once upon a time and a yo-ho-ho

The moment you came into my world.

I had planned for the challenges that come with two babies at once, the exhaustion, the getting from one day to the next. But I had no idea the blessings that come with two babies at once. It has been an unbelievable experience being your mommy, watching you grow and learn together. The two of you couldn't be more opposite... but yet, so close to each other.

As I have been preparing for your birthday and trying to wrap my head around the fact that four years have already flown by, I have made more of an effort to hold each of you. I know it won't be much longer before you're too big, just like your big brother. As much as that kills this mommy's heart, I have to remind myself that the time with the two of you only gets better. It's a complete joy watching you guys grow up and explore big kid things. I am so proud of the little people you are becoming.

Happy Birthday, my Embry Jack.

I love you.

Happy Birthday, my Ellie Kate.

I love you.

We had a fun party this weekend. Pirates and Princesses. I felt like the party was over just as soon as it started. And unfortunately, my camera wasn't in my hand most of the time so there aren't many pics. Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us!

young rembrandt

We read books each day after school. Sometimes Hayes is game and other times, not so much.
I totally get it though. He's been working all day and he just wants to play. Isn't that how we all are?

But he did get to have some fun today. He went to his first drawing class after school, Young Rembrandts. The boy is always drawing.
In fact, all of my kids seem to be. The kitchen table is a constant sea of paper, markers, scissors and crayons.
Seriously, three times a day before each meal, "You guys need to clean the table off so we can eat."
Annoying at times, but I love that they are so into it.

And this is the cutest little space duck that he made for me today. :)

sicky-poo

What an angel baby.

Perfectly still.

Perfectly beautiful.

Perfectly at peace.
Mommy prays that tomorrow is a better day for you, sweet girl.

first day of school for the little people

labor day weekend

Our weekend roadtrip got off to a rough start Friday. I can't decide which part was my favorite:

-broken cruise control

-broken visor driving into the setting sun

-Embry not feeling well

-bumper to bumper traffic for an hour... well past bedtime

-giving my daughter a pull-up to pee in, thanks to aforementioned traffic

-finding two untouched cheeseburgers in the backseat when we finally got to the hotel

-finding melted orange sherbet all over the car seat when we finally got to the hotel

-forgetting my camera

But thankfully, Saturday was a new day and my phone has a camera. After we dropped Daddy off for a 24-hour shift at the hospital, we explored the town's awesome park. We stopped by a gas station for a treat. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of us... kids in their pj's picking out candy at 8 in the morning. Let's not even talk about what I looked like. :)

We spent the afternoon at the Sam Noble Museum. The kids loved it and I'm so glad Hayes finally got to go see the dinosaurs!

We picked Kyle up on Sunday morning. Poor guy saw a ton of patients and was exhausted. After a rest back at the hotel, we met Amanda, Clint and Emerson for lunch. It was the first time to meet Clint after all these years! Amanda, you did good. :) Sure wish we lived closer to you guys.

We came back home to my parents rockin' out the bathroom tile. It looks so good and I can't wait 'til everything is finished! Thank you guys so much for working so hard. What a gift!