Family Pictures

I took family pictures for Christmas.  While I am not going to post the ones I took yet, here are some I didn't put in the card.  They had as much fun as it looked but it was sooooo hard to get them to all smile at the same time.  I just gave up and took the shots while they were in their natural kid state : )   

Pumpkin Patch

We were going to go on a big family trip because our oldest two had school off Thursday and Friday.  But, as it usually happens in the oil field, Alex had to work all through those days and the weekend.  We did get a few amazing hours out as a family though and it was actually fun and CLOSE to our house.  Double bonus!  Out of all the kids Ellie had the most fun.  She cried when we left : ( 

International Peace Garden

Zoë has been talking about going to a different country non-stop.  So we told her that we would go on Saturday.  She was so excited she could hardly sleep!  We drove to Lake Metigoshe for a picnic and playing at the playground.  Then we were off to Canada to the International Peace Garden.  Zoë was thrilled and confused the whole time.  How could we be in a different country when they spoke English and it looked the same?  I'm glad I decided to leave the messy house as is and go.

 My kids have a thing with not letting go of their food.  Ever.  Notice Emmett and Ellie in the following pictures!  No wonder they are not malnourished :)

 I love this picture.  They are such good friends and can hardly do things away from one another.

 International Peace Garden:  A whole lots flowers and a whole lota walking = really tired kids

 Classic Minnie pose:  She is so crazy but we love her.  Especially since she makes me laugh.

 Beautiful scenery on the way.  It reminded Alex of Jersey.  I am so grateful to see TREES!

 Buddy boy was barely moving his legs were so tired.

 Me with the kiddos at the 9/11 memorial.  They could barely make it back to the car at this point.

Winn Reunion

Loved the reunion even though I was only there 1/2 the time.

Cousin Reed

 Emmett and Reed did this for hours.  Notice the jet ski upside down.

 Uncle Will and Aunt Hill

 Zo Zo chillin while Alex tries to get sun on his white body

 Emmett warming up

 Both grandma"s holding my crying babies.  My mom drove ALL the way from Oregon to North Idaho with me.  She gets a gold medal.

 Ellie cleaning my car

 First time one of my kids fell asleep like this

 Uncle Lije.  And he's not on steroids.  Crazy

 Alex and the kids feeding ducks in Kalispell

Ivy's First Bath

I know this is not exciting - but I have to post so the family can see : ) 

ONE WEEK TODAY!

Ivy is so strong - she can lift her head and turn it.  

 Cuddling a freshly washed baby and telling the kids about the first time they had a bath in the sink.  

 Ivy was so chill after her bath 

 Up close of her hair.  It's a honey brown.  So beautiful and different then the other kids.

 I love this part of being a mom

 The kids wanted to be right in there on the experience...obviously

 Getting ready for the bath

 She didn't scream her head off like Ellie did.  A bonus!

Uncle Dave

All kids have an adjustment period after a baby is born.  Dealing with no mommy and a very overworked daddy can be hard - especially feeling like you still get one on one time.  Alex's brother came down for the day and literally played with the kids the whole time.  For a mom who is struggling with making sure they all feel loved and happy - this was a LIFE SAVOR!  You can see from the pictures how much the kids laughed.  Dave took one for the team too because the pulled his shirt to an unrecognizable size and shape and he pulled his neck muscles.