1st time trick or treaters

Let me set the scene...wind gusts about 45mph, temps in the 30s and an occasional sleet/rain. Sounds like perfect trick or treating weather, right?!?! This was the first time for the kids as we did not take them out or even buy them costumes last year as they were still pretty young for it. Although I would have loved to do a theme like most triplet families do like the 3 pigs or 3 little bears or 3 peas in a pod but I had already picked up a couple costumes at rummages for the boys and Liz was going to use a costume that we got from one of the generous people in California. So we had a giraffe, a hound dog and a butterfly. I almost bought some costumes at the resale shope of Eyore, Tigger and Piglet, but refained from doing so. So the plan was to meet at Jean's house and take the kiddos out. The boy rode in Jean's wagon and Liz rode in the single stroller. We made it about 2 blocks and turned around to come home. Stopped at about 7 houses and I took turns taking the kids out and up to the houses. It was just plain miserable. They did excellent considering the weather.
We then took our treasures and headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house. They enjoyed seeing the kids dressed up. The kids enjoyed warming up.
We had a good time and are looking forward to next year when they can walk most of the time.
Love, Jen
Zachary as the Hound Dog
Alexander as a Giraffe

Elizabeth as a Butterfly

The boys in the wagon

Liz in the stroller

Warming up at Grandma and Grandpa's

Alexis as Lady from Lady and the Tramp

No longer a jail...

Yesterday afternoon I took the plunge...I took down the "fence" guarding the TV and other electronics. Zach had mastered getting over it within seconds and the two were working on getting over in less than 10 seconds. It had become an attraction to get mom's attention. So I took it down.
Now you may remember the "fence" as the "jail". It was the play yard we got for the kids a year ago. It kept them safe and sound and mommy sane! We had it orinigally on foam mats to make falls a little less hard. Once they grew out of the "jail" we used it as a "fence" in many different forms to protect things in the living room. It was the last thing we took down before giving the room to them. It then became the protector to the TV (our last thing in the room that is ours).
After I took it down I decided to put it in it's original form. The kids are loving it. No, it no longer keeps them in but it is great enjoyment for them. It takes up quite a bit of room so I am not sure how long we will let them use it, but for now it is their "house". They put their chairs in it, books, stuff animals, lego, balls, the baby in the stroller. They absolutely are loving it.
Before I put this post on I went back to posts done in October 2007 to find the pictures of them the first few times we used it as a "jail"...they have grown so much. What a year can do...growth AND hair!
Enjoy.
Jen

Fingerpainting

You may be thinking...hey she already posted about their first fingerpainting...I didn't...I posted about the water colors which turns into fingerpainting. This time was with actually finger paints. We invited Jean and Alexis to join us this morning for an activity. We all had a blast! The kids were stripped down for very good reason! Although the pictures are one giant mess they are still colorful. Grandma ended up showing up while this activity was happening so she got to help clean up the mess. As you can tell they are more body paints...why limit it to the fingers right?!?!?
Love, Jen

Wrestling with Roxy

This posts is in honor of our great dog Roxy. She is not mentioned much but plays a big part in our family. For being a dog with a not so great background not to mention no kids background, she is a great dog for our kids. She puts up with a LOT from the kiddos - from tripping over her, falling on her, hugging her, petting her, etc. Zach and Liz love to play with her. She was not much a player when we first got her but has grown into the role very nice. She loves all the toys that we have...many that have never been played with. The kids love playing tug of war with her. She is so gentle with them...knowing not to bite them or scare them. The video is much better then still pictures but that is all I got here. Liz squeals with joy when playing with her and Zach just giggles. It is quite the thing to watch.
Love, Jen

The aftermath of 4 toddlers...

So you may wonder what it looks like when all four kids are playing together...well the best way to explain it is tornado like...lol! The four of them LOVE to pull the cushions of the couch. Today they decided to stack them like a mountain and jump on them. They love to wrestle on the couch and jump up and down. Who knew a couch could be so much fun?!?! Notice the dogs trying to stay "safe" in the middle picture. The living room and dining room are usually disaster areas while the kids are up. You definitely want to watch where you step, cuz stepping on a wood block is a killer. :)
Love, Jen
PS I am enjoying my new job very much. THe kids are very excited when Alexis gets here and Sadie (Jean's dog) too.

Mom, can we help?

Another afternoon in the play area required some raking of leaves. The kids know exactly what I am trying to do and actually try to help a little. Alex was very funny this time going out. He got into the play area and immediately laid down on the leaves. He is too funny! Again we got a nice big pile of leaves. The kids swam in them for a while and then began grabbing big handfuls of of leaves. They then proceeded to carry the leaves back across the play area and dump them on a new pile. It was quite the sight. A big pile with a trail of leaves to a much smaller pile. The kids were so proud of themselves and yes they ALL helped do it. We will be sad when the leaves are gone, but then we will have snow to explore. Aw, to be a kid again!
Enjoy,
Jen