Keeping Up With the Changes

Things have been a little crazy around here lately...but in a good way. We are all adjusting to being a family of 5 and loving almost every minute of it! Some moments have us rolling on the floor with laughter while others have us pulling at our hair, but that is to be expected - and fortunately for us, we have amazing children so the pulling hair moments are few and far between. When not so exhausted that only a nap will do, we've been doing our best to keep occupied with activities.

 

 An example of rolling on the floor...Abigail decided that she needed to take a nap. So, of course, she lays on the floor and covers her head with her stepping stool and sings herself to sleep. (Pretend nap since real naps don't occur in this household once you pass the age of 18 months.)

 

 Just a cute picture of our baby girl at 1 week old.

 

 Another laughing moment is anytime Zeb and Abby try to entertain Maggie. They are in constant need of reminders to not get right in her face, but they love her so much they can't help it!

 

 Mom's busy with Margaret...so let's put Cheetos up our nose?! (Picture credit goes to Zeb!)

 

 One of my visiting teachers gave Zeb and Abby this awesome house! They could color to no end and then play inside. Love it! Hours and hours of entertainment right here...

 

 They each had their own side of the house to decorate (Zeb's idea to keep the peace...) but couldn't quite decide who got to color the doors on each end. I sat on the sidelines, curious to see what they would come up with. They eventually agreed to do it together. I love my kids!

 

Daddy needed an outing one weekend, so we went to Bass Pro Shop as a family. Bryan made his way over to the gun counter (the true motive is revealed!) so the kids and I wandered around the store while he was thus occupied.

 We tried out some fun "toys"...

 

...spent lots and lots of time finding all the fish (since our kids affectionately call it "the fish store")...heard several people comment on how I had my hands full with 2 kids in a double stroller and one strapped on in a baby carrier (Bryan was still busy at the gun counter)...then headed outside in the sweltering weather to do some activities.

 We love that Bass Pro Shop does kid-friendly activities on a regular basis! Zebediah and Abigail were both able to participate and loved every minute of it. They got to practice archery...

 ...fishing skills, packing a survival backpack, and make a craft. Once they had completed all the tasks, they got to spin a wheel for a prize. Awesome! I'm pretty sure they would have loved it all without having the prize at the end, but who would complain about a prize?! What a fun way to spend the day together as a family.

2 1/2 weeks old and she already knows...

Our recent hot spell (temperatures well above the 90 degree mark) has had the kids begging for water play time. Zeb and Abby have had several pool play dates already (with Daddy, friends, Gpa and Gma and cousins), but since Maggie and I are not quite up for the pool yet, the hose has to make due on occasion. 

 They still have fun spraying the hose - even though getting sprayed isn't their favorite - and keep cool while enjoying being outside.

Maggie Belle and I got to attend a piano recital (a fellow teacher graciously allowed my student to join with hers for the Spring recital).

 She got to get all dressed up while Daddy, Brother, and Sister went to the park for a party put on by the Elders Quorum. Lots of fun times that night! Maggie was an absolute doll during the recital! She stayed awake the entire time and didn't make a sound - that's how much she was enjoying the music. She really does love music. Any time she gets agitated (which isn't often) we just turn on some soothing music and she calms right down. She is currently hooked on the Piano Guys and the 5 Browns.

Another cute photo...just because we can! This one was taken at 1 month. She is just over 9 lbs., eats and sleeps like a champ (only wakes up once during the night on a very regular basis), and is a very content little girl. Boy, this past month has flown by! We've had a lot of help from family and friends during this past month and are so grateful! We feel so loved and are true believers that all the help has made this transition a lot easier than it could have been.