tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54363596600162163962024-03-13T10:20:29.698-05:00The Perkins PackPerkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-69625965013068948212022-02-26T15:13:00.001-06:002022-02-26T15:13:59.805-06:00And then they went to Disney World!<p>We started getting the "sooo when are you going to take them to Disney World?" questions when they were babies. BABIES! So to say I've thought about this trip and contemplated the logistics over the years is an understatement. I think I initially thought we might do it when they were 6. Then put it off another year. And another year. Then covid happened... but when you find out Disney charges adult ticket prices at age 10 and you have 6 9-year-olds- you make up your mind real fast- 9 is the age to go! </p><p>It turned out to be an awesome age to go. Any younger I believe would've been miserable for all the adults involved. Much older and some of them would've thought it was lame. My kids aren't big Disney movie/show kids. Initially they didn't even care much that we were going. But they LOVED it! The Disney magic worked on them. They excitedly talked nonstop the whole trip about all we were doing- even my very reserved Ben. </p><p>I highly recommend using a Disney travel agent. Specifically- this <span><a href="https://www.vacationsbyshannon.com/" style="background-color: white;">Disney planner extraordinaire</a>!</span> Why anyone plans this trip without one I do not know. It's free! And they know everything! She got our tickets and character meal squared away. We chose to stay off property (we had 13 people in our party-saved a ton of money) or I would've had her booking everything! Her itinerary recommendations and general tips were so very helpful too. Saved me tons of time! </p><p>As with any big Perkins Pack adventure- extra help was needed. Luckily, all the grandparents were down for a Disney trip! Even our surrogate grandma volunteered to join us to be Leah's companion during our vacation. Absolutely no way we could've pulled off all we did without their help! Leah came along with us to the parks 2 partial days and hung out at the house with Marsha the rest of the time. She did so well at the parks, and really loved her one-on-one hangout time. </p><p>Due to needing our van with the wheelchair lift, we chose to drove to Orlando. It's a 15ish hour drive from our home. Our kids have been conditioned to the long all in one day road trip, so they handled it about as well as anyone could. All the grandparents chose to fly and meet us there- they're no dummies. </p><p>Our schedule was drive there, 5 park days in a row, drive home. It was a fairly intense schedule. In hindsight- 4 days would've been better. Or a rest day mixed in. We were already spent by day 5. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEfZ2aAbBYQZ3pIV0kW5AsQ1YrGzc5zMDKy-TiYnkAHc_3egu3U5BXRHad5TtSFSyD8RTkGmy3tuQbldVng1LlUI_bO_PUYQeRhZ1OVYw-NumlsrLPXj1pfJ_3aZk2M3zTi8G31MjzXvhbfFcvtSiT_h-eDqq0VY8gp1VH9qPaucVmWm5OE-VFTBWE=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEfZ2aAbBYQZ3pIV0kW5AsQ1YrGzc5zMDKy-TiYnkAHc_3egu3U5BXRHad5TtSFSyD8RTkGmy3tuQbldVng1LlUI_bO_PUYQeRhZ1OVYw-NumlsrLPXj1pfJ_3aZk2M3zTi8G31MjzXvhbfFcvtSiT_h-eDqq0VY8gp1VH9qPaucVmWm5OE-VFTBWE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b>EPCOT</b></p><p>I chose to do Epcot first. It opens the latest and since we were arriving very late the night before, I knew we would like a little sleep in. Also, I had heard kids typically don't prefer this park, so getting it in first seemed smart. But our kids loved this park! They loved guessing which country we would walk through next and seeing all the sights. They enjoyed the rides as well. My mom, Allison and I were the only ones who hung around for their evening water/lights/fireworks show, but we all agreed- so worth it! This day I didn't do any lightning lanes and it worked out fine. We hit the two main attractions first thing and had an hour wait for each- not bad. Everything else was a short wait. The kids did not handle our first wait well- they didn't really get the concept of long wait for a short ride. But, fortunately, during the entire first ride, Andrew held on and yelled, "This is so worth it!!!" </p><p>Epcot was also the only park we ate at a sit down restaurant for our character meal. Our Disney travel agent got us in at the Garden Grill and all of us enjoyed it! Definitely recommend. It's a fun restaurant with legit good food. Plus, we got to meet Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale- from a distance, of course.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC8dvQVHu6qOA8nruh-iPwbpkGHgLhxGoxQyOiTmr-VPIQEV2X7EGzs2ob6A096GKvJWM62KPgCMSSZTidWKUxfeVZaZ0H3Ynai1Tr3SxbWMsp89P65x9-d56KhPj62CPYzBR7XggZF9cM4N7ktQTYeUdoHdKBm2OPo2LtcY__41ckTu0A5T4CkcWc=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC8dvQVHu6qOA8nruh-iPwbpkGHgLhxGoxQyOiTmr-VPIQEV2X7EGzs2ob6A096GKvJWM62KPgCMSSZTidWKUxfeVZaZ0H3Ynai1Tr3SxbWMsp89P65x9-d56KhPj62CPYzBR7XggZF9cM4N7ktQTYeUdoHdKBm2OPo2LtcY__41ckTu0A5T4CkcWc=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>MAGIC KINGDOM</b></p><p>Day 2. It was a long haul, as I predicted. This was on a Thursday and I wanted to take advantage of the slightly smaller weekday crowds. I did genie plus and an individual lightning lane- highly recommend! Actually, after using both this day, I went ahead and purchased for the rest of the trip. The other days it wasn't as helpful, but to us, even saving us a wait on a couple rides was worth it. On this Magic Kingdom day, I calculated using the lightning lanes saved us 6 hours of waiting time. We were able to fit in most of the park. Leah was with us half of the day here. She rode It's a Small World, Buzz Lightyear, and saw the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. She did great in all 3! The best surprise was Levi getting chosen in the comedy show. If you know Levi, you know he was the perfect choice and totally rocked his cameo. We dropped Leah back at the house at lunchtime so we could hang at Magic Kingdom until closing time. The 50th Anniversary fireworks show was amazing and riding Haunted Mansion after dark was one of my favorite moments. </p><p>We found the kids didn't really care for the classic Disney rides. When you don't have a nostalgic perspective- they're just outdated. We also quickly learned which kids are the thrill seekers and which aren't. Andrew is definitely NOT. Poor kiddo. Since I paid extra for all of us to do Space Mountain I was vague on the description. Roller coaster in the dark. I may have forgotten how scary it could be... Andrew was in tears by the end and Allison was screaming, "I DO NOT LIKE THIS!" during the ride. Caroline might be the only one to ever do it again. From then on, Andrew had no trust in anything I said about a ride. I tried real hard to talk him into Big Thunder Mountain, but as he pointed out, it definitely has a "severe turn" and therefore- hard pass. They all enjoyed Splash Mountain, except Ben, who doesn't care for big drops. That flip flop in your tummy is not his jam. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvo_fyxYHPZTCrkQ7kM8sFzwjvb0TNjhN3eayXVaZyxDg_EgtIOeDrM4EthiwIfQECNvDo5GPCQ2NUxOgsMUCYmdovc4RLhe0Dk-GXLyMPFYVCI-dZmLYoH_ZG5RSWXDspozMbCCAZV4EwuAm-L546JnRhtynCMX7Mqzxj7rafdYPiLJsoXdpec1IF=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvo_fyxYHPZTCrkQ7kM8sFzwjvb0TNjhN3eayXVaZyxDg_EgtIOeDrM4EthiwIfQECNvDo5GPCQ2NUxOgsMUCYmdovc4RLhe0Dk-GXLyMPFYVCI-dZmLYoH_ZG5RSWXDspozMbCCAZV4EwuAm-L546JnRhtynCMX7Mqzxj7rafdYPiLJsoXdpec1IF=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>ANIMAL KINGDOM</b></p><p>Day 3. This was our intended short day which was much needed. We all hit the Disney wall in the early afternoon and tapped out. Letting the kids play at the house and swim while the grown ups took a break really helped to get us through the rest of the trip. Back to Animal Kingdom- it's the prettiest park. We brought Leah this day knowing she'd loved being pushed along the walking trails and hearing the birds. She rode several rides- even the long safari- and was completely content. Plus there were several random concerts that were really fun and, of course, Leah loved the music. River Rapids and Safari were big hits with our entire party. The kids thought everyone getting soaked on the rapids was hilarious (my dad got a full shower and was soaked) and seeing all the unique animals along the safari ride was really neat for my animal loving kids. This park was very much worth getting there early. We had no crowds until closer to lunch time and it was getting real crowded about the time we were leaving. It's the smallest park, but definitely worth experiencing. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh50tJN3ajM-Xby2-xN67h1GU9lIdUG0rfjVRjP8omARsnLxH3xB9N03D5T1CvmbQ_GKvCcAHSRLK-kq3guEhsrrGcSgyq99RxdWICrzpUA4WGNT8Q6e2xvk3bhj9ejUaLSjgu-SRBQcobl-Dlobj1tdqD4Jsvm0n4fUssbaPhgvaI8z19W_iyD3Ww8=s5568" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh50tJN3ajM-Xby2-xN67h1GU9lIdUG0rfjVRjP8omARsnLxH3xB9N03D5T1CvmbQ_GKvCcAHSRLK-kq3guEhsrrGcSgyq99RxdWICrzpUA4WGNT8Q6e2xvk3bhj9ejUaLSjgu-SRBQcobl-Dlobj1tdqD4Jsvm0n4fUssbaPhgvaI8z19W_iyD3Ww8=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS</b></p><p>Day 4. It was a Saturday and it showed. The lines were long and the lightning lanes all sold out quick. So, there was no avoiding all the longer waits this day. Our cutoff was 90 minutes. Anything over that and we were skipping it. Unfortunately, that meant we had to skip one of my favorites- Tower of Terror. How these rides have 2-3 hour waits all day long I don't know! We spent our morning doing the easy to get into things - rope dropped Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway (a must do!) and saw all the shows. We put in the wait time for Rock n Roller Coaster and Star Wars Smugglers Run. Be warned- if you let the kids pilot the millennium falcon- it's a very bumpy nauseating ride! I couldn't care less about Star Wars, but I will say that section of the park was impressive. However, we all loved Toy Story land! It's so fun! We all enjoyed the rides and the atmosphere. This day I took advantage of the line saving apps- Disney Play and Heads Up Game. Do not forget your portable charger!!! You will need it!!! If you're the organizer of your group you will be on your phone A LOT!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9gO5fiN51uVJpGSrpaLCcDp266gmCq9TwDlEu9QpSUcFwA7esOfx34W9iq0r6glD4CEr3pDP4SX8UKJDCk1848XC8WGn_RY_zr9qj_vuAEK_exZx8N9pWOTXK7i_XW0SP9AXoMTcryW1C_NMoeLkZR0cTUnX-l9qO4FLRD6kck2-zsZ6evUZiXmvr=s2049" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9gO5fiN51uVJpGSrpaLCcDp266gmCq9TwDlEu9QpSUcFwA7esOfx34W9iq0r6glD4CEr3pDP4SX8UKJDCk1848XC8WGn_RY_zr9qj_vuAEK_exZx8N9pWOTXK7i_XW0SP9AXoMTcryW1C_NMoeLkZR0cTUnX-l9qO4FLRD6kck2-zsZ6evUZiXmvr=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>MAGIC KINGDOM (again)</b></p><p>Day 5. Whew. We were dragging but can't quit at this point! Sunday at Magic Kingdom. Do not recommend. So so so very crowded. Took us an hour just to get into the park. Other days weren't like this at all. Thankfully, I was a slave driver our first day at Magic Kingdom, so we weren't trying to squeeze in as much. We rode what I could get lightning lanes on and took time to see shows and watch the parade and run around Tom Sawyer Island and do some final souvenir shopping. Much more chill of a day. Since that park is so huge (hence the 2 days dedicated to it), we were able to have a completely different experience and only repeated 2 things the kids really wanted to do again. They were sad when it was time to board the ferry out one last time. Side note- monorail vs ferry- we split it evenly, but the ferry ended up being our favorite. They pack ya into that monorail, but it was easier with Leah in tow. </p><p><b>BONUS</b></p><p><b>Kid funnies...</b></p><p>The kids rooms had TVs in them. So exciting!! But on the first evening Allison called me up there to fix it because it wasn't working. However, it was working just fine. It had old school cable from the days of yore where you had to press the channel button and flip through the channels hoping you found something good to watch. Or actually input a channel number. The horror!!!! No YouTube or Netflix!!!! They were aghast, but got over it fast. </p><p><br /></p><p>Levi "Are we not coming back until we're the parents?"</p><p>Me "Probably so. This was a big deal for y'all to come here"</p><p>Caroline "Yeah Levi. This is expensive. The whole trip probably cost $1,000"</p><p>Not even close sister!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Extra tips...</b></p><p><u>Masks: </u></p><p>The policy was lifted while we were there, but if that changes, or you'd prefer to wear masks while indoors- get the mask lanyards. They do not look cute, but they're a lifesaver when constantly taking masks on and off.</p><p><u>Genie+ and Lightning Lanes:</u> </p><p>Worth it. 1000%. If it's in your budget pay all the extra money. Your Disney planner can direct you on choices if you need to pick and choose. I started with a pick and choose plan, but ended up giving up other things in my budget to do this. Those lines suck. Especially with kids. The only bummer was on the really crowded days and the options sold out by noon on the Genie+. The Lightning Lanes I didn't even get a chance on because we stayed off property. Also, rides would randomly close for a bit throughout the day or close all together. This definitely threw a wrench in some plans, but nothing you could do about it. Take some time to learn all the rules beforehand and set your alarms!</p><p><u>DAS pass:</u> </p><p>If you have someone in your party that qualifies for this- GET IT. You can call ahead of time. Expect a ridiculously long hold time on the phone (4 hours for me), but having it all set up before you go is so nice. But long gone are the days of your entire party skipping all the lines. You get to choose 2 attractions per day and they limit to 6 people total (including your DAS person). This did pose an issue for us. However, in Magic Kingdom they were extremely accommodating and allowed us all on rides with Leah no questions asked. In Animal Kingdom I had to speak to guest services in order for all of us to ride at the same time, but they cleared it. We didn't take Leah to the other parks, so I have no idea how they are. </p><p><u>Food:</u> </p><p>If eating quick service in the park- mobile order every time! Lines suck. Buy the refillable popcorn bucket and carry it around your entire trip with pride. You are smart. We had 4 of our adults (my parents, Dave, and I) carrying backpacks all day everyday filled with food, water bottles, ponchos... amongst other necessities. Big time and money saver!</p><p><u>Gift Cards:</u> </p><p>Buy Disney gift cards ahead of time. I did this so each of my kids had a souvenir budget. Once their card was spent, they were done. This worked really well! The only meltdowns were after day 2 when my big spender's money was long gone. Life lessons are hard. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>KID REVIEWS</b></p><p>Now-for the first time ever- The Pack participated in a blog post! All of their individual recommendations are listed below in case you want a kid's perspective. Ben was my super interview helper and loved doing this. I did have to intervene with all of his leading questions though. His opinion is not the only opinion. </p><p><b>Ben</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSMEGSKMu4WbWqMKo-5CrHmgltShpxnRs8o0HgDb-UCQnBd1T43n_WOhlV7g-2ACyHk6VM52kflG2CzrZgIqIjAAvUtI18y2yiw-9XNJwW3LdiL486GZmzAa34GIYtGFpleaXQ7Jtv58g-tXyTRCe0Dgp1KrwL7kL2bbYFExZ6Ts_PORkPlvsHQYCe=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSMEGSKMu4WbWqMKo-5CrHmgltShpxnRs8o0HgDb-UCQnBd1T43n_WOhlV7g-2ACyHk6VM52kflG2CzrZgIqIjAAvUtI18y2yiw-9XNJwW3LdiL486GZmzAa34GIYtGFpleaXQ7Jtv58g-tXyTRCe0Dgp1KrwL7kL2bbYFExZ6Ts_PORkPlvsHQYCe=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><u>Favorites</u>: </p><p>Epcot (park) </p><p>River Rapids (ride)</p><p><u>Least Favorites</u>: </p><p>Hollywood Studios (park) </p><p>Splash Mountain (ride)</p><p><u>Must Dos</u>: </p><p>Epcot: Garden Grill restaurant, Ratatouille, Frozen, Living with the Land</p><p>Magic: Speedway, Buzz Lightyear, Shooting Range, Big Thunder Mountain, Tom Sawyer Island, Thirst Rangers (mist station)</p><p>Hollywood: Toy Story Mania, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, Mickey and Minnie's runaway railway, eat a churro</p><p>Animal: Safari, river rapids</p><p><u>Skips</u>: </p><p>Epcot: Imagination, Nemo</p><p>Magic: Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Country Bear Jamboree, It's a Small World, Peter Pan</p><p>*Mickey Pretzels</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Caroline</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtpYii7vykH8P8y_Fyd8LEr0OkNlv9SypJynpbQp7aPy3nT9XiayXgZ89unZ94tA36cBjQ3cFOnJQRrnlOlp86v6Kk74UPEfw--kEo1Qot94DXzT-hpEKDo5o9LFpGgoDU7LrwJSkr1FZlj4AE0Ex89Gfjv8T8Irftwq0PdCl_ioMEMZy_M0O_1Ylp=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtpYii7vykH8P8y_Fyd8LEr0OkNlv9SypJynpbQp7aPy3nT9XiayXgZ89unZ94tA36cBjQ3cFOnJQRrnlOlp86v6Kk74UPEfw--kEo1Qot94DXzT-hpEKDo5o9LFpGgoDU7LrwJSkr1FZlj4AE0Ex89Gfjv8T8Irftwq0PdCl_ioMEMZy_M0O_1Ylp=s320" width="256" /></a></div><u>Favorites</u>: <p></p><p>Magic Kingdom (park) </p><p>Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (ride)</p><p><u>Least Favorites</u>: </p><p>Animal Kingdom (park) </p><p>Imagination (ride)</p><p><u>Must Dos</u>: </p><p>Epcot: Soarin, Ratatouille, Frozen, Living with the Land, Garden Grill restaurant</p><p>Magic: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Speedway, Tom Sawyer Island, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor</p><p>Hollywood: Rock n Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, Millennium Falcon Smuggler's Run</p><p>Animal: Safari, River Rapids </p><p><u>Skips</u>: </p><p>Epcot: Nemo</p><p>Magic: It's a Small World, Peter Pan, Country Bear Jamboree, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Levi</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGgQ8785-l9S2mYcOSEyyxPLo2a_2As3flNpzgXTWXbJm62Wm7HTae64aWcdCbWs7ADaVZapV-i7Qn23SnonJHgA9w5ae8sivMTFwrWjrP0Yq-hE__sc7CPnxRe9tZzqoIrUs2e-YLZTWTUmCoikcpynU5MHFS4FIVNXfmF6qgHetxtO3HlZRGFZVn=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGgQ8785-l9S2mYcOSEyyxPLo2a_2As3flNpzgXTWXbJm62Wm7HTae64aWcdCbWs7ADaVZapV-i7Qn23SnonJHgA9w5ae8sivMTFwrWjrP0Yq-hE__sc7CPnxRe9tZzqoIrUs2e-YLZTWTUmCoikcpynU5MHFS4FIVNXfmF6qgHetxtO3HlZRGFZVn=s320" width="256" /></a></div><u>Favorites</u>: <p></p><p>Magic Kingdom (park) </p><p>Splash Mountain (ride)</p><p><u>Least Favorites</u>: </p><p>Hollywood Studios (park) </p><p>Slinky Dog Dash (ride)</p><p><u>Must Do</u>s: </p><p>Epcot: Garden Grill restaurant, Ratatouille, Frozen</p><p>Magic: Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Speedway, Aladdin carpets</p><p><br /></p><p>Hollywood: Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania</p><p>Animal: River Rapids, Safari</p><p><u>Skips</u>: </p><p>Epcot: Soarin, Imagination </p><p>Magic: Space Mountain, Country Bear Jamboree, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, It's a Small World Haunted Mansion</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Allison</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYblhbnRWdO7ZBq9fBtjORgOSTjCVwZVp871vCMriarxzhi0BaxqYAJgmJ5Q4azl82ptHGosWPbzWY28fXV1LvgmyZoE67mfgR3JAOnVXUNKnatZAuROXkmAG4XwscAyv3vboCSIU_yJ7ZU0DIylxM1vMm0H4ox05G5aIrcHAN3a-yYvpG0R2BlWsM=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYblhbnRWdO7ZBq9fBtjORgOSTjCVwZVp871vCMriarxzhi0BaxqYAJgmJ5Q4azl82ptHGosWPbzWY28fXV1LvgmyZoE67mfgR3JAOnVXUNKnatZAuROXkmAG4XwscAyv3vboCSIU_yJ7ZU0DIylxM1vMm0H4ox05G5aIrcHAN3a-yYvpG0R2BlWsM=s320" width="256" /></a></div><u>Favorites</u>: <p></p><p>Animal Kingdom (park) </p><p>Safari (ride)</p><p><u>Least Favorites</u>: </p><p>Magic Kingdom (park) </p><p>Peter Pan (ride)</p><p><u>Must Dos</u>: </p><p>Epcot: Ratatouille, Frozen, Soarin, Garden Grill restaurant, Fireworks show</p><p>Magic: Splash Mountain, Speedway, Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, fireworks show, Aladdin carpets</p><p>Hollywood: Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway, Indiana Jones stunt show, Slinky Dog Dash, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run</p><p>Animal: Safari, River Rapids, It's Tough to be a Bug show</p><p><u>Skips</u>: </p><p>Epcot: Nemo, Imagination</p><p>Magic: Country Bear Jamboree, It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Andrew</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY1n_W3hRyTT052VZwPIJoiM-TARgxiIbndREwESJbYgdM3I_CPy2msc9aX02jXNWS-Fcwa35GN35JlhU24iLhZQ26NKPKeiqeVIwivfyfh0JkuL4Y1r83cZUULjrpRL92z5KlnIEKPhyjo7W3LXhkZpWBbx8FqNq_tMUi-Uq9-v82BZs8untxzqHv=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY1n_W3hRyTT052VZwPIJoiM-TARgxiIbndREwESJbYgdM3I_CPy2msc9aX02jXNWS-Fcwa35GN35JlhU24iLhZQ26NKPKeiqeVIwivfyfh0JkuL4Y1r83cZUULjrpRL92z5KlnIEKPhyjo7W3LXhkZpWBbx8FqNq_tMUi-Uq9-v82BZs8untxzqHv=s320" width="320" /></a></div><u>Favorites</u>: <p></p><p>Magic Kingdom (park) </p><p>Splash Mountain (ride)</p><p><u>Least Favorites</u>: </p><p>none (park) </p><p>Space Mountain (ride)</p><p><u>Must Dos</u>: </p><p>Epcot: Ratatouille, Frozen, Soarin, Garden Grill Restaurant</p><p>Magic: Buzz Lightyear, Speedway, Haunted Mansion, Aladdin carpets, Shooting Range, Thirst Rangers (mist station)</p><p>Hollywood: Toy Story Mania, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, Indiana Jones epic stunt show, eat a funnel cake </p><p>Animal: river rapids, safari</p><p><u>Skips</u>: </p><p>Epcot: Spaceship Earth, Imagination, Living with the Land</p><p>Magic: Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, Country Bear Jamboree, It's a Small World, fireworks</p><p>Animal: Dinosaur </p><p><br /></p><p>All in all- this was an incredible experience for our family. I'm so glad we did it and it's checked off the childhood bucket list. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows by any means (we all had our turn at a meltdown- including me), but all the exhaustion and work was worth it to see how excited and happy they were. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>BONUS BONUS</b></p><p><u>Unedited Kids Notes</u></p><p>Ben: Here's another thing if you see another restaurant that's not Garden Grill I don't know if it's good.</p><p>Levi:I went oof oof oof on Space Mountain( and I learned that I am worse at driving than I thought I was...................................................................................:)</p><p>Allison: You need to go to Epcot and go to China to get dole pineapple whip!!!!! (You can find it in other places in Disney World).</p><p>Caroline: Rollercoasters are FUUUUNN!(Especially fast ones like Big Thunder Mountain and Rock'n Rollercoaster). :):):):):):):):):):)!</p><p>Andrew: I do not like fast rides and I like calm rides.(some are creepy) :(.</p><p>Leah:I liked hanging out with Marsha at the house in Florida.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4SYxkBvPKEWpKtf1DkUs0nrlSMQBJdmuR_GzoD5JmvEBe3I9yE280VtU4ULRREnBbDadFPAzrSUNIZeq1O1YCwijemylWIjegz89B9Mbmvx9FfPBR_JzBh-u4IpQT5rKarIBEIiHhQiCsrTc3Y5FZbeOx_wRv4_hsxHw71LVgOQsEp-GqAkqFqsG4=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4SYxkBvPKEWpKtf1DkUs0nrlSMQBJdmuR_GzoD5JmvEBe3I9yE280VtU4ULRREnBbDadFPAzrSUNIZeq1O1YCwijemylWIjegz89B9Mbmvx9FfPBR_JzBh-u4IpQT5rKarIBEIiHhQiCsrTc3Y5FZbeOx_wRv4_hsxHw71LVgOQsEp-GqAkqFqsG4=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-8439249474335351662021-08-22T16:19:00.000-05:002021-08-22T16:19:38.892-05:00And then they all got COVID<p>Before I even get started, I feel a disclaimer is necessary. I know the whole Covid topic is a touchy one. Beyond polarized with opinions and lots of feelings. I know people on all sides. I know people who have lost loved ones to this virus from hell. I have respect for them all and am certainly not here to argue about how we handled things. As with all my posts, this is primarily for my memory keeping. I choose to share what I choose to share with whom I choose to share it with. All the details of life are never ever public information. This is simply my experience mixed with my humor and my perspective and gratitude. Back to the post…</p><p><br /></p><p>As we’ve all learned in the last year and a half- pandemics are hard. Covid is the worst. For a multitude of reasons. Then right when you think it’s going to get better… it doesn’t. Ugh. And after a year and a half of avoiding the dreaded virus- it got to us. Not exactly sure from where- and really- it doesn’t matter. </p><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV07khSlhOzcEIHVSi76RYiHsqaapLXYfcO_AtAw54ALG5b5YdwL9J8fqZyIif1xOHIx6FFUbRy2fL8gxAjzIoHDbFwEJ1ZE5xxFN4ynv-W7YJbtTvx0zmkk8Hv04SwwesI6WS25iQNw8/s2048/F9F85FA2-09E1-45AC-AC63-CBB7FA04B075.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV07khSlhOzcEIHVSi76RYiHsqaapLXYfcO_AtAw54ALG5b5YdwL9J8fqZyIif1xOHIx6FFUbRy2fL8gxAjzIoHDbFwEJ1ZE5xxFN4ynv-W7YJbtTvx0zmkk8Hv04SwwesI6WS25iQNw8/s320/F9F85FA2-09E1-45AC-AC63-CBB7FA04B075.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caroline reading to me from a distance.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH17Hj6rOiJGySkst0EcWpv7T22W0S6J0X5rdF2Db1rlfWg3HGBa_Bx0XsR-ujOYJaTXZtSAUvplOVu6B82zObKkAPwOx4-BxS78ulX-Fpo19SsadSsRb7KcNy3dv6JRFmNfgVlJI7qKk/s2048/331E7478-CC09-44B7-8A30-2FAEFB7997EF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH17Hj6rOiJGySkst0EcWpv7T22W0S6J0X5rdF2Db1rlfWg3HGBa_Bx0XsR-ujOYJaTXZtSAUvplOVu6B82zObKkAPwOx4-BxS78ulX-Fpo19SsadSsRb7KcNy3dv6JRFmNfgVlJI7qKk/s320/331E7478-CC09-44B7-8A30-2FAEFB7997EF.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my sweet get well cards</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I got it first. Again, not sure from where as no one I had been around was sick or got sick. But, that’s covid for ya. Once I realized what was going on, we did all the things you’re supposed to do. The isolation and masks and sanitizing… but, alas, the day after I was out of my quarantine- Dave tested positive. Disappointment abounded. </p><p>Then a couple of kids started showing symptoms. I mean- how could they avoid it at this point? So I loaded them up, found a drive thru testing site, and got all the kids tested too. It took a 2 hour long line, a bribe of Chick-fil-a, and a very sweet nurse who gave us all popsicles out of pity… but they handled it pretty well. You should’ve seen that nurse’s face when I said I had 6 kids with me and they all needed testing! She said, “It’s ok! We’ll treat your family like we did the baseball team last year.” It worked. And then 5 out of 6 came back positive. Levi was pretty proud of himself… until the next day when he woke up with a fever and a cough. Gotta love a false negative. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVWjMFjDJ3pGTsWCVW8Ilrm0Z55mF60ZYdpCWuJqhWE-2CYacEvCJE49IIDplqkvUwZ2Od40afyyOamO1MhZLxegIz60j4Nt9qhWcT73VU9MdHXtElyrz0ZmYTHeJHWtKc-0N1TsY7F0/s2048/9CD684CF-60E7-4159-8D11-F053D982D049.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVWjMFjDJ3pGTsWCVW8Ilrm0Z55mF60ZYdpCWuJqhWE-2CYacEvCJE49IIDplqkvUwZ2Od40afyyOamO1MhZLxegIz60j4Nt9qhWcT73VU9MdHXtElyrz0ZmYTHeJHWtKc-0N1TsY7F0/w240-h320/9CD684CF-60E7-4159-8D11-F053D982D049.jpeg" title="Popsicles save the testing day" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popsicles save the testing day</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">For the first time EVER- I had a sick husband plus 6 sick kids on my hands and we were quarantined from the world. It was a lot. I realized I had gotten better just in time for everyone else to crash and burn. The worst of times- when it really all hit the fan- was the night Dave was having lots of intense symptoms at once and was absolutely miserable, Leah was on night 5 of not sleeping/cranky cries for hours, various kids were at various symptom levels and were all in my room for comfort’s sake, and the dog must’ve been feeling left out because she started vomiting. All throughout the night. Always on the carpet. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As a person you get to the point where you must laugh to keep from crying at all that is happening around you. And maybe you start singing “Another one bites the dust” to yourself too… because there’s always a song for everything. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I eventually lost all track of times and days and whether I’d brushed my teeth or put on deodorant. Losing your smell and taste can do that to a person. Covid did not bring out my best self. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Day after day things got better as we counted down the 3 weeks of no fun quarantine. (Side note: all at once was way better than doing this one at a time! That’d add up to 80 days of quarantine and I would not handle it well whatsoever) The physical ups and downs were rivaled by the emotional. The mourning of canceled summer plans we had been looking forward to. The sheer disappointment. The pity parties. The stir crazy of too much time in the house and with each other and can’t we play one game without a fight? We watched the movies and the shows and played the games and did the puzzles. As we got better we cleaned the house, did all the laundry, organized the closets… until all the house things got really old. Thankfully, our quarantine time ended the day before school started. We were all so ready for it!! I felt a tad bad for the teachers getting a pack of kids coming off absolutely no schedule or routine and way way way too much screen time. But, survival mode is what it is. And normalcy is the quickest way out. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">To no one’s surprise, this crazy virus affected each of us differently. Dave had it the worst. I don’t recall ever seeing him so sick. Some kids never showed symptoms, some were just extra tired, and some had coughs and fevers. Leah was our biggest concern, but she handled it like a champ. Definitely not a great week, but so much better than expected. I had terrible headaches off and on for 10 days. In the grand scheme of things, we were all mild cases and just had to ride it out. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aSY68CRsW71pI6hdn1MNk3sE_UJFAyhuocpOUdwDHZxqpf5XkZIUMU-SPXjDzha03QhwzV0qu8D77b86-43kdp5fTkQzytgeDhdVx1HEMy7vWy8-2KKx0BzSgeSgEgMOPJqvBFQ4AK4/s2048/D679DF56-5F3A-4243-96A4-EF7A1ADAB5C1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aSY68CRsW71pI6hdn1MNk3sE_UJFAyhuocpOUdwDHZxqpf5XkZIUMU-SPXjDzha03QhwzV0qu8D77b86-43kdp5fTkQzytgeDhdVx1HEMy7vWy8-2KKx0BzSgeSgEgMOPJqvBFQ4AK4/s320/D679DF56-5F3A-4243-96A4-EF7A1ADAB5C1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What it looked like here for 10 days</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The biggest silver lining of this covid case- was the kindness shown by others. I’ve said it a billion times- and I’ll keep saying it. We are so blessed and so grateful for our support system. They are THE BEST!!! The people have changed throughout the years, but the actions have not. The texts and calls and prayers and check ins and food drop offs and door dashes were so very appreciated and much needed. On the craziest of days, I stopped to look around and realized- our people must believe cookies and balloons and flowers are the cure to covid. Of course, that’s silly. But they sure helped lift our spirits and entertain a pack of disappointed bored kids. And their disappointed bored mom was ever so grateful. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now- here’s hoping there’s never ever a sequel to write. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-17631549760321197942021-05-01T20:45:00.001-05:002021-05-01T20:46:11.476-05:00And then they turned NINE<p>It’s that time of year! Birthday season and the annual blog post. Each year I’d like to think I’ll remember all the little things and write and document more often than the occasional facebook post, but I do not. So buckle up my friends, it’s going to be a long one....</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Since last April</span>:</b></p><p>It has been a year, right?! Threw me back to the toddler skipping a nap potty training days of juggling chaos and being absolutely done with all the days. Quarantine plus virtual school plus no volunteers plus Dave working at home... I pray never again. The pack’s bond grew stronger, but so did the fighting. My parenting style became mostly- figure it out, work it out yourselves, that’s enough, everyone to separate corners, etc. I tell myself they are going to be the best people to have on group projects and as coworkers thanks to this genius approach. Solve all the group dynamic issues. You’re welcome future world. </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Virtual School Experience:</b></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTOENZV6H-vBEeMLhFppMY9VRus6JtWsHKygxPXBHg1lc75FuJk0Khz7hw92O-zVtvKZfAS_FOJDSWrfWjWRkNRpP4Hle6L6tjYq6Uq9sDmvWKJGPJm6HVOYMkyMzRhnoLO4PGhYP6Lg/s2048/414D6DCE-D011-40B2-8E84-9575CADC0451.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTOENZV6H-vBEeMLhFppMY9VRus6JtWsHKygxPXBHg1lc75FuJk0Khz7hw92O-zVtvKZfAS_FOJDSWrfWjWRkNRpP4Hle6L6tjYq6Uq9sDmvWKJGPJm6HVOYMkyMzRhnoLO4PGhYP6Lg/s320/414D6DCE-D011-40B2-8E84-9575CADC0451.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>I’ve said I would never ever homeschool. Not for me. Unless I absolutely HAD...like... HAD TO for the sake of my kids. And then the whole pandemic thing happened. And, ya know, since I never ever learn to never say never ever.... the first 9 weeks we kept them home and did virtual school. Ugh. We turned our dining room and office space into a school space with laptops and bins and folders and a supplies closet. The kids liked being able to go to school with their shoes off- ha! Learning to navigate all the zooms and virtual classrooms at the same time was as nightmarish as it sounds. The first few weeks I believe there was someone crying at all times- usually Allison. Andrew took every opportunity for extra snack breaks, Ben would only turn on his video if absolutely necessary, Caroline had as many panic moments of missing something or getting behind as Allison did (a lot), and then there was Levi who loved the camera and often had to have his video turned off by the teacher because his antics distracted the class. Levi and Andrew also found changing their Zoom names entertaining (i.e. Andrew the Hugger, Cool Guy Levi... you get the picture). Andrew missed people so much he was excited to raise his hand and share whatever popped in his head (typical Andrew); my personal favorite: “I don’t have any questions, but I’ve got something to say!” And then there was that one day we had Safety Dave the hall monitor. It was one of those seasons I’m sure the reality show producers would’ve loved loved loved. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgVEGmgH3mG51-q2CerZHXRNdgyvKAxBdfSiyE1TFMSo8mJ0mXgnXoxpT3MCPT9adnff4zTfveULqLUdB37y4Pw-FBIkpElGT1e2FzdNRdgjVrMtLcYrHZXl_8C6Y8lt2XYY7E-7eMy0/s2048/C3893C20-4EC7-4A39-885A-518FC335532D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgVEGmgH3mG51-q2CerZHXRNdgyvKAxBdfSiyE1TFMSo8mJ0mXgnXoxpT3MCPT9adnff4zTfveULqLUdB37y4Pw-FBIkpElGT1e2FzdNRdgjVrMtLcYrHZXl_8C6Y8lt2XYY7E-7eMy0/s320/C3893C20-4EC7-4A39-885A-518FC335532D.jpeg" /></a></p><p>Then there was poor Leah. She HATES the sound of voices through Zoom, so that posed its own challenges for virtual school. Ultimately, I had weekly Zoom meetings with her teacher and therapists and did my best to create activities based on her goals and similar to what they’d do in school and sent in videos and pictures. All of the above plus what I typically do- again- as exhausting and insanity inducing as it sounds. All of their teachers were wonderful and so supportive, but by the end of the first 9 weeks, even though we had a good routine down- I was done. Back to school they went and their grades went up, their smiles got brighter, the fighting decreased, and I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Bless all you teachers and homeschool parents out there. </p><p>I’ll admit it wasn’t all tears and trauma. I did enjoy the extra time with Leah and seeing how the other kids work and not rushing around in the morning was nice... but I also wasn’t sad to see that time end. And since going back to school, the kids have all acquired the ability to completely get ready for school on their own!! From packing lunches and homework to making breakfasts and personal hygiene- It’s AMAZING!!!! Makes the mornings fairly calm and we make it to school the minute the doors open for kids to arrive. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Birthday Tidbits:</b></span></p><p>Since last year’s birthday wasn’t exactly what we all had planned, this year we went all out! From actually going to the grocery story to pick out cereals to the double slumber parties they’d been begging for. We fit in all the traditions and it was a whirlwind week of celebrating! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSnKBeq6tEfRMSq8HQzK5NxHkhlQpp0NbXfcTx1cVQKjEqQEUk0voG_z8NFfYojfIjjK10xUr7SUX3M5CXz6J264cIHUeIMgsYl2uInDG7cECa2Dgtej7OcFKRe14SCCxBJsWkCOvZxk/s320/1FCE87DD-31C7-4189-BF2C-B555412180EC.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" width="320" /></p><p>However, there was one tradition that had to be altered. The birthday lunch. It’s too funny not to remember. Typically, I bring them restaurant food and eat with them in the cafeteria. It’s the only day I’ll agree to do such a thing. However, this year none of that is allowed. So, I had a backup plan. Take each kid out to lunch throughout the week. But NO! I was told that was a TERRIBLE idea. I believe the exact words were, “Why would you ever think that was a good idea?!”. Ok.... Plan B: check them all out on their birthday and do a group lunch date. “You’re going to make us miss recess!!! NO!!” Ok. Fine then. Plan C: leave your lunchboxes at home, I’ll pick up food, put in lunchbox, and bring to school saying you forgot your lunch. Again, NO!! So we went with their plan. Plan D: pick up happy meals the day before so they can just pack them in their lunchboxes the morning of their birthday. All 5 kids agreed this is by far the best idea and exactly what we did. Cold French fries and all. And they were so excited!!</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Pack:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Andrew Noah Perkins</span></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPvqOKXJ-ylzEEKybUUwmDLar5AHPgiUSOF5pPyAqU23anP5JwgX828ffxskT-o3unw7kCdub92hLp9sxoq-aQnWn8fPoZEkTU7EAYTNSoa5j-70YVkhy845n0MChKhtwBQo7b0uM6Z4/s4032/65915BD6-C16F-4B99-8DC5-3BBEE6B4AE58.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPvqOKXJ-ylzEEKybUUwmDLar5AHPgiUSOF5pPyAqU23anP5JwgX828ffxskT-o3unw7kCdub92hLp9sxoq-aQnWn8fPoZEkTU7EAYTNSoa5j-70YVkhy845n0MChKhtwBQo7b0uM6Z4/s320/65915BD6-C16F-4B99-8DC5-3BBEE6B4AE58.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>My Andrew Bubba or Bubs... he hates those nicknames, but he just seems like the Bubba of the family to me. The oldest. The biggest brother. The goober. The quarantine was hardest on this people loving kid. He’s extremely outgoing, loves to give hugs, and ask lots and lots of questions to new people. He also loves dogs and guessing the breeds and yelling at people while we’re on walks “Hey! Is that a chocolate lab?” He’s complimentary to all and has a way of making friends wherever he goes. And a way of including everyone and doesn’t care about different needs his classmates have. He talks about all of them as his good friends. He has a sense for when I’m having a bad day or a rough moment and he’ll just come give me a hug. Sometimes saying nothing, sometimes with a “you’re the best mom”. I love that he has that ability. Of course, he will also do that after asking for something, but I know the difference. He’s much much smarter than he lets on. He works that to his advantage. He’s not going to put in extra effort for any sort of work. He’s there for the snacks and the fun and to be where the people are. He can lie with the best of them and is sneaky sneaky. One time I caught him sneaking screen time and when confronted immediately said “I was making sure your iPad was charged and working Mom.” I mean, I wasn’t fooled for one second, but I was impressed. He also has a gift for spinning just about anything into a positive light. Some recent examples from PE class : “My timed mile goal was 16 minutes, but I did 17:30!!! Yeah!!” And “The required push ups were 2, but I did 4! Doubled it! Yes!” One big big change in Andrew this past year has been his behavior at school. I’m not sure what prompted it, but one day he told me and his teachers that he was going to change and not be naughty anymore. And you know what?! He has done exactly that. All Es in behavior across the board ever since and no phone calls to me about anything he’s said or done. Super proud of him!! He loves legos, Minecraft, watching TV, anything that involves a screen, hugs, dogs, snacks, dancing, music, and people. </p><p>President Perkins in the making. But he wants to start out as a YouTuber. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Benjamin Luke Perkins</span></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2uGMRxXL-RMhQ88HYwfcE6B33DHNneQQ8jlcLWYfMqtld943hrc-kti2bdT2aKsfLXTUvm1LqkZ3R0ay-v8P_d9mC6r-U_B5M46Ba2FGzKuvyFzlzWCVGwT-I9_mSZaYmp9txdC_LFY/s4032/1B9A7DDF-4DFE-48BB-8BF5-65015DB13EB7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2uGMRxXL-RMhQ88HYwfcE6B33DHNneQQ8jlcLWYfMqtld943hrc-kti2bdT2aKsfLXTUvm1LqkZ3R0ay-v8P_d9mC6r-U_B5M46Ba2FGzKuvyFzlzWCVGwT-I9_mSZaYmp9txdC_LFY/s320/1B9A7DDF-4DFE-48BB-8BF5-65015DB13EB7.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>My Benny!!! By the way, it’s just Ben now. He curses those 3 years he made everyone call him Benny Boy. Quarantine was Ben’s jam. Introverted to the max. He loved virtual school and not having to deal with all the people. Got his work done faster, more time for reading, it was amazing. He’s very shy and quiet until you get to know him and break through that thick shell. Or ask him about something he loves or something he’s knowledgeable about. He’s happy to correct you. “Well, actually...” is one of his favorite phrases. He’s extremely competitive- especially at Gaga and dodge ball and running races. Lots of natural athletic ability, but only uses it on his own terms and when he wants. He’s creative and makes up games, science experiments, and inventions all the time. Loves to tell you every single little detail. Detail oriented is an understatement. Also- analytical. Even bigger understatement. All things must make sense. If it makes sense, he’s all good. Change isn’t his jam, but if you warn him and explain why, he’s ok. He’s my night owl and absolutely not a morning person. He knows the exact minute he must be ready for school and he is ready at that minute- no sooner, no later. This trait of his drives his sisters CRAZY and that fact alone gives him much satisfaction. One of my current favorite things is our almost nightly conversations. He waits until the other kiddos are asleep and then comes down to chat with me. Or on the nights I work, he waits for me to get home so I can go chat with him before bed. He shares whatever thoughts are in his head and I never know what to expect. Then every time he ends with, “And what do you want to talk about Mommy? What’s on your mind?” I love this time with him so much. Ben loves his few close friends and his family but he’d never ever admit it. I know I’m his mom, but Ben is crazy smart. He LOVES to read. Loves it! Hard to get him to stop sometimes. I believe this is why his vocabulary is that of an adult. Ben wants to be a scientist or an inventor when he grows up and he eats a PBJ for lunch everyday. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a recipe for success. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Caroline Grace Perkins</span></u></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zNGUuto17svJPhEWVGKae-K4oC0EFviP5lCTZRdArmGU_jJOrdPPQgb20RwjBUMfBlXqDw8ni4RmHZaI1APyf8KynM6h3MZ-a7wrnu4aa8ZxQJ7Eiw8GSGEhFD2VANr-WVdeSwu4ffo/s4032/93DBB0E2-09D7-4D10-9406-2D1E6BDEA620.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zNGUuto17svJPhEWVGKae-K4oC0EFviP5lCTZRdArmGU_jJOrdPPQgb20RwjBUMfBlXqDw8ni4RmHZaI1APyf8KynM6h3MZ-a7wrnu4aa8ZxQJ7Eiw8GSGEhFD2VANr-WVdeSwu4ffo/s320/93DBB0E2-09D7-4D10-9406-2D1E6BDEA620.jpeg" /></a></p><p>My Caroliney! She’s really come into her own this year. It’s so fun to see!! She’s still quiet at first, but so much more talkative and open in sharing her thoughts and ideas. She’s much more social than she used to be amongst her classmates and girlfriends. She’s turning into quite the athlete and bookworm. She’s most likely to be found running, swimming, kicking the soccer ball, “shooting hoops”, climbing trees, reading, or writing. She loves her screen time games as much as her siblings, but she’s more content doing the other activities. She’s even been my little workout buddy quite a bit lately and loves getting to do the grown up stuff with me. Caroline loves to learn and set goals for herself. During quarantine she decided she wanted to write in cursive. She followed a handwriting book and taught herself! Same with basic piano. Used my old primer books and taught herself a few simple songs. We’re working on her Heart and Soul duet skills now. But, really, it’s time she gets a piano teacher who’s not me! She’s also learning a lot about cooking and grocery shopping and nutrition. She’s always wanting to know what’s healthy and why or why not. She’s my little sponge! Caroline is driven and determined and has such self discipline and admirable work ethic in her plans and routines to accomplish what she wants to. She’s also my one that needs assurance in what she can do though. If she convinces herself she won’t be perfect, she won’t try, but 98% of the time- she succeeds! She sets her alarm way way way early to make sure she’s up and ready to go long before it’s time to leave, sets the routine, and bugs her brothers to follow along and does not appreciate when I try to brush her hair before she brushes her teeth... or whatever the order is. She’s still moody and if she’s tired or just up from a nap- it’s best to stay away. Monster Caroline can still rear her ugly head. She and Levi often butt heads, but at the same time, are super close. In a lot of ways, she’s my little mini me. Which is as terrifying as it is fun. However, 10000% unlike me, she wants to be a soccer or basketball player when she grows up. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Leah Michelle Perkins</u></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfUJHiVMGgdHAE2atoJn2vpUq-j3yu13ZxhNDkgGkc-9UcRvNCgKpmlHg3GMs692I1_4LIUbGl0ADemty146QQonv6n9nd7cMymHLn5FAny4fAtVqeLZfP4XeHUEyj2aWHbwF5Q66XRQ/s2048/5AF910CC-E9F3-4F95-B8D1-0A155A539728.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1747" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfUJHiVMGgdHAE2atoJn2vpUq-j3yu13ZxhNDkgGkc-9UcRvNCgKpmlHg3GMs692I1_4LIUbGl0ADemty146QQonv6n9nd7cMymHLn5FAny4fAtVqeLZfP4XeHUEyj2aWHbwF5Q66XRQ/s320/5AF910CC-E9F3-4F95-B8D1-0A155A539728.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>My Leah Peah! She’s the best. Her gigantic smiles and infectious giggles light up the room and bring joy to everyone who knows her. Her sheer excitement at hearing the same songs everyday makes me smile. This past year we discovered her absolute LOVE for AC/DC. Classic rock is her jam. We go back and forth between the Laurie Berkner song collection and the complete AC/DC collection- minus Hell’s Bells. That one makes her cry. Not everyone so easily switches between Old McDonald Had a Farm and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, but this girl does! Music continues to be her happy language, her motivation, her source of calm, and pretty much everything else. Needless to say there is ALWAYS - and I mean ALWAYS- music playing in our house. It also helps keep my advanced tuning out ability in check. Leah continues to work so so hard. She still receives therapy at home multiple times a week after school. She gives all her effort until she’s wiped out and literally rolls over and goes to sleep. Now, she will play possum from time to time to get out of work like any kid, but most of the time, she’s going strong. She loves her gait trainer and cruising through the house and being pushed around the neighborhood. She’s completely calm and content riding along hearing the nature sounds. I’m grateful she has an extraordinary team of teachers and therapists who are always working and creating new ways for her to achieve goals and communicate. They help us out so much and she’s always making her tiny progress goals. Leah has also physically grown a ton this year! We’ve had to get new everything to accommodate her growth spurt: wheelchair, bath chair, gait trainer, and van with a wheelchair lift! It’s been an adjustment for sure. With her growth spurt has come new challenges within her diagnoses as well as the added physical challenge of lifting and moving her now that she’s almost 4 ft long and almost half my weight. If you haven’t tried to lift a heavy dead weight moving object- it’s hard. I’m grateful I’m capable, and I work at it, but it’s also one of the things I worry about it as I’ve watched most of the people in our lives not be able to hold her and move her anymore. But, as with all of the things, I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. </p><p>What will Leah be when she grows up? Who knows. But I like to say she’ll be a rock band groupie. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Allison Kate Perkins</span></u></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRyMQUZ98KXQwhUptDcZEqX03ttyTKzzFF8pT-6Sk6BqW2_PfFZ0G2-xt_crotKzQ80z9FcuDTGSWBWxo2G2RjX9ZrshF02jF5Zb9COYziVWcifE9C07AildI74CWhIP6fVEzq7DD_ps/s1600/120EDC1C-09CA-4ECE-AFA3-6F4C64DC5D9E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1163" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRyMQUZ98KXQwhUptDcZEqX03ttyTKzzFF8pT-6Sk6BqW2_PfFZ0G2-xt_crotKzQ80z9FcuDTGSWBWxo2G2RjX9ZrshF02jF5Zb9COYziVWcifE9C07AildI74CWhIP6fVEzq7DD_ps/s320/120EDC1C-09CA-4ECE-AFA3-6F4C64DC5D9E.jpeg" /></a></p><p>My Allikins! What would I do without her? She’s the little mother of the group as she has been since she was 2. Incredibly organized and responsible, she’s got it together and likes to make sure I also have it together and her siblings. We’ve had many a conversation this year on how she is indeed NOT the mom and need only worry about herself and if her siblings don’t do what they’re supposed to- it’s not on her. These conversations also occur when I hear her parenting her siblings. She’s not wrong, mind you, she’s saying verbatim what I would say and in a motherly tone- but stay in your lane little one. She, most of all, cannot stand Ben’s snail speed in the mornings. Probably because this girl packs up her lunch and backpack at 4pm the day before. Prepared always. She’s most likely to do someone else’s chores for them and take care of everyone else’s stuff if they’re taking too long or not doing it to her standards. Little mothering adult in a tiny little body. Allison loves loves loves animals! Finding all the baby turtles and ducks and geese around our neighborhood is one of her current favorite activities. As well as watching the birds in the backyard and the squirrel that frequents our bird feeder. She even names them all. She’s my girly girl. All the pink and purple and sparkles and unicorns and sloths- her favorite animal. She loves to do crafts! All kinds. She’s really into helping me cook lately too. She recently learned to use a knife and chop, so any opportunity to chop things- she’s all about it. Her favorite books are Babysitter’s Club and her favorite show is Fuller House and both of those facts make my heart happy and full of nostalgia. She not only keeps track of all us, but all her little girlfriends too. Those girls know how to talk and share- that’s for sure! Allison often flies under the radar as she’s shy and quiet and just so darn well behaved and doing everything as perfectly as she can. If she thinks she’s wrong or not doing something perfect, she’ll shut down and only speak in what I call her dolphin sound. No one likes the dolphin. But then she’ll surprise you with a swift kick to her brother or run a 9 minute mile or something else equally impressive and stick up for herself. She, like Andrew, is smarter than she lets on. And, unlike Andrew, always gives 100% effort. She’s so fun and dainty and very very sensitive and wise beyond her years. She really does make being her mom so easy. </p><p>Allison wants to be a zoologist when she grows up- or anything involving animals!! </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Levi Thomas Perkins</u></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC70be2srKdX5Z8NqO8pbE0cSOcpnFrtr_BuvZfuCSPA2JMj7beUI7yuETiQXXU2rkC47uUna2MwpDC5LzloqJ3Q_gtAa5GYSW0-X2PHEljRTUr8a9i17PhgYq4VF-yO-hRO2LZxvoX4s/s4032/97C772CE-528F-4B90-94A5-8E09027ECD60.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC70be2srKdX5Z8NqO8pbE0cSOcpnFrtr_BuvZfuCSPA2JMj7beUI7yuETiQXXU2rkC47uUna2MwpDC5LzloqJ3Q_gtAa5GYSW0-X2PHEljRTUr8a9i17PhgYq4VF-yO-hRO2LZxvoX4s/s320/97C772CE-528F-4B90-94A5-8E09027ECD60.jpeg" /></a>My Levi Guy! He’s currently watching and waiting for me to finish so he can read what I wrote about him. It has killed him that I go in birth order and he’s last. He’s just had to wait forever. Patience isn’t his virtue. If you recall from an earlier statement about distracting his class with his silly antics- that’s spot on. He’s a ham and a half, loves the camera, and loves to make people laugh. He’s silly and goofy and has the little kid humor down. Say the word butt or fart and it’s a guaranteed laugh. During quarantine he perfected the armpit and behind the knee fart sound. He’s also SUPA creative (his words) and crazy smart and quick witted. Too smart for his own good if you ask me. He still loves to draw and is constantly drawing his own comic strips and characters. He’s outgrown the Lightning McQueen obsession, but he still loves cars, just a more sophisticated taste these days. His artistic ability is quite impressive and I’ve heard other people say that too! Not just his mom. He’s gotten just as into sports as Caroline has this year. He really enjoys “shooting the hoops” and playing catch with me. He’s way beyond my throwing and catching ability already and often gets frustrated with mom’s bad throws and inability to catch a football. But I’m all he’s got and it’s our thing we do together for now. Levi still loves music but has gotten quite particular. Everyday he tells me what to play and requires music from TODAY- not my old 90s stuff. If he finds out a song came out more than 2 years ago- it’s OLD! CHANGE IT! ...How rude. Levi often has a quick temper and gets mad mad mad but he gets over it quickly and moves on. (As he’s watching and reading he said That’s not me that’s Caroline!- told ya those two butt heads). We often say Levi can be so stinking cute and sweet but then be an absolute poop head. He probably gets in trouble the most. When not playing sports or drawing or entertaining the masses, he likes to read and play all the video games - especially racing- and, some days, he still likes to cuddle with me. He’s also into fashion and his hairstyle and is SUPA COOL! Not surprisingly, Levi wants to a YoutTuber when he grows up.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38uxwqejypCfgdJJeFPXukiX_maq3Vfmjy8wdZL12Pg9Q9Bu-6vTFxGf-mmLK1hAvN4GTxphOUypCPQNLeKWVS2LzhlsKwm-BQEjMbVri2Clq_Wi3OVO2ivXTmskNJRkP4zJFLzNY15E/s2048/E9C02BAE-9436-4BED-B37C-4B4A286EAFB4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38uxwqejypCfgdJJeFPXukiX_maq3Vfmjy8wdZL12Pg9Q9Bu-6vTFxGf-mmLK1hAvN4GTxphOUypCPQNLeKWVS2LzhlsKwm-BQEjMbVri2Clq_Wi3OVO2ivXTmskNJRkP4zJFLzNY15E/s320/E9C02BAE-9436-4BED-B37C-4B4A286EAFB4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>So here we are entering year 10 of parenting sextuplets. I’m soaking up these next couple of years as I’m a little scared of age 11 and on. But as they age, I absolutely love seeing their individuality and having real conversations and talking over issues with them and how they do that with each other. I so often forget how remarkable our family situation is and how unlikely it was that we’d make it this far. As anyone who knows us knows, we’ve received so much help and love and support along the way and we are ever so grateful for every bit of it. There have been many times I’ve doubted how things would work out, but every time it does. And I’ve learned to be faithful and trust that good will come. </p><p>Until next time... <span style="font-size: medium;">Happy 9th Birthday! </span></p>Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-30375066245196617122020-04-18T22:51:00.000-05:002020-04-19T21:58:42.786-05:00Random Reflections on Parenting in the QuarantineWe’re a month-ish into Covid-19 Quarantine. Weeks have never flown by so fast and also taken so long to pass at the same time. Our normal seems like a distant memory, but I miss it. Well, some of it. Not so much the crazy busy schedules, but I miss freedom and people that don’t live in my house. And if I happen to see someone in person, not worrying if I’m getting too close. And telling family to stay away from my kids is awful. I mean, I’m certainly not much of a hugger or a cryer, but I want to give hugs and I’ve started crying on a regular basis. Stupid quarantine. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZiYca0rQw5i9Ya3emUQm6xwyZHUUSJDj7s26bQL7_ZH7RcRTatHxyu4eUIwVmgoszERwdO9Vaw-phBbDyacXw6hUrPnxvjmSPrE8qr-gQEvQ2TTrMeMeuxOd8bIBNSYJToHW1ESCA3s/s1600/D97C8B49-56D5-4A45-9E18-7CCA593BDA0F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZiYca0rQw5i9Ya3emUQm6xwyZHUUSJDj7s26bQL7_ZH7RcRTatHxyu4eUIwVmgoszERwdO9Vaw-phBbDyacXw6hUrPnxvjmSPrE8qr-gQEvQ2TTrMeMeuxOd8bIBNSYJToHW1ESCA3s/s320/D97C8B49-56D5-4A45-9E18-7CCA593BDA0F.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best friend is in my quarantine circle. Judge me all you want. I’m over those comments. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the beginning I kept telling myself I’ve done this before. As any high order multiple mom has. When you have lots of tiny babies who can’t afford to get sick- you’re hyper aware of germ exposure, you hardly leave the house, and essentially put yourself in self quarantine. But it’s not the same. My husband is working from home amongst our chaos on a make shift ironing board desk. No one can come visit. The kids don’t nap. They need schooling and want me to cook all the time and they ask a million questions a day. Mostly “What can I do now?” Or “ Is it screen time yet?” And some days my answer is “I don’t care anymore!” You win today, children. You wore me down.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cCvBfYNn63lupDN0gHW2BRsyuRfIpYQcxOYitvnvhjPB4CsszUEAGyxrCOS1mIb81j3MExYrhspNstb37DpwimO1IbHN8ZqFX8yhbKi80G3t2TV2-gY-ALgGJjJ8YKs4kTxe8V4exeE/s1600/97B0144D-8CD6-4167-A77F-149DD73CE966.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cCvBfYNn63lupDN0gHW2BRsyuRfIpYQcxOYitvnvhjPB4CsszUEAGyxrCOS1mIb81j3MExYrhspNstb37DpwimO1IbHN8ZqFX8yhbKi80G3t2TV2-gY-ALgGJjJ8YKs4kTxe8V4exeE/s320/97B0144D-8CD6-4167-A77F-149DD73CE966.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
Speaking of questions, I frequently get asked if I’m going to homeschool. Because it’d be so perfect with all the kids in the same grade, right? Well, sure, if you’re into that sort of thing. Which I’m not. I’ve always answered that question with a firm NO- unless I’m forced and/or that option is what’s best for any of my kids. Well, you’d think I’d learn to never say never my friends, because here we are with a set of sextuplets on forced distance learning (i.e. crisis homeschool). And guess what? It’s not for me. Firm NO was spot on. Four weeks in and I’m more thankful than ever for teachers. I don’t know how they do it day in and day out. And my kids’ teachers have gone above and beyond to support their students and parents during this craziness. We hit the teacher jackpot. Which makes me more grateful, but also more sad, because we just found out they won’t be going back until next school year. And, honestly, I hate that. It sucks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ5DW1ZRxHFEnRyccPccWBKh0R0mdQBc-Ij_TJ3VZ-Z5ye9hIiZAE1_jiXXRUCxQWJ2hozzkIBgISvuG0P9p5VpIrJIQumGRHP88oUC6lbiB1cqAN608VaZ7Xs6ja3xx_sz72bJxtXqE/s1600/D7574549-C2CE-45D5-ABF0-D87D625B5314.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ5DW1ZRxHFEnRyccPccWBKh0R0mdQBc-Ij_TJ3VZ-Z5ye9hIiZAE1_jiXXRUCxQWJ2hozzkIBgISvuG0P9p5VpIrJIQumGRHP88oUC6lbiB1cqAN608VaZ7Xs6ja3xx_sz72bJxtXqE/s320/D7574549-C2CE-45D5-ABF0-D87D625B5314.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The school situation goes from me feeling like it’s all working to panic and overwhelm of all that I should be doing. Between the 2nd grade curriculum and Leah’s plethora of services, it’s hard to know where to draw the line on what’s best. Plus, you know, the usual mom stuff. Originally, this post was going to have some of my helpful tips I figured out during the first couple of weeks. But things have changed. I don’t even care about what I figured out a few weeks ago! I guess the semi-controlled chaotic laid back structure is working. But it’s much more likely my kids will be Minecraft masters and turn into giant pizza rolls by the end of this than writing in cursive and explaining character traits. And that’s ok. We’re all in this boat together. Paddling in circles. Debating jumping in the life raft to save ourselves.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cCvBfYNn63lupDN0gHW2BRsyuRfIpYQcxOYitvnvhjPB4CsszUEAGyxrCOS1mIb81j3MExYrhspNstb37DpwimO1IbHN8ZqFX8yhbKi80G3t2TV2-gY-ALgGJjJ8YKs4kTxe8V4exeE/s1600/97B0144D-8CD6-4167-A77F-149DD73CE966.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf50syv25HIOIjptvM6Yu1AdyEQYNza0UHfCCpG7_-ZzmZOWAx9wgGTDpVx3th5GmLy7zibTZ-DjzAqbPdYgCn-d48ZSTTdPdu445jBZE_IQAkFsngm5_wE2yRrqy1IcJeOepO443AfWQ/s1600/159E7928-3E25-4F94-BAB2-AD14C058BA74.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf50syv25HIOIjptvM6Yu1AdyEQYNza0UHfCCpG7_-ZzmZOWAx9wgGTDpVx3th5GmLy7zibTZ-DjzAqbPdYgCn-d48ZSTTdPdu445jBZE_IQAkFsngm5_wE2yRrqy1IcJeOepO443AfWQ/s320/159E7928-3E25-4F94-BAB2-AD14C058BA74.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cCvBfYNn63lupDN0gHW2BRsyuRfIpYQcxOYitvnvhjPB4CsszUEAGyxrCOS1mIb81j3MExYrhspNstb37DpwimO1IbHN8ZqFX8yhbKi80G3t2TV2-gY-ALgGJjJ8YKs4kTxe8V4exeE/s1600/97B0144D-8CD6-4167-A77F-149DD73CE966.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
<br />
Now don’t get me wrong- we’ve also had fun! My kids really are best friends. They play and work well together. They bicker and fight, of course, but just as siblings do. During this time, I have loved the conversations with my kids over the Bible and faith and reasoning what they’re learning in school. They know so much more than I thought they did. We’ve played new games, made new recipes, watched new movies, gone on countless walks, and I’ll cherish those memories. We’ve sorted toys and clothes and planned a quarantine birthday. I’ve loved spreading joy and cheer to others however we can and seeing other people do the same. That part is pretty awesome. But I’ve also found a pile of boys underwear with poop still in it and a very stale pop tart behind a shelf and who knows what else awaits me in the nooks and crannies of home.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivThuTtIqsYnJQabh_Tir0PNeJFZk9y50OzCJIGdjyHkLAY5HugsbpgY8Kl043NsZYOvT8Uh7HE6QzLTXXNkyMoLNpE-1uJAS5fzdeuRZjqEt95gqSTdCWFKemUDNT7hdnvf_g_IkM3ik/s1600/4EA0DCF7-142F-420F-B511-3CDE3E20D3AC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivThuTtIqsYnJQabh_Tir0PNeJFZk9y50OzCJIGdjyHkLAY5HugsbpgY8Kl043NsZYOvT8Uh7HE6QzLTXXNkyMoLNpE-1uJAS5fzdeuRZjqEt95gqSTdCWFKemUDNT7hdnvf_g_IkM3ik/s320/4EA0DCF7-142F-420F-B511-3CDE3E20D3AC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Obviously, We have had our ups and downs and special moments like everyone else. I’ve gone from “we’ve got this!” to randomly crying to hiding in the closet... one week I even put hiding in the closet on my daily schedule. But at least I’m not hiding in the pantry eating peanut butter anymore. Although I’m not completely above it. </div>
<br />
But I’ll leave you with this- an interesting observation two dear family friends brought to my attention this week... we are three women of different ages and very different life stages. We’re all experiencing different quarantine experiences- almost opposite really- but, yet, all having the Exact. Same. Feelings. All over the place. From grateful to lonely to peace to frustration to worrying about a million things and everything in between. But all of us cling to our faith and prayers and hope for the future. That’s what keeps us grounded. Because these are weird times and we’re not in control. But we’re all in it together. Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-52502699411211047752020-03-20T20:08:00.000-05:002020-03-20T20:08:44.949-05:00Random Reflections on having a child with special needsThis is a tough one. I don’t go into details about it very often or with very many people. It taps into a lot of emotions that most people don’t understand. Or they try and it gets awkward. Or they have a child with a different set of needs and it’s not quite the same for either of you. And it’s easier to smile and say “she’s such a joy!”. But after writing about birthdays, I felt this needed its own post. I get the most attention for having high order multiples, but Leah’s needs make it a whole other ballgame and those needs alone equal that of the other 5 put together. I wrote a post a few years ago about being <a href="https://houston.citymomsblog.com/outnumbered/" target="_blank">outnumbered</a>, so I won’t get repetitive... just know not much has changed in that regard since they were two.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Leah has so many needs because of her siblings squishing her in the womb. Her brain didn’t fully develop which led to very significant delays in all motor skills, vision, language, and eating/digestion. Beyond her basic needs and simple therapy exercises, her needs are often put to the side because of her siblings collective needs. Yet having so many siblings is a huge blessing. If I only had Leah, I think I’d be much lonelier. I wouldn’t bother to take her on outings or swimming or anywhere I wasn’t sure she’d have a positive reaction. Therefore, not meeting anyone and only seeing therapists and teachers as adult interaction- and Leah wouldn’t get exposure to much either. If I only had Leah, I also might be obsessive with her care and activities. There’s just SO much that we could be working on with her, that it’d be easy to fall into a serious schedule trap. Instead we do the best we can. That often means admitting to doctors and therapists that I didn’t do any of the “homework” I was last assigned. But ya know- she’s loved and she’s happy and that’s what I focus on. And when all her siblings start singing together to calm her down and cheer her up, or ask to push her on a walk and check to make sure her feet and hands and head are in the right place, or cheer her on during a therapy session- I see their bond and how special it is to have so many siblings the same age. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wp7zSFaZdo5R1VnnR5ahMxrRu5OpkrD1Er6Cpj7-Xb1a3QgSthqueUesNk1ZsSmf6i0_4AU-0GST_tg32_DpYUK6S4t8dThO8q_1cbLLMDL73xGHNHTDr8SudaJBjgnXMa-VY_KIWG0/s1600/829D4D63-2C40-4E19-9183-1B6BBB7395FD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wp7zSFaZdo5R1VnnR5ahMxrRu5OpkrD1Er6Cpj7-Xb1a3QgSthqueUesNk1ZsSmf6i0_4AU-0GST_tg32_DpYUK6S4t8dThO8q_1cbLLMDL73xGHNHTDr8SudaJBjgnXMa-VY_KIWG0/s320/829D4D63-2C40-4E19-9183-1B6BBB7395FD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And Leah IS a joy. Everyone tells me so and I believe them because I see it. She’s joyful. When she’s happy, she lights up the room and it’s contagious. When we come back to school every August, it takes us two hours to make it through the classrooms because Leah’s fan club has missed her over the summer and wants to love on her. They don’t do that for just every kid.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
She’s also made me appreciate the little things. I mean the tiniest most minuscule of things. Because when your child meets no developmental milestones- I mean NONE. Ever.- you get excited over the tiniest things they accomplish. Hold their own head up for 7 seconds when it used to be 3 seconds?! WOO HOO!!!! I mean we’re seriously excited over these things. The tiny things add up to new accomplishments before you even realize it. Thankfully, her therapists take notes and when I don’t feel like any progress is being made, looking back a few months always proves otherwise. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wt6ns37doVpX1VswY8gUCub35veYtYMQncO_dhZFY5iqGRWJU1gHVxtcgEmb4ms2mk0uvQE_eWK01icYArle4LJvUOVQHOqxBOHLkhQQLwewm0Cao9ehBZpasZ8j3tL_BSg95ajrQD4/s1600/B9015512-30BA-4183-B2DA-25671DFAE6F9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wt6ns37doVpX1VswY8gUCub35veYtYMQncO_dhZFY5iqGRWJU1gHVxtcgEmb4ms2mk0uvQE_eWK01icYArle4LJvUOVQHOqxBOHLkhQQLwewm0Cao9ehBZpasZ8j3tL_BSg95ajrQD4/s320/B9015512-30BA-4183-B2DA-25671DFAE6F9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But with the joy and love and celebrations, there is also a recurring grief and fear and anger and sadness. I have learned it’s never easy to hear there’s something “wrong” with your child. Whether there’s a shock involved of an unknown issue or your mama’s heart feels something is off- it’s never easy to hear a professional say the words out loud. Makes it real. No more inkling of hope it might not be true. It’s even harder to be told there’s nothing you can do. She’ll never be able to do anything. Try what you like, but it won’t matter. Especially when she’s 2 months old and weighs all of 3 lbs. So I grieved the image of the girl I thought I’d have and the things she’ll never do and experiences she’ll never have. Every now and then that grief comes back up, usually while completing developmental questionnaires. It’s not fun to check no to every question- no need to actually read the questions. And there’s fear of the future. What happens when I can’t lift her anymore and she’s as big as me? What happens after she ages out of the school system? Will her siblings care for her when we no longer can?...If she even lives that long? Things parents of special needs kids think about at night. I try to keep myself out of that rabbit hole because I’m not there yet and worrying about things that are so far ahead does no good. But it’s there. The anger and frustration of the whys and hows and dealings with doctors and insurance companies appears periodically. And I often feel sad for the parents who put complete trust in what those professionals tell them. That a child will never do anything no matter what you try. Ugh. It’s just not true. It might take a lot of time and a lot of work and a change in perspective- but progress is progress and everyone can do something. Even if it’s just spreading joy with a smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAKGkTLrVkyJevosd7t-GB5f7SaxjTHf-tMYOLVIRAr_Rjpn3vKa5v-HjGOmA6tFSqGVFuOHzFY2zVhxypkg1O1ty7lunnpEsO9EQCy8AdzDIOm7JfyOhy49U8N-WQ2q0KHe-lYiaJ-M/s1600/6BFAAB9C-B8B0-4594-AF2E-61FFA2677206.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAKGkTLrVkyJevosd7t-GB5f7SaxjTHf-tMYOLVIRAr_Rjpn3vKa5v-HjGOmA6tFSqGVFuOHzFY2zVhxypkg1O1ty7lunnpEsO9EQCy8AdzDIOm7JfyOhy49U8N-WQ2q0KHe-lYiaJ-M/s320/6BFAAB9C-B8B0-4594-AF2E-61FFA2677206.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But what I always come back to, what grounds me, is faith. That God made her just as she is for a purpose. That God gave her to us for a reason. Do I know what that is? Nope. Do I have doubts? Yep. Is that ok? Of course it is. And I can look back and see how God was preparing me for this mom job years before I ever saw it coming. It’s absolutely not a perfect pretty picture, but I’ll take it and keep on doing the best I can.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-60532766122566849472019-04-23T00:09:00.000-05:002019-04-23T00:09:53.992-05:00Random Reflections on this 7th BirthdayThe kiddos turn 7 today. I know this because they’ve been counting down since 18 days. And as April 23rd rolls around each year, I have the same thoughts and all the feelings as I reflect on how we’ve made it through another 365 days.<br />
<br />
The days are long and the years are short. So cliche, right? But so true. I don’t know how many times someone tells a story from the baby and toddler days about something I did or said or that the kids did and my response is “I don’t remember that but I believe you.” Because it went by in a blur. Besides major events, medical histories, and random song lyrics- I don’t remember. “How did you do ____?” I’m not sure, but we did it. I’m very helpful like that. <br />
<br />
7 years! Seven. Years. 7 years of being known as “the lady with all the babies”... by the way- my name is Lauren... and they’re not babies anymore. They’re so their own little people now. About as independent as a person can be at that age. I love seeing them learn new things and play together and how they care for each other. The fighting I could do without, but who doesn’t fight with their siblings? I could also do without the big kid attitudes, but I know we’re just getting started there. And who knew 1st grade is the new 4th grade?! They’re learning and dealing with things I wasn’t expecting for a few years. Pretty sure I blew a few life lesson conversations, but I’m sure I’ll get more chances. <br />
<br />
Every year when I look back, the biggest thing that always sticks out in my mind is how faithful God has been to our family and how He works through us and our Team Perkins Pack. It’s truly remarkable. The sheer fact that these 6 kids are even here. And we aren’t completely insane. Doctors told me my pregnancy made no scientific sense... and they were right- it didn’t. But this was meant to happen. I always wanted to be a stay at home mom, and I got what I wanted- just not how I thought I would. In the bouts of infertility, I was once told God would grant me the desires of my heart- but I needed to relinquish my control and seek Him. I didn’t even realize how much control I was holding on to. Learning to trust and have faith is so hard but so liberating. And I’m still working on it. Thankfully, I’m forgiven for all the many mess ups and God still shows up. <br />
<br />
I have so many stories about how people have come into our family at just the right time, and right when we truly needed each other. I know these things are beyond coincidence. They’re God stories and they’re my favorite! Too many to type on one post, but I recently realized something about many of our Perkins Pack people. Out of all the people who have helped us the last 7 years, a handful stand out as putting in MAJOR time and commitment and just being involved in their lives. Some have moved on and some are more recent, but all of them had the desire for children in their lives and didn’t have kids and/or grandkids of their own for various reasons. And here I am with plenty to share! All God. What if I had held on to that control? Not been open enough to let people in to see our messy? Our good, bad, and ugly? Given in to the times I wanted to scream “Everybody get out of my house!”? All the blessings that would be lost. Precious relationships. A couple things that were told to me back in the baby days that have stuck with me... 1. when you turn down offers of help, you’re taking away a blessing from someone. 2. Your family is now your mission field. Raising these kids and how you interact with all the people that are coming in and out of your family’s life. God’s love and purpose can be shown through your situation. <br />
<br />
Such truth. Stories are meant to be shared. God uses us all and in all kinds of situations. Let your story be used. Don’t waste it. <br />
<br />Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-12787499737132540362018-07-10T19:28:00.000-05:002018-07-10T19:28:46.292-05:00And then they were SIXIt’s not that I haven’t had anything to write about in over two years, it’s that I haven’t felt like it or was just too dang brain tired to do so. I’m sure I’ll regret this lack of memory preserving one day (kinda already do), but it is what it is. Time keeps on flying by. These kiddos just finished up KINDERGARTEN!! Like for real had a kindergarten graduation (I’ll spare you my opinion on this). I remember a time when kindergarten was all my dreams were made of- 6 years in a blur, but I have a distinct memory of being surrounded by babies and repeatedly thinking “If I can only make it till kindergarten...”. And look! We’ve done it. I have six 6 year olds y’all! What in the what?! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2aRa5EnrRbT3LBn9kw8MeVrqLEuUJRtXyUWWdfuRYoSTb93cTsrPhet7GmXjcefiXvfV_OAsSft7WTxbwr-zNel7apcqIca-_462GTBNc_WRGlNUdYimSBmFxvZFLEk6i2mtSG0k8Uw/s1600/C3EE420C-DB76-4A52-8304-26CF91ACBA67.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2aRa5EnrRbT3LBn9kw8MeVrqLEuUJRtXyUWWdfuRYoSTb93cTsrPhet7GmXjcefiXvfV_OAsSft7WTxbwr-zNel7apcqIca-_462GTBNc_WRGlNUdYimSBmFxvZFLEk6i2mtSG0k8Uw/s320/C3EE420C-DB76-4A52-8304-26CF91ACBA67.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Before we get to the individual break downs of sextupletness, the kindergarten FAQ:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4wYGQbCdxu2PmZrdcQkv9GFkzxryakwusdMmNtb21Q4lx6q6jWF9lUoJRUEs5hqoM6Ny3zZyhwhUeZYhFtPn2o0MnNKOwHxOqGIe4ipHvT1mkbLCLRuplaemI7qsdI9pEMD5fKFKIbs/s1600/C706BA74-20F6-4536-BD9D-A3CDD4A03591.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4wYGQbCdxu2PmZrdcQkv9GFkzxryakwusdMmNtb21Q4lx6q6jWF9lUoJRUEs5hqoM6Ny3zZyhwhUeZYhFtPn2o0MnNKOwHxOqGIe4ipHvT1mkbLCLRuplaemI7qsdI9pEMD5fKFKIbs/s320/C706BA74-20F6-4536-BD9D-A3CDD4A03591.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
- They were split 3/2/1 in classes: Caroline Ben and Levi; Allison and Andrew; Leah. No, not sure what the plan for next year will be, but I will be asking the kids’ opinions.<br />
<br />
- I packed lunches, backpacks, and had clothes laid out the night before or else we’d never make it on time. Cut it close every single day as it was.<br />
<br />
- They all have loved school and done well and have learned way more than I ever did in kindergarten. Homework was optional and we generally opted out.<br />
<br />
- Andrew got in trouble the most. Actually, he’s the only one I know of who was ever in trouble. He’s a sweet boy, but sometimes doesn’t listen and sometimes just plain talks too much. <br />
<br />
- None of them liked going to school more than I loved dropping them off in the morning! Sweet taste of freedom- for a few hours on weekdays ;) The school year spoiled me. <br />
<br />
Now without further ado... in birth order... my six year olds:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Andrew Noah</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIPawO95tgDGKx22dTfzP_l_tmxqMdE70iLyZ6g0y6d2au8NRKjA_hGhueMtEsnzRN46M1FvSYh8V-0lYLtCuh5LJFKcVybhwjjB84tXGw0wgaOmMEKsSujlg1TymBA2j6bTrjO1Ss-A/s1600/62E8DD1D-6AED-435C-A6ED-C6D5CCCF7181.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIPawO95tgDGKx22dTfzP_l_tmxqMdE70iLyZ6g0y6d2au8NRKjA_hGhueMtEsnzRN46M1FvSYh8V-0lYLtCuh5LJFKcVybhwjjB84tXGw0wgaOmMEKsSujlg1TymBA2j6bTrjO1Ss-A/s320/62E8DD1D-6AED-435C-A6ED-C6D5CCCF7181.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This boy. He is a goober. I know that may sound bad, but really, that’s Andrew. Who he gets his extremely outgoing nature from, I haven’t a clue. He knows no stranger and has no filter. Things he has recently said to complete strangers (after properly introducing himself with his full name, of course, and likely any and all family members present):<br />
<br />
I came out first.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In August we go swimming.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Want to see my ninja moves? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Are you coming with us to ___?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
... he’ll end with whatever personal questions pop into his head. He makes friends wherever he goes! While the others tend to stick together, Andrew is likely to find his own people to hang out with. Once when I went to eat lunch with them at school, he sat down with another family and ate with them. Thankfully, that parent found him entertaining. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He’s still sensitive, a scaredy cat, a little bit of a bully, but loves his people big. I get “you’re the best mom ever” almost daily from him. He’s the tallest pack member by a head, yet still wants to be picked up and flipped around like the littles. But don’t let that gooberness fool you, he’s much smarter than he lets on. And you really should see his ninja moves. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Benjamin Luke</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6ryKpsxvVJR054lkV7M-buelib5Rh5Hh-iCRLZlD0BqeurE9D44Z1eHu8T3vv_FxjlbMdYNAQ5BcodSYRw43Avtu4tpov5bi1qErkCpLxCoSRRN1xfp8-crklI4Kd8LYQDYvDwqHJIo/s1600/4671D2C5-EAAD-4583-B7F2-3132F09B4F2C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6ryKpsxvVJR054lkV7M-buelib5Rh5Hh-iCRLZlD0BqeurE9D44Z1eHu8T3vv_FxjlbMdYNAQ5BcodSYRw43Avtu4tpov5bi1qErkCpLxCoSRRN1xfp8-crklI4Kd8LYQDYvDwqHJIo/s320/4671D2C5-EAAD-4583-B7F2-3132F09B4F2C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh Benny Boy. A true Perkins indeed. Why change when you can be perfectly content in your own quirkiness? Yes, he still calls himself Benny Boy and makes others call him that too. But I have heard at school he lets his teachers call him Ben. He’s been rocking the long sleeve, shorts, and sandals wardrobe for a solid 3 years now. 3 years. Long sleeves. In Houston. He is that stubborn. And bossy as bossy can be. And his siblings listen to him! He says he wants to do nothing when he grows up, but I think he’ll be a boss- of something. He loves attention when he wants it, and if he doesn’t just do yourself a favor and do not look in his direction. He’ll willingly perform “tricks” or share another “great idea”... or he may go sneak off to play by himself. He’s my night owl. I often find him up way past bedtime looking at books, which of course leads to fun school mornings. Ben is still my talker. Not as much constant commentary as he used to give, but detailed accounts of his day or upcoming plans or instructions. My Ben Boo has so many nicknames and still charms the pants off most people he meets. His little old man ways are pretty cute. And he could survive on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches alone. Preferably of the double decker variety. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Caroline Grace</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMp_xUWN89ljw7ON5QVOheITWThiMLmdWJ_F8fkE_lA8UZDcpecnYqYTJJ1HPQRzoO-13Ad_o0QR5NCnuETLL4t4F31iLKTUghSir0P5MBbI1FGJBql5bkzaprSEq7ct0hSQlzjiOzOg/s1600/DDD3113A-70E2-4F36-B6B0-D2D9A7E5AAD1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMp_xUWN89ljw7ON5QVOheITWThiMLmdWJ_F8fkE_lA8UZDcpecnYqYTJJ1HPQRzoO-13Ad_o0QR5NCnuETLL4t4F31iLKTUghSir0P5MBbI1FGJBql5bkzaprSEq7ct0hSQlzjiOzOg/s320/DDD3113A-70E2-4F36-B6B0-D2D9A7E5AAD1.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Sweet Caroline! Or Sweet Caroline? Depends on the hour with this girl. No matter her mood, she’s a girl who knows what she wants and makes it known. Which sometimes requires a calm down break (aka time out). Silly, smart, and stubborn to the nth degree (some people say she gets it from me, but what do they know). She loves pink and often wears it head to toe, but HATES anything remotely girly. Don’t you dare try to fix her hair or make her wear a dress. Trust me, not worth it. I never wanted a tomboy...because what do I do with one of those? But I got me one. Caroline loves to color, read, and soak up as much one on one time as she can. Just about any adult will do, but she’s a mommy’s girl at heart. Every single day she wants to “do a workout” with me. Just the two of us. Sometimes it’s running around the block, but usually she locks us in the master bedroom and we take turns calling out exercises for the other to do. Sounds like a blast right?! But then she’ll completely ignore me when I’m visiting them at school. Won’t sit with me at lunch, cries when I enter the classroom, and sometimes won’t even look in my direction. But then again, this girl’s always been a little complicated. She still loves breakfast, being a helper, and sleep. She asks to take a nap most days and still sucks her two middle fingers. And she is awful proud of her toots. That’s my girl ;)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Leah Michelle</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBaj12Dc-WmvD3zKGGouNAjqFhtV_HipcICPeKUEvunyKok7baluJuTctFghSwXOrCXKk3AehzVWXxwdx_plx8pgwg83WKbiWMPQeWaarq87QzXEkYIdo3LqFbv56ABqwI7vwSJuDBSE/s1600/4DE887AA-0E0F-446C-A8FA-47B1CC66DD15.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBaj12Dc-WmvD3zKGGouNAjqFhtV_HipcICPeKUEvunyKok7baluJuTctFghSwXOrCXKk3AehzVWXxwdx_plx8pgwg83WKbiWMPQeWaarq87QzXEkYIdo3LqFbv56ABqwI7vwSJuDBSE/s320/4DE887AA-0E0F-446C-A8FA-47B1CC66DD15.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Leah Peah. She is such a joy! Happiest disposition of anyone I know. You know something is wrong in her world when she isn’t happy. Especially if music doesn’t cure what ails her. Music is still her love language. Uptown Funk and the entire musical collection of Laurie Berkner never get old to her. We’ve been listening to the same selection of songs for 5 1/2 years- everyday- but it’s worth her calm and happiness. Basically, I’m a master tuner outer at this point. She loves cuddles and kisses as much as she loves music. She’s getting kinda big and awkward to cuddle, but we make it work. Leah loves being in the water too- bath time and pool time relax her. Since the last time I posted, Leah’s health has been a roller coaster. We’ve learned to manage new things to hopefully avoid some downs, but you just never know. Despite the setbacks, Leah is still hitting her inchstones (we don’t focus on milestones ;)) in school and therapy. She works her booty off and is completely exhausted by the time both are over every weekday. She is a speed demon in her gait trainer- even on carpet, rocks some cause and effect toys, and is learning to use switches to communicate and identify objects. She has become much more vocal this year- she uses her vocalizations to respond to questions and make her opinions known. She has different tones for whining, being tired, pain, excitement, and what we call “drama”. Her siblings help a bit in her care now too. All her teachers tell me she’s their favorite. They may tell that to every parent, but I like to think it’s true. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Allison Kate</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinn6iQTao9LAKX1XESZ0No3eTLzluTyXPyEhBAEAiwhHId1N_Nb6Oxvy3fpBA9aWiw-M5aZ0knCLtziqyijyiv0zmovb4jYQfyBa9tnZV6x5Bgr4W7U8CKRMk7nmVVJV_RM78IN2k-2Ww/s1600/89E58D89-5C7F-45A3-ADEA-58A3C661065D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinn6iQTao9LAKX1XESZ0No3eTLzluTyXPyEhBAEAiwhHId1N_Nb6Oxvy3fpBA9aWiw-M5aZ0knCLtziqyijyiv0zmovb4jYQfyBa9tnZV6x5Bgr4W7U8CKRMk7nmVVJV_RM78IN2k-2Ww/s320/89E58D89-5C7F-45A3-ADEA-58A3C661065D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My Little Miss. We don’t call her Smidge anymore, but she’s still a tiny little thing. And she knows how to play that card too. But she can hold her own against her siblings when she needs to. Allison always has been and always will be the little mommy of the group. She knows what should be done, what needs to be done, and tries her best to keep everyone in line. Sometimes even me! She loves her teacher and wants to stay in kindergarten forever. Alli is by far the shyest of the pack- unless she’s on our cooking videos- and is usually terrified to go into new social situations or try anything she might not be perfect at. Perfectionist indeed. Once when we were decorating cookies, she was meticulously placing sprinkles and such on her cookie while a sibling haphazardly dumped on theirs. She looked over and exclaimed “Ugh. That is so wrong.” And she’s my girly girl. Princesses and pretty dresses and painted nails and make up- YES! But no hair fixing. She is extremely responsible for her age and I’ve said before if she were my only one, I could take naps all day and not worry a bit about what she’s doing. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Levi Thomas</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKShkn4gAgEk_BsVqTB2T1P6VNal8UPTfEik7b94yrIl4Ed3U58_Wy9eDY17u-m7RTQObfK3w7aC-u0w2wJ6Bx9C2yDJ7wZ8kYRLNup7mLFkmnrh6Fvd37yUSXRy3YbhAjJkzYaxOTVjk/s1600/091D3242-922B-4FE1-BD13-4E66F65C571E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKShkn4gAgEk_BsVqTB2T1P6VNal8UPTfEik7b94yrIl4Ed3U58_Wy9eDY17u-m7RTQObfK3w7aC-u0w2wJ6Bx9C2yDJ7wZ8kYRLNup7mLFkmnrh6Fvd37yUSXRy3YbhAjJkzYaxOTVjk/s320/091D3242-922B-4FE1-BD13-4E66F65C571E.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Little Dude. Monkey Man. Levi has about as many nicknames as Ben. What he lacks in stature, he makes up for in personality! All things butt, poop, and fart are hilarious these days. Levi still loves to make everyone laugh and act as silly as can be. But he can also pop an attitude with the best of em. Sometimes I think he’s going on sixteen with his eye rolls and smart responses. He’s got a quick temper too- we call it the “Levi freak outs”, but he’s also quick to calm down and go back to his sweet, caring self. Levi has been my big surprise in school. He truly loves to learn. He constantly asks questions about everything, how it works, and why it is. Sometimes I don’t know the answers! I thought he’d be too easily distracted for school, but he’s proven me wrong. Levi is very into art and drawing right now. He’s already drawing better than I can and has the best handwriting of any left-handed 6 year old boy I’ve ever seen. He’s not as outgoing as Andrew, but still much more so than the others. I recently found out he told the one kid no one wants to play with that he’d be his friend. I love that he noticed and cared. Levi has always been independent and moved to the beat of his own drum. But he still needs his mommy hugs and cuddles. He still loves music but now race cars are in the mix too. He’s very much my jack of all trades and no telling what he’ll end up doing with all of his skills. <br />
<br />
<br />
I love how very different they all are and seeing each child develop into their own person. Yet, they’re still the best of friends and undoubtedly share a special bond. They have each started forming their own friendships at school, and of course fight like siblings do, but still play so well together, encourage each other, and love their brothers and sisters so. <br />
<br />
I can’t ever end a birthday post without a thank you. Our Perkins Pack support team has amazed me from day one and continues to do so. A few people have stuck around for 6 years and others have come and gone, but the fact that so many have given of themselves to help us has never gone unnoticed or unappreciated. From the little things to the big, THANK YOU for your kindness and generosity!! We are so grateful for another year of this adventure. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIaol_GqlLLTSFOYvq25Z__n831BoGQiDqKn-T6ep3QjpMtxhcNqwAhKoPLfDOQDQENoupDat0XNTuVZ0cbhtdM5rG1_d4Xv6a8zdWASOzKnw1GaSO3_ZykR76ZGY2STl_UQfXtYBEFM/s1600/FD04D45D-B8C3-4662-8AEE-BBC1D0E5D0B0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIaol_GqlLLTSFOYvq25Z__n831BoGQiDqKn-T6ep3QjpMtxhcNqwAhKoPLfDOQDQENoupDat0XNTuVZ0cbhtdM5rG1_d4Xv6a8zdWASOzKnw1GaSO3_ZykR76ZGY2STl_UQfXtYBEFM/s320/FD04D45D-B8C3-4662-8AEE-BBC1D0E5D0B0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<i>* photos courtesy of Lisa Holloway Photography</i>Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-86236123231717849572016-12-24T00:21:00.000-06:002016-12-24T00:21:58.268-06:00What the FOUR?!<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I wrote this several months ago and never got around to publishing it. Giving it a quick reread it's mostly still accurate except they've gained a lot of skills this school year!</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
You should see my list of things to blog about. It is so good. And it goes back about 6 months. And I'm not sure I will ever get around to writing those things and might lose these last 6 months in the memory bank. But back to the present! The kiddos are 4! 4 YEARS OLD!!! It's the blessed age I've been told where everything gets a bit easier and nicer and I can take a deep breath. Ahhhh. <br />
<br />
Well, I can see us getting there, but we're not there yet. The imaginative play is in full force, I don't have to entertain at all times, independence is increasing rapidly, and the personalities are like whoa. But they are needy, whiney, and in plenty of fights with each other, so Mommy is still very much a presence in the all the time. <br />
<br />
Let's get on to the good stuff. 4 year update...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Andrew Noah</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4dX0KyRrow2Tazc7mIswRYdAuU5jyRq1yRBMCnXdmD-q7xGU2VrQgyU_MYYh-AMt8swRwDt8IzA66pRmlhotStsNaMfBx9yxqEjMUzdj8D9aPTvnxrrfSxEpUs5_bjEGPuQb-RMc4Bw/s1600/Perkins+%25283+of+27%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4dX0KyRrow2Tazc7mIswRYdAuU5jyRq1yRBMCnXdmD-q7xGU2VrQgyU_MYYh-AMt8swRwDt8IzA66pRmlhotStsNaMfBx9yxqEjMUzdj8D9aPTvnxrrfSxEpUs5_bjEGPuQb-RMc4Bw/s320/Perkins+%25283+of+27%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
He's so friendly and polite. And TALL! "Andrew you're so handsome" "No, I tall" He's learned it's his identifier. Generally willing to help out, will eat most things, loves to please and receive praise, gives hugs all the time, has a goofy fake laugh when he thinks others think he's funny, loves cars and trucks, likes copying Mommy and Daddy, loves to run wild with his brothers, knows his letters and ABCs and can count to 20, sensitive, easily scared of things he sees on TV (but still loves TV), really enjoys pretending to be different characters. Lately his favorite is Spiderman. There's often the psshh... sound of the webs leaving his wrists happening at our house. But sometimes Batman prevails too.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Benjamin Luke</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvg77x7hNUAPsAwRYarLyerKZ8JjXxfpCQsL3x2UmxFjEdwv-w928Lelzh4qBVxj2VWQdrP2Np-J1jAmX0psKvYs6a-2877-Ktjdtx1IEbt2ZNuMiEIZOn1hhVM_37VJQEZQdvMxJ6Ib4/s1600/Perkins+%25284+of+27%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvg77x7hNUAPsAwRYarLyerKZ8JjXxfpCQsL3x2UmxFjEdwv-w928Lelzh4qBVxj2VWQdrP2Np-J1jAmX0psKvYs6a-2877-Ktjdtx1IEbt2ZNuMiEIZOn1hhVM_37VJQEZQdvMxJ6Ib4/s320/Perkins+%25284+of+27%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This kid! He's something else. "Benny Boy" as he calls himself as he speaks in third person half the time. "Benny Boy does not like that very well". His constant commentary of all things going on all the time charms people somehow. He's got the best frown in town. When he's really pouting it's the full frown with a fake tear wipe. Ben is very particular about what he wants and even what words you use. Currently he will only wear long sleeve shirts, shorts, and sandals. Don't call them shoes, because they're sandals. He avoids cleaning up like the plague. And most things that involve him doing any sort of work. He loves to build with Legos, draw, give hugs and kisses to me, order everyone around, jump and run, play cars, ride the balance bike, and be naked. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caroline Grace</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHNGEURhKhGjK97xbIoBAxgMwyQk_n6PbY99TpcYl77FPcm74NZ81wX0YYlMjFPoUmRk0q7KbNnjquDnQNqJ-_PBki9W-4JeHvj4t4gq_xrJRm-cY8x2jzoGowQ3xXvNbz56OnQi-OIs/s1600/Perkins+%252814+of+27%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHNGEURhKhGjK97xbIoBAxgMwyQk_n6PbY99TpcYl77FPcm74NZ81wX0YYlMjFPoUmRk0q7KbNnjquDnQNqJ-_PBki9W-4JeHvj4t4gq_xrJRm-cY8x2jzoGowQ3xXvNbz56OnQi-OIs/s320/Perkins+%252814+of+27%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Recently when asked to describe Caroline I said, "she's complicated." She can be sweet, helpful, silly, talkative, playful or a screaming irrational terror who cries for no real reason and needs lots of moments to calm down. Depends on the day or her mood or how tired or hungry or hangry she is. Caroline is the lover of all things pink. Especially Paw Patrol. Pink Paw Patrol with Skye AND Everest. "That's my favorite." She's the pickiest eater. Yogurt and cereal, peanut butter and jelly, cheese, sometimes blueberries, and pepperoni pizza. That about sums up her diet. Oh, I forgot ketchup. Totally a food group. She's great at imaginary play with stuffed animals and dolls and figurines. She's got epic stories going on. Can still hang with the boys in the rough and tumble play too. LOVES to swim! Like if she had the option not sure I'd ever get her out of the water. She surprised me with VBS- she loves to sing and dance to all the songs. And don't you mess up her jam- she'll correct you and you have to start over. This girl loves her mommy and her daddy and her teachers. And she still jumps up and down when she's excited.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leah Michelle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn1hQcekz2FJ2eMG78VfzMhPAqmkXQ2MLCFDlTW4VXmYCuTxC3d1WbGCSC2-rh8J8LRXIaUjfka1TZhXeSrzTgpfp3iuxIOFI_Srp-BIwj9doFdSaUldhhw7S-X2A5APB_pn-zxpNprY/s1600/Perkins+%252820+of+27%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn1hQcekz2FJ2eMG78VfzMhPAqmkXQ2MLCFDlTW4VXmYCuTxC3d1WbGCSC2-rh8J8LRXIaUjfka1TZhXeSrzTgpfp3iuxIOFI_Srp-BIwj9doFdSaUldhhw7S-X2A5APB_pn-zxpNprY/s320/Perkins+%252820+of+27%2529.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<br />
This little miss has had a rough 2016 thus far. In and out of the hospital dealing with things new to all of us and trying to find solutions. But she's a trooper and a fighter. She's continued to work hard in school and therapy and all these little setbacks haven't slowed her down much. She never regressed and has continued to show slow and steady progress. That's kinda amazing y'all! She's growing like a weed too. I mean, has grown 7 in and gained 8 lbs in a few months. Prior to this year we were happy if she'd grown any tiny amount. This girl LOVES music. It's her happy language. Favorite songs are Uptown Funk, Shut Up and Dance, Sorry, ABCs, Old McDonald, If you're happy and you know it, Jesus Loves Me, , and anything Laurie Berkner. She loves being cuddled, being in the water, cause and effect toys, and kisses! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Allison Kate</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY_vFfYghgukJNeIiPWh_zei5hbs-6iDtpnDVPwhZnF2SwXlY9kRXpy6mwPV1YmILfKmoQ1AwYPQDgAJixoXBveb_nHQCVohvqulXVHwasywRmpkOhQGsElFPQt3dxdpWIBvxzL8RYUI/s1600/Perkins+%252817+of+27%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY_vFfYghgukJNeIiPWh_zei5hbs-6iDtpnDVPwhZnF2SwXlY9kRXpy6mwPV1YmILfKmoQ1AwYPQDgAJixoXBveb_nHQCVohvqulXVHwasywRmpkOhQGsElFPQt3dxdpWIBvxzL8RYUI/s320/Perkins+%252817+of+27%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Still the tiniest but not afraid to tell it like it is! She is usually shy around new people, but that quickly fades. She is ever my rule follower to the max and keeps everyone in line. She is quick to tell me when anyone has done something wrong. She remembers EVERYTHING! And I mean EVERYTHING! From what anyone says to what they did to things that happened 2 years ago and I'm like, "uhhh how do you even remember that?!" (I can hardly remember yesterday) She is the one I find out what I often say and do by what she starts imitating. Allison loves to dance and spin around the house. She loves to be a helper. She enjoys books, dolls and my little ponies, and any kind of art supplies. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Levi Thomas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkhC1FLAaRjpMGxd-HOUvjKodJwDmbg6Tf2S-W4pOcUiNolPCMZSSr6NrG7g43Tqb5MJtXRh4wKdsQNK7nKMOUXIZRSLR6DsFtImVvyyPj_zWgOlv1_ZkxQ0rzP2UMG5Xs83x6_RYP0g/s1600/Perkins+%252810+of+27%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkhC1FLAaRjpMGxd-HOUvjKodJwDmbg6Tf2S-W4pOcUiNolPCMZSSr6NrG7g43Tqb5MJtXRh4wKdsQNK7nKMOUXIZRSLR6DsFtImVvyyPj_zWgOlv1_ZkxQ0rzP2UMG5Xs83x6_RYP0g/s320/Perkins+%252810+of+27%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My quirky little monkey man! He is silly as silly can be and loves it. He's got the goofiest dance moves around and isn't afraid to show them off. He still loves guitars and music and picks up any song lyrics or learning through songs. Levi is very inquisitive; he asks about a million questions a day about what things are, how they work, and why they are that way. Sometimes I know the answers ;) He also still enjoys lights and doors. I say if you find some random lights turned on or doors locked- Levi's been there. He's really enjoyed water this year- from swimming lessons to belly flops to running in sprinklers to shooting water guns. He's all about it! He and Andrew are the best eaters. Levi's not afraid to try new foods and isn't picky at all. He can put down a lot for such a tiny body! Levi is very independent and will do most things on his own. He still has a quick temper and would rather scream or whine than use words. If he ever naps it's usually in the middle of the floor somewhere- he literally crashes in the middle of playing. Levi is quite affectionate often giving me hugs and saying "I love you Mama" <br />
<br />
<br />
There you have it. An overview of my 4 year olds. Now that we're actually closer to 4 1/2 I am seeing a big difference compared to 3. Mostly in the independence level of these guys and their ability to play together along with using imagination. It's so fun to watch! I'm collecting endless amounts of hilarious quotes. They are generally adaptable, love being around people, being busy, going places, and are well behaved most of the time in public :) One of my favorite things they currently do is refer to each other as "friends". Like instead of saying "brothers and/or sisters" they say "My friends". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWJScugiEJoTHjJWuTnHLeIvI5P3yw2X9tk3F7ZQYOe0WB26BYNVO2ZhTYS3-_LMaN2UhbD1C5SOioZz1dKicEzu3eIqrJvemwjVHR5dZkXsVAYWBCl6vSpvQz3hlu22CdoqK8ujxUTE/s1600/Perkins+%252827+of+27%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWJScugiEJoTHjJWuTnHLeIvI5P3yw2X9tk3F7ZQYOe0WB26BYNVO2ZhTYS3-_LMaN2UhbD1C5SOioZz1dKicEzu3eIqrJvemwjVHR5dZkXsVAYWBCl6vSpvQz3hlu22CdoqK8ujxUTE/s320/Perkins+%252827+of+27%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>All photos in this post courtesy of Lisa Holloway Photography</i>Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-82119976629127812092016-01-01T00:37:00.000-06:002016-01-01T00:37:41.551-06:00Pagosa 2015I'm back at it again! Catching up the ole blog. Really I just need a better system of photo dumping which would motivate me to get posts up quicker. And setting time to actually write my list of posts I want to write. But, unfortunately for blog readers, this generally falls at the end of the to do list. Maybe in 2016 I'll do better. Maybe. <br />
<br />
Anywho, back to the topic at hand- PAGOSA TRIP 2015! Our favorite time of the summer. This year we didn't go until late summer as my parents were busy with their own travels (How dare they?!) but we made the most of it. Stuck to our usual plan of leaving dark and early at 4am for the long haul. I feel we've got this down to a T; we know where all the good stop and play spots are, what the best food to pack is, how to cram everything in the van, and how are kids are best entertained. This trip was by far the best we've had. We did decide to forego potty training and leave them in pull ups for the car travel time. This did lead to some regression at my parents house and after we returned home, but was so worth it along the 17-18 hour drive. This time I also didn't bother with car toys. They are perfectly happy listening to music, looking out the window, and eating a million and a half snacks. Isn't that what road tripping is all about?! Truly I was so thankful we didn't have to deal with any mega tantrums during the drive.<br />
<br />
Enough about the drive! We had so much fun while we were there! The kids slept in one room, on the floor, in their own sleeping bags. They thought they were so cool "camping" like the Bubble Guppies. They actually did sleep too! Not without some good play time in their room though. Leah slept in the room with Dave and I as usual. <br />
<br />
At this point I don't remember the order in which we did which activities, but we fit in plenty. The weather was wonderful, especially compared to the unbearable humidity and heat of Houston in late July. We spent lots of time at parks and playing in the yard. Picnics were a regular occurrence too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEPOMBMS15zCEbwcMs9PWhSuhDnIIxG1KejwxMb-0jXJ_2_M5V5P0Twm8dTJH4S0mPZO5yhSRz7EDCi63bUdOY7uUI5q_OgmcjGCIjMj0eUOcTqoDz95fyqyPh5e2kQYWjajL5JBh9mo/s1600/Pagosa+park+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEPOMBMS15zCEbwcMs9PWhSuhDnIIxG1KejwxMb-0jXJ_2_M5V5P0Twm8dTJH4S0mPZO5yhSRz7EDCi63bUdOY7uUI5q_OgmcjGCIjMj0eUOcTqoDz95fyqyPh5e2kQYWjajL5JBh9mo/s320/Pagosa+park+fun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Gammy and Pop's yard is even big enough to explore! They also enjoyed "swimming" in the hot tub- once they got used to it being extra warm and having bubbles. <br />
<br />
We were brave and took them around town a bit- sno cones, library story time, and a Mexican restaurant. They did really well, and, of course, loved eating sno cones and chips and dip. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2D9daHdYADm5lKEYJhP0mntaE2H7DKJpLb5Z9gjuTcv0CegXDre1f5JHGpZ1ZiCt7ZXXFcxim4xDL7qlMouGB0eo_x0UtPL3cRFcWL5qinNI_cfzLAaVETf-LNIEA9xfNUCWqs-eDtU/s1600/Colorado+sno+cones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2D9daHdYADm5lKEYJhP0mntaE2H7DKJpLb5Z9gjuTcv0CegXDre1f5JHGpZ1ZiCt7ZXXFcxim4xDL7qlMouGB0eo_x0UtPL3cRFcWL5qinNI_cfzLAaVETf-LNIEA9xfNUCWqs-eDtU/s320/Colorado+sno+cones.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIDzSPyspP63uNyf6gIUxi7xBezGvoYPPg5LnAjcg1iwRVTrMzIyL9DALONVT8tsOZwaVrsE7_ZNgfZbO5yVj_rKGzTcW88gh0pI3s8nRoaXDuMnen2c3SPlSf8aJB5dZQSD1fR7YwCg/s1600/mountainside+picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIDzSPyspP63uNyf6gIUxi7xBezGvoYPPg5LnAjcg1iwRVTrMzIyL9DALONVT8tsOZwaVrsE7_ZNgfZbO5yVj_rKGzTcW88gh0pI3s8nRoaXDuMnen2c3SPlSf8aJB5dZQSD1fR7YwCg/s320/mountainside+picnic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I big milestone was the first hike for the kiddos! They exceeded our e<br />
xpectations. We specifically picked a very easy trail to a popular tourist stop and planned to stop about half way when the waterfall is first visible. But they went the entire mile and a half round trip hike! Up hill, rocks and roots, back down hill... I was impressed. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pe717qOfHGWavTv_8Rsf4KETgcKZD0mufpgixgZIAErvD1FitVyymPKarD4M1M5GZKsmfMAAltu4eor5u_3E5mHvidfof6MSRQ7ZhhN1NR7tt8GLA9IM2MF_Uhwmr3QkSSCJ4un0AUM/s1600/first+hike+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pe717qOfHGWavTv_8Rsf4KETgcKZD0mufpgixgZIAErvD1FitVyymPKarD4M1M5GZKsmfMAAltu4eor5u_3E5mHvidfof6MSRQ7ZhhN1NR7tt8GLA9IM2MF_Uhwmr3QkSSCJ4un0AUM/s320/first+hike+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of hiking, the adults had to get some in too. Dave and I had a lovely day date hiking a new-to-us trail with beautiful scenery and went out to lunch afterwards. My mom and I also had a day to hike and have lunch. Dave and my dad did a lot of fly fishing too, so we all got breaks from kid duty :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWxIkYHug9NcdNQH2aDTjcYFMlkwoN1gFErJD-FY_-avJCbLMvDCUklofjSLFZN74Pp5VFHMFPFGfUbl7-0HoQ75DZIZsOZNu8d6oxrGBptIgL-SCcXQ05ZKPVJZyAL8OHC8KrAMTNkI/s1600/date+hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWxIkYHug9NcdNQH2aDTjcYFMlkwoN1gFErJD-FY_-avJCbLMvDCUklofjSLFZN74Pp5VFHMFPFGfUbl7-0HoQ75DZIZsOZNu8d6oxrGBptIgL-SCcXQ05ZKPVJZyAL8OHC8KrAMTNkI/s320/date+hike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9GAdEtpAdtnXcJpbmkEXL4KNdGQpnChL1zZ6a4jfR37B9JlthAEF3vbVyLjdtH6oeO2A1haUgrOgur_aehdQyAzvGI3tYn5fuFCtz5iILhRpfydGf_HiriZe-PKfaj6xZcX8hYK5r6A/s1600/CDT+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9GAdEtpAdtnXcJpbmkEXL4KNdGQpnChL1zZ6a4jfR37B9JlthAEF3vbVyLjdtH6oeO2A1haUgrOgur_aehdQyAzvGI3tYn5fuFCtz5iILhRpfydGf_HiriZe-PKfaj6xZcX8hYK5r6A/s320/CDT+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGXMDY515Geu8rsWue3E0gH54Wh7s0Sgh6yojWjL2RmfC1s16OUXvNSCbC7JE3D-kPk-_kFlA9DwfXtoBdnpbHIuJZqh5L8vf-cGrLBR6sUiANWLKSW-MSFRbHdgruHvHO0iF0KyRnEI/s1600/Alberta+peak+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGXMDY515Geu8rsWue3E0gH54Wh7s0Sgh6yojWjL2RmfC1s16OUXvNSCbC7JE3D-kPk-_kFlA9DwfXtoBdnpbHIuJZqh5L8vf-cGrLBR6sUiANWLKSW-MSFRbHdgruHvHO0iF0KyRnEI/s320/Alberta+peak+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What might turn into an annual tradition- we ended the trip with a picnic and play time at Williams Reservoir. They LOVE to throw rocks in the water. This may be a future camping spot too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ij7O7FpOuV1uKuymlqv4Wly8yLGc3_Gs46RJA_IMHDv5XJBTw4BDF3vdLBcrtCW-gQrsKUNve-5wGYs0kTAlzaO_ZydRRnmKKlW8SWlECxMaEshYsCwUzTTP6tMtVMCCC_imusTUFWk/s1600/throwing+rocks+Williams+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ij7O7FpOuV1uKuymlqv4Wly8yLGc3_Gs46RJA_IMHDv5XJBTw4BDF3vdLBcrtCW-gQrsKUNve-5wGYs0kTAlzaO_ZydRRnmKKlW8SWlECxMaEshYsCwUzTTP6tMtVMCCC_imusTUFWk/s320/throwing+rocks+Williams+Lake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9887t_0zabc-V0G5SEIiSPyAg4zr_1dpIoZIazOL4kopxTlMWW5AMO3W0xpudIvPOSkhib9VmnY9wIEa9bx8HaSMh7V8IOH9vaeO2QAd6OERyjGd7_l97leeHHIJje4dbMbLS6QbHr8/s1600/Alli+rock+with+a+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9887t_0zabc-V0G5SEIiSPyAg4zr_1dpIoZIazOL4kopxTlMWW5AMO3W0xpudIvPOSkhib9VmnY9wIEa9bx8HaSMh7V8IOH9vaeO2QAd6OERyjGd7_l97leeHHIJje4dbMbLS6QbHr8/s320/Alli+rock+with+a+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All in all a great trip! Already looking forward to next summer when we'll go back. Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-31117947379377468002015-09-09T20:00:00.000-05:002015-09-09T20:00:00.808-05:00Orange Beach<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The focus on swimming lessons was mainly for our family beach vacation to Orange Beach! Happened back in June. And by family I mean our pack of 8, plus all grandparents, plus my brother and his family, plus one of Dave's brothers. Whew! Even with the crowd, we all had a blast! The kids enjoyed the beach and the pool and did well the whole trip- even in the car and sleeping all together in regular beds. Pretty sure at least one kid fell off the bed each night, but it didn't phase them, and I loved not messing with pack n plays! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE8LJkdeOB1gLj6bksTp6SP9qqrCMeDylW6QuTyYel69PUmGsWREcma2-bks2BW-3ssW5vihyphenhyphenDPEM3eHx2qnh88uhkxVFrUUGqjZ7dN7CXN_XPOXH3oqqdipidft67COzjRcmIyDqfGM/s1600/tired+boys+orange+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE8LJkdeOB1gLj6bksTp6SP9qqrCMeDylW6QuTyYel69PUmGsWREcma2-bks2BW-3ssW5vihyphenhyphenDPEM3eHx2qnh88uhkxVFrUUGqjZ7dN7CXN_XPOXH3oqqdipidft67COzjRcmIyDqfGM/s320/tired+boys+orange+beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys all snuggled up in the big bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">With so many adults there we were able to accommodate all the kids easily on the beach- from holding them in the water to building sandcastles- we had it all covered. We spent most mornings down on the beach then switched to the pool for the afternoon (I only clean up sand once a day). They LOVED the big water slide and lazy river. Hours of fun. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpogUMmpGM0v1E8huZCpPVgCxZUXUKhDip1fRQe8CC5w7R9uDolUGXT2qeXMHf_gOwOzLyCQ3SfRWxCtMF6l7t9ulnzLWfb_Bkc0RXcKyXlDXoR_R9SXyGHXCoKzVBJez0Xqd5tzLzLRE/s1600/beach+baby.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpogUMmpGM0v1E8huZCpPVgCxZUXUKhDip1fRQe8CC5w7R9uDolUGXT2qeXMHf_gOwOzLyCQ3SfRWxCtMF6l7t9ulnzLWfb_Bkc0RXcKyXlDXoR_R9SXyGHXCoKzVBJez0Xqd5tzLzLRE/s320/beach+baby.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beach baby/water baby/part fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6YZ2aOE9EMzbKCFR7Kjgtypn7VirgJIo9Ai0tSdKjVP6pD6TgHU1DSdOwgP-Vol3XpZIOFUQDKNURGhlm7rEg6WO8AqhLJV4xHJfd8HHQNA2Ju4DicWqB2LMHXaE3LvIDNFfvI8EX-4/s1600/beach+lounging.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6YZ2aOE9EMzbKCFR7Kjgtypn7VirgJIo9Ai0tSdKjVP6pD6TgHU1DSdOwgP-Vol3XpZIOFUQDKNURGhlm7rEg6WO8AqhLJV4xHJfd8HHQNA2Ju4DicWqB2LMHXaE3LvIDNFfvI8EX-4/s320/beach+lounging.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillaxin to the Max</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvznyf5YFcMA0ExZ9wwpTaLr8OaUuX9cWrGAFfnLcI3hyOH8wTSOIKMEZVQSPqPz1XvCierQRFM0lztJVuNYWlhXzM8fbNKdo1mrRdtsYnjwh-WmkYc7ft2wrTy-E9eAkzUWnMem2jYXg/s1600/Andrew+beach+nap.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvznyf5YFcMA0ExZ9wwpTaLr8OaUuX9cWrGAFfnLcI3hyOH8wTSOIKMEZVQSPqPz1XvCierQRFM0lztJVuNYWlhXzM8fbNKdo1mrRdtsYnjwh-WmkYc7ft2wrTy-E9eAkzUWnMem2jYXg/s320/Andrew+beach+nap.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew completely asleep on the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ76fcaMlIh97r88wC44bYlD_krPOVnpxynMMUDFsxSfZ9B0S186wbLwvRcdxgyxFGfbPEfcCwCx1nKgaF0aBlYw36ZLIQ8sZiPzBP5JNMlMf2q47Jibr4rMIjzfQu2SVXWvTyR-q9i8A/s1600/Leah+loves+swimming.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ76fcaMlIh97r88wC44bYlD_krPOVnpxynMMUDFsxSfZ9B0S186wbLwvRcdxgyxFGfbPEfcCwCx1nKgaF0aBlYw36ZLIQ8sZiPzBP5JNMlMf2q47Jibr4rMIjzfQu2SVXWvTyR-q9i8A/s320/Leah+loves+swimming.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leah and I swimming in the indoor pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The adult children even got some kid free hangout time one night for ice cream and shopping :) Besides that we had fun hunting for crabs at night, watching movies, and pigging out. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSf-MCIQ4RUUfnmRM4yUYd6owCWaENwGgcD8bp2qMpvNtD1cIzcT8eqkZiWADA99JF7j8RB1uiD6W5sdRh_BqXEcAPUcsMVxT6o12qCeImhyphenhyphenQgrbP6WJ37XcxktEa4lk94GJIjuE4zwc/s1600/movie+night+Orange+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSf-MCIQ4RUUfnmRM4yUYd6owCWaENwGgcD8bp2qMpvNtD1cIzcT8eqkZiWADA99JF7j8RB1uiD6W5sdRh_BqXEcAPUcsMVxT6o12qCeImhyphenhyphenQgrbP6WJ37XcxktEa4lk94GJIjuE4zwc/s320/movie+night+Orange+Beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movie Time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZffnTgnu6y5yMtwWr_koX73hMsXDSawtB3R1ioq8u3X7DC3j0URB-M-D5WAFZpQ8MPkMOLBRk3saq_cIy7QVVfwTL89tClwwVA94vtWsCmi7WQ33E2vycMb6F_xy-HBr9ignQKNEjN0/s1600/balcony+time.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZffnTgnu6y5yMtwWr_koX73hMsXDSawtB3R1ioq8u3X7DC3j0URB-M-D5WAFZpQ8MPkMOLBRk3saq_cIy7QVVfwTL89tClwwVA94vtWsCmi7WQ33E2vycMb6F_xy-HBr9ignQKNEjN0/s320/balcony+time.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allison and Andrew hanging out on the balcony </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">One special event was meeting up with a family of quints we've only known through our online parent support group. So fun meeting in person and seeing what life will be like in 17 years! They were so nice and great with the kiddos. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Really the only issue was Caroline throwing huge fits every time we made her leave the water, but, hey, I'm used to that business. I can pinpoint the Caroline wail a mile away. Now on to the next trip.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuqcYuaAACG314TbGqVnkm1sWS4y4WUB17mEk5h-lEMolYKN4tfQ4sogy9Gxyo6RaNKzWv0T4RsrI16_oYlFIfxUimyhYcyVO8IRLZP2aZQiEKt1VzAhcvwPvfoFsZ0YyZ4gERoPoIcw/s1600/full+van+for+the+road+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuqcYuaAACG314TbGqVnkm1sWS4y4WUB17mEk5h-lEMolYKN4tfQ4sogy9Gxyo6RaNKzWv0T4RsrI16_oYlFIfxUimyhYcyVO8IRLZP2aZQiEKt1VzAhcvwPvfoFsZ0YyZ4gERoPoIcw/s320/full+van+for+the+road+trip.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The van packed FULL on the way home- awful pic, but best I could get</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-85050126997376994952015-09-05T23:09:00.001-05:002015-09-05T23:09:31.862-05:00New Adventures<br />
Doing activities and outings has gotten simpler over the last few months. So, needless to say, we've been doing a lot! <br />
<br />
Our annual appearance in West Columbia's San Jacinto Day parade was rained out, so we rallied with our own parade around the neighborhood. All you need is a decorated wagon, some themed outfits, and candy (we may have just eaten it ourselves). People did stop and ask what we were doing, so the idea worked, right?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspd7K4eJ39f0ehls3Nkb_cu9zxpIx21LJtXPbaB23LzXG8cO5GZj6JjIKvU4owuGeZqe4xT7xDmntvj_809Nd-VYaLJuU_vxynxNI86gC1mtUnfiovBiGB3mbnXaTuVSCX2PWGzNnDYk/s1600/parade+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspd7K4eJ39f0ehls3Nkb_cu9zxpIx21LJtXPbaB23LzXG8cO5GZj6JjIKvU4owuGeZqe4xT7xDmntvj_809Nd-VYaLJuU_vxynxNI86gC1mtUnfiovBiGB3mbnXaTuVSCX2PWGzNnDYk/s320/parade+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They've been out for ice cream cones (so so so messy), a few select restaurants, and the zoo (with actual interest in the animals). Even a few simple outings on my own- and we all survived!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwuJc9E0eHgfvmXnWXlO4CzojHGzHZgk7SCEC6NkWg7XMywVRW0_9VLTBHU51pESCl7J_5qOSwuoK0V6dnhmiyJynxgnW9cvBVVD2MGEXsZmtjfvFW74nHR3a9nQCzf_VFujmpRF8868/s1600/zoo+snack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwuJc9E0eHgfvmXnWXlO4CzojHGzHZgk7SCEC6NkWg7XMywVRW0_9VLTBHU51pESCl7J_5qOSwuoK0V6dnhmiyJynxgnW9cvBVVD2MGEXsZmtjfvFW74nHR3a9nQCzf_VFujmpRF8868/s320/zoo+snack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One outing I'd been thinking about for a loooong time was the first Kids 1K race. To "train", we started with walking around the block and learning to stay together and listen, then tried to make it without stopping to throw a fit or rest or anything. Come actual race day, they were awful. Threw fits at the beginning and we ended up cutting the course and still coming in last. But they did enjoy the popsicles at the end, extra snacks, an<span style="background-color: white;">d playing on the playground while I raced. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM2H8TudIIYjdsCSIKoPvJGTI3oTsbG0vzn0Rl3HqWJVWyhPCqi9v-hQbk-why8EBPtnr8FuWUX7k40u_CB5UQtg940IMg0epBbNzB8Xdmrp6zGlpWK0u-UACbSQDNqBpG5rpcv8MO7Y/s1600/19022257709_152c12b498_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM2H8TudIIYjdsCSIKoPvJGTI3oTsbG0vzn0Rl3HqWJVWyhPCqi9v-hQbk-why8EBPtnr8FuWUX7k40u_CB5UQtg940IMg0epBbNzB8Xdmrp6zGlpWK0u-UACbSQDNqBpG5rpcv8MO7Y/s320/19022257709_152c12b498_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Can't forget the strawberry picking outing that ended with a trip to the ER; we learned Caroline is allergic to fire ants. She kept fussing while we were in the fields and I thought she was just being her charming self. After carrying her around a bit I looked over and she was covered in hives! Thankfully I wasn't alone and we rushed to the nearest ER; they took great care of her and were so accommodating with the rest of us. Watching out for ants from now on! And I guess Caroline is wanting to keep me on my toes because at the last dentist visit she had an infected abscessed tooth that had to be pulled. She handled it like a champ! She's pretty darn cute with her missing front tooth too, if I do say so myself. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKFCc8SnGCsz96AzLEMKn7p3p8SKG3TWbZ9QSfMJVdYJyj5a1w812U8RAV-FqxR_k-DxcqQj-wCLEoa9MEvvTBk1mCIsfOx5yd2Km_Jqn_8UvazXel-QU5pA1ILA6qJlws5hNjfJZzNA/s1600/strawberry+collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKFCc8SnGCsz96AzLEMKn7p3p8SKG3TWbZ9QSfMJVdYJyj5a1w812U8RAV-FqxR_k-DxcqQj-wCLEoa9MEvvTBk1mCIsfOx5yd2Km_Jqn_8UvazXel-QU5pA1ILA6qJlws5hNjfJZzNA/s320/strawberry+collage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">They started swim lessons back in May. The first lesson was a DISASTER. Could not have gone any worse. Threw fits about getting in the water, then after fighting them for 25 minutes, they decide it's fun for the last 5 minutes. Then repeat the fits x5 to get out of the water- add in some running away from me, me getting in the water fully clothed to fish them out... you get the picture. Their teacher was very nice and let us try a couple more times to see if it got any better before banning us from her home. Luckily- it did! They LOVE swimming and their lessons now and they're really catching on- especially the girls. They were even jumping off the low diving board last lesson. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_m1ZKv2WGvNnGEmJPrH4w__9RibRiRLRRq-WnJEVZBl3TlD_wcrV_NQJJsO8ezQI9W8ajFx-f5Icb-7_oJY4rcU3atWIFbM5s6No4_vw-_d19vDSfDKBASG8C0Dhat4NwF0X3woNI48/s1600/first+swim+lesson-+fail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_m1ZKv2WGvNnGEmJPrH4w__9RibRiRLRRq-WnJEVZBl3TlD_wcrV_NQJJsO8ezQI9W8ajFx-f5Icb-7_oJY4rcU3atWIFbM5s6No4_vw-_d19vDSfDKBASG8C0Dhat4NwF0X3woNI48/s320/first+swim+lesson-+fail.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First lesson- trying to escape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Who knows what will be next?!</span>Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-1649339902298721352015-08-21T22:50:00.002-05:002015-08-21T22:50:50.733-05:00Transitions and Milestones <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Since turning three, the cribs are gone. The pen is gone. Little potties are here. MILESTONES! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The first big transition was switching from cribs to toddler beds about a month before the 3rd birthday. Difference between girls and boys: once in toddler beds the girls go to bed with no issue and stay there all night and the boys party it up until they crash. From kicking the walls, breaking a bed (too much jumping), pinning Ben under a mattress, locking Ben in the closet, climbing anything they can, emptying clothes bins all over the floor, to conspiring on how to get out of the room (it's childproofed locked from the inside), I never know what I'll find when I go in their room. Over time, it's gotten slightly better, but the "frat parties" continue. Also, the new thing is, when the girls wake up (always before the boys) they'll go in the boys room to get them up too. Not cool girls. Not cool.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iMS-TU8wpZBDtOHNvJtUHGqPyJOMOY5bcJ5TVZMM609zjbN9ImtbAUEGgeVXqbBdmbuSzsq9UhLQYN2rWuHlua9OXBMJhaJFjDfXrY0f-iDVcDeavHATU2ezJ0o-hVhdxbuJH8jWHDU/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iMS-TU8wpZBDtOHNvJtUHGqPyJOMOY5bcJ5TVZMM609zjbN9ImtbAUEGgeVXqbBdmbuSzsq9UhLQYN2rWuHlua9OXBMJhaJFjDfXrY0f-iDVcDeavHATU2ezJ0o-hVhdxbuJH8jWHDU/s320/IMG_1371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One time after nap they walked out like this. They were fully clothed when I put them to nap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf1Og6fQx4ol5MBzAVrDcPE7jHaSnl2WKkZNMYUV7kUGkrdrOwxEzGIKJE03A7WWw8ROyWMzwpoxUKukvgkpjRVC620SbAHDx-5UQPLgUe-T-CCKT8rEMf_3J-RWrDK-8IYTzgzdQr4g/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf1Og6fQx4ol5MBzAVrDcPE7jHaSnl2WKkZNMYUV7kUGkrdrOwxEzGIKJE03A7WWw8ROyWMzwpoxUKukvgkpjRVC620SbAHDx-5UQPLgUe-T-CCKT8rEMf_3J-RWrDK-8IYTzgzdQr4g/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet sisters can share toddler beds if they want to</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The freedom of no pen transition was much smoother and I like having my living room back! At first they weren't sure what to do with the open space, but got over that real quick. Dance parties, ring around the rosie, chase, obstacle courses, car race tracks have all filled up that space at one time or another. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">On the other hand, potty training is the WORST. I'll repeat that one- WORST. Sometime I feel like the whole house smells like pee. We started training all 5 at once and after a week I was at my wit's end. Put Leaky Levi (he earned that one) back in diapers. Fortunately Caroline, Andrew, and Ben started catching on and their pretty good now. Still random accidents, but not bad. Allison is some sort of camel child and doesn't go. So, she can pull off that she's trained, but she's really not. We restarted Levi a few weeks ago and miraculously he caught on quickly and is at the same level as the others. Since none of the traditional training methods were really going to be feasible for me, I made up my own. Started out rewarding for dry pants every few minutes and expanding to every 30 minutes and they got bigger rewards for using the potty. Once they got the hang of dryness, only going potty was rewarded. The week I restarted Levi I had sticker charts for everyone hoping to stir up some friendly sibling competition. They really took to those quickly and it helped Levi a great deal, but poor camel Allison only had 1 sticker while everyone else had completed theirs. Still works in progress, but we're heading in the right direction. And on a positive note, we haven't had any poop paintings in quite some time and the boys have learned to "point it down". As one of my boys has said, "Mommy, don't hold down my penis!" You can't make this stuff up. </span><br />
<br />Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-65364201866897397072015-08-14T23:05:00.003-05:002015-08-14T23:05:48.962-05:00School<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In light of the new school year about to begin (and School Part 2 being posted), a little catch up needs to happen. The transition into school started a few (if 6 is a few) months ago. I started calling around local Mother's Day Out programs to narrow down which ones I wanted to visit (i.e. which ones gave decent sibling discounts). I got it down to 4, but one program told me they couldn't get all of my kids in on the same days of the week, so they were out. Honestly they were all great programs, different, but good in their own ways. The one we chose gave us the best financial deal, but also, it's Christian based and they seemed genuinely excited about my kids attending, and word of mouth reviews have all been positive :) On top of all that good stuff, they let me bring the kids to recess time a few times this past spring to get them used to coming. We got to play, meet some of the kids and teachers, and see the classrooms! I mean, how awesome is that?! AND they're still genuinely excited we're attending in the fall :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">On the public school side of things, evaluations began a couple of months prior to their 3rd birthday. I had them all either tested or screened. With no surprise, Leah qualified for half day PPCD (Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities) and Caroline and Levi qualified for walk-in speech class. They all began the week after they turned 3. I was nervous about Leah starting school and regressing due to an overwhelming schedule and new experiences, but she ROCKED it! She did fall asleep during the first day, but after that she did great and continued to work hard and progress in her therapies at home. She rides the bus which is so wonderful for me, and the others LOVE meeting the bus at our driveway and full out cheer for Leah and the bus driver. Our driver must feel like a celebrity when she gets to our house. One day she even let us all get on the bus to see what Leah does! The others thought that was so cool. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz-mLgrKBBuZSA21Hhi6wWd9u9EkI1gJp-lus7NfpxTOVm3VAC2NuNk2HGtIU_ZQRkC_akjmV2QG8DiFId9fmI1cUKkKKh9_JrSInQ88qqGbzgtvUUwjefAlUaPIQRe6SogKCdm5wy6w/s1600/first+day+of+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz-mLgrKBBuZSA21Hhi6wWd9u9EkI1gJp-lus7NfpxTOVm3VAC2NuNk2HGtIU_ZQRkC_akjmV2QG8DiFId9fmI1cUKkKKh9_JrSInQ88qqGbzgtvUUwjefAlUaPIQRe6SogKCdm5wy6w/s320/first+day+of+school.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">First Day!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORhq-cRJLS6IZQ1YnTdd3UOuUgsAuTCZ7y4YShZaUZpHhbGYqTQhxgk6OgZvIy6ewcrdYYzA__dDuBxIxjQ0nutHRhp3OeITzvB-bs1C27nTAfvYj5W9yXX7lkut4NH2ds-G7xunfDN8/s1600/Leah+inflatable+school+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORhq-cRJLS6IZQ1YnTdd3UOuUgsAuTCZ7y4YShZaUZpHhbGYqTQhxgk6OgZvIy6ewcrdYYzA__dDuBxIxjQ0nutHRhp3OeITzvB-bs1C27nTAfvYj5W9yXX7lkut4NH2ds-G7xunfDN8/s320/Leah+inflatable+school+chair.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Awesome inflatable chair for circle time</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Caroline and Levi really enjoyed speech class and made quite a bit of progress in the short time before summer! The other kids enjoyed eating snacks and walking the school grounds while we waited. I feel like so many at the school know us and we don't really go there yet. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfzS3r0r8Y_l5LnbMuAF6f9E__KDA1M56UHj-W3d7v4dzzhkROu4JESECHflNvSi-jVfOzUdGWLSnX_PcrnBNahCMaKrzXKDRSqmCkeaVM-nXYPKSTt7tosFt6P2O_acT6zi2k6REs7k/s1600/visiting+Leah+at+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfzS3r0r8Y_l5LnbMuAF6f9E__KDA1M56UHj-W3d7v4dzzhkROu4JESECHflNvSi-jVfOzUdGWLSnX_PcrnBNahCMaKrzXKDRSqmCkeaVM-nXYPKSTt7tosFt6P2O_acT6zi2k6REs7k/s320/visiting+Leah+at+school.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Visiting Leah's class</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Leah's field day, her teacher let me bring all the kids along and participate with the class- bounce house and popsicles. My kids think school is awesome. We truly had a great introduction to school last May and I'm praying the new school year goes just as well. A lot of transitions are about to happen!</span></span>Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-53641877755509038372015-08-07T23:44:00.000-05:002015-08-07T23:44:31.733-05:00We are THREE-nagers?!<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
The 3's. Oh, how I love you and hate you all at once. They are learning new things constantly and talking so much ( I keep a notebook of funny sayings), playing together, being more independent in self help skills and play, and generally easier and more fun to take places and do things with. Then they are also potty training, whining, tantruming, fighting, talking constantly, and being more independent. Fun, yet challenging to say the least. All you people who warned me that the 3's are hard were SPOT. ON. As their pediatrician said, "They don't call them threenagers for nothing." </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">One thing that's started to stand out with my little threenagers are the PERSONALITIES! Here's my somewhat brief summary of each one at this current time (3 years, 3 mo):</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>ANDREW NOAH</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4J2qlB3VRF_1FmWEnquW0zTkMejYXdNaTGCB839wO5DI9UHj4jpXZ83TRNrMK3yRusvOhMVf5UZnmsb3FIwB0f8GG-g0sIcT8iCSFz9TJDRst6Gozjkel0rh4Ic-GMo3WEB-SbO9YuUE/s1600/Andrew+3+LH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4J2qlB3VRF_1FmWEnquW0zTkMejYXdNaTGCB839wO5DI9UHj4jpXZ83TRNrMK3yRusvOhMVf5UZnmsb3FIwB0f8GG-g0sIcT8iCSFz9TJDRst6Gozjkel0rh4Ic-GMo3WEB-SbO9YuUE/s320/Andrew+3+LH.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Mini Dave, sensitive, scaredy cat, likes to please (most of the time), concerned where everyone is and what they're doing, inquisitive, loves cars and trucks and trains and planes, puzzles, swimming, bubbles, jumping. Andrew quotables…<br />
"You're tall" "No, I'm Andrew"<br />
"Mommy I went potty I get a treat." "Not this time" "I want my teetee back."<br />
"I want to go up high" (on the highway)<br />
"How about juice?" "no." "How about yes?"<br />
"Pop is a good boy"<br />
"Hey Daddy, you're not Mommy."</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>BENJAMIN LUKE</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_r4d8LJEyl30Z4nOX6Rnlg7whmLl7K8rwGAYTR3-tSWiKPdhtrKpa-hu2OMKvRmBjlrVRKfCXStVW3NnX4U1WEb0mpLlGcEeWBuBbwNEEUiXDKvx7-lY9C3jVqGQjFK0r5VkLlX26zM/s1600/Ben+3+LH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_r4d8LJEyl30Z4nOX6Rnlg7whmLl7K8rwGAYTR3-tSWiKPdhtrKpa-hu2OMKvRmBjlrVRKfCXStVW3NnX4U1WEb0mpLlGcEeWBuBbwNEEUiXDKvx7-lY9C3jVqGQjFK0r5VkLlX26zM/s320/Ben+3+LH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Talkative is an understatement, charms everyone he meets, know-it-all, demanding, bossy, silly, loves cars and trucks, jumping, climbing, swimming, running. I could write a book of Ben quotables. <br />
"Mommy you're too big to play." "Then what should I do?" "You go get drinks and snacks."<br />
"Mommy that not nice!"<br />
"I teetee over there. Get paper towel. Wipe it up. I need new pants."<br />
"Put it on my body" (referring to his new pants)<br />
"What's wrong with Andrew? Maybe Levi can help him."<br />
"I must be hungry" (said while eating)<br />
"This one is the most medium."</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>CAROLINE GRACE</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGBa-ZMWOmBWRIZ_1Fm9_8Lfj-fwPddk5QS_vt7_GKK171EWYi6SgeT6Chvcprbr8OfBWN1vDcxnn56EtgcuL2gLlBUDol6jit8w-aXQdqLuvp5ku75ih92Tgeshfw3ee4baqvdbaK3s/s1600/Caroline+3+LH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGBa-ZMWOmBWRIZ_1Fm9_8Lfj-fwPddk5QS_vt7_GKK171EWYi6SgeT6Chvcprbr8OfBWN1vDcxnn56EtgcuL2gLlBUDol6jit8w-aXQdqLuvp5ku75ih92Tgeshfw3ee4baqvdbaK3s/s320/Caroline+3+LH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Don't let the pink dress and sparkly pink shoes and pink EVERYTHING fool you- she can get her brothers in a headlock and wrestle them to the ground like nobody's business. And she's the fastest and most likely to steal your toy and run away. But she also says "I love you" the most and has the best please/thank you manners. Independent, stubborn, and sweet. Throws tantrums every new place we go. Loves swimming and anything water related, coloring, napping, her princess dolls, playing outside, hiding in her room when too many people are here. Don't have any quotables from her since she just started putting sentences together, but she is first to let me know when someone's made a "big mess Mommy. Big mess." </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>ALLISON KATE</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M61-VP0jQaMM3ZBFCzr3FHlIvOslRoqlh1budnGAwTwzfQ9IiKuS8jw6mG62mNljmNtqpiXxQsI0SgO9rRsaItsUWn_n6WC8-SL4-XYwh5uWLlC13i6pv_-br0hVmWK5l-_sq_2KsHo/s1600/Allison+3+LH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M61-VP0jQaMM3ZBFCzr3FHlIvOslRoqlh1budnGAwTwzfQ9IiKuS8jw6mG62mNljmNtqpiXxQsI0SgO9rRsaItsUWn_n6WC8-SL4-XYwh5uWLlC13i6pv_-br0hVmWK5l-_sq_2KsHo/s320/Allison+3+LH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Little mother, rule follower, pitifully dramatic with any minuscule injury (i.e. fake limping when a scab started to come off), helper, honest, spots a sucker a mile away- to carry her of course, whines instead of talking with any chance, girly girl, loves cooking, art stuff, games, dancing, having nails painted, ring around the rosie, chase, having her picture taken and looking at pictures of herself. <br />
Quotables:<br />
"I love looking at pictures of myself"<br />
"Look at me I have princess legs."<br />
"I kick my legs, it's great!"<br />
"I cook too. Need hat. Need glove. I say no apron!"<br />
"I did it! I be careful!" </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LEVI THOMAS</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMCZmJlWZP6ivyp-hSOJyOU_mXbw1lQgfOddW7NT4_DSZF-y1V2QBFrEX7-nRm4BizgB1cy9blQAJcQh6rcRh-RVJCS9i62zIOQqX0mVlYxsq9t14lNBVePBg1B0x2PrS6JN_HuzAY0E/s1600/Levi+3+LH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMCZmJlWZP6ivyp-hSOJyOU_mXbw1lQgfOddW7NT4_DSZF-y1V2QBFrEX7-nRm4BizgB1cy9blQAJcQh6rcRh-RVJCS9i62zIOQqX0mVlYxsq9t14lNBVePBg1B0x2PrS6JN_HuzAY0E/s320/Levi+3+LH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Sweet, silly, knows what he wants and will whine and tantrum to get it- even if you already gave it to him, can be clingy, loves to dance and sing, play his guitar, mop/sweep/vacuum, open and shut doors, water play, jump, run, pick out his own clothes (girls pick out the same thing everyday but he mixes it up). <br />
Quotables:<br />
"Levi I see your hiney." "No Mommy it's a butt."<br />
"There's Chick fil a. It good. Mmmm. Yummy in my tummy." (he's been there once)<br />
singing any song he can remember words to- so cute!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LEAH MICHELLE</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwBvfk5ZuJC4T5KNaSE2KJNi7oLBZl8meukhaLdRnULIGuJLDWY1t5NWvVVF3EG9YmjAFPjH0Bfblztgh32AaOQc8nlVkP4oiHnQL6E5aoukkMhDBrgoRJ_SrEnQRxnTQlmcAgvHtk5c/s1600/Leah+3+LH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwBvfk5ZuJC4T5KNaSE2KJNi7oLBZl8meukhaLdRnULIGuJLDWY1t5NWvVVF3EG9YmjAFPjH0Bfblztgh32AaOQc8nlVkP4oiHnQL6E5aoukkMhDBrgoRJ_SrEnQRxnTQlmcAgvHtk5c/s320/Leah+3+LH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Happy, determined, hard working, loves cuddling, music, hugs and kisses, being in the water, hearing siblings cry, giggling, Daddy's tickles, moving in her gait trainer, sensory play, her stander, iPad apps (of course). She is much more vocal these days and has made lots of progress with using switches, her gait trainer, scooting around the floor, beginning to use her vision and movement for functional purposes, and even eating! We've recently started using food play as she is willingly bringing her hand to her mouth and she's really enjoyed it- even the tiny bits of self feeding. :) The vomiting continues, but she's rocking everything else. <br />
<br />
It's hard to believe these little people are 3 years old now. I oh so often forget where we started (or maybe my brain just blocked out that whole first year). What I do remember is thinking, "If we can make it to 3 things will be so different and all this baby stuff will be over. We'll know we can do this." The time has flown, we've made it to 3, things are so different, the baby stuff is over, and we're doing this the best we can. Wouldn't have it any other way- semi-controlled chaos and all!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD27fZ9daFP3be_or-G1ExWkw2WssegYwr3TwSKXkRU1IR_oSvrJYzbAzVZFdMJ2m8aeBtEtueE-jJLNLLoiIPeDnhsfpSMZsttpbV_1_VPcPqAnPZnnL3hkvXRQ6UPNbS00kXfYSgsrE/s1600/silly+family+3+LH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD27fZ9daFP3be_or-G1ExWkw2WssegYwr3TwSKXkRU1IR_oSvrJYzbAzVZFdMJ2m8aeBtEtueE-jJLNLLoiIPeDnhsfpSMZsttpbV_1_VPcPqAnPZnnL3hkvXRQ6UPNbS00kXfYSgsrE/s320/silly+family+3+LH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos in this post are courtesy of <a href="http://www.lhollowayphotography.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Holloway Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-33368721947157812372015-08-06T15:03:00.000-05:002015-08-06T15:03:08.789-05:003rd Birthday Party!!<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Approaching the 3rd birthday I knew this one would be the most fun yet (I know, they're only 3, but still.) They had been to quite a few birthday parties and were getting excited that it would be THEIR birthday soon. I wanted to keep the theme gender neutral and something that they all enjoy which quickly narrowed down to Bubble Guppies or Crayons/Art. I went with Crayons because I thought it would be easier to pull off. :) Let me back track. That was the big party. First we had to have a couple of smaller parties...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Started off with the Goodbye ECI/Happy 3rd Birthday party. Ms. Holly (ECI teacher) brought over balloons and cupcakes and a copy of Dr. Suess's Oh the Places You'll Go complete with the sweetest message to each of the kiddos written inside. I plan to have as many teachers and therapists write notes in the book as I can get. This party was so bittersweet as we miss seeing Ms. Holly every week! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBpetPoiQYZpKUR8CvraIGVU7XAG_b4IrvH53lC2-t2btA1hooz6AMpOxMGbDH3wb9YStNFUTv9XIGCo7QYkxivXdPKWJS5Y1oZOhfchBxDdUZDZR-5q0SV1At59LYT1-7xXlVZ4Kni8/s1600/actual+birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBpetPoiQYZpKUR8CvraIGVU7XAG_b4IrvH53lC2-t2btA1hooz6AMpOxMGbDH3wb9YStNFUTv9XIGCo7QYkxivXdPKWJS5Y1oZOhfchBxDdUZDZR-5q0SV1At59LYT1-7xXlVZ4Kni8/s320/actual+birthday+cake.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actual birthday ice cream cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next celebration was on their actual birthday. Grandparents, my regular Thursday crew of helpers, and I gave our gifts complete with balloons and ice cream cake. And I was even able to force them into taking the annual brown chair pictures!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeGGmiCdwDW7hCddtjxISlAYSGoorju4oDkObDggYtBiumo6VBEE6yyNO8qNzKl310OFE1pYBlkUNDZVG49xs-da5vuGA2tK_MpzFMIi0ihfdVuhIBonQ8FufmAxO6DCwxtas-IadZvQ/s1600/We+are+3%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeGGmiCdwDW7hCddtjxISlAYSGoorju4oDkObDggYtBiumo6VBEE6yyNO8qNzKl310OFE1pYBlkUNDZVG49xs-da5vuGA2tK_MpzFMIi0ihfdVuhIBonQ8FufmAxO6DCwxtas-IadZvQ/s320/We+are+3%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Now on to the big party... </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Each kiddo had a crayon shirt in their color. You know, because we've brainwashed them into liking "their color" the best. They also had their own mini cake shaped like a crayon in their color. Ms. Barb did a phenomenal job with their cake! Super cute and super yummy! At the party we had butcher paper over the tables with crayons to decorate, balloons galore, face painting, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and a pinata. The menu was colored foods: strawberries, cheese balls, cheese and cracker tray, veggies and dip, blue popcorn balls, and purple grapes. Plus pigs in a blanket, ice cream, and cake for good measure. A terrible storm rolled in the day of which completely spoiled the whole party in the park plan, but thankfully I had rented a large room with covered patio area, so the party went on and we all had a blast! I'm already jotting down ideas for future parties :) I'm all about the big party/simple theme. No need to get extra crazy over here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFImHjWfus9ZQ9Utd5Bv4D_d8d7QNaUamgjI_ps3NQ3q2s9s5ZmJbgRjCcB9tUPCVYg4ZuQvvj_1lh2naxwSRXSnm6gu5fNUiGQHL2nhbreTzR82qjgOs1E-on3AdYKnb3zrwAfm4Ht8/s1600/birthday+cake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFImHjWfus9ZQ9Utd5Bv4D_d8d7QNaUamgjI_ps3NQ3q2s9s5ZmJbgRjCcB9tUPCVYg4ZuQvvj_1lh2naxwSRXSnm6gu5fNUiGQHL2nhbreTzR82qjgOs1E-on3AdYKnb3zrwAfm4Ht8/s320/birthday+cake.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp0hTOYrlvqXWOR0D8QgD3BhELgUMKu-UQLQiuW_hHKbAVo3-3uL_Mgwlo9yxL_SNYgikRD_1NrtkHQWR5sX-fzsD3aNFe7pwO14i117bhlFCQOMpmZI7dGAu3aWndj_Y4CxmBhwSRSo/s1600/birthday+wall+decor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp0hTOYrlvqXWOR0D8QgD3BhELgUMKu-UQLQiuW_hHKbAVo3-3uL_Mgwlo9yxL_SNYgikRD_1NrtkHQWR5sX-fzsD3aNFe7pwO14i117bhlFCQOMpmZI7dGAu3aWndj_Y4CxmBhwSRSo/s320/birthday+wall+decor.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGd9ANEn52DXd5f60q9V14PucNz0r_CsPdrZzJdIbM5oMAIiX9pVToY8N9zu-Fl1AytBy0BttHeMhFGIORMJB6_x5ClWfNkbMz6MMXiLLmB4KSl69k8GxO5sz5BewkJqO9I_HwWAfnYc/s1600/Happy+birthday+to+you.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGd9ANEn52DXd5f60q9V14PucNz0r_CsPdrZzJdIbM5oMAIiX9pVToY8N9zu-Fl1AytBy0BttHeMhFGIORMJB6_x5ClWfNkbMz6MMXiLLmB4KSl69k8GxO5sz5BewkJqO9I_HwWAfnYc/s320/Happy+birthday+to+you.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxQx2pE7sgWh3-pUIArY7_U1oHA83u3TEIfRLlESGQ5JL6IdrZmixCWTZjhYe0WciamkEdWLs7azzeTwZcrY5-J6PJZFdZdJlEjf3iwMZ3AckDFi_pwDYu3hHDwxaMq8ZY52Y22FKD00/s1600/special+birthday+table.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxQx2pE7sgWh3-pUIArY7_U1oHA83u3TEIfRLlESGQ5JL6IdrZmixCWTZjhYe0WciamkEdWLs7azzeTwZcrY5-J6PJZFdZdJlEjf3iwMZ3AckDFi_pwDYu3hHDwxaMq8ZY52Y22FKD00/s320/special+birthday+table.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67ZAD5cLYU8nuyHHGUJlBAr31YW8CFYOu3rlQ_0Ol0YGlH_XePnM1n2EQ2mdWt0y7L2hfU8_YDkQ-SV6t9YCAiGI-K1TgmMCr-AeIY2zXqg17TmvKYfyc1MRa3zio8YdHilPexq2HIJg/s1600/Levi+loves+ice+cream.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67ZAD5cLYU8nuyHHGUJlBAr31YW8CFYOu3rlQ_0Ol0YGlH_XePnM1n2EQ2mdWt0y7L2hfU8_YDkQ-SV6t9YCAiGI-K1TgmMCr-AeIY2zXqg17TmvKYfyc1MRa3zio8YdHilPexq2HIJg/s320/Levi+loves+ice+cream.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3udYUXnThoHA0pEom7mdoV36NmwxDPt13iiyRp_YchdkyqP97oA3AoK8HbxqZsA27hwTuSRnnCBQzLLjlyw7IYjUH_YqXg5izkAtLzBAU_CaU7fb6FiDvcOz8kM8_zCL0_EMy-Ergi4/s1600/party+girl+Leah.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3udYUXnThoHA0pEom7mdoV36NmwxDPt13iiyRp_YchdkyqP97oA3AoK8HbxqZsA27hwTuSRnnCBQzLLjlyw7IYjUH_YqXg5izkAtLzBAU_CaU7fb6FiDvcOz8kM8_zCL0_EMy-Ergi4/s320/party+girl+Leah.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUA8NeobgVBkjgoukspNAAbf7vXnAtOBQlJE8AeqTwOs6rCeqYzf4P494C-8fY8sGDZqPmFbQmzG0isWJvidIDds88yyu0c-jE1_pG19QSIjdz2wCfaJj-w3y0jUm4JFnzl9YDHcTCfo/s1600/Levi+pinata.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUA8NeobgVBkjgoukspNAAbf7vXnAtOBQlJE8AeqTwOs6rCeqYzf4P494C-8fY8sGDZqPmFbQmzG0isWJvidIDds88yyu0c-jE1_pG19QSIjdz2wCfaJj-w3y0jUm4JFnzl9YDHcTCfo/s320/Levi+pinata.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br />
Now let's see if those crayon shirts still fit at Halloween for my pack of crayons costume idea… :)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-80591756074121207232015-05-23T00:12:00.000-05:002015-05-23T00:12:24.410-05:00Not Ignoring the HolidaysI'll admit the past couple of years I've tried my best to ignore holidays. Move on like it's another day with no hoopla necessary. This was not because I'm not a holiday celebrating kinda person. Not at all! It was because I had 6 very young children who did not get the concept of holidays, care about holidays, or were capable of any project or behaving through an event. So I did the minimum effort required. <br />
<br />
But this year they have really changed between 2 1/2 and 3! I had to step up my game. They're starting to understand the holiday concept and enjoy activities and crafts- and especially any sort of fun food. Between Pinterest and books, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter were full of fun!<br />
<br />
Valentine's Day<br />
<br />
Not my favorite holiday. Sure, I liked it as a kid, but as an adult I just don't really care. I have zero expectations of Dave to do anything and I'm fine with that. But for the kids? I wanted to do something fun this year! Since I basically have my own preschool class, we had a class party! We colored valentines and gorged on snacks and treats provided by one of my best helpers. The kids had a blast! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQBMotoRkCtKB82EZ9UR6CnDBlxx8_LUtq4I4rUKJp3VcfIF-prYsdZxDdKPbEY3q60UYpK3l4CLEJ8VCTueF6QCOrjO5KbiFBOFUPgdl9SrwzBs0RSTSDHMtbNKT5MXFj1ElBQ30Kb4/s1600/IMG_1270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQBMotoRkCtKB82EZ9UR6CnDBlxx8_LUtq4I4rUKJp3VcfIF-prYsdZxDdKPbEY3q60UYpK3l4CLEJ8VCTueF6QCOrjO5KbiFBOFUPgdl9SrwzBs0RSTSDHMtbNKT5MXFj1ElBQ30Kb4/s320/IMG_1270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I asked each one who their valentine was on multiple occasions leading up to Valentine's day and got a myriad of answers. Usually it was "MawMaw PawPaw Jeanie" (my grandparents), but "baby Anna" (My friend's daughter), and randomly selected volunteers were also responses. Dave also got in on the holiday spirit and made us heart shaped pancakes! I made some valentine themed popcorn snack mix, and had intentions of other fun food that didn't happen.<br />
<br />
St. Patrick's Day<br />
<br />
This was a last minute effort. My mom made the kids cute shamrock shirts. I tried to theme the day with green milk, lucky charms, and a <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://fourtoadore.com/2015/03/15/class-party/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">green dinner.</a> </span>We also did an activity... I buried party favor junk in gold glittered green shaving cream and they got to dig around and find stuff. Ben and Caroline enjoyed it while the others ran away as quick as they could.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrna0uSccrbUZeo4OpXYA1GMAGLJRJDFaJ2rIuqmW4kHX3iDovZy-e1G5WLCuEj_qchaGVW1Hn7XnUw_dCa_RVhTED85GXiaT3tYZsz2vk_0bRu9OZk0eWJx0KJy331FGX_eKLKAwiq8/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrna0uSccrbUZeo4OpXYA1GMAGLJRJDFaJ2rIuqmW4kHX3iDovZy-e1G5WLCuEj_qchaGVW1Hn7XnUw_dCa_RVhTED85GXiaT3tYZsz2vk_0bRu9OZk0eWJx0KJy331FGX_eKLKAwiq8/s320/IMG_1333.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev26zEbV2KLXwqcv4tgbJ4iJ48cxUjUKYF6dde-srI7mh9QT7eEHo5QpI9PU1DaadxnIPUvrdc-K17cNr4MCLarjIprWE-WA-CO99aSggJKO58uQ7nTKjBHYIzYUNMRPRgqVY0GLrRgQ/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev26zEbV2KLXwqcv4tgbJ4iJ48cxUjUKYF6dde-srI7mh9QT7eEHo5QpI9PU1DaadxnIPUvrdc-K17cNr4MCLarjIprWE-WA-CO99aSggJKO58uQ7nTKjBHYIzYUNMRPRgqVY0GLrRgQ/s320/IMG_1335.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Easter<br />
<br />
Once again my mom painted fun shirts for the kids. They loved their bunny shirts and I didn't have to search for Easter outfits. Win win! As much as I would love for them to already understand what Easter is all about, they're still a tad too young for it. I think they think it's equal part Easter Bunny/eggs/candy and Jesus. With more excitement about the Easter Bunny. <br />
<br />
Rather than dye eggs and create a humongous mess, I opted for coloring eggs. Hard boiled them and colored on them with crayons while still warm. Turned out great and easy clean up! Plus we were able to eat the eggs for lunch after they accidentally dropped them. We had several practice egg hunts around the house and yard. We colored egg cutouts to hang on the wall. We made resurrection rolls from marshmallows and crescent rolls (YUM!) and read many books about Easter covering anything from the resurrection to Peter Cottontail. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdV8WJYH1M2TVj58ZSPGbNxYJnmuQOnalb63tMjH8iqvO24lB-pZArDbGooOjiDYqqRxpk0Ag549vr3vGSvG2MlOMi9vdLEgnZtzQy152TpKdU-gwRgFo4DOay4LQijfvqBJCCucLCBE/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdV8WJYH1M2TVj58ZSPGbNxYJnmuQOnalb63tMjH8iqvO24lB-pZArDbGooOjiDYqqRxpk0Ag549vr3vGSvG2MlOMi9vdLEgnZtzQy152TpKdU-gwRgFo4DOay4LQijfvqBJCCucLCBE/s320/IMG_1373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwCXxxH2tNQBDbezn-ZQr2OHIOpjLhrAEpi8iVGqcfahEAOm8GzTlmzgMMFqBp8mFv2cknJ2kAreq1aPOWNI-ycw8KsFm5eNYGEiblDdnAIs34r-0UG2TCl1sFAb0HXOZKmfo_MAWdZ0/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwCXxxH2tNQBDbezn-ZQr2OHIOpjLhrAEpi8iVGqcfahEAOm8GzTlmzgMMFqBp8mFv2cknJ2kAreq1aPOWNI-ycw8KsFm5eNYGEiblDdnAIs34r-0UG2TCl1sFAb0HXOZKmfo_MAWdZ0/s320/IMG_1375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I waited until the last minute on the Easter baskets. Target was down to the slim pickins. They received generic mini chocolate eggs, pop tarts, and big kid underwear. They were excited about it all! haha On Easter Sunday we visited my grandparents. A large egg hunt was held and they found way too much candy! Another highlight was having all of them eat with us at the big table. They did so well and thought they were really hot stuff sitting with the adults. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT-b8iE5nkYUtbDgeI9JQwmMvdEATeb2IXjoCwSKXDxw_NgYtSoH8_dR_2Vur_FKUVWBGLzZfh3Nh2TbLrjOjFOZNErXD6OFtpRLSmdZw-G8exJ1VPduaxl3bsjfIp_2ifykuJnj07Pg/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT-b8iE5nkYUtbDgeI9JQwmMvdEATeb2IXjoCwSKXDxw_NgYtSoH8_dR_2Vur_FKUVWBGLzZfh3Nh2TbLrjOjFOZNErXD6OFtpRLSmdZw-G8exJ1VPduaxl3bsjfIp_2ifykuJnj07Pg/s320/IMG_1399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwpO2-LA3gtXcT6CT802ftvDjosOZW046u2pnxuMH87vny9id7GwjboUa1s1qkByj5EMyaV2cfBbtiUo2jAprmbHIRfHwo8Lpe1l50iK8-Z9D3tac7yq6KU6SfBTX7uNrphzCBWOOqdU/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwpO2-LA3gtXcT6CT802ftvDjosOZW046u2pnxuMH87vny9id7GwjboUa1s1qkByj5EMyaV2cfBbtiUo2jAprmbHIRfHwo8Lpe1l50iK8-Z9D3tac7yq6KU6SfBTX7uNrphzCBWOOqdU/s320/IMG_1406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well... maybe Ben wasn't THAT excited about the underwear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p0gF4VPz7-Wb0eVRRxdTl2iGxydgDA55NuAlWZEIp4FyzGxhiL6pN2xhZZBfzFEOPREUn8OHWNx3qkNmFeD1kSjIq57ZcXBjTAhjxmnI1RHgqWX4EW7rRYbV9pjI2o5WJ5UIJIvwUUg/s1600/IMG_1408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p0gF4VPz7-Wb0eVRRxdTl2iGxydgDA55NuAlWZEIp4FyzGxhiL6pN2xhZZBfzFEOPREUn8OHWNx3qkNmFeD1kSjIq57ZcXBjTAhjxmnI1RHgqWX4EW7rRYbV9pjI2o5WJ5UIJIvwUUg/s320/IMG_1408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNlbWODJjGO20iMg74nKqS1lRri5dzA7US_8Jm1yymLxEAli_Y815frsIJ6LVLC5JzlY3SZYJqIp5vMQQOtx_6G7WjtM4eW72pNRE7uYE07A7kTk6aTbkXtKz8ByLxryJ2KXBT1v0eUA/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNlbWODJjGO20iMg74nKqS1lRri5dzA7US_8Jm1yymLxEAli_Y815frsIJ6LVLC5JzlY3SZYJqIp5vMQQOtx_6G7WjtM4eW72pNRE7uYE07A7kTk6aTbkXtKz8ByLxryJ2KXBT1v0eUA/s320/IMG_1429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As you can see, the holidays this year have been off to a fun start! I'm sure the rest of the year won't disappoint.Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-11377466643903555282015-04-14T01:19:00.000-05:002015-04-14T01:19:24.316-05:00Where have I been??I'm not the most consistent of bloggers. I've never set that expectation nor do I plan to. But somehow it's been over 2 months since my last post?! Eek! I at least try to blog dump once a month. This blog update business has been on my 'to-do' list for over a month now. So... where have I been?<br />
<br />
Taking care of business as usual! Going on fun outings, somewhat keeping up with my 2015 projects, dealing with sick kiddos, having kids evaluated and prepping for special ed, choosing Mother's Day Outs, planning birthdays and showers, switching to toddler beds, taking down the pen, ending my term at Houston Mom's Blog and starting my new part time job at our church, running, and of course the usual doctor appointments, cooking, cleaning, balancing kids/Dave/friends/family/myself...blogging just hasn't happened! Neither has my fun reading, movie watching (non-toddler friendly movies that is), or TV watching. Or many of my other to-dos that just get copied on my list week to week. <br />
<br />
Oh well. Trust me, I have a list of posts that need to be written. And I will get to them. If for no other reason than my memory. Because it all flies by so fast. These kids are about to turn 3 people! 3?! Still not sure how that happened or how we got here, but we're here. Blog updates or not. Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-49175313690014472302015-01-26T01:22:00.001-06:002015-01-26T01:22:32.634-06:00Hello 2015 Forgive my lateness on the New Year post, but I've had it planned in my head for a few weeks, so I decided that still counts.<br />
<br />
2014 was an INSANE year for us! Seriously, my mind boggles just thinking of all that happened. Between all of the trips and developmental changes- a year ago we took away the boys' pacifiers and I hardly remember using pacifiers anymore- it's been a wild ride. I have a feeling 2015 will also give us a run for our money {and probably every year after that, but that's just getting overwhelming}. What I have completely failed to do these last few months is a big kid by kid overview. I meant to when they hit the 2 1/2 mark, but it never happened. So, now at 2 3/4 it's getting done. And they've already changed quite a bit! As always, in birth order (with estimated stats):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_nEAgASWgpXHacT5WoxUdNdHv6-xOXMjjfTpAcvuCiBbsHGbABRqQ372xsLdy2n8lpHD70Nj47RYBtPZ3xuNWMUEXaE_UrAZJfj75gMHCizQNcNv9VovV-9kcco9qIy2vTlNnBFNtc8/s1600/andrew+train+conductor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_nEAgASWgpXHacT5WoxUdNdHv6-xOXMjjfTpAcvuCiBbsHGbABRqQ372xsLdy2n8lpHD70Nj47RYBtPZ3xuNWMUEXaE_UrAZJfj75gMHCizQNcNv9VovV-9kcco9qIy2vTlNnBFNtc8/s1600/andrew+train+conductor.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Andrew Noah</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Height: 34-35in?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weight: 30 lbs?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clothes- big 2T/small 3T</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
diapers- 5 and 5 overnight</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Andrew is such an interesting personality as my first born. I can definitely see him as a leader. He can be so helpful and sweet when picking up toys, bringing me stuff for Leah (not prompted), giving hugs to adults and siblings, and holding siblings' hands. He is super sensitive and a big fat scaredy cat with everything! But, he's also the big bully. He's taller than everyone and will take a toy because someone else wants it. It takes a lot to get him to share. He LOVES hats. There is one on his head unless he's sleeping or in the bath. Cars and trucks are his toys of choice- pushing or riding. He enjoys books and puzzles and coloring and play doh and running around outside. He likes to help wash dishes. He's in time out quite a bit. I love his hillbilly laugh and goofy run. He can pretty much sing his ABCs, count to 10, identify letters and numbers and colors and shapes, and repeat any words. He's into everything being big- big milk, big pizza, big car, big truck, big chair... you get the idea. Andrew is a mini-Dave.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiG4nohIf13X3TpUthPe8UMBv5YwHw1W9-4skg8zW_H_Xut4TxbAkDPnAvoREWCJYSi22hIqdB6bTyUVELt6qaqt3HbtoM2o0sDDYJ5q7KTST8CG-NVV3qF4VUmqVvXy1vbJkW87gj1A/s1600/construction+ben.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiG4nohIf13X3TpUthPe8UMBv5YwHw1W9-4skg8zW_H_Xut4TxbAkDPnAvoREWCJYSi22hIqdB6bTyUVELt6qaqt3HbtoM2o0sDDYJ5q7KTST8CG-NVV3qF4VUmqVvXy1vbJkW87gj1A/s1600/construction+ben.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Benjamin Luke</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Height: 32 in?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weight: 28 lb?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clothes- big 2T/small 3T</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
diapers- 5 and 5 overnight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Does this boy every stop moving?! He loves to run and he is fast! Usually running while pushing his big yellow dump truck. Also loves playing hide and seek- "Me more hide". He hides in either play tent and really just goes back and forth each turn. Sometimes he hides there when it's clean up time and reappears just as clean up is done. Ben is a complete ham! With his sly smiles and cute faces and sweet voice. Loves to recite his Bible verses, numbers 1-10 forward and backward, letters, and colors. Loves listening to stories and you better not try to skip any words! Gives great hugs. Likes to be tucked in bed with his pillow, blanket, and many stuffed animals. Named one Bubble Puppy after his beloved Bubble Guppies character. Ben often wakes up from nap super grumpy. Nothing makes him happy. He's very particular in what he wants- "No water! Apple juice!" or "Yellow cheese!" He has hit a complete language explosion- going from sometimes putting 2 words together to spitting out "Nothing is impossible with God" and "I like cheese too" in a matter of weeks. Ben loves running outside and generally plays well with the others, sometimes getting too rough. My little tub o love.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgWNiz9HT6DQZIfmeURKR8oqUPa6IMiskSGn7RrjDN-I3Df-N_lfLHrvWFDIRnGbpN3G6kAssGRYF8DxQ2paZRavSSVXw7jYgQIlMKbjVyU3nST7l8bIXgoHZ-D8davpbtnusFsdNDPQ/s1600/cowgirl+caroline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgWNiz9HT6DQZIfmeURKR8oqUPa6IMiskSGn7RrjDN-I3Df-N_lfLHrvWFDIRnGbpN3G6kAssGRYF8DxQ2paZRavSSVXw7jYgQIlMKbjVyU3nST7l8bIXgoHZ-D8davpbtnusFsdNDPQ/s1600/cowgirl+caroline.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Caroline Grace</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Height: 32 in?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weight: 25 lb?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clothes- 2T</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diapers- 4/5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sweet Caroline. Sometimes that is. In the past 3 months her tantrums have seriously reduced (may have had something to do with those molars coming in), but her screams can still make you cringe. When she doesn't like or want a certain food item, it is going on the nearest plate that isn't hers. But she loves her some breakfast. And snacks. She is still my nap lover and often cuts off story time early to get her nap on. Probably because her nighttime sleep is restless and she has been known to sing and dance at odd hours in the night. Usually making Leah giggle. Caroline has taken a recent interest in helping me cook. She's my little sous chef. If she even thinks I might be prepping food, here she comes pushing a barstool over to help {sampling is her favorite}. She thrives with one-on-one attention and knows so much more than she lets on. Her speech is the most delayed, and although she's picked up quite a few more words recently, they're difficult to understand. Caroline will randomly help with Leah and help pick up toys. She loves building blocks, play doh, coloring, books, puzzles, magnets, and sneaking off by herself. It doesn't surprise me to find Caroline happily playing in a room all alone. I almost forgot- she loves water! I think she'd stay in the bath all day if I let her. If she sees water, she's going in. Swimming lessons are a must this summer. She also loves being outside and sliding. My parents say she's a lot like me, except she can strut around better than I ever could.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IU191ui1KBz39a3o73v1RhgoG9EUy5v5fDji_5YinEjK1RdSE1mEr03NltaZvoMKwFE0m1ftISdmOEUi-5ysOH2kko4mpfCqsO-AP1pnIVaxShOGo-PEhvSLpETR1m7azHUwH-EbrEE/s1600/Leah+camo+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IU191ui1KBz39a3o73v1RhgoG9EUy5v5fDji_5YinEjK1RdSE1mEr03NltaZvoMKwFE0m1ftISdmOEUi-5ysOH2kko4mpfCqsO-AP1pnIVaxShOGo-PEhvSLpETR1m7azHUwH-EbrEE/s1600/Leah+camo+chair.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Leah Michelle</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Height: 31 in</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weight: 23.5 lbs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clothes- 2T</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diapers- 4</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As her neurologist said at her last check up, "I couldn't be more pleased with her progress." This girl continues to be so hard working! She gives therapy and play her full effort everyday {unless she's over-tired, but you can't blame her then}. She is 90% of the time a happy child. Leah has the biggest smiles and her whole face lights up when she's happy about something. She continues to make more and more sounds {no words, just sounds} and we love hearing them. She is THIS CLOSE to sitting on her own and can do it for up to 10 seconds {using her hands to prop herself}. Her muscle strength and tone are improving, as his head control. Her reaching is better, moving in her gait trainer, and food tolerance is <i>slightly</i> better. Again, it's Leah I'm talking about, so this progress is in baby step form, BUT it's progress nonetheless. She still loves music, letters, and numbers. She recognizes familiar voices and songs {like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse- smiles the entire show}. Her siblings are more aware of her these days and will even help with some Leah duties. At least one of them always helps push her stroller on outings. She will be starting school in April and I can hardly believe it!! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhXsiXTS7i2wHaKaQdMEpIb3BFJp2BtLbTC6P-yFKegJG8V8bAu1bjEvsoCkF1x3YZXs2SPyTHHVgoYXVdvfMhz-tRyp0BfG1u74htDYBp6km2H2wmKpwte1KzJtVbIUnGouERGDHttg/s1600/alli+fairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhXsiXTS7i2wHaKaQdMEpIb3BFJp2BtLbTC6P-yFKegJG8V8bAu1bjEvsoCkF1x3YZXs2SPyTHHVgoYXVdvfMhz-tRyp0BfG1u74htDYBp6km2H2wmKpwte1KzJtVbIUnGouERGDHttg/s1600/alli+fairy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Allison Kate</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Height: 31.5 in</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weight: 20 lbs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clothes- 18 mo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diapers- 4</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As always, small in stature, big in personality. This girl has also had a language explosion and picks up things I'm not sure how she knows. Or maybe she has super human memory?? Like she all of a sudden mentions Elsa and Anna and Chick-fil-A all the time even though she's seen the movie and eaten there once... a couple of months ago. What?! She still notices EVERYTHING and lets you know if it's not right. She's perfected the "no no <u>fill in the blank</u>" because she's the little boss. Alli knows letters, numbers, colors... and pretty much anything she can memorize. She is still clingy and has her particular adults she prefers {probably because they're most likely to do as she wants- ha!}, but she can also be very shy which can be hard with transitions {unless a preferred adult is present}. She loves to take care of her baby dolls, help me around the house, read, color, play tea party, and sing and do motions to songs. She has been known to call her daddy, "Dave" and turn your head for you if she wants you to "Look!" at something. Her first sentence was "Alli toot." which isn't surprising since she's all about the "Alli do" everything by herself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5I_vK7yTutZyWseCS0U7QJhRU9ZYCgALzFRYHI8VMfDA5SiU6Kc3gd2OSdtraVzLgcqoPDwF0ZcxKZFY9NMA1sY68UiOetTsnhyphenhyphenahGGI29nVob8GFnb_pYUclxtXaa_NyYo4T742VPw/s1600/Dr.+Levi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5I_vK7yTutZyWseCS0U7QJhRU9ZYCgALzFRYHI8VMfDA5SiU6Kc3gd2OSdtraVzLgcqoPDwF0ZcxKZFY9NMA1sY68UiOetTsnhyphenhyphenahGGI29nVob8GFnb_pYUclxtXaa_NyYo4T742VPw/s1600/Dr.+Levi.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Levi Thomas</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Height: 31.5 in</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weight: 22 lbs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clothes- 18 mo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diapers- 4</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This little man is as quirky as ever! He still loves both his guitar and his cleaning supplies. He's usually playing with one or the other, but will break for his Legos, to color a picture, slide, or some other random thing- but not for too long. He can get easily frustrated with communication and will throw a fit if you don't understand him right away. But, his language has greatly improved lately {like not calling the vacuum "goo goo" or Gammy "BeBe" anymore}! He likes to jump, throw balls, listen to music, pretend to play his guitar along with musical toys, sing, and run around outside. Levi is a great eater! He's slow and steady, but will usually clean his plate. Right now he's really into closing doors and insists on being the last person out of a room so he can close the door. One of my favorite things Levi does is show his muscles. Every time he comes in our bathroom for a bath {wearing just a diaper} he makes a stop at the full length mirror to do his muscle posing and just cracks himself up! I'm always amazed at how quickly Levi picks up song lyrics and gets so excited to sing along and jam out with his crazy dance moves. <br />
<br />
Phew! Finally got through everyone. As a group, they've really started being more big kid than toddler lately. I'm loving how they interact with each other, always using their names, and generally being more aware of each other. They've also really improved with hand holding- adults and each other! This has really helped on outings. <br />
<br />
Well, that's all folks. </div>
</div>
</div>
Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-59841336811171757612015-01-11T23:21:00.001-06:002015-01-11T23:21:09.192-06:00The End of an EraBack when I was pregnant, the show "6 Little McGhees" premiered. I watched it as a preview of having 2 year old sextuplets! On one episode I distinctly remember the kids climbing all over their feeding table, dancing on it, and causing all kinds of havoc. I told my friend that when we get to that point, please tell me it's time to move on {if I wasn't doing anything about it on my own}. Well, friends, we were there. <br />
<br />
It started when Andrew figured out how to climb into his seat. Soon to follow was EVERYONE ELSE! They got very comfortable climbing in their seats or just sitting on the table. NOT allowed! The big boys were getting really hard to fit in the seats and requested to sit in "big chair" more often than not. And I let them. <br />
<br />
Luckily, my sister-in-law had a 6 seater Little Tikes picnic table she was looking to pass along. We tested it out at their house and the kids all fit comfortably and seemed to like it. So, on Christmas Eve we took it home with us. <br />
<br />
Dave wasn't as enthused as I was to switch tables, so we waited until New Years Day. About midday I decided we needed to give the table a proper send off. What could be better for the job than finger paint?! Dave wasn't excited about the mess, but sometimes fun is worth a mess :) Just look at this fun:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypmhEWqTSyatRsAVTRdiBoA6zp6efaNhYI6cU3iR2edXo6o8nv2pqi8DIlDr-OzL5l98i6oX9S3dxvdAhpn4srlWMio_IJaXjR2MMWWghW9fOyX3ldpk2467LkrzVHARCIfkJ1cKIy98/s1600/last+table+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypmhEWqTSyatRsAVTRdiBoA6zp6efaNhYI6cU3iR2edXo6o8nv2pqi8DIlDr-OzL5l98i6oX9S3dxvdAhpn4srlWMio_IJaXjR2MMWWghW9fOyX3ldpk2467LkrzVHARCIfkJ1cKIy98/s1600/last+table+painting.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That night we dismantled the table, gave it a very thorough cleaning and moved things around in the kitchen area. Now the kitchen area looks ever so slightly more normal and we have a little more open space. Baby steps people. <br />
<br />
The first morning of the new table, the girls came into the room and cried. But, they quickly got over it when they noticed breakfast on the table. The boys went straight for the food. So far, we all like the new set up and they're doing well for a bunch of 2 year olds. The only issue {which I anticipated} is when they're in a silly mood or a couple of them have already been excused, they want to get up and play with dirty hands before they're done eating. So we're working on that. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWMCIBEPMUFcRkSsLpFTANw5NMNhtQH8kqYk8GWlOYFh-QZYs-JT_uZ-AjBCt3auFoGguhaGfJAV3cB7iEmCJW7VilKKDkT8BQtHTzweCshIM-5Js0PAeWAIqHb6Yi8iI6KurrRy9VjM/s1600/new+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWMCIBEPMUFcRkSsLpFTANw5NMNhtQH8kqYk8GWlOYFh-QZYs-JT_uZ-AjBCt3auFoGguhaGfJAV3cB7iEmCJW7VilKKDkT8BQtHTzweCshIM-5Js0PAeWAIqHb6Yi8iI6KurrRy9VjM/s1600/new+table.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levi and Andrew modeling the new set up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Getting rid of this table was a big sign that they are no longer babies or even young toddlers. We are almost to preschool age! Mind boggling. I'm glad I have countless pictures and videos of them in that table as it holds so many memories. We used it from age 6 months- 32 months. First spoon feedings of cereal and baby food to feeding themselves with utensils. Not to mention story times, coloring, painting, and any other activity we decided to take on. I hope wherever it goes next, it will be loved as much as we loved it!Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-29623351636515728852015-01-10T00:28:00.001-06:002015-01-10T00:28:08.841-06:00First Big Girl HaircutsI've been cutting the boys' hair for over a year now. Whenever I did their hair, I'd trim the girls' bangs and just let the hair grow because I was too nervous to cut girl hair. Not to mention they both have beautiful hair! Allison's ringlets and Caroline's waves are so pretty. But, it was getting harder to keep neat and fix and comb with their big mess of tangles. And Allison's was getting close to her waist when it was wet! <br />
<br />
So, for the first time, my mom and I took just the girls out- for haircuts! We went to a kids place that had cars to sit in and TV shows to watch. Allison volunteered to go first {I was shocked!}, and although she didn't cry, she looked about as pitiful as a person can look. But she survived.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKB6zC087iJVtKIKQDFhXDoZsL5oFoU_dLhDa77B_lnC9JFFvHfENLieQ44QVyeDSEXEYq_Z46cGGHGRw-p7pV1zGwfm3ZDUD2DgM0chx46ds14rKoXUYzo5PKnPgvQcvfBuil67kR8Y/s1600/pitiful+Alli+haircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKB6zC087iJVtKIKQDFhXDoZsL5oFoU_dLhDa77B_lnC9JFFvHfENLieQ44QVyeDSEXEYq_Z46cGGHGRw-p7pV1zGwfm3ZDUD2DgM0chx46ds14rKoXUYzo5PKnPgvQcvfBuil67kR8Y/s1600/pitiful+Alli+haircut.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsH6z2LcbFHJn1O6IZ2U0ZBQGb8u-nh8PKm1q8h0WNmqcOc9A19PYAdDbce_LqvoW75kNZEqI4MVe7uOQdz0v18QL6C-GIMaG-I0Yb6jCsOOO-BhNN30CL4fOihRMpIfdhPWrFwX7x7c/s1600/Alli+haircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsH6z2LcbFHJn1O6IZ2U0ZBQGb8u-nh8PKm1q8h0WNmqcOc9A19PYAdDbce_LqvoW75kNZEqI4MVe7uOQdz0v18QL6C-GIMaG-I0Yb6jCsOOO-BhNN30CL4fOihRMpIfdhPWrFwX7x7c/s1600/Alli+haircut.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabo2nqVzcwtsn9Jx53XBA1tzbuOtMv1RUCRnbh3Yy1zI4FN9ULalzKV0-RGPu0yaUtGXDakKS7wiXhzbo7PyKg-X7gAwjPc_BRBZb1dbyYfB9eS4P8RxslBQEfTlkWegVGYwFOCz9wBQ/s1600/Allison's%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabo2nqVzcwtsn9Jx53XBA1tzbuOtMv1RUCRnbh3Yy1zI4FN9ULalzKV0-RGPu0yaUtGXDakKS7wiXhzbo7PyKg-X7gAwjPc_BRBZb1dbyYfB9eS4P8RxslBQEfTlkWegVGYwFOCz9wBQ/s1600/Allison's%2Bafter.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Caroline fussed when her bangs were being cut, but once that part was over, she was perfectly fine zoned in on the TV. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtqovM-8-Lr0u2Sr6pgKTUJVY14sTAKfbVOGF10HGEvUVsVFxxZxOw50B6gxMR6LLnbPJuQXzVm-JMIruJJ5gtzOP-DBTnQ23RqsgUfhARk7QoE3D1POJZlE_y_vkIfKKovvb3_USAOY/s1600/Caroline+haircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtqovM-8-Lr0u2Sr6pgKTUJVY14sTAKfbVOGF10HGEvUVsVFxxZxOw50B6gxMR6LLnbPJuQXzVm-JMIruJJ5gtzOP-DBTnQ23RqsgUfhARk7QoE3D1POJZlE_y_vkIfKKovvb3_USAOY/s1600/Caroline+haircut.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmND4j_V1zAPQJ55strKgRkFKG4QgL8Qg0mKa-Xl_42nI2s0t-8Lq874r7tlmaAAeagQ5twrnhLho044bbe_fp9BFIKm6dH2U0_9qEX1FltzafiEv501Bb5LNLC6G59xW-UU73WMQWOE/s1600/Caroline's%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmND4j_V1zAPQJ55strKgRkFKG4QgL8Qg0mKa-Xl_42nI2s0t-8Lq874r7tlmaAAeagQ5twrnhLho044bbe_fp9BFIKm6dH2U0_9qEX1FltzafiEv501Bb5LNLC6G59xW-UU73WMQWOE/s1600/Caroline's%2Bafter.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While I was paying, my mom opened up a treasure box filled with lollipops and you would've thought it was a pot of gold. Allison's face was priceless! I let them take one but they still haven't eaten them- ha!<br />
<br />
To celebrate the occasion we took the girls to Chick-fil-A for the first time! {It was next door, so why not?} They thought they were so big picking their own drink and side and eating with just Mommy and Gammy. They were perfectly behaved, so maybe these kinds of outings will be happening more often. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYKU5KSbJjJs4k7x0NtkKfV1IFd396elziLP81RVtBfSQj5lcVbMp_i4f0Gp_EppVs4MlkJDeuuYnAtiNJGVwIBPBr6LteNpJH32bDjnzJjZN5uqGbKQKZNd6CFwXdVueLhmuFky-7Gc/s1600/girls+at+cfa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYKU5KSbJjJs4k7x0NtkKfV1IFd396elziLP81RVtBfSQj5lcVbMp_i4f0Gp_EppVs4MlkJDeuuYnAtiNJGVwIBPBr6LteNpJH32bDjnzJjZN5uqGbKQKZNd6CFwXdVueLhmuFky-7Gc/s1600/girls+at+cfa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYUoCKRZNi8VsLTCyiSZv4bnJauBTn8T519ddX3KA3N6QrHiD6qIGtzk4MptvDkLyKfsjUEH8kG-TLZjxL2yixWE4DdLLdbrRKFB3OUMSTcFrQRow7tfxf9i-Co0PUvD_gQq1HIHbHJc/s1600/girl+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYUoCKRZNi8VsLTCyiSZv4bnJauBTn8T519ddX3KA3N6QrHiD6qIGtzk4MptvDkLyKfsjUEH8kG-TLZjxL2yixWE4DdLLdbrRKFB3OUMSTcFrQRow7tfxf9i-Co0PUvD_gQq1HIHbHJc/s1600/girl+selfie.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-38086957865358844042015-01-07T00:16:00.000-06:002015-01-07T00:16:00.146-06:00Holiday Recap Part 3: Christmas!Now on to the real deal! We had a wonderful Christmas! After sprinkling the reindeer food all over the yard, we headed to my brother's house for Christmas Eve festivities. We played {<i>they love their cousin's toys</i>}, <strike>dumped sprinkles on</strike> decorated sugar cookies for Santa, ate pizza, and opened TONS of presents! Holy moly the wrapping paper was flying! I had asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas and the only real answer was Levi saying "mop". So, I found toy cleaning set including a mop. He opened that and was done- ha! Caroline and Allison just wanted to open gifts- didn't much care what was inside. Caroline would go from one to another saying "more". <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGuRiOPjV0C8Glc-HbI4SQimFgy5iO_ZEY56HxR3R5hSUz2ktZV7aGlPoJG27BoVv3RhpDc5Yyt2o8KBaSwPOAjwSUgUoiP5Gp28ockR6o88MMasY8eWvHKVS_DiiqOvPnQseH4cyO4Q/s1600/christmas+eve+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGuRiOPjV0C8Glc-HbI4SQimFgy5iO_ZEY56HxR3R5hSUz2ktZV7aGlPoJG27BoVv3RhpDc5Yyt2o8KBaSwPOAjwSUgUoiP5Gp28ockR6o88MMasY8eWvHKVS_DiiqOvPnQseH4cyO4Q/s1600/christmas+eve+cookies.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorating cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6rM1eVQLPswJOtmq1O-aln2QiKcwQWxfMTTEXIC6roAY2uFSlVbQYDEzouPrpuhXZm2mfgDOW3tObAXNLHJv2QhNwIvAIDmr4x8gPHOM8zQkpHqT4FCRblpEdeR8D0jdfoD7evfl9c4/s1600/DSC02313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6rM1eVQLPswJOtmq1O-aln2QiKcwQWxfMTTEXIC6roAY2uFSlVbQYDEzouPrpuhXZm2mfgDOW3tObAXNLHJv2QhNwIvAIDmr4x8gPHOM8zQkpHqT4FCRblpEdeR8D0jdfoD7evfl9c4/s1600/DSC02313.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The set up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhw-4n_JFPbbTMMk-z5gkjcGVYkzry0f8-K8AN2wGGxozj20l8ArMFalMPk5UWqtYTpIhmehpKk9xS68IidQ9ETF2O-dpOjuvWsZ1krv41vonNlVPyBd2wUDT_yGRGDhcihUK6VXOcF0/s1600/christmas+eve+commotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhw-4n_JFPbbTMMk-z5gkjcGVYkzry0f8-K8AN2wGGxozj20l8ArMFalMPk5UWqtYTpIhmehpKk9xS68IidQ9ETF2O-dpOjuvWsZ1krv41vonNlVPyBd2wUDT_yGRGDhcihUK6VXOcF0/s1600/christmas+eve+commotion.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhpvX75ACAZLwtk9qi-YBj_PDeHvP5mhDkcm2mhwUVx8TUFs39xhnCjpz-IWcSHs6USwgdxfxwVgz9wHXM_9Aijpf0lskp1NFQwkKX7QPc4O4ChIx_qzZ49ZqWBBSpWCzQUbgEwiR3pc/s1600/DSC02317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhpvX75ACAZLwtk9qi-YBj_PDeHvP5mhDkcm2mhwUVx8TUFs39xhnCjpz-IWcSHs6USwgdxfxwVgz9wHXM_9Aijpf0lskp1NFQwkKX7QPc4O4ChIx_qzZ49ZqWBBSpWCzQUbgEwiR3pc/s1600/DSC02317.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levi opening his mop :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This year we had to decide how to do gifts amongst the kids. We went with 3 gifts per child from us, plus stocking stuffers, and one thing from Santa per child. All I know is that I had a lot of gifts to wrap! <br />
<br />
Following the present opening, we walked the block checking out Christmas lights. There was one amazing house and the owner was passing out candy canes! You better believe my kids didn't hesitate on that! Once we got back to the house, the kids were put in pjs and we drove home. We set out our sprinklefied cookies and milk for Santa and put everyone to bed.<br />
<br />
Christmas morning they didn't really get the concept that Santa visited, but they sure enjoyed the tricycles and Little People set up! They had little interest in their stockings. LOVED the cinnamon rolls for breakfast and Leah's awesome car! A family friend rigged up a ride in toddler car so Leah just has to hit a green switch on the steering wheel to make it go, and built in supports so she can sit in it. SO COOL! And she can do it all by herself :) Of course, the others love it too, but that's ok. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMTnYDi4ONCLtncueXtf-6Rn1qymdQldJ229F4k6R1nwGTrX3D799_U4t3zT8kAhBtdXWxdzInUM_gcXPnJ2I7klkQ7Y-oCFYamdKUmPl8myQnDqP2Y5QNi9cKk-dlSOa_8_tWs5EUeQ/s1600/Leah+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMTnYDi4ONCLtncueXtf-6Rn1qymdQldJ229F4k6R1nwGTrX3D799_U4t3zT8kAhBtdXWxdzInUM_gcXPnJ2I7klkQ7Y-oCFYamdKUmPl8myQnDqP2Y5QNi9cKk-dlSOa_8_tWs5EUeQ/s1600/Leah+car.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leah in her car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jZcnrLdeS8LThNKRRW7zW2T610g0QsvRyfXzfnIjSOJ5DaP99nPsi0N2vDLa6ocV0vAeOk7zXVg-OwDtSAQk1lU_q-e9UKG-WF_STh149ADPk85Q9iSuVmjwJUjrY5w3e8F-PWaBGbw/s1600/Alli+stocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jZcnrLdeS8LThNKRRW7zW2T610g0QsvRyfXzfnIjSOJ5DaP99nPsi0N2vDLa6ocV0vAeOk7zXVg-OwDtSAQk1lU_q-e9UKG-WF_STh149ADPk85Q9iSuVmjwJUjrY5w3e8F-PWaBGbw/s1600/Alli+stocking.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alli checking out her stocking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6SkriaPlvxiukFzFbJeNYy4QeKZ8cTVjebl03XX68idrIItpdpMsGzJ_cWN2biVTZFbmsS2uVVNS9gRXIfAWTLPZY9WGB63MxrnmUediTHHsUtQQVwLuTvTxd534zsm4oIY4630m89E/s1600/Caroline+Xmas+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6SkriaPlvxiukFzFbJeNYy4QeKZ8cTVjebl03XX68idrIItpdpMsGzJ_cWN2biVTZFbmsS2uVVNS9gRXIfAWTLPZY9WGB63MxrnmUediTHHsUtQQVwLuTvTxd534zsm4oIY4630m89E/s1600/Caroline+Xmas+play.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caroline playing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqNsWyfj292X2_O8nbc23ztH3A0DIj5awOu8i7VbqLM2oTerXW7cJOB5yqMJTEmOl95u2ZiRYBjZN5qJsbc-2frxULAu4V3SVbRbDh01qldL6_LTFYo8AKypVBksmdAFziaV2c9zhwLM/s1600/checking+out+the+goods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqNsWyfj292X2_O8nbc23ztH3A0DIj5awOu8i7VbqLM2oTerXW7cJOB5yqMJTEmOl95u2ZiRYBjZN5qJsbc-2frxULAu4V3SVbRbDh01qldL6_LTFYo8AKypVBksmdAFziaV2c9zhwLM/s1600/checking+out+the+goods.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy checking everything out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqheuTENnaprlkFZux1iwg2Yxdj3E6m_TqfEGJsNpU_BRbcxiA6g2CVqMfSEeRuqREf_Q-TLzxdYIOQqI8RdRMcCK3oCbeooG-8DbURFg24TZCmY8-yaZ-BrUwVABVFa5jAElBY8caEo/s1600/Leah+stocking+stuffers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqheuTENnaprlkFZux1iwg2Yxdj3E6m_TqfEGJsNpU_BRbcxiA6g2CVqMfSEeRuqREf_Q-TLzxdYIOQqI8RdRMcCK3oCbeooG-8DbURFg24TZCmY8-yaZ-BrUwVABVFa5jAElBY8caEo/s1600/Leah+stocking+stuffers.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leah with all her stocking stuffers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We played the rest of the morning and headed to my cousin's house for the big family dinner that evening. I'm not sure how many people gave them cookies, but enough that they had no interest in the actual meal and just wanted to run around the backyard with the dogs. Fine by me! Burn that energy. Of course, once it was present time, they couldn't wait to rip in. They received so many wonderful gifts this year I honestly haven't even opened everything. Need to do a MAJOR toy overhaul and reorganization. We had a great time with the family visiting and eating entirely too much delicious food!<br />
<br />
The day after Christmas the fun continued with a quick trip to Galveston where some family members rented a condo. We planned to visit the beach and resort playground, but the kids had so much fun running around the condo and balcony and throwing bread to the birds from the balcony, we never left! The adults enjoyed relaxing, visiting, and playing a quick board game while the kids entertained themselves. They even made their own conga line and went around the condo saying "Choo! Choo!" Silly kids.<br />
<br />
All in all a crazy, busy, fun Christmas season! Not gonna lie, it wore me out and we took New Years week to relax and stay home. Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-86301886731398398252015-01-04T14:08:00.002-06:002015-01-04T14:08:34.893-06:00Holiday Recap Part 2: Christmas Festivities Let's be honest. The real fun of Christmas is the anticipation. I know my childhood memories of the holidays involve decorating, choosing a tree, making cookies, and waiting for Santa. This is the first year the kids have sort of grasped the concept of holidays and this is also the first time in 4 years I have actually been motivated to do anything Christmasy {<i>pregnancy and lots of young babies can suck the spirit right out of you</i>}. Of course, I have done Christmasy things the last few years, but I wasn't into it. This year, I ran with it. <br />
<br />
The greater Houston area actually has tons of activities going on in December, so I had to narrow it down. I know they're not old enough to remember, but I will remember, and I wanted to check these places out while they're still young enough to be free at most of the events! <br />
<br />
<b>At Home</b><br />
There was plenty of fun to be had around the house this year! We decorated toddler style {<i>ornaments only on the top half of the tree</i>} and the kids loved checking out the tree and pointing out every baby Jesus, Santa, Rudolph, and snowman. We made Reindeer food (oats and glitter) and sprinkled it in the yard Christmas Eve. We listened to kiddie Christmas music {<i>they learned Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells</i>} and read Christmas books and learned all about the REAL reason for the season- Jesus' birthday! We went on walks to hunt for lights and bows. They got SO excited every time they saw a big red bow decoration or any sort of Christmas light. I'm sure anyone who could hear us was amused. If anyone was watching closely, they may have seen them trying to eat the candy canes and lollipops in peoples' yards! Complete with a "yummy yummy Mommy". And they've never even tasted a lollipop or candy cane! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GrkDm59UbAJddaCxHyenxXk8X_-KuFs0-hSUW7IcWE17og4NdbV4HAgm6Y9CYhtXvmhty2X7Kt7z99QrHeHszqwuonBoVZ3kfx_yVf6u_1zFUav18QeBgaDP-qm-ascmTddcMCOdvoo/s1600/me+and+snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GrkDm59UbAJddaCxHyenxXk8X_-KuFs0-hSUW7IcWE17og4NdbV4HAgm6Y9CYhtXvmhty2X7Kt7z99QrHeHszqwuonBoVZ3kfx_yVf6u_1zFUav18QeBgaDP-qm-ascmTddcMCOdvoo/s1600/me+and+snowman.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and my rice krispie snowman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5vujLFXIEBovemSQTdRQ6zZwrCtKCvmczgqvOtMNevh7RXZkeCKewT6oMMkJNB3k1FkLkVLsh944oNDT9m91hXB3BKv0XP-cRSOOzKGux-b9-3GUxv2d8HskfPITib5YQybi0q-QhD8/s1600/snowman+rice+krispies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5vujLFXIEBovemSQTdRQ6zZwrCtKCvmczgqvOtMNevh7RXZkeCKewT6oMMkJNB3k1FkLkVLsh944oNDT9m91hXB3BKv0XP-cRSOOzKGux-b9-3GUxv2d8HskfPITib5YQybi0q-QhD8/s1600/snowman+rice+krispies.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew showing off the group's creations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Santa</b><br />
I am glad we have a great place to see Santa for free near our home. They go all out with a Winter Wonderland set up. We went last year and I made the mistake of assuming Santa would be there all day everyday in December knowing we went on a weekday morning the year before. So, we load up, get there on time, and no Santa. Major disappointment! Luckily, we could still do all of the fun Winter Wonderland stuff and go up and down the store elevators, so a fun field trip was had. After I double checked Santa's schedule, we made a second trip and it was well worth it! Everyone sat on Santa's lap, got to actually eat a mini candy cane, and we had individual pictures and a group picture. The Santa was so sweet with Leah, just cuddled up with her and sang- she loved it!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7Ka6WQ3_wF68k7I-WJDKaBr-n5O65tDGQe7I1FIfc9cRTxnowKVQKs71njxh-OQXIiDA_gi9dmFbSKHu2YwAvXGkgh1uEwOY4DQjm667f8ZNzjCOXOJJoXHtH_TOFOk4kEV6YX87BF8/s1600/Leah+camo+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7Ka6WQ3_wF68k7I-WJDKaBr-n5O65tDGQe7I1FIfc9cRTxnowKVQKs71njxh-OQXIiDA_gi9dmFbSKHu2YwAvXGkgh1uEwOY4DQjm667f8ZNzjCOXOJJoXHtH_TOFOk4kEV6YX87BF8/s1600/Leah+camo+chair.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leah at her favorite spot on our field trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQSy6-OB79fZJ6K0JLrbJkOwX3kj9B22Uam2GAf9dCSPivwwHRs3WKczSt1P2ns6xLnFxbpROiQQgr2GXOb3NNHoLNuyjLCP_8WlfloIQbrr_ot3GhOz1uQa1cRxag8-bohyphenhyphenxuI3PFq8/s1600/Santa+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQSy6-OB79fZJ6K0JLrbJkOwX3kj9B22Uam2GAf9dCSPivwwHRs3WKczSt1P2ns6xLnFxbpROiQQgr2GXOb3NNHoLNuyjLCP_8WlfloIQbrr_ot3GhOz1uQa1cRxag8-bohyphenhyphenxuI3PFq8/s1600/Santa+family.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of our picture with Santa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Dickinson Festival of Lights</b><br />
I worked in Dickinson for 4 years and never went to the Festival of Lights. Not sure why, but it may have had something to do with wanting to get home and not hang around. But now with a bunch of littles who love Christmas lights, I had motivation. And did I mention it's a FREE event?! Even better! We met some friends and walked through the whole park which was decked out in 2 million lights {<i>or so we were told</i>}. The kids loved all the scenes, decorating and eating cookies, but hated sitting on the Santa's lap. Granted, this Santa had much to be desired. All the Santa drama was quickly forgotten and Caroline even cried when it was time to go home.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNg1750IAo-CklVRbWfbjjzZJWv4Ru93tJA6RrAJTrOSHrBHBEv3odBMvc1KO6OZa8qdqx53OXuiZ7Bu5BmKfM11e9uFIzdyYM8mtaRl-mP0neHYeKibV8xaQr8-lEQR5ov0d1VbYnys/s1600/DSC02306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNg1750IAo-CklVRbWfbjjzZJWv4Ru93tJA6RrAJTrOSHrBHBEv3odBMvc1KO6OZa8qdqx53OXuiZ7Bu5BmKfM11e9uFIzdyYM8mtaRl-mP0neHYeKibV8xaQr8-lEQR5ov0d1VbYnys/s1600/DSC02306.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gammy and Alli at the UT longhorn (there was no Baylor Bear)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVp6EL8c0XY0T6R5wwpzMMTPpNeszi17u2oKNvbceFvmgmMjHw-h9ze1wYIQG8PBywPNp2CGThyxeChBqVqXH5-8A7iybh1C3L2noRzRER7Gn9bPZMaiYWFyApRbtOZJgv4L5cXQdjvs/s1600/DSC02308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVp6EL8c0XY0T6R5wwpzMMTPpNeszi17u2oKNvbceFvmgmMjHw-h9ze1wYIQG8PBywPNp2CGThyxeChBqVqXH5-8A7iybh1C3L2noRzRER7Gn9bPZMaiYWFyApRbtOZJgv4L5cXQdjvs/s1600/DSC02308.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leah with the light version of Santa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpr4SdTm_YRjMnULVoknnwo3hwlzIjKsXzP6TaN5WxCjyL7k-rfbiMKsD11uiQ5EeZOmA8j6sQ3hMU1ybCBcGBc19XqY4bCd0Z1uJcNcZ2J0IwjzvVqQ9HA6XUiCShrfWJVL3iQA_KH8/s1600/DSC02300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpr4SdTm_YRjMnULVoknnwo3hwlzIjKsXzP6TaN5WxCjyL7k-rfbiMKsD11uiQ5EeZOmA8j6sQ3hMU1ybCBcGBc19XqY4bCd0Z1uJcNcZ2J0IwjzvVqQ9HA6XUiCShrfWJVL3iQA_KH8/s1600/DSC02300.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tried.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-8jzXHK8_tRqBz4YpL-1C8RhTomjGjFmfigIvX-EXFM3Nn6GD7iSnM7FY3QSs9MTS6lMHDGAlPU7pfZ5XSeEJPD3nJfnPy8W5s-2y11yXZKQBCusT3w8Ue4woDnKz9v0Lj369eXhAl8/s1600/DSC02311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-8jzXHK8_tRqBz4YpL-1C8RhTomjGjFmfigIvX-EXFM3Nn6GD7iSnM7FY3QSs9MTS6lMHDGAlPU7pfZ5XSeEJPD3nJfnPy8W5s-2y11yXZKQBCusT3w8Ue4woDnKz9v0Lj369eXhAl8/s1600/DSC02311.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole gang!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKanYq43M56VdGPK-DhwnHfg9KDcjfR5BzXmvJDyr-yZBCgkexbvvmtNf8Os3Gwf32TlnoxrdMoa0nQjFhiJLM3UXz5uzdg7WI8S9ux0dnWNjIAif2E-5UhIV8Q7e2eGXdkxGZElIJyJo/s1600/DSC02296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKanYq43M56VdGPK-DhwnHfg9KDcjfR5BzXmvJDyr-yZBCgkexbvvmtNf8Os3Gwf32TlnoxrdMoa0nQjFhiJLM3UXz5uzdg7WI8S9ux0dnWNjIAif2E-5UhIV8Q7e2eGXdkxGZElIJyJo/s1600/DSC02296.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They loved decorating and eating cookies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Zoo Lights</b><br />
I was really looking forward to this event. It did not disappoint. Again, brought some friends along and met a few more there. We walked all through the zoo which was <b>covered</b> in lights along with several special set ups {<i>Can you say Thomas the Train?? My kids were mesmerized!</i>}. It was all truly spectacular! Dave and I loved it as much as the kids. Worth the money and planning to go again next year! One of my favorite moments was when a firefighter came up to Andrew and told him his fireman hat was on backwards. Ha! Andrew always wears it backwards like a baseball cap.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHswMWryZwWKnb7TTn_AUKjoJE6r6YGvwtkDD4qHOsTm7U3_L9QIrHl7T1r2clj1zq8oUvAMnofm3t0SJjXhL1J_YEvjbgaw73Bu7x1AJynkbZwRmjE55HIxo4evT9E2STbpQcgTPQfTA/s1600/DSC02291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHswMWryZwWKnb7TTn_AUKjoJE6r6YGvwtkDD4qHOsTm7U3_L9QIrHl7T1r2clj1zq8oUvAMnofm3t0SJjXhL1J_YEvjbgaw73Bu7x1AJynkbZwRmjE55HIxo4evT9E2STbpQcgTPQfTA/s1600/DSC02291.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the tunnels of light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuuePESDP6Ej5E4xCI56Rn_gs8sdDDQtG3aMiu-zrrVOLSP9NCx3E_sKG1nG7tDth38QW3piC4mnqmg6EabHlZ1mNEoP2z4wK1hP4zybOeJHzVMxk5MBV4tVYXSOxSjHS0SfnSZCUvzM/s1600/DSC02280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuuePESDP6Ej5E4xCI56Rn_gs8sdDDQtG3aMiu-zrrVOLSP9NCx3E_sKG1nG7tDth38QW3piC4mnqmg6EabHlZ1mNEoP2z4wK1hP4zybOeJHzVMxk5MBV4tVYXSOxSjHS0SfnSZCUvzM/s1600/DSC02280.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us and our friend Clara checking out the train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Lnv8xt6TCKn-HwWgZ0ZikhKAEMlz-dT5KseGshYysbQ1YHzJJlFJ9DgeSqKTfXGS6KhTG1HUAYD2tHrtSFnDvd4DGnF0lr9ieOjD7jEnBBG8wHeyaz6SV1eeig2RQrj9dTX9nBB1dHM/s1600/DSC02284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Lnv8xt6TCKn-HwWgZ0ZikhKAEMlz-dT5KseGshYysbQ1YHzJJlFJ9DgeSqKTfXGS6KhTG1HUAYD2tHrtSFnDvd4DGnF0lr9ieOjD7jEnBBG8wHeyaz6SV1eeig2RQrj9dTX9nBB1dHM/s1600/DSC02284.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi Ben</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v9prSCvot5NJv1kfjCa6N6e-J7gkX5R8LW6q_o8dKMEPeWYWb-4SD_HWUx6PFgXuPGhxSSMZ_IgA-u0pqBZ3IYzLem8QH4BNgdLjSvMyJN94UYk_HCL7t6jVEzkR-Dew-VblY0ubct8/s1600/DSC02285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v9prSCvot5NJv1kfjCa6N6e-J7gkX5R8LW6q_o8dKMEPeWYWb-4SD_HWUx6PFgXuPGhxSSMZ_IgA-u0pqBZ3IYzLem8QH4BNgdLjSvMyJN94UYk_HCL7t6jVEzkR-Dew-VblY0ubct8/s1600/DSC02285.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi Levi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Christmas Train</b><br />
Another local event I had been waiting to try out! Had family, friends, and even a few of my buddies from Houston Moms Blog meet us there. A church and camp way out in Alvin country go all out with this Christmas train! The train runs around the property and there are lights <b>everywhere</b> with fun scenes AND it tells the whole story of Jesus. You can also see Santa, hear a story from Mrs. Claus, send letters to the North Pole, view an entire Christmas village and train set up {<i>again, my kids were mesmerized</i>}, and buy concessions. We had a blast!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuZtRvMdeS2sYBZxf5gAldxCeaLqVKOv7VHTuWdq6v6OkFyXOkB8NgDIl177kcqOI7FL6r5EyLkYFTGD4GAuVqFbuIQ_OTA7b6Zf5p85GA_dm0GEyisdgR_ZgtMY9oUyBO7IRZuK55Uw/s1600/Caroline+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuZtRvMdeS2sYBZxf5gAldxCeaLqVKOv7VHTuWdq6v6OkFyXOkB8NgDIl177kcqOI7FL6r5EyLkYFTGD4GAuVqFbuIQ_OTA7b6Zf5p85GA_dm0GEyisdgR_ZgtMY9oUyBO7IRZuK55Uw/s1600/Caroline+selfie.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she liked it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-My4T_MUuZUIFRF00vYLzJwwHMi6X2snnHxjFSEicSdO1sZozzQmpX5xCT-2YCA6xrwARnWIy59weQIxna21uUoNEI1MFbGphvBZjf7Q2YOnNeEeH15nhcNgxRDh9u_9JVZ2z3yFXons/s1600/selfie+at+mrs+claus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-My4T_MUuZUIFRF00vYLzJwwHMi6X2snnHxjFSEicSdO1sZozzQmpX5xCT-2YCA6xrwARnWIy59weQIxna21uUoNEI1MFbGphvBZjf7Q2YOnNeEeH15nhcNgxRDh9u_9JVZ2z3yFXons/s1600/selfie+at+mrs+claus.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group selfie waiting for Mrs. Claus to begin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NAwrTNN_lQ_d4Qe9E2eIXt6qrysGBMKjP-g1XORaH4U4URrG8OhHdxLP3u-FeMgC45vw6ZIft3clbvsyTd0V2m9UaYb12KzI1gT5ebN8swTxaTk6Hsv-EMhafGzTdzMA3LPkzds13x8/s1600/AndrewCarolineXmasVillage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NAwrTNN_lQ_d4Qe9E2eIXt6qrysGBMKjP-g1XORaH4U4URrG8OhHdxLP3u-FeMgC45vw6ZIft3clbvsyTd0V2m9UaYb12KzI1gT5ebN8swTxaTk6Hsv-EMhafGzTdzMA3LPkzds13x8/s1600/AndrewCarolineXmasVillage.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew and Caroline staring at the Christmas village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Neighborhood Lights</b><br />
For Houston Moms Blog I wrote a post about the best neighborhoods in Houston for Christmas lights and I had been to all but 2. One is way far on the other side of town, but the other wasn't too far. SO, once I got the idea in my head, I had to do it. My parents came along with us and we ALL went to Chick Fil A for dinner. {<i>YES! Everyone at a restaurant and they did great!</i>} Then we headed to Pecan Grove in Richmond and all the hype was true! The whole neighborhood was full of lights and some homes were down right incredible. We all thoroughly enjoyed driving through Pecan Grove.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC242-dMjh4_CK2HGMTj0YLu0eJlou7H9iodwzchyphenhyphenLp94MZyL-IL1fxOm4cUxEeAUTHq379P2iWizDjK3Lr_T1ukODqSOL1C91YoGOmMNnSl3sXYFLDgQRqJgtb6PpsWxJGPOg5CaF2o/s1600/family+at+cfa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC242-dMjh4_CK2HGMTj0YLu0eJlou7H9iodwzchyphenhyphenLp94MZyL-IL1fxOm4cUxEeAUTHq379P2iWizDjK3Lr_T1ukODqSOL1C91YoGOmMNnSl3sXYFLDgQRqJgtb6PpsWxJGPOg5CaF2o/s1600/family+at+cfa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CFA awesome as always!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Fun Outings for Mom and Dad</b><br />
With a little planning, Dave and I had our own fun too. We went to his work Christmas party- seeing the Rockettes and a fancy dinner! So. much. fun! I had my own parties: Houston Moms Blog Favorite Things party with the other contributors. We girls had a great time chatting and racking up the free goodies. And my annual SNL Christmas with my college BFF. Love any time we get to spend together. Then I got a little crazy and ran a half marathon with my sister-in-law. The Santa Hustle in Galveston was as Christmasy as a race could get with huge inflatables, cookies and candy everywhere, and people dressed up as Santa. And for not being very prepared- AT ALL, I had a great race! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK25lc8p7WrpjWwfF5umjp6VdXPjdmzFxc6_Envkoj_d_gxaqfIVDGlvh0tOVgNJ8KWwFoRJy7E7dlLzBi2jUnVbLlChGXYft3YIwy7pnHOIt3P0f8Cp2_ehehRhRvGNko6P0ngGz_aQ/s1600/Exxon+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK25lc8p7WrpjWwfF5umjp6VdXPjdmzFxc6_Envkoj_d_gxaqfIVDGlvh0tOVgNJ8KWwFoRJy7E7dlLzBi2jUnVbLlChGXYft3YIwy7pnHOIt3P0f8Cp2_ehehRhRvGNko6P0ngGz_aQ/s1600/Exxon+party.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the theater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Well, that was all we did leading up to Christmas. It was quite jam packed! Busy, but fun. Next up will be the actual holiday.Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-41950822829865342472014-12-30T23:50:00.003-06:002014-12-30T23:50:51.186-06:00Holiday Recap Part 1: ThanksgivingI know. I'm behind on posting as always. This year the whole holiday season was so busy I was just trying to keep up! Not that things will really slow down now that Christmas is over, but hopefully I can catch up on a few things- like blogging!<br />
<br />
Now I'm taking it way back to Thanksgiving. The saddest thing about our Thanksgiving was that somehow I took ZERO pictures the entire weekend!! I had great intentions and we even discussed getting a picture of the whole extended family, but it never happened. Regardless, you get to read all about it.<br />
<br />
We spent Thanksgiving at Dave's parents' house in Austin. We had previously deemed this the last trip of 2014, because I need a break from packing/unpacking and general travel stress. Back to Thanksgiving. For the first time we traveled at night. Put the kids in their jammies, loaded the van and left about bedtime. It worked out great! They slept the entire ride and didn't fuss too much when we moved them to pack n plays upon our arrival. The way home we traveled at nap time and they did fine- either napping or quietly looking out the window the majority of the ride. Can't complain! <br />
<br />
Thanksgiving Day was spent at a family friend's home. The kids ate the dinner like everyone else except they had plastic plates, utensils, and cups. They really did well sitting at the table and playing nicely while adults prepared and served food. The rolls were by far their favorite item! After lunch they napped and ended up getting pie for dinner (they napped way late and it just seemed appropriate for the occasion). <br />
<br />
The rest of the weekend was spent hanging around the grandparents' home. They loved running around the backyard, chalking up the patio, playing with trucks, blocks, and babies, jamming on the piano, reading, and going up and down the stairs. One time we did take them to a local playground and, of course, they had a blast there! My favorite moments were the cartwheel contest amongst the adults with the kids doing their version (rolling on the ground with legs straight up) next to us and Ashley and I creatively disposing of Allison's inconvenient poop at the park. <br />
<br />
Even Maggie had a great time! There were 3 other dogs there to keep her company. And Dave and I both had mini-breaks from the kids. I went shopping and to a movie with a sister-in-law and Dave saw a different movie with the guys. We even had a date night! <br />
<br />
Just one more story. Perkins tradition on Thanksgiving is everyone has to say something significant they are thankful for before the feast begins. I practiced with the kids all month asking them what they are thankful for. Every time they all answered "MaMa, PaPa, Jeanie" (my grandparents and great aunt). If they kept going you'd hear anything from friends or grandparents names to cookies. On the actual day Ben and Allison were too shy to answer, Caroline said "MaMa", Levi said "Daddy", and Andrew said "Pop" (my dad). So proud they actually participated and had reasonable answers :)Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-49136013770440993352014-11-23T01:39:00.000-06:002014-11-23T01:39:31.768-06:00Happy HalloweenThis Halloween was especially fun as the kids actually trick or treated for the first time! Technically, it was their 3rd time to trick or treat, but in years past they were either carried or pulled in a wagon and never let out. <br />
<br />
Betwee<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">n all of our<span class="Apple-style-span"> <a href="http://perkins6pack.blogspot.com/2014/11/fall-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">fall activities,</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> I tried to prepare the kids for Halloween as best I could. We read Halloween books during story time, watched a few Disney Junior Halloween themed shows, made ghosts from cotton balls and construction paper, colored pumpkins and wooden Halloween characters, and ate </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/1477812353598419/" target="_blank">banana ghosts </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span">and </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/1477812348350186/" target="_blank">Reese's witch broomsticks</a>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> I thought about carving a pumpkin, but then decided we needed a witch pumpkin instead. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1K4hHeXhNpKcLCzQj6v5o1Kpo_65mly-nIzn1OjqT8fxFMmr99GxGXLUPQujxiiL8wp_BoW7drj1xSv5TCa1oq6qq9Mt6FVrS4YjjzsJC3zN8eie_mmBRl5lgYkkID2QFPommv8-VHeQ/s1600/witch+pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1K4hHeXhNpKcLCzQj6v5o1Kpo_65mly-nIzn1OjqT8fxFMmr99GxGXLUPQujxiiL8wp_BoW7drj1xSv5TCa1oq6qq9Mt6FVrS4YjjzsJC3zN8eie_mmBRl5lgYkkID2QFPommv8-VHeQ/s1600/witch+pumpkin.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Wise decision, right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">But, in the end, Halloween is nothing without costumes and trick-or-treating. The costumes this year were quite the international feat. The pants we received from Dave's Thai coworkers (same ones worn for the 2014 TCH <span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://perkins6pack.blogspot.com/2014/10/fun-around-town.html" target="_blank">Bad Pants Day</a></span>) and the tops were creations by a good friend of mine. I described my vision and she just winged it on the design and sizing of the tops. Amazing!! Not only did they fit, but they were completely perfect and adorable too. I calle</span>d them genies, but you could also go with Thai/Arabian prince and princesses. Whatever. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57Usg-fRkk-IuQ_uZXsQQ8xnJdKSENvX-q9I5wIH5QIiuV10cOizf3NEtXtF1wqOROIwGcD7VzOYyea7tsImNL7Sn6nayqbK6WtotVbTSAGvV2mGOS3EEvVCVEhM9SQHYysVT0UXF5O0/s1600/Halloween+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57Usg-fRkk-IuQ_uZXsQQ8xnJdKSENvX-q9I5wIH5QIiuV10cOizf3NEtXtF1wqOROIwGcD7VzOYyea7tsImNL7Sn6nayqbK6WtotVbTSAGvV2mGOS3EEvVCVEhM9SQHYysVT0UXF5O0/s1600/Halloween+group.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As usual, we had quite the entourage going around the block. Three other families, my parents and grandparents, and a couple close friends. Yeah, you could see us coming. I started out carrying 5 of the candy buckets and 3 of the kids being carried. Within a few houses, I was down to 3 buckets and only 1 kid was being carried. They really caught on to the concept quickly! But, candy does that to people. They made it around the whole block and racked up some serious candy. I have allowed them to eat some in very small portions as dessert. They think it's amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv2P9nw-OEMPMmYvjKrmxYB8xQMyMXTwZsH23SysyuwgPGE4B6ENEfJAP5ViL-Ya0yW87PU_UVnRNk12eiuYQ8kK8LQZz3tL45uhcM6hJU8mPMtzmId8YlIN9QfODAJWibGMsco9T-KI/s1600/trick+or+treat+with+ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv2P9nw-OEMPMmYvjKrmxYB8xQMyMXTwZsH23SysyuwgPGE4B6ENEfJAP5ViL-Ya0yW87PU_UVnRNk12eiuYQ8kK8LQZz3tL45uhcM6hJU8mPMtzmId8YlIN9QfODAJWibGMsco9T-KI/s1600/trick+or+treat+with+ladies.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfJqv5jSf2wbwHM0v929JmKD9Prwv0AjAuRtU8y6C_LH9F3SlndcjThARlpOZ5xqqStibqqve-9ueWlFfjSuUYBFVwgAhSuTco2X9yielAdcumLQ0vFmSVTepm4uROtZIZHcYN7yV_XU/s1600/getting+candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfJqv5jSf2wbwHM0v929JmKD9Prwv0AjAuRtU8y6C_LH9F3SlndcjThARlpOZ5xqqStibqqve-9ueWlFfjSuUYBFVwgAhSuTco2X9yielAdcumLQ0vFmSVTepm4uROtZIZHcYN7yV_XU/s1600/getting+candy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Caroline was the most entertaining trick-or-treater. Several times she rang the doorbell and walked right on in when the neighbor opened the door. Luckily she was bribed out with the candy bowl! Speaking of, when the neighbor held the bowl for the kids to get their own candy, Caroline eagerly put both hands in every time trying to grab as much as she could. Did I mention we have a ton of candy at our house right now?<br />
<br />
<br />Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436359660016216396.post-17368284738721837152014-11-20T00:16:00.000-06:002014-11-20T00:16:34.380-06:00Fall Bucket ListI have never done a seasonal bucket list before. But I'm sold. <br />
<br />
I made quite the ambitious list of outings and at-home activities for the Pack to do this fall. And thanks to the trusty list and my master planner skills, we got every single item done! {<i>Even with a lovely week of stomach bug thrown in there to make things interesting</i>} I know you are on the edge of your seat waiting to read ALL about the fall bucket list fun... so without further ado... here goes it...<br />
<br />
<b><u>Zoo</u></b><br />
<br />
The zoo is <a href="http://perkins6pack.blogspot.com/2013/04/first-zoo-visit.html" target="_blank">nothing new</a> for us, but this fall we went twice. One time during Zoo Boo {<i>a fun Halloween event with pumpkin patches and candy stations and cool decorations</i>} and one time during a school field trip day {<i>I have a knack for picking those days</i>}. Both visits I let the kids WALK the whole time- no stroller, no wagon. Just the walking rope and plenty of helping hands to hold. And it went surprisingly well! Allison and Andrew were carried most of the time, Ben walked along slowly, Levi stayed with us but was pushing to go quicker, and Caroline was ready to go off and do her own thing so her hand had to be held. Of course Leah was fabulous the whole time. What has been most fun is that they're more into the animals. They really like the aquarium, sea lions, elephants, giraffes, petting zoo, and the playground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyW0Au-_zxYNyoO-nEX6Pag45kUI1fQ0F9LtoGssCHhNLiMtuUH-BkPVv_L2L4plnDL5erC-mi_fJSCziZuozLIwpbWUPX5j9mVKAaGNvKhW3OMMmwsjh5G-9IUl9eDf3STQMPT1R8jA/s1600/Ben+pumpkin+patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyW0Au-_zxYNyoO-nEX6Pag45kUI1fQ0F9LtoGssCHhNLiMtuUH-BkPVv_L2L4plnDL5erC-mi_fJSCziZuozLIwpbWUPX5j9mVKAaGNvKhW3OMMmwsjh5G-9IUl9eDf3STQMPT1R8jA/s1600/Ben+pumpkin+patch.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNsqQFDGX0p2lw0febpFfx59sFkn4xG9ttJAcvGB3jdsOdAtpGTnKosiKHhzpkg2k9xVbmVfmuVRwCGIxyjzgLrmGEpnxf2LjQ7QboSXIC28JxR4ye0OSL6AjEVWjOYqzIuvT56rB60g/s1600/zoo+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNsqQFDGX0p2lw0febpFfx59sFkn4xG9ttJAcvGB3jdsOdAtpGTnKosiKHhzpkg2k9xVbmVfmuVRwCGIxyjzgLrmGEpnxf2LjQ7QboSXIC28JxR4ye0OSL6AjEVWjOYqzIuvT56rB60g/s1600/zoo+lunch.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Barnes & Noble</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">We did a retry of this one since our<a href="http://perkins6pack.blogspot.com/2014/08/more-summer-outings.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span"> last visit</span> </a>coin</span>cided with Batman Day. Glad we did! It wasn't crowded at all so we had full reign of the coloring sheets and train table. Unfortunately the train table only had 2 trains, so next time I'll bring a few extra. The highlight was snagging this cute pictures of all 6 together:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9vT1YBCK_1Zxls3Eyz7A8dUOm6DmujzJW-E6BgecLjB7_uJ0VVq6shyphenhyphenlWSDrbEX3cNibbPM_VVr6WSjdpJ9EgWq4odZm6noLzpXROeGbl1s4SC9Slf0FgFY6ntMx5jYmolZkJvXhjxM/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9vT1YBCK_1Zxls3Eyz7A8dUOm6DmujzJW-E6BgecLjB7_uJ0VVq6shyphenhyphenlWSDrbEX3cNibbPM_VVr6WSjdpJ9EgWq4odZm6noLzpXROeGbl1s4SC9Slf0FgFY6ntMx5jYmolZkJvXhjxM/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Visiting Friends and Family</u></b><br />
<br />
We made the long trek to the other side of Pearland {<i>kinda joking kinda true</i>} to visit one of our great friends and regular helper at her house! The kids had a ball exploring the new environment and eating special snacks. My grandparents came too and I think my grandpa wouldn't have minded if we left him in the media room. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoQZYEqw4Rnac-aWyB4lj9xfdhoqIo10U19xzVXY69gggjnfiJsKZZN6qLF-3qPPB0CFKcWqjTsIMszF94Alo3ndNk07NiWJj6U_pym_3SwWlmVNumeMRhOGXAAsyVIUuOjN0a1oFr6w/s1600/Papa+and+Andrew+watch+movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoQZYEqw4Rnac-aWyB4lj9xfdhoqIo10U19xzVXY69gggjnfiJsKZZN6qLF-3qPPB0CFKcWqjTsIMszF94Alo3ndNk07NiWJj6U_pym_3SwWlmVNumeMRhOGXAAsyVIUuOjN0a1oFr6w/s1600/Papa+and+Andrew+watch+movie.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Also on the list was to visit my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew who live in another area of Houston. We all had a great time playing ball, bubbles, hide and seek, and exploring outside! The kids gobbled up pizza for dinner {<i>I'm talking some serious pizza eating here</i>} and we ended the fun with a dance party! You know that's my jam. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKAldYF1zlc2uNEFeW9T3FvwrO0sbzoonRxcJpNU7varZvJWSucEJRf1kookiUOnMFL8Uwlf_QQekP7nyOKOYQMgSoERWycqAc5CMhx2hbZNzF3T8QPTMn1oxyQ1LnYV2lrfI4tnzXo8/s1600/Uncle+Stephens+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKAldYF1zlc2uNEFeW9T3FvwrO0sbzoonRxcJpNU7varZvJWSucEJRf1kookiUOnMFL8Uwlf_QQekP7nyOKOYQMgSoERWycqAc5CMhx2hbZNzF3T8QPTMn1oxyQ1LnYV2lrfI4tnzXo8/s1600/Uncle+Stephens+truck.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Children's Museum</u></b><br />
<br />
This was our first visit. I have been avoiding it due to the price, but thanks to Groupon we were able to swing it this once. On this particular day I had decided Andrew and Allison had to use their legs and walk- no crying and being carried around all day! Unfortunately for my helpers and I, Andrew put up quite the battle. It took us 30 minutes to get from the car to the toddler area. But we got there. And he wasn't carried. <br />
<br />
Once we were inside, they all had a blast! It really is a neat setup for little ones. Once we got the cues they were hungry, we headed to the cafe for lunch. They were all wonderful eating in the cafe! I was surprised/impressed myself. The best part? They ALL walked back to the car with no big meltdowns- took 10 minutes. HA!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv8GWDMC5rO4pJf3cZvwM9XrAt3-KOLdFPoA4siLavkvTvQ0WL2xKB-rbtySi-yhEnCJ2ewVYJ8gZ1R9EA_v9XjH44FaCH0ZpIGiFuvhF81uiZQwYfhN9PlHt1wjlshtHQw3dZzIxMns/s1600/museum+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv8GWDMC5rO4pJf3cZvwM9XrAt3-KOLdFPoA4siLavkvTvQ0WL2xKB-rbtySi-yhEnCJ2ewVYJ8gZ1R9EA_v9XjH44FaCH0ZpIGiFuvhF81uiZQwYfhN9PlHt1wjlshtHQw3dZzIxMns/s1600/museum+collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u>Brazoria County Fair</u></b><br />
<br />
My grandparents volunteer at the fair every year and have been waiting for the kids to be old enough to enjoy at least one aspect of the fair. This year I knew they'd love the animals! So one morning we loaded up and headed to the County Fairgrounds. We started out in the learning center with a fake cow to milk, stick horse races, and a petting zoo with goats, bunnies, sheep, and a donkey. Then we made our way around the show animals: pigs, rabbits, cows, horses, chickens, and turkeys. They really enjoyed seeing rows and rows of animals. We ended our visit with a picnic lunch and a special treat of funnel cake! I mean, what kind of trip to the fair would it be without funnel cake?! And, surprise, they couldn't get enough. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfowoh8iobfTgrhANYYhYVIK5YnXN1Ed2kCFzfFBp993lYNictzOqQSJvM1JcQc7PcMaj9sSddI4PpYMVzWx5tGx8kGn1Q-IboD18o28e8upTY8BJcEGOK1DIiA-7KZO7ZXw-UpBrA2E/s1600/whole+fair+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfowoh8iobfTgrhANYYhYVIK5YnXN1Ed2kCFzfFBp993lYNictzOqQSJvM1JcQc7PcMaj9sSddI4PpYMVzWx5tGx8kGn1Q-IboD18o28e8upTY8BJcEGOK1DIiA-7KZO7ZXw-UpBrA2E/s1600/whole+fair+group.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Pumpkin Patch</u></b><br />
<br />
Last year I debated a visit to a pumpkin patch and decided against it. This year I decided we could handle it. Especially with my parents in town to help :) We chose to go to a small patch at a nearby church. Great decision! Plenty of pumpkins to choose from, a couple of cute set ups for pics, an enclosed playground, a train ride, and a huge pumpkin chunkin catapult were all there. We spent most of the time at the playground, but the girls were pretty interested in picking out pumpkins. Caroline was getting quite frustrated that she couldn't lift most of the pumpkins. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgbFL-qt_W7Tl_k8iBISM4BJqI4IZ1SMEzdam0YVLkRSDHDOrwUSJMccke2QqbEaHpiVPavlCka0STSFoTYOfqfXvOuuAUscQOmaHgh33fvllJhI8nwQRYyVmdFAXyeiWovJyNh193fQ/s1600/Caroline+carries+pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgbFL-qt_W7Tl_k8iBISM4BJqI4IZ1SMEzdam0YVLkRSDHDOrwUSJMccke2QqbEaHpiVPavlCka0STSFoTYOfqfXvOuuAUscQOmaHgh33fvllJhI8nwQRYyVmdFAXyeiWovJyNh193fQ/s1600/Caroline+carries+pumpkin.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She eventually found some smaller ones she could handle- then put them in someone else's wagon! Our attempted family picture has much to be desired, but we survived it, found the perfect pumpkin to keep, and got out with only one meltdown. Success indeed. <br />
<br />
<b><u>Parks</u></b><br />
<br />
We LOVE parks!!! Especially in glorious fall weather. One day Dave and I were feeling ambitious and took all the kids and dog to a close by tiny park (I call them pocket parks) in our neighborhood. Perfect for our kids! The right size equipment, enclosed, and no one else there. On one visit there was another child there, but it didn't take long for us to scare the poor kid away. Pretty sure he was overwhelmed. We have also discovered a not too far away big park that has plenty of stuff for little ones to do. They have a blast, burn tons of energy, and we enjoy watching them and sometimes joining in too! Even Leah gets in on the action- I take her down the slides with me. Seeing her face light up is priceless!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-d7g9dZ9-ZEXChKag6RVbFc69In-QfXuVw-CrLX7EaquPwlc5j_EXK-Vk9vsA1TfOWemu3mvhDFslIBiclkJ4BYbIlIea7DctigAQsdbH4oTKWiCyzQo0n5wiblLRBIZLUSxoNE3OYI/s1600/sliding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-d7g9dZ9-ZEXChKag6RVbFc69In-QfXuVw-CrLX7EaquPwlc5j_EXK-Vk9vsA1TfOWemu3mvhDFslIBiclkJ4BYbIlIea7DctigAQsdbH4oTKWiCyzQo0n5wiblLRBIZLUSxoNE3OYI/s1600/sliding.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Perkins Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374447263717872221noreply@blogger.com0