The little things ...

I have decided there is simply no way to keep up with everything that happens around here on this blog.  There are so many big events, holidays and milestones to write about with four little kiddos, and not enough time to do it.  But life around here is so much more than those big things.  I also want to remember the little things ... the funny pictures, laugh outloud moments, the new discoveries, etc. that happen every day.  So here's to the little things that make life what it is ...

Like the boys' first time through the car wash.  James was not a fan.  Elliot thought the sucker was cool and was not bothered by the rest.

And realizing my kids take up an entire swing set at the park!

And Elliot's face on his first carousel ride.

And how Madeline is always bringing me flowers.

And watching Elliot and Lydia make each other laugh.

  And seeing the smile on James's face when he rides his little bike.

And wondering what the heck Annabel was doing until she said "Look, my neck can make a trapezoid!" 

And laughing as Elliot discovers new foods ... like his first time eating corn on the cob and his love of Nutella.

And going for walks (or runs) around the neighborhood alongside these two "scooter girls."  They are fast!

I also love remembering all the moments when I catch them all playing (peacefully) together ... like seeing them working puzzles on the floor and being silly.

And playing one of their favorite games where they make a "train" with the chairs and all climb aboard so Madeline can be the conductor ... of course!  Oh, the places they go ... 

Or dressing up in their new swimsuits to pretend they are swimming.

Putting them all four in the tub together is always an adventure too!  But that's how we roll on nights when daddy has a gig.

Sometimes it is even the littlest things, like their faces when they look at each other and laugh, that make me just stop and enjoy the moment.  

Yes, these two have lots of fun adventures together ... like their first convertible ride with their super cool aunt.

And their first gymnastics class with their friend Sydney.

I want to always treasure the memories of Madeline's always entertaining scooter tricks.

And her one of a kind fashion sense.

And of Annabel's new found LOVE of "making" her own outfits and costumes ... even though my house is now covered with paper, scissors and tape!  

 And her love of games and gadgets ... and her technological savvy as she figured out how to download her own games and apps on my ipad (with my password) by herself!

And this is perhaps one of my favorite pictures of the girls ... showing off their "zucchinis" after they dressed themselves one morning at 7:00 a.m.  Never a dull moment around here!

So many funny and sweet moments with my boys too.  Like watching James tote his blankets all around the house.  He loves to snuggle.

And enjoying our occasional Monday morning mommy and James donut date.

And I certainly cannot leave out this little guy's obsession with sunglasses!  Elliot never leaves home without them. (He now has boy sunglasses too, but he still goes back to the Dora sunglasses occasionally.)

Yes, in a life full of hectic and often chaotic days, I will keep reminding myself to stop and enjoy the little things with these four little people who call me "mommy."  That is what it is all about.