I need a vacation.. from my vacation.

O.K. so remember a few days ago when I was counting the minutes until I left. Well that was because I couldn't wait to get away for a while and enjoy a little QUITE time..



SSHHHH listen..

Did you hear that?

Wait... you didn't hear anything (except the stream flowing) EXACTLY :)

It was so wonderful up there. I wanted to stay alot longer but I can only leave my children for so long before they drive eveyone else around them crazy..

See this is what I came home to..

And don't let their cute little "cheese" iness fool you. Just before I turned on the camera it was nothing but screaming and yelling. I guess like Pavlov's dog.. they turn on the charm as soon as they see the camera.

Now if I could only time it right I could actually get something out of it. Stay tuned you may just see them on America's Funniest Home Videos... I should be so lucky.

I almost forgot.

I took the babies (wait can I still call them babies?) for their 2 year check up on wed. and everyone is doing well.

Alyssa is the tallest at 34 inches and weighing in at just shy of 24 lbs.

Kayla is catching up at 33 1/4 inches but tipping the scale at 25 lbs. 6.2 oz

then of course my "little" Jo Jo at just 31 inches and finally breaking the 20lb mark at 21 lbs 7 oz. he is still at - 3% ( yes that is negative folks, how that is possible I don't know ) Anyway, -3% for height and weight but still following his own curve. We did take him to see an endocrinologist and the blood work looks good, so we will just wait and see hopefully he'll catch up soon. I will bring him in again in a couple months for a height and weight check just " for fun".

Other than that they are all doing quite well. I think Joey may have some sensory issues too, so I will be checking into that and keep everyone posted on his progress.

I can't believe that 2 years have passed, more like whizzed by in the blink of an eye. I swear it was just yesterday they were a nestled together in the NICU and I was anxiously waiting to bring them home. Now they are pulling me in 3 differrent directions at once and I find myself anxiously awaiting bed time !

Does it make me a bad mom..

if I am counting the minutes untill I leave my children for an entire weekend? Just under 600 in case you were wondering.

Off to Grand Lake for some " down time" OH I can't wait.

Sorry kiddos Mommy will miss you.. * wink wink *

It's hot outside.

So I have been trying to get the kids out of the house.. because quite frankly they are driving me insane being trapped within these walls.




So there is a mall nearby, and even though a tornado touched down right in this spot just a couple weeks ago, I figured why not. I mean if I can keep up with four kids four and under. I might as well keep it interesting and add dodging tornados to the list. And if that's not enough, after lunch I decided ice cream would be a nice treat. Next time anything but the BLUE one!

Anyway here are some pictures and a little video I put together.

Sharing lunch.

Don't let that sweet smile fool you.

One of my favorite pics of the day.

The blue ice cream monster went that way...

Looks like he got Joey too

Alyssa and Michael were too busy playing in the water to care about the ice cream.

Still Trying..

Hopefully next year I will be able to get better video.. I tried several times to get the kids watching the fireworks.. but eveytime I started to record SOMETHING would happen and I would have to turn it off and take care of things. So I put together all the 5 & 10 second clips and this is what I get??



As you can see within seconds Kayla was scared to death and she literally cried the rest of the night everytime anything went off.

Alyssa cried too but only if she was outside.. and the rest of the boys had a good ol' time...

Well that about sums up my video editing ability to this point.. I finally managed to get onto the computer long enough to barely accomplish that ( did I mention Mike hogs the computer ) Maybe he should buy me my own for our anniversary!?

ANOTHER REASON TO CELEBRATE

The block is still standing and no one lost any limbs! The girls may be permanently traumatized though.

"Leagally" the fireworks are not suppossed to leave the ground but try explaining that to a group of grown men.

And despite the fact that yesterday was our 6 year Wedding Anniversary ( and I didn't even get a card!) Mike has an issue with priorities... It's more important to have lots of stuff to blow up than to buy your wife a gift.

Anyway.. I'll let it go THIS TIME!?

Here are a few pictures I managed amidst the chaos... I mean festivities!

Alyssa was much happier once we were inside.



Kayla.. not so much



Joey could care less either way..



Michael was out side with the rest of the "boys" trying to SHOW OFF to the neighbors.. after all what fun is it to blow stuff up without a little neighborly competion..





OK maybe they were one up on us for that one.. I have more video but don't have the time or patience for that matter.. to edit any of it together.. so that will have to do..

OH and no party is complete without..

yes.. CAKE! I made it myself are you impressed?? The recipe is from a good friend mine.. we like to call it "better than sex cake" really Linda.. tell them.. and for Mike's sake he better hope it is because.. we ALL know, no gift no...

Hope everyone had a Happy 4th of July!

( and if you want the cake recipe let me know )