Boys Weekend at the Cabin

Mckay didn't get very many pictures of their weekend at the cabin but from the stories I heard...the guys had a great time as well.  Despite being woken up from Payton trying to escape through the window up in the loft and a few snores from the sleepy friends around.  I am not sure when Payton will outgrow this whole night terror, sleep walking, and talking thing?  At least it seems to be less intense at times!  Taylor was thrilled to be a part of it this year and loved playing Rockband with the guys!

Payton was thrilled to be eating PIZZA, seriously this kid cannot get enough of it!

Such fun memories with their dad, Grandpa, brother, and friends.

They even managed to do a little sledding.  Taylor and Payton had a BLAST!

A Girls + Gavin Weekend

Mckay, Payton, and Taylor headed to the cabin with Grandpa and some other leaders and scouts for the weekend.  This meant that the girls, Gavin, and I needed to come up with some fun plans to keep us occupied as well.

We started off the weekend by watching a few kids for Misti while she was skiing with Bostyn that afternoon.  It turned out to be more of a play date for my kids!

After that, we headed to the Cozy Corner for a dinner out.  We had a good time together!

Sisters make the Best Friends!

Then we went home to put on our "Comfies" and watch Big Hero 6 for the first time (they couldn't wait), while indulging on all sorts of snacks.

Being silly!

Gavin sure is LOVED!

We stayed up late and ended up sleeping in my room all together (another thing they were pretty excited about).  The next morning we made plans to go to Great Falls and do a little shopping and later meet up with Misti and her kids (she was also left without a hubby for the night).  We hit the mall and got a few things at Claire's, then lunch at Cafe Rio', before meeting up with Misti at Yogurt City.

The kids had fun picking their choice of yogurt and a few toppings to throw in the mix as well.

It was delicious!

Following dessert, we went to a nail place that paints little girl's nails for $5!  This was a first for my girls and it sure was fun!

My little Princess was holding absolutely still and of coarse picked out pink with sparkle!

McKenzie was thrilled about having her nails done...What girl could resist??  She chose a pretty turquoise with a fun design.

It was a total GIRLY day!

Look at all those cute little fingers.

After nails we headed to Misti's parents' where the kids played for a bit before heading home in time to meet back up with our guys.

Daily Life with the 2 Littles

Brielle had a friend over while I was able to do a little painting in the bathroom.

Brielle and Landri=total girls!

Sometimes sweet little Brielle just can't take it any longer and falls fast asleep while running errands.

She made for a cute little model for me when I was trying to get a feel for some color options for family pictures.

Gavin is such a good baby.  It is so simple to make him smile!

His fuzzy, chick-like hair makes me smile!  We LOVE this about our little guy!

One afternoon we stopped by the Choteau library after visiting Mckay for lunch.  I was trying to make a few colored copies and we happened to be there during a story and art time.

Brielle loved making this super cute fish from an old CD.

She was pleased with her final product.  This girl could do arts and crafts ALL DAY LONG!

Skin Cure

A couple of months ago, Gavin had a skin condition that just flared up on his forehead, sideburns, eyebrows, and on one shoulder.  Unfortunately, the more I tried to get it to disappear with different solutions, the worse it got.  I tried Vaseline, other soft moisturizers, more frequent baths, etc.  I felt so bad that he didn't have this flawless/perfect baby skin.  At his 2 and 4 month check-ups, I asked the pediatrician what it was (I was wondering about eczema) but she was sticking to a case of cradle cap and mentioned that it could even get down to his chest line (funny because within his hair line it wasn't bad at all).  She suggested trying Hydrocortisone.  So after failed attempts with other products, we finally took the plunge and bought some.  Within a few days I saw drastic results!  I try not to use it very often, only with he starts to flare back up again so I can stay on top of it.

Looking red and irritated.

Look at those dark eyes, but that poor little forehead...

There were times that it was bothering him and when he attempted to rub it, he would end up scratching himself.  I was stumped and frustrated.

Ready to try something else.

Here is a close up.  Poor baby of mine!

Gavin is really starting to grab things and play with toys.

It didn't take long to see some significant results!  We are so grateful to have found something that works when needs be.

President's Day and 4 Month Check-up

The kids were out of school for President's Day and we wanted to take full advantage of a day out of school and no schedule.  I am always hopeful that these days will guarantee me a day to sleep in just a bit longer than usual...so not the case with 5 children.  I am sure by the time they are all teenagers I will be begging them to WAKE UP!

Anyway, the kids dreamed up this idea where they wanted to have a camp out in our loft.  We agreed and then they all stated busting out their tents and Mckay made a makeshift one for Brielle with blankets.  It sure looked like fun and for the most part it was.  There were a few early risers but it was so worth it.

The next morning we had to head into town mid-morning for Gavin's 4 Month check-up.  While were were in the waiting room the kids were busy coloring and then Taylor got grumpy about something.  I thought I'd take a picture of a face that he makes when he wants me to know he is not happy.  I thought I'd show him just how flattering it is!!

It worked like a charm and then he in turn wanted to change faces (in return it totally changed his mood-lucky for me).

Where does he get this from?

Perhaps this is a favorite of mine!  I love how this game ended up distracting him and I think he totally forgot what he was mad about in the first place.  I'll have to keep that one up my sleeve for later.

Now back to Gavin...

Here are his 4 Month Stats:

Weight:  12 Pounds 7 Ounces (2%)

Height:  25 Inches (41%)

Head:  42 Centimeters (61%)

He has found his hands and LOVES to chew on them quite often.

Gavin is such a Happy Camper.  We sure love this sweet little BOY!

Then we made a quick trip to Sam's for a few things and a simple lunch, before meeting up with some friends for a little time at a swimming pool in Choteau.

It was a much needed plunge in the water!  My kids have always loved to go swimming and this was sure a treat for them on their day off!

Taylor took a quick break to grab a snack.  Look at those eyelashes.

After stopping by the office to see dad afterwards, Taylor still has evidence of a treat from his good ol' daddy!

I found this little girl passed out in her bed.  She was so exhausted after a late night the day before and a huge play day with her siblings.

Oh to be a child again!!

Hugs and Kisses

My parents shipped us a Valentine's Box early and included Taylor's Birthday presents in the mail.  It was such a fun surprise and the kids loved seeing their goodies.  It was so sweet feeling their love from hours away.

Gavin instantly fell in love with this little gorilla that was in the package.  He loves reaching for it, touching it, and trying to munch on it.  It is pretty precious!

Brielle had a little Valentine exchange with several of her friends that go to a fun little playgroup at the church.  It is an awesome time where she gets to play around with her friends and I get to visit with mine.  It has been nice to have an opportunity to get out of the house during the winter months.

The kids had fun at their school Valentine's Parties and I thought they did a great job on their mail boxes/envelopes.

Our little Valentines, all clean and ready for church the next day.

It has been busy around here due to tax season being in full swing.  We still managed to eat out at a Chinese Restaurant as a family and snag some much needed time together.  Even though Mckay and I are not pictured in this post, he is the love of my life and has made it possible for me to be the mother to these darlings!  My heart is full and I feel so blessed to me a mommy and a wife, it is a sweet blessing that I cherish.

Sleepy Head

It sure has been a blessing that Gavin has been such a great sleeper!  I am not complaining one bit.

Who doesn't love a sleeping baby?  He is just so precious and I certainly love snuggling with him every chance I get.

All cute in his PJ's and getting ready for bed.

Basketball Time

Payton, McKenzie, and Taylor have been enjoying a few Saturdays of basketball camp.  The high school teams and coaches have been helping out and teaching the younger kids some skills.  They have also had opportunities to scrimmage and get some play time with their teams.

Taylor and Payton ended up playing together on the same team.  It was cute and these jerseys were a tad bit on the large size.  Taylor was swimming in his and it was too funny not to get a picture of it!

Fun group of boys!

McKenzie had a good time playing b-ball.  It was fun watching her and thinking back on my days playing basketball.

Taylor was like a running score keeper and got jacked up when his team would make a basket!

Payton is really enjoying playing team sports.  It will be fun to see what he chooses to play as he grows older (although I am already fearful of the time management factor and keeping family time a priority).

Go Kenzie girl!

Getting ready to rebound.

Taking a little break.  The kids really did have a good time learning a new sport and playing during the games.