Trip to San Diego

 
 
 
 

On February 6 we set out for a family adventure to take in as many sites as San Diego has to offer in 7 days. Well, despite the cold weather, I think we succeeded! The weather was about 55 and raining all but three days of our trip. On the three days (Tues, Wed, Thurs) that were 60 partly cloudy we crammed in the Sea World, San Diego Zoo, and Legoland. On the other days we visited museums, the beach, etc.

Flying with 6 of us was a site to see, we turned many heads in the airports. I think the craziest part is the fact that we had to not only bring enough clothes, diapers, etc. for 7 days, but we also had to lug in 4 carseats and a double stroller... There are a few funny stories about going through security with all of us. The amount of baskets we took up was unreal... shoes, jackets, purse, laptop, belts, diaper bag, stroller, etc. and poor Aaron got stuck with all the kids (remember the babies are not standing or walking yet) on the other side while I had to go back through because my belt made the metal detector beep. (I did not realize I could just throw it on the conveyor and cut in line, so I went to the back of the line). Aaron had to field baskets full of misc. junk as well as hold both babies and try to unfold the stroller. SUPER DAD!! This was at LAX it was busy and people are in the mode of moving fast, not a whole lot of helping hands.

Because it looks like we have two sets of twins and since the Octomom being on fresh on everyone's mind in CA we were asked many times if we were going for 8 next time... Most people who made comments like that were joking... we think, but still is it any of their business how many kids we decide to have? (for the record... we are sticking to 4)

Ava's winter dance recital

 
 
 
 

I know, I know, it has been a while... I just wanted to post some pictures from Ava's winter dance recital. Ava loves to dance and sing so she was really in her element. They have a big, formal recital at the end of May that Ava is really looking forward to. She asks almost everyday how many more days until she gets to dance on the big stage with a pretty costume. The pictures are very poor quality due to the sun shining through the windows right behind the dancers. Ava did a great job, we are so proud of her and love her so much.

Sorry for the Suspense...

Well the verdict is in and Yes Will does have a peanut allergy... bummer. At least he was able to enjoy peanut butter before it built up in his system : ) His allergy was classified between moderate and severe so we will have to keep and Epi shot handy. The good thing is that he is not allergic to any other nuts so he could still have almond butter... weird, but good!

Surfin' USA

 
 
 
Right next to our neighbors house we have a drainage pond (or the "watering hole" as the girls call it). Since we don't get a whole lot of rain in Boise, it is always dry. The girls spend hours digging in the dirt, finding pretty rocks, etc. Last week we had a couple days with temps in the 50's so they spent a lot of time at the "watering hole". At one point the came back and asked for their sleds and when I went down a few minutes later to check on them this is what they had come up with... Surfing!!! Luckily they had their helmets on because they were also riding bikes. I was quite impressed with Hannah's form, she looks ready to hit the water. Cousin Audrey was mostly observing but I am sure she will jump on and give it a try any day.

Mmm... Dove Choclolate.

 
 
The other day I needed to run a bunch of errands so Aspen came over to watch the kiddos. While I was out and about I bought her a bag of Dove dark chocolate (her favorite). The babies were very curious what we were eating so Auntie Aspen gave each of them just a tiny taste. About a minute later Elle was yelling at us because she wanted more. When we looked down we saw just what a HUGE mess such a small piece of chocolate could make. She is a girl after her auntie's heart. Elle loves her Dove dark chocolate!!

Making the dishes difficult...

 
 
 


When the dishwasher opens my helpers are on their way... They can make it from anywhere in the house to the dishwasher in record time.

Mom of the Year!

So I will get to our vacation posts pretty soon, I promise! But a little side note about my day. I am pretty sure that I will be up for the mom of the year award today...

(a little history) While we were on vacation Will ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (which he has had many times without problems) after he proceeded to smear the sandwich all over his face he broke out in hives and his eyes swelled shut (how is that for a mental picture)? We ran to the drug store and bought benadryl, gave him a dose, and then sat out in the parking lot of an ER for about an hour before we were sure that he was okay.

Fast forward today... Today I called the doctor explaining to him what had happened and he suggested we come in to have Will's blood drawn so the could test for nut and berry allergies. When we arrived at the doctor he checked Will out and chatted with us for a while then he said to get Will dressed and head to the lab for his blood draw. While I was dressing Will, Elle started to crawl out the door and instead of asking the girls to grab her like I usually do, I turned around and grabbed her. Lo and behold the power of gravity took hold and Will went head first off the exam table (brilliant). Of course the doctor and nurses come running in and I feel like crawling into the garbage can. After calming him down we head down to the lab where we have a very confident phlebotomist that is going to draw Will's blood. Up front I told him that we have been out and about most of the day and he has not had nearly the fluids he should have had so finding a vein may be a little hard. After he searched for a while he asked "has he had enough to drink today"? Had I not already made that clear? I again told him (in a long drawn out trying to make myself feel better way, that indeed I had let him get dehydrated). So my lesson for the day...

Mom lesson #25678. Keep them hydrated for blood draws.

Mom lesson #25679. I know they will fall from a high place on to their head, just don't let it happen at the doctors office... it kind of ruins your reputation.