Spring 2018

Spring 2018 began with a big shift for our family.  Jake was switching to a new job that didn't start for almost two months.  We spent a few weeks home together, then I went to work full time for three weeks while Jake stayed home with all four kids prior to him starting work.  It was a rare opportunity that few people get to truly switch roles.  He got to see what my life looked like everyday at home, and I got to see what it felt like to work full time and come home to a spouse and four kids.  This was a truly challenging season but we did manage to have some fun and take away some helpful perspective.  Although we both agreed that the day to day "job" of being at home is more challenging than being at work, I did see what it felt like to pull in the garage and wonder what I was walking into.  That has helped me remember that when Jake comes home from work, perhaps we should dial down the chaos a bit.  His biggest takeaway was "you can't get anything done while you are home!"  He couldn't make a phone call or get anything accomplished he had planned to without kids pouring paint on the floor or some other mischief they could find.  He felt like it was a helpful perspective.  While I enjoyed reconnecting at work a bit and he loves time with the kids, we are both glad to be back in our routine of me being home with the kids and him being back at work.  Some pictures from the Spring:


Coming home from work and cuddling with the babe.

Movie night

Snuggles

Windy day

My beautiful grandmother's church picture

Pretty girl

Even though he doesn't nap everyday anymore, some times he goes into his room and crawls into bed and takes a nap on his own.  I'll go looking for him and find him here.

Dad

Ben's Me Doll from school.  Nana sewed it for him and he loves it.

Smiling kiddo

 Ready for their pajama parties at school!

Dad often falls asleep when tucking the kids into bed.

Picnic on the deck.

Hanging with Papa

On Rara's birthday, we celebrated and brought treats to her mom since she was gone.

Rara left this Spring to go on a grand adventure around the world.  She gave the kids a map so we could follow her travels as she goes on her adventure.  We love and miss her so much!

The kids made their own Easter bunny ears.  Love their creativity.

Easter Sunday.  

I took a picture of each of the kids the first night in their sleep sack.

 Hug a Bear came to visit for the weekend.

Hay Ride party at school.  Dad dressed them for it and did awesome!

We love getting to take part in the Easter egg hunt put on by our friends in our neighborhood.  This year a few kids ran out early before it started.  The adults tried to get them to come back and one kid just kept running...which prompted the entire hunt to begin prematurely and the adults lost all control.  Who was that kid?  Anniston.

Lolli and Champ come with ice cream every year.  This girl got in line three times.

Dying Easter eggs.

Scooter ride in his underwear.  Not uncommon.

 Covered in mud.  Also not uncommon.

Loved coming to Anniston's Easter party at school.

Big day for Eiley, picking out her first underwear.  She chose Elena of Avalor.

 Loves to dress fancy.

Being little won't stop this guy from getting what he wants.

Right before Jake started his new job we got to take a little weekend getaway to Dallas.  We stayed at a house with a pool, had a movie night, and went to the Dallas zoo, which was VERY hot.  We had a great time, just spending some good quality time together.  So grateful for uninterrupted time with my crew!