4 Under 4

You read that right... four kids under four... We're having twins!!

If you are looking for me, I am in a mental institution.

Just kidding!  I got a taste of four kids, three years of age and younger, this weekend.  I am completely content with my two.  But in all honesty, it was completely manageable with 4 kids under one roof with 6 adults.  It also helped tremendously that the weather was perfect for outdoor playing.

Uncle Matt, Aunt Jen, Luke, and Heidi made the trek north from NC, (Great) Uncle Mike flew in from Florida, we drove in from MD, and Mema provided the place for us to stay and the reason, her birthday, for our family reunion of sorts.  The last time we were all together was almost 3 years ago in NC.  We are three kids stronger this time.

I love seeing how the cousins remember each other and pick up where they left off.  Evie took an interest in Heidi again.  I can't wait until Heidi is older and they can play babies together. For now, Heidi is Evie's baby.

Luke and Evie have an interesting relationship.  Luke asks for Evie and is excited to see her, yet cries about 80% of the things Evie does, including looking at him.  I'm not quite sure what is so intimidating about a 25 lb scrawny girl, but clearly she sets him off.  Luke also liked to tattle tale on Evie.  It was amusing to me, but I know as a parent a whiney toddler gets annoying fast.  I want to document this to share with them 15 years from now to make them laugh :)

There was one activity that they did together for a long time without fussing.  Ride bikes.  Thank you God for putting it in my heart to bring Evie's bike with us or bike riding would have been an absolute disaster.  One bike for 2 preschoolers = trouble.  Luckily, we had 2 and a lawn mower.

Here they come!

The two of them started in the garage and giggled
down the slight decline into the grass or across the driveway
for at least 15 minutes

Speed racer!

Evie trying to help me out

Braylen did more mowing in the neighbor's yard than Mema's.
On more than one occasion we found him like this.

Sweet Heidi will be in the mix soon enough

Braylen and Luke's relationship is still developing.  There were cute moments of them playing with the baseball equipment together and the dump truck.

Only a year a few days apart.  Braylen is catching up in size.
We all think Bray is in the running for biggest cousin.

Still a little unsure about the bro hug

Our visit was filled with kid centered activities, good food, and game playing.  We treated Mema to a photo shoot with all of us for her birthday.  Mema keeps updated pictures in frames throughout her house, which is a rarity these days to actually print out photos.  I am so impressed with her diligence!  We hope to give her a few more pictures to add to her frames of the grandkids and her family.  I am also thrilled to have a Christmas card picture ready to go in October!  I won't share any of those yet... you'll have to wait until our Christimas card arrives :)

Ladder golf and beer.  Were there really 4 kids there? 

the "kids table".  Evie is the entertainment.  Luke is about
to tattle tale on her ;)

And of course, an attempt to get a picture of all 4 kids... with the help of ice cream sandwiches

Where did that dark skinned kid on the end come from?

Evie 3, Heidi 8 months, Luke 2.5, Braylen 1.5

Thanks for hosting us on YOUR birthday, Mema; it was a fun weekend.

LOL.  Happy Birthday!