Rainy Wednesday

It was a rainy day today so we opted to spend most of it inside. I kept the kids home from Bible Study since I didn't want to risk spreading our crud or picking up something else while our immune systems were recovering.

We began the morning with a puppet show.
Lane loves anything cuddly and soft. He was so cute with the frog puppet. He's such a lover.
Andy laughed so hard at the hopping puppets it was adorable. The puppets really didn't say much, just bobbed around. Not bad for our first child run "show".
Brynna has been wearing Suzy's new headband from the garage sale Saturday. So funny. So hippie. Brynna thinks it's ultra fab.
While the boys napped, we baked cookies for Suzy's preschool fall party next Tuesday. Since I'm traveling Fri-Mon, I had to do it this week and freeze them.


Lunch was a riot. Everyone was very animated this morning. We did some dancing to oldies music before lunch and it really riled everyone up. I got video of that, but no photos.
I chuckle. Hippie girl, indeed.
We decided, what the heck, let's get outside after lunch. Suzy gets excited about wearing her rain boots. Plus, the tub was so fun yesterday, we decided it would be a good pre-nap activity again today.
I love this photo. It's nothing that would win an award and some people would actually be embarrassed that their backyard was this cluttered and messy. However, it's me. My life. My chaos. I'm usually a mess, but I'm fun. Lane's expression symbolizes that for me. The toys are wet, yucky, and covered with muck and leaves. But, he's standing in the midst of it with the biggest smile ever. He knows that it's already a mess, he can't make it worse. He might as well jump in, get mucky, and have a blast.
Brynna wasn't totally convinced that it was OK to continue to play as the rain was pouring down. Dancing in the rain was not high on her fun list. Suzy loves it. The boys hardly noticed.
I eventually convinced her to come and splash some "puddles" with me.

We then decided to try and catch raindrops on our tongues. Hey, it's Texas. Snow is highly unlikely.
We then headed to the tub again for baths. However, it was actual cleaning this time and no suits. So, no photos. ;) But it was just as much fun!

After naps, we did some crafting. Andy took a while to go down so only Lane and the girls were able to participate.

These little punkins make me smile.
Granna came back over after work and decorated the cookies with the girls. Then she took them to "Chickalay" for dinner and read stories for bedtime. It was nice to only have to feed the two boys.
Diana and Daryl get home today and the girls have preschool in the morning. So, the boys and I have been having some fun and I'm off to clean up the house for the last sprint this afternoon! I hope you have a great day!

Tuesday

Today was a good day. The girls both had preschool in the morning and the boys both took long morning naps. I got my house pretty well cleaned and it felt nice. One way I've discovered to ease the tornado effect of four children is to barricade them into the toy room. So, I've moved the couch over the entry way. The girls can get in and out, but the boys are pretty stuck.
I'm still amazed at how well everyone is playing together and getting along so well. Everyone seems to have a buddy.
After nap time, we made some Rice Krispie Treats with cookie cutters.
It was a little more challenging than I anticipated. I LOVE Brynna's face here.
Suzy figured out standing up makes it much easier to put some weight into it. I'm not sure if I remember ever actually teaching her that.
Andy napped too long this morning so he didn't nap this afternoon. Suzy didn't nap either so I knew I needed something high interest for the afternoon. We left Lane to sleep a little longer and I woke up Brynna and put everyone in the tub with some paints. It started out pretty calm.
Brynna noticed Suzy doing some body paint and decided to join in.
Both girls then turned their artistic designs upon Andy.
He's such a good sport. Even when they teamed up on him.
I laughed when Brynna started bracing him to get him to hold still.
Oh, sweet Andy. You really are pure sugar. Maybe a little gingerbread, too.

The shaving cream came out next while I sprinted upstairs to get Lane.
Poor Lane. I had to pretty much "yank" him out of the pack n play quickly since I had just left three wee ones in a tub downstairs. If I tried to hold him for a bit outside the tub, Andy would want to get out to be with his friend. So, I decided to just plop him into the chaos. Poor guy, he was hardly focusing his eyes at that point. I love how this photo represents the moment. Everyone is busy in their fun. Lane is bracing himself on the side of the tub, still trying to wake up and figure out what is going on around him.
I love this shot. Can you hear it? Andy says, "Here Lane, you're going to need this washcloth."
The girls get to work quickly once they realize there is a fresh skin canvas.
This is the last shot. Lane was pretty still and unemotional at first. Then, he woke up and decided he didn't like being burnt orange. Since Daryl and Diana are Aggies, I guess that would make sense.
Don't worry, Diana. He cheered up just as soon as he got cleaned up and had a little snack. :)
Granna came over tonight again after work and we rode tricycles in the couldesac, jumped on the trampoline, and heard lots and lots of stories. We are doing great!

Monday

Here's a typical morning around here... free play! Everyone is still having a great time. I've been bringing toys out of the attic and rotating them around to keep things interesting. Monday morning, we played here for a while and then it was off to Granna and Pops again for Brynna and Lane. They are really having a wonderful time. Brynna has mentioned a few times missing her Mommy. But, no tears and she is really having lots of fun and being kept too busy to be too sorrowful. Suzy said, "Daddy" one night and Lane starting looking for Daryl. It was cute. Short lived as well. I would think it's nice to know you are missed, but not that it is causing sorrow. :)
Here's a typical view of the toy room. Andy and Lane are very into "dumping" right now.
Brynna and Suzy are into "jumping".
I love this shot. Notice the difference of the trays? Lane is so neat and tidy. Andy is full on shovel.

T Playdate

Our good friends from our small group, Diana and Daryl, watched Suzy and Andy while we were in London. Now, we have been given the gift of returning the favor while they are hopefully having a fabulous time on a Carribean Cruise!

I bought matching jammies for the girls when we left. So, Diana is continuing the tradition with matching... nightgowns! Such fun! A first for both girls.
It's amazing how different play dates are becoming. They are getting much more self sufficient and really enjoying each other this trip. I've designated a few games with little pieces as "Big Girl Games" which must be played at the table, out of babies reach. To date, not a single conflict. It's been absolutely wonderful.
Lane is in heaven. Do's (Dogs) and D! (Andy) Two of his most favorite things.
He's actually been pretty mellow this visit. I think he may realize he's gonna be here for a while and he needn't get all the lovin' in at once.
The boys are even starting to play together.
And Share! Woohoo! Here Andy is giving Lane a new little dog toy that the girls got at a neighbor's garage sale this morning while the boys napped.
After naps, we all headed to the park. Poor Rob got sick this morning, so we ventured out.

Wait.... only three kids.... hmmmm....
Oh, ....yeah. Silly Suzy.
We are doing great so far, with a little help from friends and family to try and keep everyone well. Today, Brynna and Lane get to spend some time with Granna and Pop. Suzy's having some complications from her surgery, so we decided she would stay home with me this afternoon and maybe get to go with Brynna later this week. Diana, if you can access this, I can assure you everyone is having a fabulous time. Brynna is still super excited about everything and neither of your children have shed a single tear. We love you and hope you are having a great time!

Suzy's Adenoids

In an effort to help her sleep better, eat better, and have clearer speech, the ENT suggested we remove Suzy's adenoids. Her tonsils were swollen as well, but not huge so we are starting here and may progress as needed. Thank you, friends for praying for us. It was answered. She did great. She is such a little trooper. She was pretty sedated up to dinner but didn't take anything other than standard Tylenol from then on. When Aunt Diana came to check on her, she said she was "a little sick since she had a surgery this morning." and in response to how she was doing, "I'm a little wobelely". It was very sweet. We went to Seton NW and they were amazing. They even let her take her "stuff" back with her.
I told her she could have some pudding after she woke up from her little nap with Dr. Brown, and this is what she did. Tried to nap right then and there. The nurse said her first words in recovery were, "Can I please have my pudding now?"
Sweet girl, ready to go!
The surgical nurse was awesome. She even dressed up the little bear on Suzy's backpack. So fun!
Within about four hours, she requested popcorn. I'm guessing she did fine. The doctor said to let her self-regulate and since the Adenoids are up higher, she could eat whatever she could tolerate. But still, she was intubated and I'd figure her throat would be a little sore..... I guess not bad enough to forgo popcorn!
Four movies in one day, popcorn, and whatever food she requested. She wants to know what else she could have for surgery now. ;)
Thank you, Lord, for taking such good care of my sweet little girl.