ROCK N FLY

My kids (mostly Eva) are a proof that as a parent you do set the example. She has asked if she could join me running for so long that I finally realized that my kids are not babies anymore and could actually keep up, if not surpass my pace. They also have a love of prizes and understand that in order to run well, someone better be dangling a good carrot. So I finally signed them up for their first 5K. It was the first annual Rock and Fly Race at the NAS; home of the Blue Angels. 

The race almost didn't happen. There was thunder and a torrential rain up to an hour before the race. (Blue skies after) and poor Mike developed a kidney stone attack the night before and sadly we went from the whole family with two strollers running to just me and the big kids.

First race face

I really enjoyed running through the base and was moved by the countless tombstones we ran past. "This is the price of your freedom," I told the kids. "Don't ever forget that." A family had driven overnight from Michigan just to race here where their grandfather was buried. And even though a lot of people were dressed in 80's garb  and mohawks, the second the pledge of allegiance began these goofy runners stopped and put their hands to their hearts, or if they were military, stood straight at attention. This also made me well up a bit. 

He's got spirit, how bout' you?

Where did my little girl go?

"Come on Golden. Let's go fast to the finish."

I really enjoyed spending the time with them and watching them interact with the other racers and cheering spectators. You could tell that they felt accomplished and I hope that they felt happy to be doing this with their mommy. I hope their father and I don't become some embarrassment for them that they don't want to be caught dead around because these moments are too few and far between in this life and quite frankly, I love hanging out with them. 

Post race pizza and bananas

Proud mama

Eva was a bit surprised that Golden could run fast (faster than her)but I don't think that will affect her much. We are already planning the next race and she wants to do a 1/2 marathon next. 

These guys were at the mile markers as comic relief. Kids loved them

Eva didn't rest after the race, she managed to get her art work chosen to be exhibited at the art show too. Just another day in the life with this gift of a child. Golden opted out of the art show for some more high minded activities like a new video game. I'm glad to see things don't change too much after one race. 

OH SNAP!

Surprise Spring Break Company

Aunt Kellie paid Mike a surprise visit this weekend making for a fun Spring Break. We had our first official dip in the pool and made it to a few movies and dinner out with the family. The weather was perfect which is more than I can say about poor old Michigan where Kellie has to head back to on Monday. The kids had a blast with her and look forward to a visit from their cousins soon. We had an impromptu birthday celebration for her as well. 

Carlos' first time in the tube by himself. Slow to grasp the enjoyment his sisters found last year

Romeo strikes again

Already tan. How is that possible?

Fearless

A Little Mardi Gras on the Beach

Please and thank you, Gigi

We didn't make it to New Orleans this year but it didn't take the Mardi Gras spirit out of this home. We decorated and had gumbo and king cake to commemorate the special occasion. I have owned these top hats for over ten years if not more and they have been to numerous Mardi Gras parades and parties with my friends. I hope they last another few seasons with these kids. 

Beau didn't like Gigi eyeing her tiara

Every princess has her prince

Nico has just fit perfectly into this family. He wakes each morning with a smile and has been the best sleeper we have ever had. The kids can't seem to get enough of him either and except for a bit more cuddling time, Carlos seems to love his brother just like the rest of us. Carlos asks to hold brother and says "Please mommy, baby. Thank you " He is so polite. I catch Golden reading or sharing a video on the couch with the babies but if I point out what a kind brother he is he pushes them away like I must have been seeing things. I guess tweens don't like to be known for their sensitivity. 

Swoon!

My biggest holding my littlest.

 It has been good having the grands here. Watching the way the kids interact with them and watching the grands spoil them rotten thinking all the while that Mike and I are not on to them. Dave is truly a baby whisperer and he and Nico have such a tight bond that I think Dave may need a baby doll to hold when he leaves. It's gonna be ugly. Eva is a great big sister and I see the future mother and wife she will become. No one will be worthy of this girl. She truly is a gift from God to all that come in contact with her. 

Three generation of men hang out 

 Golden has had a bit of growing to do these last few months. He is taller than me and has a larger shoe size than me as well. His voice is cracking and all he seems to talk about is how many scary movies he is going to see when he grows up because yes, we are a PG household. "R is for restricted to Golden," he says. But don't feel bad for him. The house reverberates with this kids laughter as he watches everything from The Three Stooges to the latest Disney movie. He wants for nothing. 

Golden has had a growth spurt

Little mama with my mamitas

I still can't get over the size differences in my kids

Nico looks like such a bruiser while Carlos is the lover

Love this guy

The crew

The Grands

The sun and surf suit these two

 How can I forget my husband. He is such a hard worker and still manages to come home and compliment me on my care of the children and calls me good looking. He has such a good heart and a wicked sense of humor. I thank him for keeping me in the lifestyle of which I have grown accustomed. That being the lifestyle of tired, always covered in some form of food product, laundry folding, dish washing, dinner cooking, and generally too happy for someone who changes over three poopie diapers a day. Love ya, Papi! And as they say in the Big Easy, 
Laissez les Bon Temps Rouller! Let the Good Times Roll

Handsome and handsomer

Field Day 2014

Another year has come and gone and here we were at another Field Day for the elementary school. The weather never fails and it is always sunny and dry for the day. These kids are lucky. It was also the first time I took the triplets without the assistance of  a triple stroller. They were the quinticential cheerleaders except when they were running up and down the stands but they did it quietly and that's all that matters when you have this many kids. Nico was perfect but that should have been the kid's middle name because he has gone to countless movies, dinners and even a Cirque De Soleil without so much as a peep. (He's gunning for favorite child position) We also had the Grands with us this time and Eva couldn't have been prouder. She showed off her family to all her stunned friends. "They are ALL your brothers and sisters?" was asked a lot. Eva continues to be a bright spot in a dull world. Always kind, thoughtful, funny and yet, a bad ass competitor. The girl has wings. What can I say. She gets it from me…..okay maybe not from me but from her very talented and athletically gifted father but I cheer better than him. In all, it was a success and I can't believe I have to do this for so many more years with so many more kids. Here's to a lifetime of good weather. 

Perpetual motion from these girls

Go Eva! 

The girl is fast!

Her class is the Metcalf's Minions 

Love the drool

We finished with some baby yoga in the front yard

Gigi has a constant smile on her face and so do I since she is potty trained now

These two are thick as thieves. I catch grandpa cracking up in a room with Nico all the time