Scooter Love

Apparently my kids aren't the only ones who loved the knee scooter. How cute is Jackson?!!!

No More Monkeys Climbing on the Dresser

The kids love the book about the ten monkeys jumping on the bed. I think I should re-write the story to be No More Monkeys Climbing on the Dresser! I know Parker can climb up the knobs but it wasn't until yesterday that I learned how Bailey and Fletcher were getting up. Ahh, the drawers! As soon as I entered the room Bailey popped her head out from under the blinds and said, "camera." I think my kids either know how to get out of trouble or they like being photographed, probably a little of both because I couldn't resist stopping to take a picture!

Rainy Day

We're having freak weather this spring which resulted in a rainy day in late May (unheard of for us!). Jack happened to be over and before we knew it the kids were outside splashing in all the puddles. All the wet pants were removed which left four half naked kids running around wildly - they were having a blast!

See for yourself...

1st Pet

After several trips to the fish store it was finally time for a new addition to our family. I thought I'd just get each of the kids a .25cent goldfish but when the store employee looked at the size of the container I picked out he said they wouldn't last long. I couldn't bring myself to tell him that was okay so I let him talk me into a Beta fish. We had a hard time deciding on the color because we didn't want one child to think he was "their" fish instead of part of the family but alas we ended up choose a blue fish.

Grandma named him Atlas on the way home and he's become a family favorite. The best thing is that Atlas eats three pebbles twice a day so it's a great incentive to get the kids into the dining room for breakfast and dinner.

Taking turns feeding Atlas

Yesterday I left Parker in the dining room watching Atlas while I went back into the bedroom to get Fletcher. I reminded him NOT to touch Atlas. I sat in the bedroom with Fletcher and Bailey for a few moments when I realized Parker was being a little too quiet. I found him with a fist full of Atlas' rocks and them all over the counter. I guess I need to be more specific when I tell him what not to touch! It's a good thing I have triplets that like to sweep because they cleaned up every rock and gave them all back to Atlas.

Even though it's just a fish it's been neat to watch the kids become interested in caring for him!

Farewell Trip

Our friends the Grattons are moving to Chicago (so sad) so Sarah and Elise made one last trip to Sacramento to play (poor Michael had to stay behind to work).

Elise jumped right into the mix and the kids played great together. I think her favorite moment of the weekend was when we went over to the park and there was a bounce house! I totally forgot it was my mother's club picnic so it was a fun surprise. She could have bounced the day away! While Elise was taking off layers my kids were too bothered by the "wind" and "cold" to jump - can you guess which child lives in San Francisco?

We wanted to take Elise for her first train ride so we headed to Old Sac in time for the 11am train. However, we noticed a big traffic jam as we exited off the freeway. Minutes were ticking by and my stress was mounting at 11am grew closer. Finally someone told us there was the Pacific Rim Festival and all of Old Sac was blocked off. Normally I know about all the festivals but somehow I missed the timing on this one. Once we decided to change trains and found parking my stress was eliminated and we were able to enjoy the festival for a bit.

We stopped by the McDonald's craft booth and the kids made rice patty hats.

Classic! It took all three of us to hoist up the kids. I'm shocked they're all looking!

Parker and Elise not sure why their moms made them wear these goofy hats!


When we finally took our train ride Elise covered her ears most of the way. However, Sarah says that she talked about it all the way home so she must have secretly enjoyed it!

The boys got their own chap stick from the Kings booth while Bailey had her heart checked out in the ambulance (the kids love ambulances so it was fun for them to go inside one).

Michael, Sarah and Elise - we'll miss you on the west coast but we look forward to visiting the Windy City (I'll make sure the kids are prepared for the weather!).

Story Time

When I used to think of being a mom I always thought part of one's motherhood ritual was to take the children to story time at the library. We'll, I've finally arrived!

I took the kids to story time at Borders a long time ago and it didn't go so well (imagine squirmy kids pulling DVD's off the shelf) so I've been a little intimidated by the library. We finally ventured to story time two weeks ago and the kids LOVE it. I think the colored carpet squares help as does Ms. Janet's skill at keeping the kids engaged. I'm sure the fact that my children are older makes a big difference too.

After story time the kids get to do a craft which is a big bonus. She promises glitter one of these weeks and we'll definitely be there since I've vowed no indoor glitter every again! Last week the kids had their first go at cutting with scissors. Fun!

Claire, Kaylin, Jack and the trio hard at work

First use of scissors...

Kaylin and Claire

Jack showing off his star

I think story time will become a part of our weekly routine!

Go Daddy Go

In addition to our Sunday league Danny's in a men's division A soccer league on Tuesday nights. Usually his games are after the kids go to bed but last week he had a game at 6:30pm so we all went to cheer him on.

Here are some great close ups of the kids. They are growing up so fast!

After the game the kids had fun feeding a hungry Daddy some snacks and jumping on his tired belly :)

We love soccer games! I have a feeling we'll be watching A LOT of them over the next twenty years.

Discovery Science Center Family Fun Day

I'm always on the hunt for family activities and I saw that the Discovery Science Center was holding a family day so we decided to check it out. There was so much to see inside and outside they had booths with games and PRIZES so we had a fun filled morning. The children enjoyed the animals and critters and as they get older will appreciate the other aspects of the museum (space stuff, dinosaurs, geology, microscopes, planetarium, etc...).

Here are some pictures from the day...

Danny borrowed the mic from the volunteer so the robot knew exactly what to say to the boys.

Daddy and Parker working on a puzzle

Fletcher never misses a chance to swing or squeeze out hand sanitizer (look at how excited Bailey is that Fletcher is the one dishing it out. She's hoping for a very generous portion!)

Meanwhile, Parker never misses a snack!

Who doesn't love Go Fish?!

After being told to wait until after lunch to eat her sucker prize Bailey finally wore us down when she managed to chew the wrapper off while "waiting."

Fletcher and Daddy re-creating the Mommy and giraffe (at the Sydney Zoo) moment with a carrot

Petting a cockroach - yuck! However, the praying mantis was cool!