FIVE ALIVE

We had another birthday last week. My four year old survived to the ripe old age of five. It's been questionable at times; this kid is a force to be reckoned with. He is rough and tumble. A tornado of energy. Boy, through and through. He is the first to find a stick ANYWHERE we go and to turn it into a weapon. Has a slightly aggressive temperament, born from trying to keep up with his older brothers. Definitely a bit of a brute.
Even though this kid comes off as a tough guy, he is really just a happy go lucky kid. He has the sweetest dimples. And those light eyes just slay. Loves dinosaurs, ninja turtles, and transformers. Adores his siblings, even if he likes to push their buttons...

FOUR IS THE NEW THREE

Growing up, I always wanted to have a little girl that looked like me. And then this little miss joined our family of boys four years ago. I was smitten from the moment that she was placed into my arms. For the past four years, our bond has grown increasingly close and we have become the best of friends. She is my carbon copy - in looks, in personality, in actions. 

This little girlfriend. What a firecracker. Lover all things pink and sparkly. Smart. Sweet. Sassy. She loves princesses, dollies, and purses. Wants to be a mom when she grows up. Even though surrounded by boys, she remains the girliest of girly girls. Don't let that fool you; she can hold her own with her brothers. Or any boy, for that matter. Curious. Creative. Caring. Loves her baby sister more than I could have ever have imagined. Has my quick temper and my outgoing demeanor. She's a treasure. I love this little four year old and am so excited to call her mine.

365.2: WEEK 20

As of this moment, I am so over 365. Am I quitting? Never. Do I feel like giving up and never touching my camera again? Totally. Just one of those days. Moving on.
This week has been particularly busy, and it's only just begun. The next several weeks are cram-packed. Since our aquarium membership was due to expire, we went as a family on Monday late afternoon to enjoy Sea Life one last time. The kids got to play next door on Tuesday, climbing trees and collecting lizards with the neighbor's grandkids. Wednesday came with fabulous weather, so we met up with our friends for one last park play date. On Thursday, I snuck away for a girls' night with my best "frenemy" to celebrate her 30th. Friday morning found me and the littles out at Usery Pass with dear friends for a little hiking trip in the desert. The big four got to skip naps on Saturday to attend a birthday party for a great friend. And, on Sunday, my favorite 3 year old turned 4. A week full of adventuring and celebrating.

May 16th - May 22nd

365.2: WEEK 19

Long week, full of sick kids and home improvement projects. We kicked off last week with the oldest staying home from school and making a trip to the doctor's office. Lymphadenitis. Infected lymph nodes. Not to mention, this kid's tonsils have been HUGE since he was 2 years old. Five years later, no change. More antibiotics and an upcoming appointment with an ENT to discuss options. Just as he begins to recover, the baby falls sick with a nasty case of conjunctivitis. Two infected eyes. And she, of course, infects her brother. Two babies, down for the count. Our week has basically consisted of giving medication, looking at cacti, photographing families, make-up loving fairies, grilled cheese picnics, house painting, and a baby with a fever.

May 9th - May 15th

365.2: WEEK 18

Most of this week has been a fog, thanks in whole to Celiac Disease. The ironic part is that May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Apparently, my body didn't get the memo. As a result, I feel as if I was only present for half of the week. Dinosaur play. Missing teeth. Sick Day. Dress ups. Zoo crew. Fajita Party. New bed.

May 2nd - May 8th

DBG

A few months ago, I went on a location hunt for a bridal session. I happened upon the Desert Botanical Garden website on the second Tuesday of the month and found that admission into the DBG was free on that particular day (and every other second Tuesday of each month). I ended up taking my littles that day on a complete whim. It was FABULOUS. I decided that I would need a repeat later into the year.
Fast forward to the second Tuesday in April. I had it on my calendar and, day of, I set off for the DBG. I was prompted to call a dear friend along the way and invite her, but changed my mind as I felt it was too last-minute. 20 minutes into our adventure down a trail at the DBG, I bumped into said friend's little ones with their grandparents! She was in NY at the time, so they had brought her children during DBG's free admission. My littles were delighted to see and play with their friends for a while. They got to explore vegetable gardens and observe caterpillars together. We had picked the best month to visit; all of the cacti and shrubs were in full bloom. Note to self: Desert Botanical Garden every April. My kids won't complain, we can never make a to the DBG visit without purchasing cactus candy for our family.

365.2: WEEK 17

The year is a third of the way complete. WHAT. I feel like the days are just flying by now that my youngest is older and not experiencing the difficulties that she did the first year of her life. Hallelujah. That being said, it is breaking my heart to watch her grow. She is inching further and further from the baby stage each day. Someone needs to figure out how to stop time. Our week has been fun. Diamondbacks game for the mr. and the three oldest boys. Baby retaliating at bedtime and instead playing "peek-boo". Birthday party for a friend at the park. Fountain play while killing time at the mall. Night out with girlfriends at IKEA. Role play on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Reading church magazines in pajamas.

April 25th - May 1st