Grandma and Gramps...

I mentioned in my earlier post that my parents came to visit on the triplet's birthday.  They stayed for a week and as ALWAYS, it flew by!  We had a jam-packed week, which had all been mapped out on the white board, and enjoyed every day hanging out together. 

When my parents arrived at our house, they got out of the car and had a CAFE RIO bag in their hands!!  The Salt Lake airport now has a Cafe Rio so they got a salad to go, put it on ice, and flew it halfway across the country.  Seriously.  The miles did not dampen the taste or my enjoyment of the salad.  Oh man it was delicious.  Now they've set a precedent though and will be required to have a salad in hand every time they come visit.   :)

The next day Grandma and Gramps (or so the kids named him) were able to be part of all the birthday festivities.  Even the unveiling of the bounce house.  Unfortunately because we live far apart, our kids were a little unsure of our new house visitors even though we'd been talking about their arrival and studying their photo.  However, two year olds are great in that all it takes is sitting down and playing for them to warm up.

One of the activities on our white board was for Leah to do some cooking with Grandma.  Leah is OBSESSED with helping in the kitchen and cries and cries when she can't be up at counter-level seeing what is happening.  Typically that wouldn't be a problem except we have only one step stool so anytime it's out, there is pushing and screaming among the three but Leah is really the only one that cares.  So as expected, when Leah and Grandma got to cooking, the boys wanted to be involved...apron and all.  Luckily we always have diaper boxes hanging around so they used those as stools.  They were all GREAT helpers!

Beside hanging out at the house and running normals errands here and there throughout the week, we also did a few big activities.  One of which was going to a Texas Rangers game!  The kids didn't attend so we just enjoyed the nice weather and fun atmosphere.  That was my first time at Rangers stadium and it is definitely something to behold.  Very cool.  Another fun activity we ALL did was the zoo!  We did the zoo last year for the trio's birthday but this year was MUCH more fun.  They knew all the animals, could get out of the wagon and get closer looks, and had a great time in the Children's Zoo wading stream. 

Of course we had to go out to eat some Texas brisket while my parents were here.  This was the trio's first BBQ exposure and they seemed pretty satisfied!  It was definitely a tasty dinner all around!

On the last morning my parents were here, Clark happened to be signed up for a sprint triathalon.  We originally weren't going to go but ended up changing our minds so my parents could say goodbye.  Plus it was such a beautiful morning we just had to be outside to enjoy it!  The triathalon was held at a fitness ranch and we camped out right at the finish line.  We made it there about ten minutes before Clark finished so it was perfect timing.

High fives all around!  Clark was disappointed with his time compared to his last triathalon but we were proud of him nonetheless!  I can't wait until the kids are old enough to do these with him so he won't pressure me anymore.  ;)

Before Grandma and Gramps left, we had to take advantage of some free photographers.  We took about 50 pictures at this nearby park but I only ended up liking one of them.  This one...

Maybe because none of us are looking at the camera so I have nothing to be critical about.  The jury is still out on the rest of the pictures.

We had a GREAT time with my parents and they were so helpful with the kids, the house, and making sure we were in good shape before they left.  The week was so great and we sure miss having them around.  Until next time!!

This is How We Celebrate...

The trio's birthday this year was on a Friday so we decided to postpone and celebrate the next day.  It was a good decision too because Saturday was our first 'fall' day and was BEAUTIFUL.  Friday was 105 degrees.  Yuck.  My parents flew in Friday night so Saturday morning we began our birthday festivities!

The boys played with new trains, tracks, and a Thomas fort from their California grandparents.  If I didn't know any better I would think Zachary and Caleb were actually playing peacefully within a foot of one another!  Henry, Gordon, and Diesel have been welcomed happily into our home.  :)

Of course Leah couldn't go without a friend.  'Baby Doll'  was instantly welcomed as well and fed a delicious lunch of plastic food.  Leah just chatted away with Baby Doll and enjoyed having a girlfriend around.

My parents didn't waste any time after arriving and immediately presented the kids with magnadoodle books!  This seemed to be the solve-all for getting the kids to color/draw without having to deal with the fights over crayons and colored pencils.  They have been deemed our special Sunday toys and entertained the kids for over 30 minutes the next day at church as well as the following Sunday too.  Perfect!

We also busted out a block train that was intended as a Christmas present last year from some friends but was a bit to old for them to play with.  They would've just sucked on the blocks.  So it was great to be able to pull it out from under our bed with no hassle, shopping, or running around!  

Last but not least, the triple-sized present I promised.  Clark and I have been toying with the idea of getting a tramp.  I have great memories growing up jumping on the tramp, having sleepovers, and spending hours out there imagining up the craziest things.  However, we know we have a unique situation with three kids all the same age so we decided the tramp should probably wait until later when they are more coordinated and can understand taking turns a little better.  We still liked the idea of an outside toy that wasn't necessarily a swing set.  That's when we were introduced to the world of bounce houses.  Who knew they weren't just for renting!  I hurried over to craigslist, found an awesome house for a little over $100 (originally close to $350), and bought it immediately.  Considering we didn't get the kids anything for the birthday last year and threw out the party idea this year, we felt ok spending money on something that would be useful for the next couple years and burn energy for the kids that I could never attempt to.

So here it is in all it's glory...

The kids jumped on it for a grand total of three hours the first day!  THREE HOURS!  It was amazing.  They were exhausted and I sat in a lawn chair the whole time.  :)  The excitement when they ran outside and saw it for the first time was priceless.  All caught on camera.  We enjoyed the morning outside in the cool weather while watching the kids bounce away.  It was GREAT.

Of course we had to do a little song with birthday candles.  They each got a giant rice krispie with their letter and don't worry, we did the 'Z' correct this year!  Their friend Addison dropped by to be part of the celebration and get her fair share of rice krispies too!

Then later that day they had a second celebration with a couple of our friends who brought over a special cake and present.  Seriously, so thoughtful.  So we sang again and dipped our fingers in frosting.  Notice how Clark was right up in there....if there is cake around, Clark is bound to be near. 

Their birthday was perfect.  Family in town, close friends around, cool weather, and new gifts for this next year (more sanity for me as a result).  Birthday #2, although completely different than what I originally planned a few months ago, was just right for our three two-year-olds!

Two Years Old and They Can Dance!

As we officially cross the two-year mark today, I'm relieved and scared.  This past year has been challenging, in such a vastly different way than the first year.  Getting to age three will be a whole other adventure I'm sure.  Although I'm so grateful for our kids and their spunk and spirit, I'm not going to say that having three toddlers is easy.  I know that I'm being pushed to my limits by the trio when I get emotional with a complete stranger at Costco.  It was another triplet mom (hers are six years old) and we swapped stories and empathized with one another.  It was quite therapeutic.  
  
Two years old is such a great age.  The trio are sponges to any new information.  They want to learn and are interested in new things.  They remember song lyrics, lines from books, names of friends and family, etc...  They can even recite our four basic rules that merit a timeout:  no biting, no pushing, no hitting, no stealing (rules are subject to change at any time :).  They comprehend everything we say and are desperate for our praise and acceptance.  They are sweetly innocent and crazy passionate about whatever they are doing.  On the flip side though, two year olds are naturally very egocentric, believe everything is about them/revolves around them, and need instant gratification.  They can't help it.  It's just the way they are.  As a result, crying and screaming take up 90% of our day.  The other day I let out an exasperated sigh after Leah came running to me for the umpteenth time saying that someone pushed her.  Clark said, "it's probably so hard being a multiple...having someone in your way all the time, no personal space or toys..."  Yes, very true.   I can't blame them for their behavior but it is what it is.  Exhausting. 

Despite all the craziness, they really are so helpful and grown up now.  Two days ago our AC bit the dust and we were right in the middle of a heat wave.  105+ degree days.  It was a nightmare to say the least and our house was hitting near 90 degrees by the second day.  We spent most of the day running around in the car, doing errands, waiting for the AC repair man but unfortunately we wouldn't have cool air until the following day (waiting for a part).  So we packed up the kids last minute, picked up three pack n plays from gracious friends, and invaded a church member's house for the night.  The kids were so flexible, happy, and slept like angels.  They didn't create any stress or drama and just went with the flow.  I was so impressed and surprised.  I realized I don't give them enough credit sometimes and can be hard on them.  That whole experience was good for me to see what good kids they are and that being two-years old SHOULD be crazy, loud, and fun.   

So here's a very HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY to our amazingly talented trio.
The partying starts tomorrow, stay tuned for a triple-sized birthday gift!

I did promise some dancing.  They LOVE 'Call Me Maybe.'  Weird.  :)

I'm Outta Here!

Well I did it.

I left ALL of my kids for the first time in two years. I was quite overdue for a break, let me tell you. They were left in the very capable hands of their father, though, so I knew I didn't have to worry a bit and could relax on my special trip out to the land of California! I headed out west for a SISTERSFEST for Clark's side of the family.   Seven of us traveled from all over to meet up and we were only missing one who couldn't make it.  So we had quite the group!

Although flying anywhere on Southwest these days takes triple the amount of time as other airlines, it was nice not to worry or stress about time, delays, seating, etc... I just went with the flow, read my book, and made my way toward the Pacific. I was scooped up from the airport by waiting family and we all made our way to Windsor later that day. After my trip to Idaho with Leah last summer, I learned I needed more warm clothes when traveling during the summer to climates that weren't 107 degrees with 100% humidity everyday. So I was prepared with sweatshirts and pants when I landed in San Francisco.

Because I had been traveling since 2:30am pacific time and eating granola bars and peanuts all day, it was so nice to finally reach our hotel around dinner time, get into pajamas, and eat some delicious pizza, fruit, and rolls. We explored where we were staying, located the fitness room (which was quite the hot spot the next morning), and didn't waste anytime before diving into some fun games.

The course of the weekend was full of some pool time (kind of chilly that particular afternoon which is why we're all covered up...relaxing nonetheless),

Pedicures by Amy during our Downton Abbey marathons,

Loving on Cal, the newest member of the family,

Hot tubbing,

Poolside chats and naps,

Dinner out on the town at a yummy diner,

 

and a Justin Bieber birthday party!  Lucky for me, my birthday happened to fall on our SISTERSFEST weekend.  Clark was probably glad he didn't have to make me a cake.  :)  I woke up on Sunday morning to a fullly Bieberfied hotel room!  Mom woke up in the 5am hour to make sure everything was in place and decorated.  It was awesome and I had a good laugh.  I mean, what grown woman doesn't like Justin Bieber?  We enjoyed Justin's presence that day and had a delicious crockpot birthday meal complete with my favorite, strawberry shortcake, for dessert.  We tried to eat the dessert at the exact time I was born, 7:35pm, but soon realized we had already missed the moment because of the time change.  Dang!  The shortcake was delicious anyway.

I felt totally spoiled and special and even had gifts to open!  All of which were very thoughtful and appreciated.  I felt lucky to be surrounded by such incredible woman who love me despite my current obsessions, likes, dislikes, quirks, etc...  Isn't family great that way? 

 

We spent the whole of my birthday lounging around, hanging by the pool, and talking.  Perfectly my style.  Sadly weekends like that always fly by but I knew after four days Clark was ready to have me home again!  I can't thank Clark enough for giving me a little break to renew and recharge.  He's superdad.  No doubt about it.   Of course the first thing the kids asked me when I went in to get them the next morning was, "where's Dada?"  Apparently my homecoming wasn't all that exciting.

Looks like I may have to leave more often!!   :)

You're Invited!

...to a party that will be 'BUCKETS OF FUN!'  Each attendee will receive their own bucket which will be decorated upon arrival.  At the appointed time, all attendees (I estimated 15-20 two-year-olds) will be let loose in the backyard to fill up their buckets!  There will be a dozen large standing buckets in the backyard full of goodies, balls, cars, toys, etc... ready for the taking.  Whatever fits in the personal bucket can be kept and taken home!

Once the small buckets are full, the big ones empty, and toddlers are tired, we'll call it a day and send everyone home with their fun stuff and a rice krispies in the shape of the number two.

Quick, easy, stress free.  These are our invitation pictures...

Adorable right?  Party prep was coming together nicely.

Until I actually attended several two-year-old parties during these past couple months.  Now...the parties we attended were well organized and put together, food was awesome, and had great turnouts.  But my kids were CARAZY and made it very clear to me that I'm not interested in throwing a party this year.  Up to two months ago, I was set to go since last year we only had a tiny celebration with just us.

BTW, this is ALL personal opinion and not directed at anyone who plans to or who has ever thrown a party for a two year old.  

So back to the part where my kids were CARAZY.  I mean, they were around brand new toys, all of which were way fun, so that contributed to the craziness.  They aren't great at sharing (contrary to what most people believe about multiples) and HATE taking turns.  There was so much toy stealing, toy monopolizing, screaming AND kicking fits, me sweating while I'm trying to navigate all the drama, large toys such as slides being used incorrectly by my trio thus ruining it for the other 17 toddlers, spitting cupcakes out, rubbing frosting ALL over, refusing to participate in organized activities, yelling "no! no! no! no! no!" over and over, me still sweating while holding two kids on my hips while the third takes a turn on whatever toy, etc...  You get the point.

I love my kids.  And I love parties.......for other people.  But I do not love three two-year-olds who act CARAZY during events that have been planned and prepped for, cooked for, and stressed about.  I know I would be super disappointed if I put a ton of time AND not to mention money into a party that I think is awesome while the trio just fought, cried, and whined the whole time over silly things.  Which would inevitably happen.  I'm clearly an optimist.  :)

Oh, I should also mention that our kids are normally NOT defiant, ill-mannered, rude, or physically abusive.  But every two-year-old just has a little bit of CARAZY in them, ours are no exception, and you never know how or when it's going to present itself.  Their CARAZY apparently presents at birthday parties with an intimidating number of toddlers.  Maybe it's just behavior that stems from a defense mechanism.  I don't know.  See...I've tried to justify and figure it out and say that when it's OUR party it will be different.  Then I realized there is a common thread among all this...

THEY ARE TWO...multiplied by three!

My stress tolerance isn't built up enough for hosting a party.  Maybe three years will be better.  Although I may attend some three-year-old parties next summer and have the same feelings.  So after validating my thoughts with some family members, it's been decided that there will be NO party happening.  I'm not sad about it at all either.  Which is funny because, seriously, I was dead set and about to send out invites.  That bucket picture is just too cute not to share though which is why I posted all this useless information about a party that isn't happening.  :)

The bucket pictures will now be their official two-year-old photos and we'll take some on the actual day here in a few weeks of course.  Since we're all in the spirit of buckets, I decided to share a few more bucket pictures.  Who needs a pool when they can sit in big buckets of water?

Fence-front view...

Don't judge me.  I've had to get creative in this summer heat and not surprisingly, they loved the big buckets to have their own personal pools. 

So there is my party saga.  Stay tuned for next year's party.

Maybe.

The Boy Who Cried Bug...

So there is this creepy bug that climbed onto our front window screen a while ago. I don't know what kind of bug it is but apparently it shed it's outer shell, legs and all, and flew away. The outer shell, legs and all, still remain on the outside screen. The kids are obsessed with the bug. They obviously think it's real and don't realize that it hasn't moved in over a month. We don't want to flick it off the screen because I already did that with one shell (don't know why they like to take up residence on that window) and the kids kept asking about the bug for days. Luckily another one appeared. The point is, we talk about bugs a lot now...especially Zachary. Zachary claims to have a bug somewhere on his body at least once a day. The most popular place is his diaper. "diapy, bug, diapy" is what he says so we check his diaper for him and reassure that there are indeed no bugs hanging around in there.

He also claims they are in his hair and this has rubbed off on Caleb.  As a result, they both start rubbing their hair furiously and yelling 'bug!'  Often times during dinner Zachary points and yells 'bug, bug, bug!' and there never is one. I just think he's trying to avoid eating. So the whole bug thing has been overused. I don't look anymore.

Until a few days ago.

Zachary was yelling 'bug' while we were in his room playing with the blocks. I assured him there was no bug on him and all the sudden a GIANT cockroach comes crawling across the carpet! Ew, ew, ew, ew. HATE THEM. So I freak which makes the kids freak and eventually I killed it with the block bucket.

AND THEN...

a few days later Zachary cried 'bug' and he had spotted another cockroach! This time in the living room corner behind the blanket basket. Luckily Clark was here to save the day. Do we have a cockroach problem? Maybe. :) But with Zachary at my heels always keeping his eye out, I never have to worry about one creeping up on me. Looks like we'll have to take his 'bug' spotting seriously from now on.

So besides the creepy creepy bugs, we have another serious problem on our hands...

the HEAT!  What to do with three two year olds in 100-degree weather is always the question of the day.  They aren't quite old enough for arts and crafts or to sit through a movie or to enjoy any activity for more than 30-45 minutes; however, they want to be entertained ALL.DAY.LONG.  On the day Zachary spotted the cockroach in his room, we were actually going through a box in his closet.  My sister (who has six daughters) gave me this box over Thanksgiving with some Halloween costumes she had made over the years.  So we opened it up and there were the cutest dresses in there!  They fit Leah perfectly too.

Now this was the first time she'd ever played dress up.  She took it VERY seriously.  She walked very slow and cautiously, not to ruffle her dress too much.  She didn't move her arms too much and was a very well-mannered princess. 

Then I got her the mirror.  She was in awe of herself.  It was hilarious and so adorable at the same time.  She just stood there and stared at how pretty she looked.  I was dying.  She takes her princessing very seriously.  Princess books at our library are VERY hard to get your hands on so I have a half dozen on request right now to see if she is interested in the world of princesses yet.

Of course the boys had to get in on all the fun.  Again, there were NO boy costumes so we made do with what we had.  I'll be scouring the after-Halloween sales this year for some super heros or animals for the boys.  Zachary certainly has the figure for this dress...

Unfortunately I'm not sure pink is very becoming on Caleb's fair skin. He'll probably look better in a crimson Ironman costume.  :)  He played his princess part well though.  Wore his crown with honor and spent just as much time as Leah in front of the mirror admiring himself.

The kids are rarely clothed by the time dinner rolls around because they play hard and work up a sweat, especially with the humidity here! That makes dinner messes a little less stressful I guess when I don't have to worry about clothes getting stained. Clark wanted them to eat with their summer shades on this night... 

Clark thought it was hilarious for some reason but so did the kids.  Except Zachary...he wouldn't wear them so only Leah and Caleb are pictured.

I'll end with this little gem I caught one morning.  Caleb was heading this up (first time activity ever) and wanted to hold hands with the other two and run up and down the kitchen.  So cute...and weird...but more cute than weird.  :)  These three fight like crazy but this picture is too precious. 

I guess summer isn't so bad after all.