Cousin Overload Week

My sister Natalie and I decided a while back to each go on a couples vacation while the other one babysits all the kiddos. Just a couple weeks ago, Natalie and Dave went to Florida. Natalie and Dave have never spent a night away from the kids since their first child was born who is now 6 years old! Talk about deserving parents! We were so happy to get some of the cousins together to create lasting memories while their parents did the same! For all you mommas out there that have 6 or more children (this including my Mother in law), you rock! My sister has always been my go to guru when it comes to motherhood, she is a wonderful mother! Her children are AMAZING as a result of her inspired mothering, the gospel and their innate personal qualities. I enjoyed getting to know each one of them on a deeper level, as I served them, played with them, learned from them and giggled with them. We had an extremely fun week with them.

Landon is the best big brother that Easton, Oaklyn and Paxton could ever ask for! He is smart, tender, deliberate, well mannered, sweet, funny, creative, thoughtful and obedient! 

Easton is the life of the party! He is kind, peacemaking, loving, giving, eager, bright eyed, silly, honest, creative, a team player and sincere.

Oaklyn is the real deal! She is helpful, smart, obedient, talented, inquisitive, kind, energetic, nurturing, grounded and huggable! I'll never forget the hug she gave me that plowed me right over! :)

Paxton is a dream baby! He is strong, easily pleased, cool as can be and one happy guy!

I love these little humans so much. I shed a few tears giving them back to their rightful owners. Here are some picture memories I hold very dear to my heart.

Off to Florida!

Working in their "work shop"

Balloon paddle making

Park fun

There was no limit to tea parties

Some days, we got up early enough to see the sun rise :)

Colored tablets in the bath, caused deep discussions by these two mermaids

Puppet making

Easton's vampire puppet

Landon's Ghost puppet

Paxton is a champ eater

He is also a champ sleeper

Obstacle courses

Snack time

They loved watching the train by our house go by throughout the day

The bad guys had to be put in jail by the police women

Personal pan pizzas, constructed by all the mini chefs

More park fun

These boys had a successful cider sale making a total of $35.32

Caramel apples after pumpkin carving

Decorating their caramel apples

Easton carved Pumpkin man's face out, and Landon picked out the only non face stencil in the book :) He did a great job carving it!

This stair slide was so fast.

A big bed of cuties

They wrote letters to their parents :)

Chef hats

Helpful co chefs waiting "patiently"

McDonald's play place fun.

Bath paint and endless giggles

 

Two boys just "hanging out"

We had our hands full, but our hearts were just as full!

Leo at 4 months old

I'd like to say that my absence on my blog is due to anything but laziness but sadly folks..that's just not the case. This is my attempt at coming out of this lazy baby phase. Leo is already 4 months old and let me tell you, he has rooted his way so deep into our hearts. This love is permanent.

-Leo is holding his head very well but still is pretty weak at tummy time. (Probably due to our kids having large craniums)

-I can get Leo to laugh all the time now, if I'm willing to put in the effort and get my dance shoes on. The more embarrassed I should be, the better the laugh.

-He is drinking 6 oz per feeding as of late.

-He sleeps fairly well. He usually does an 8 hour stretch and then another 4 at night.

-His bedtime is 7pm and his waketime/mom alarm is 7 am.

-His hair has turned very blonde as well as thinned out.

-Leo is still swaddled for naps and bedtime.

-Leo loves his play mat and can swat at toys for a good amount of time.

-He is getting a hang of the jumper but it tires him out so much, he instantly has to take a nap after.

-He has a love/hate relationship with his sister. His eyes get real big out of fear when he hears her coming his way, but he also loves watching her run around and cause trouble.

-He is a big talker and coos almost instantly when you give him any sort of attention. (2nd child much?)

-He loves being outside as long as he is in the shade. 

-Loves his carseat! 

-Loves baths

-Loves to be sitting up or standing.

Here are some pictures and videos of Leo's adventures this past month. We love this little man of ours! 

Leo and his newest cousin, Saige! Poor Saige was being paparazzi'd right after a long drive in the car and right before feeding time. Leo just looks confused.

Wiggling around while we watch big sister play at the park

Cousin friends bonding over the baby. Leo never turns down attention.

Gwen looooooooooved Leo. She was always found by Leo

's side.

Leo and Paxton are just a week apart...can't you tell?