair and then they will take a week off before they start Fall dance class. She has made sure numerous times that I was indeed going to sign her up. ::yes darling I am.::

Toe Head painted my nails for me.

Ballet -- "Little Bunny"

Tap -- "So Cool" & "Twinkle Twinkle"

Saturday evening after we put the kiddos to bed, and Coach's mom and grandma went back to their hotel, we left the kiddos with Nana and Papa and headed out for a drink and some much needed alone time. It was very relaxing and just what we needed to end our chaotic past 6 weeks.

IPA and Seasoned Nuts at our favorite spot -- Crush Wine Bar

Sunday is baseball day for Coach in the summer. He plays on an adult 18+ league from May to August. He has a blast and the guys are great! Sometimes we head to a game, but since the majority of them are now after lunch, we don't go as much since it's during nap time. Coach and the older two went to church Sunday morning with the grandma's, while Nana and Papa went home, and the trio napped (I started cleaning house). After church, Coach headed to his game, and the others headed here. When the trio woke up, we did a quick lunch before heading into town to do a quick Costco run (have to take advantage of the diaper coupons!). Our Costco usually is not very busy, but for some reason it was jam packed. I couldn't believe how many people were out and about.After Costco the kiddos and I stopped at Red Box to rent a movie and head home to relax for the rest of the evening. All 5 were bathed, in bed, and sleeping by 7:30 - they were pooped. I caught up on my Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and watched some HGTV before heading to bed myself. Coach must have had a lot of fun at the after game BBQ because he rolled in a little after 10.

They no longer fit in 1 cart - L, B, E

Quick, updated picture of all 5

I will have to say that overall the weekend was a success, and yes, I am already missing my mama.

Wordless Wednesday (WW) - Crusing

Nana and Papa hung out with the kiddos so Coach and I could go for a quick ride this evening. 

It was perfect <3

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

Monday Fun-day

Hello Monday. Can't say I really missed you, but at the same time I am happy you are here. We had a busy, fun past week, followed by a fun and busy weekend so it is nice to have one day to "recover" from it all.

I am now back to 5 kids under 5, but we have Nana and Papa visiting. Princess and Toe Head are trying to adjust getting back into the swing of things without their buddies here. I knew they would so having Nana and Papa here has been nice. Our week is going to be one of the mellow ones we have this week; the usual dance class for Princess on Tuesday, and not much else the rest of the week. The county fair is starting the end of this week and Princess will get to dance there on Saturday.  Toe Head really really REALLY needs to get his hair trimmed. The kid seriously could get it trimmed every week

On Saturday Coach and I attended a wedding of a high school friend. We had a blast. They had a Smore bar, Italian Soda bar, great food, and an amazing cake. We had a lot of fun dancing and catching up with everyone. I loved how intimate the wedding was. There was maybe 100 people there, and all of it was held outside.

The trio is working on getting their third and fourth teeth. They are seriously some of the best teethers ever. They may wake up during the night a day or two before the tooth pops through and that is it. Most of the time I don't even know they are teething until I see the pearly white tip. Tank is finally starting to rock on his knees, but the kid seriously has a lot zero patience and gets very frustrated. I feel so bad for him because the other two will go over and play together and he gets left behind. Eventually he will start going forward instead of backward. Overall the boys are doing great for being 25 weekers. We have Early Intervention on Wednesday, she has not seen the boys for a couple of months so I am excited for her to see them and how much they have changed.

Hope you all have a happy Monday! Trio is up from their afternoon nap and dinner needs to be prepared.

TBT and Happy Birthday to my Dad

Happy birthday to one of the greatest men I know! I don't know where I would be without you, and am grateful for all the great times and memories we have had. You're a big reason I am who I am, and I hope to teach my children the same things you taught me.

Grandpa R and Z -- June 2010

Daddy/Grandpa R and his girls -- June 2010

Wait it's August?! Summer where are you going?

I can't believe that this summer has gone by so fast. Today is the first day of August (also my daddy's birthday!) and school will be starting in no time. I can't remember a summer going this fast since I was a little girl., and now that we have kiddos of our own it sure goes quickly.

We have had a family reunion at the lake, birthday parties, dance practice, summer baseball, cousin time, and plenty of sunshine. We have just about checked everything off of our bucket list for this summer.

One of my best friends, and her three girls came and stayed Monday night. She left her 4 and 3 year old here for the week, and the kids are having a blast. We have had one tantrum, and TONS of fun. So for the week I have two sets of twins, and a set of triplets. (crazy lady I know, but seriously I love it!) 

This week has been a lot of fun for us. Lil Miss started the week with her first ever summer camp. Her friend that is staying with us is old enough to go with her and joined her Tuesday-the rest of the week. Next year when the other two middle kiddos are old enough they will get to go. What am I going to do with only 3 at home ::dreaming now::  It was held at her preschool teachers farm and all week they have done crafts, hiked, cared for the farm animals, ate their own packed lunch, and even made new friends. Today they went on a scavenger hunt, and for the final day tomorrow they will play in a mud pit. The girls can't wait.

One thing I am determined to do by the end of summer is to get Z to ride a gosh darn bike. He can peddle, he just chooses not to. He would rather chase the kids then ride along side them.

I am SO excited that my mama and step-dad are coming up this weekend. Their visits are always nice and everyone enjoys the quality Nana and Papa time since they live 4.5 hours south of us. Coach and I also will be attending a wedding alone. Can we say DATE NIGHT!!!

Do you have one thing that you are determined to get done this summer?