The Midnight Train

It's 12:30am. Hyrum has just woken up with a tiny scream, causing Joseph to stir. I sooth and reassure Hyrum, rubbing his head and whispering in his ear. Joseph is now standing in his crib, still half asleep. He wants up. I scoop him up and we make our way to the kitchen where I make him a warm bottle. We cozy up together on the couch in the streetlight lit living room. He begins to drink while I mindlessly surf the Internet on my iPad. Soon his arm starts brushing my shoulder as he grabs  at my sleeves. I am drawn back to reality. I can hear the midnight train rolling through town inthe distance. Our street is quiet. I turn off the iPad and focus on the chubby hands grabbing for my attention and the ever growing bundle snuggled up in my arms. I watch him until he finishes every last bit of milk. His grip slowly loosens on the bottle and it falls from his mouth. His breathing becomes more constant as he drifts off to sleep. I admire his little lips, faintly pink beneath the glow of the outside lights. His mouth is still slightly open. He wiggles around to find that sweet spot where his head perfectly fits in the bend of my arm. His body goes limp signalling that sleep has taken over. I should take him up to bed, but my eyes are so transfixed on his little body, nestled so close to mine. He wiggles every now and then to get comfy. I can't stop staring at him. Already at nine months his little features are becoming more boyish. He's growing up so fast. And then when he's settled in and I can hardly keep my eyes open a moment longer, we make our way upstairs. I gently place him in his crib and tuck a blanket over him. Just as I leave the room I glance back at both boys sleeping sound. I poke my head into Camilla's room to check her and then make my way across the hall. Life is wonderful, and I am so blessed.

Happy 25th Anniversary

As promised, here is a recap of last Saturdays events! The weather was gorgeous and cooperative. The boys tested out the horseshoe pit in the morning and then we hung out in the yard until friends and family arrived. My parents celebrated 25 years of marriage way back in March, but we opted to wait for my brother to get off his mission before having a party. I think my parents were secretly hoping I'd forget, but I think 25 years of marriage is definitely a milestone worth celebrating. I am so grateful to them for their example of love and service.

It was so great to have family come from near and far to help us celebrate!

My brother and my Dad put together a sandpile the day before. The kids had a blast in it all afternoon. It was definitely a hit with the littles!

My sister spent the morning creating an awesome cake for my parents. She did an amazing job! I always call on her for all of my cake baking needs. She's pretty talented like that. We enjoyed a spread of fruit, veggies, smokies, crackers and dips. The whole thing was pretty low key and casual. My parents like it that way. I did manage to get them in for the cake cutting after everyone had finished eating. It was the first time they'd ever cut a cake together because they didn't do a big reception when they were married. It was fun to watch them.

My extra talented sister snapped a few pictures for me when she had some spare time. I wanted to make sure this thing was remembered. As I look at these pictures I am filled with happy memories from that day. I am also filled with gratitude for my parents and grandparents and the examples they are. I love the picture of my Mom, Gramma Purdon, and Gramma Hudkins all together. Such great women to look up to.

Another hit in the heat of the afternoon was the sprinkler. By that time all of the "festivities" were pretty much finished and Camilla stripped down to have some fun with her cousins. She cracks me up in these pictures!

And what a great Uncle they have, getting in on the action!

While the littles played, my parents went to check out the old car driven out by an old friend from when they were first married. What a surprise it was that he was able to come!

It provided some good time to visit, and a good chance for photos! I absolutely love the pictures that were taken of the two of them together. It's great to see that twinkle in their eyes and  the love that they still have for each other!

We also grabbed a few shots of my Gramma and Grampa Hudkins. Such a classy lady!

I love them!

Grampa Purdon has a hard time with bright lights and standing for too long, so we improvised and grabbed a photo over at their place. Such sweet memories captured in these family photos. I love my grandparents!

Before Gramma and Grampa Hudkins left for the evening, we made sure to get a group photo of the four of them together.

The rest of the evening was spent outside, enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. Joseph even got some play time in with his Uncle Mike!

Big thanks to my parents for hosting at the Acreage and a big thanks to all of those who contributed and brought treats! It was great to be together with everyone and celebrate! Pretty much after everyone left and all of my littles were in bed I crashed on the couch for the early hours of the night. I missed out on some great games of Rook, but I probably wouldn't have been able to keep my eyes open anyways. An awesome Saturday if I do say so myself.

Mucho Fun

This afternoon we enjoyed some family fun. We took the littles to explore a new park. They hadn't been to a park in a while and you could totally tell. They zig-zagged through the play structers exclaiming excitedly at each new thing.

"The swings!"

 "The slide!"

When Hyrum told us he was tired, we decided it was time to go find some dinner. Daddy suggested one of his favorite places and off we went to Mucho Buritto. The littles were pretty tickled to discover that a fancy drink came with their meal. 

 

Oil Spill

I'm not even sure where to begin. Today started out just like every other. Daddy kissed us each good-bye and then we got ready and went about our regular morning routine. I quickly ran downstairs to throw some laundry in and came back up to find Hyrum hiding in the pantry, happily munching on the lumps of brown sugar he was holding in each hand.

The rest of the time the littles enjoyed their Aunt and Uncle and some rocketship rides.

Soon it was time for Joe to go for his morning nap. I carried him up and tucked him into his crib. He has successfully fallen asleep on his own a few days in a row, but today was more difficult. Auntie Emma was downstairs reading a book to Camilla. She hadn't read two pages before she heard the pantry door. She went to investigate. There appeared to be water all over the floor. She lifted Hyrum up over the water and he slipped right out of her hands. It wasn't water, it was oil, a whole bottle of peanut oil infact! He went immediately downstairs for a bath. Lets just say his Auntie pretty much saved his life. I was impressed with her patience. We mopped up the floor, the shelf, the top of the sugar and flour containers, and the bottom of my wheat grinder. The whole time we were slipping and sliding around. The only good thing was the extra shine it gave my floor. When Camilla went to sneak a treat from the pantry a little while later she totally whipped out on the floor. It's still pretty slippery.

Then it was time to get out of the house. I was glad that my brother and sister were up for the day. They are always a hit with the littles. We took the bikes out to check out the trails and get some fresh air. It was a great walk. I love spending time with those two!

Making Waves

Baby Joe was awake from 2:00-4:00am last night. When Hyrum jumped on our bed at 6:00am I wasn't ready to wake up yet. I finished getting Joe back to sleep while Hyrum whispered and played in the hallway. I then took his little warm hand in mine and walked down both sets of stairs. I plugged in a movie, snuggled him close and caught a few more winks of much needed sleep. Camilla joined us shortly after and snuggled under the blanket at my feet. Her toes were ice cold. No one moved until we heard Joe stirring at 8:00 am.

We all made our way upstairs. I changed the boys bums and helped them get dressed. Then we made our beds and shared hugs on my bedroom floor. Hyrum kept telling me, "Mom, I wike you". Then the older two took turns running across my bedroom giving me those fabulous knock-your-socks-off hugs. The joy I felt in these morning hours is undescribable. I sure do love my kids and I love when we have moments like this where everyone is happy and getting along. When Hyrum tells anyone he likes them, it really means "I love you" and it's so sweet hearing him say those things on his own.

Soon the children were asking about "beckfast" and getting excited about the proposed "smoo-dees". We all enjoyed a smoothie packed with fruit and fresh raspberries.

The rest of the afternoon was rainy. We spent lots of time trying to keep busy inside, playing in the basement and enjoying naps and cartoons. When Daddy got home from his big exam writing he spent some time relaxing and then we hit up the swimming pool! It was our first time in this particular pool. Camilla immediately ran for the floaty toys.

Soon after I snapped this picture I tucked away my camera in our bag. Camilla and I went out into the pool to join Daddy and the boys. After a couple of minutes the buzzer rang notifying us of the oncoming waves. We were expecting something little like previous pools we've been too. Poor Joe was in the floaty baby seat and after the second wave went up and over his head I quickly scooped him out of his seat, half falling over in the process and trying to make it closer to the ankle deep water. While I was busy with Joe, Camilla tipped off her floaty. Just as I rescued her, Daddy came over and asked me what was going on. We laughed about it and wondered what the lifegaurds must think. Hyrum was eating up the waves and loving every minute, so I took the other two over to safer waters.

Ahh, much better.

Hyrum has always been our water baby. By the end of the night he was floating around the kiddie pool practically swimming on his own. He sure had fun in the waves though! On the way home Daddy faught the car, but in the end the car won and turned into the golden arches for some ice cream. So many giggles were had. It was such a great time!

Two Little Feet

My baby has recently acquired a fascination with standing. He stands beside the dishwasher while I load it. He stands beside the couch when I sit. He stands at the bottom of the stairs. He stands in his crib. And tonight, he decided to stand and watch the diapers go through the washing machine.

He's quite proud of himself...

Sunday Storms

We are out at the acreage once again! We threw my parents a 25th anniversary celebration this weekend. It's been fun to visit with extended family and celebrate together. Pictures to come, I promise. For now, here's a few snapshots from today.

Uncle Arland spent some of his morning serenading us with church hymns. Hyrum jumped up on his lap for some of the time. He's really warmed up to his Uncle since he's been home. It's like he never even left. Camilla looked pretty adorable carrying her own Book of Mormon to church today. She's growing up so much.

Tonight we enjoyed roasting smores over a nice fire. The weather was windy and the thunder rolled in the distance making the fire feel extra toasty.

Grampa went and got some more wood with his little helpers!

Uncle Arland snuggled Joe to sleep and let him rest his head there the rest of the evening.

Which gave me some free time to snuggle up to Mr. Stannix. We all visited around the fire until the rain came. The fire was so brilliant and beautiful that it was sad to leave it and come in doors. It was a nice relaxing way to spend the evening! Now I'm off for my nightly bowl of fresh raspberries, cream and sugar.



Superman

After a long morning of biking, drawing with chalk, jumping, and wrestling with his big sis, this little dude was pretty pooped out. Sometimes I like to sneak into their rooms when they're asleep. I love the way Hyrum's giant eyelashes rest on his cheeks while he snoozes.

Sometimes even superheroes need their rest...

I just finished reading a gazillion books to the kids in Camilla's big bed. Now they're enjoying "quiet time" in their own rooms which is code for early bed time. While they whisper to themselves and look at books I get to hang out with and Jammie this little chanchito.



New Tricks

Baby Joe is learning new tricks every day.

He can now climb stairs like a maniac and giggles uncontrollably when caught.

He thinks it's funny to do stuff that he's not supposed to do.

This morning he did something that brought a smile from ear to ear.

Just as our friends were leaving he chimed in with the rest of his siblings.

He waved as he shouted, "Baaaaaa!"

I still think he's too little to be doing stuff like this, but man it was cute.



Playing Catchup

Joseph is already trailing close behind his older siblings.

They are going to be the best of friends.