Lots of pictures ahead. It is only Wednesday and we have had a full week. After the girls' birthday party on Saturday, we decided to go to Church that so we could let the kids rest and recover on Sunday. So Sunday morning everyone slept later and then the day outside began. The weather was absolutely beautiful, so we went on a walk to the duck pond in our neighborhood. Jacob rode his bike and the girls were in the wagon. As we started our walk, I looked at Matt and asked, "Why is Jacob old enough to ride a bike? He is supposed to still be my baby." I have really been emotional lately over my little boy not being so little anymore. Of course I can't believe the girls are getting bigger either, but I guess it just hits a little harder with Jacob since he will be the first to go to kindergarten, high school, and then college! So maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself...he is only 4 1/2. I love my kids so much and just want to enjoy every single minute of them at home with me. I hate the hard days when there are temper tantrums or arguing, or when mommy isn't having the most patience. I don't want to waste time being mad over something stupid. I want to remember each stage they are in and how amazing it is that they learn so much in such a short amount of time. Sorry to share all my mommy emotions, but it is my blog. We had a great picnic lunch outside and then Elizabeth took a nap and daddy and Hannah attempted to. Jacob and I stayed outside and watered my flowers, washed his car, played in the water, played soccer and chase. I loved spending one on one time with my little boy. He thrives on having my undivided attention. Then, Hannah came back out and Jacob went to play with Matt. So I got to have some one on one time with my sweet Hannah Grace. I pushed her on the swing, we talked, sang songs, and just got to be silly together. Later that afternoon, Matt took Jacob and Hannah to the store and I got some time with Elizabeth. She was crawling all over me, I was trying to get her to walk (not happening yet), I tickled her and laughed with her. What a great Sunday God gave us. We spent so much time in his creation and I got to spend valuable time with the three creations he gave me.
Monday I took the munchkins to the zoo. We were supposed to meet Nana and Brady there, but Nana wasn't feeling well, so we took a rain check. I had a wonderful morning with my kids and reminded myself never to take time for granted. After we got home, Elizabeth was napping and Jacob and Hannah started playing together so sweetly. They had a plan of what to do. I snapped a picture of them together.
Today, we went back to the zoo. Nana and Brady joined us this time and the kids had a great time and so did Nana and Mommy. I had such a great time with my sweet nephew. I love that little boy so much. It is fun to watch him make faces where all I see is my sister. It is also fun to watch him walk and run and look just like his daddy! I can't wait to watch Karsyn and Kaden show different features as well. Please keep the little princess and prince in your prayers. They are still fighting. Check out Kim and Jeff's blog for full updates. We love these babies and their mommy and daddy and big brother. We are praying for ultimate healing that only God can provide and for peace and rest for mommy and daddy during these next few months of NICU stay, and for big brother that he would not feel the stress of this situation. Thanks so much.
Now for the pictures, which is why you look at the blog anyways... Sorry for the novel!

Sunglasses, water cups,
wagon, the girls are ready to go

Mr. Stud on his bike!

Feeding the ducks with Daddy

Picnic lunch outside!

Jacob washing his car!

On the train with my precious gifts from God

My first born...I love this little boy

Looking at the giraffes.

Jacob and Hannah playing together
(they did not know I was watching)

The kids throwing bread at the fish

Jacob climbing!

Tunnels are so fun!

Looking for an animal....not sure which one!

My sweet nephew, Brady looking at the BIG fish!

Nana and Jacob looking at the Elephants

Nana and Elizabeth

Don't you just want to squeeze her!

My darling children on the carousel
(why do I pay money for them to sit on a bench?)

Nana, Hannah, and Brady on the train
Choo Choo!