The fact that I didn't loose my mind this week...

feels like a win.

This week was hard. Really hard. 

 I got home Monday night from Michigan.... and then Chris left about an hour later to catch a flight to Seattle. 

Which means I was a solo parent this week and although I knew it'd be challenging, it ended up being harder than I anticipated (ha. Have I mentioned how hard it was yet??)

For me, the harder part was balancing the needs of Colin with the needs of the babies. They are at such different stages and it's hard to find a way to keep them all happy, occupied and out of trouble when I'm caring for them alone.

All I have to say is that I realize today more than ever how truly blessed we are to have Amelie. I'm not even sure what to refer to her as anymore... Mother's helper? Nanny? Family. Yup, she is family to us now.

Wouldn't have made it through the week without her help!

Amelie, taking one for the team!

And what an amazing husband and partner on this crazy ride I have in Chris. 

He returned home to a little boy, up way past his bedtime but soooo excited to greet him.

All feels right in the world again.

Chris's birthday was...

Fantabulous!

I *think* Chris would agree... but either way Colin and I couldn't have had more fun preparing for it!

Chris is an amazing husband, person and father and I wanted his birthday to really show him how much we appreciate him.

Seriously... this is the scene almost everyday when he comes home from work.... his boys excitedly crawling and jumping all over him. He is a great dad, and so tolerant! He deserves a great birthday!

My plan was to have a little family celebration after he got home from work and then Uncle "G" and Lauren agreed to baby sit so Chris and I could have dinner the two of us, something we rarely get to do these days.

So Colin and I spent the day preparing.

We picked out cupcakes from here. YUM!!!!! We really don't get these often enough....

We found a balloon that said "Happy Birthday" and was covered in tools, nails and screws. We picked out two cards, one from the boys and one from me. And even though I tried to steer him toward the sweet "Happy Birthday Daddy" cards, Colin INSISTED on this one:

I'm going to save this card for those moments when I need a little pick me up because it cracks me up every time I see the martini shaker dance.

He was so proud of his choice!

Earlier, just before Chris arrived home from work I glanced over at the presents on the window sill and noticed one that wasn't there before.

"Colin, what's this??"

"It's my present for Daddy."

"What is it?"

"A wipe. I wrap it all by myself."

I hadn't seen him wrap it or place it there but can picture his three year old fingers, carefully cutting the paper and holding it together to place the sticker on top. And then gently placing it on the shelf with the other gifts.

Chris treasured it, as only a parent can.

Hot days mean

naked babies! 

Or at least babies that only need a diaper. I love it! 

They do too.

Carter has basically called "dibs" on this bouncy seat that recently resurfaced. 

He especially loves to dance in it when the music comes on. Cracks me up every time.

Here's Everett scootin' along the couch. If his hair looks greasy, that's because, it is! He has eczema, and I'd just lathered him up with his special lotion. Still, I think he wears the greasy look well.

Finn has his, "What Mom??" look here. 

 Play on my little half naked men. 

Oh what a weekend!

My sister in law Katie got married this past weekend. It was so lovely! We were honored to be a part of their wedding and thrilled to spend time with extended family, who we don't often get to see.

This was the first big event we've travelled to and participated in as a family and let's just say.... 

Managing these monkeys away from our "normal" routine was not so easy! (When I say "these monkeys" I mean the kids, not Chris haha) 

 Luckily, my dear friend Laurie was brave enough to spend the weekend with us and watch the boys whenever we had other duties. My boys just love her and I'm so thankful to have a friend willing to help us out like that!

Carter, Colin

Chris and Finley

Chris, Colin and I were all in the wedding. Colin and his cousin Gabe were ring bearers and looked just handsome as can be. 

Grrrrr.... caught someone else's flash.... but still love this one :-)

Before the ceremony, Colin grabbed hold of the ring bearer's pillow and positioned it right under his arm, like a football! He took my hand and down the aisle to meet Chris we walked. I couldn't help but think back just over five years ago and how I took that same walk, down the same isle in the same church, to meet my groom.... and now we have four little boys. Five years, four boys. CRAZY! 

Crazy wonderful. 

...............

Everett, making rounds

I wish I had some pictures of the bride and groom to share. Katie looked just gorgeous and soooo happy. But at the reception, my arms were either filled with babies, or I was chasing crawling babies around the ballroom so the camera bag ended up staying in the stroller. But trust me, it was a beautiful day! 

All the laundry is neatly folded and piled in the basket....

Until I turn my head for TWO SECONDS!

Oh Everett, you get me every time! My little curious George....

Luckily Finn trapped you before you could get into any more laundry trouble!

 (Actually you were not very happy about this but it was so cute I had to take a pic before letting you free)

The first pic would've happened whether or not I have multiples... I just shouldn't have turned my head in that moment. But the second picture speaks to life with multiples. You just never know what they'll do next and how there ideas will impact each other. 

They never cease to surprise me or make me laugh!

(*** in full disclosure, I was not the one to fold the laundry. Our wonderful nanny Amelie did that. If it were me, the clean clothes would be haphazardly thrown in the laundry basket where they'd probably stay until needed! Hey, we all have our strengths. Folding laundry... not one of mine.)