Fall at Columbian park

 Colombian Park has a special place in our hearts.  We used to live across the street from this awesome park when we first moved to Lafayette. We just love it.  Our kids are at such fun 'park' ages. Eden loves to help the twins explore and enjoy it.  David is still a young kid at heart and loves to make friends, spin fast and run around. Ruth likes to climb and go down slides.  Ben is adventurist.  He goes on all the big slides, climbs up ropes and twisty rods (heaven forbid he just takes the steps).  He always makes other parents nervous. Sam goes on the big slides backwards and will try most things if someone is with him.  

 These days Paul is super busy, it was a TREAT to have him hang out with us.  Best day.  We really miss him but understand this is temporary and will support him as he is finishing his LAST year of school!!!!!

Ben

Sammy, E E, Day Day

Sam

Ben

 I feel like my days are so busy but I don't accomplish anything.  I did not expect having children close in age would be so darn hard.  It is a different hard. I expected the physical aspect (messes, diapers, grocery shopping, dirty toilets, trantrums, etc). I didn't expect the emotional. Trying to give all 5 the mental space they need.  They all want to talk at the same time!  They all want something different at the same time! They all want me to 'watch' or 'look' or 'read' to them individually usually at the same time!  You can't schedule them like a business meeting.  I've tried. I've tried to schedule times in the day when it's "david's" but someone cuts their finger, spills a gallon of milk, has a fever, starts fighting, needs scissors or can't find their dance shoes.  They are all still young.         

I know I won't remember these days.  It's so nice to have a camera. These pictures capture the moments. Then when I'm a grandma, I will add my own make believe memories laced with beauty and love!

Ruth is 5

 Ruth had her first friend birthday party.  It was a lot of fun.  I only took two pictures because it was a little crazy keeping track of all the kids (plus the twins).  How do people take pictures at parties?  I guess they really aren't at the party.  We broke a pinata, ate pizza and cake,  made play dough, pin the tail on the donkey, face painted (with markers) and jumped on the trampoline.   

 On her actual birthday we celebrated in the morning with Dad, breakfast in bed (although Ruth doesn't like to eat right when she gets up) and presents.  Yes, the twins still drink from a bottle.  After spending a fortune on sippy cups that leak, get lost, throw at heads and left in the car...I have gone back to sometimes using $1 bottles.

 Ruth is growing out her bangs.  She recently cut a chunk of hair off on the top.  This was the main reason I had her hair cut shorter again.  Hopefully next year she can have a longer bob all one length.

 Paul took Ruth to lunch on her birthday.  She loves spending time with her dad.  She loves any one-on-one time.   

Ruth is in preschool at the YMCA.  She has many friends.  She likes to go on dates with her parents.  She is in dance.  She likes to write her name.  She loves to play with the twins and Eden.  Eden is her second mother/best friend.  David constantly reminds her to put on her seat belt.  She loves shrimp.  She sleeps with her pink blanket every night.  She has little teeth.  She likes to laugh.  She loves to play with babies and wear princess heels.  Happy 5th birthday Ruthie Toothy Snugly Bear.