Na na na na Life Goes On

Things have been pretty crazy since my last post. Well, actually, I think things have been a lot crazy since the twins came! I think the biggest thing we've learned in the last year is that life continues to move forward, whether we like it or not. Here's an update on the fam:Lizzy and Jane turned 6! They are pretty sure they are very grown up. They've lost several baby teeth and their new GIANT front teeth are movin' in. They were upset when school ended but have thrown all of their energy into taking full advantage of summer and new friends in a new neighborhood. Jane asked me yesterday if she could go around the neighborhood and make some new friends. (I had to explain to her that I have to be with her when she does this as the last time we went to the park, she went up to some strange grown-ups, "made them her friends," and proceeded to teach them all how to play a new game she had invented.) Liz is catching up on her reading and spends a lot of time running around playing mommy.Liam is really growing up. He often surprises me with his funny sense of humor. All the kids like to tell jokes. He seems to always be looking for a reason to laugh. He graduated from preschool and we all survived the program-but just barely. He got to say his line first ("America, America, it's for me, the land of the brave and the home of the free."-still gets stuck in my head.) After that, I had to stand next to the "stage" and keep him quiet for the rest of the program. His flag became a sword, his tambourine a hat, and so forth. The little girl next to him enjoyed playing with him. He informed me later that she was his girlfriend. Hmmm....
Ben has been enjoying the freedom that summer brings. I've had to take his bike away for a few days because he kept getting on it and just riding where ever he felt like going! He's really enjoying having so many grown-ups around to take him places. He's been trying all sorts of grown up things, particularly board games. He has now been initiated into the world of "Settlers".The babies are doing well. Though they are both growing up WAY TOO FAST! I wish I could pause them and enjoy each moment (except at night-sleep would be nice. I would like to have coherent thoughts during the day). Natalie is really starting to learn some new words. Her cute little voice always saves her from scoldings. She'll do something naughty, like maul grandma's fern, pull dirt out of the living room pot onto the newly shampooed carpet, or play in the toilet, and then look up at me with her big brown eyes, rosy cheeks, and curly strawberry hair. HOW CAN I GET MAD AT THAT?! Eli is learning everything about everything. He has grabby little fists now that put everything into his mouth. He likes to scream. I don't mean cry, I mean his babbles are screams. We went to the Hill Aerospace museum and he discovered that his voice echoed in the airplane hangers really well! He's a good sleeper and eater and has discovered the joys of solid food. What a nice boy!!

We've been following our summer tradition of going somewhere as a family every Saturday and have had some really fun outings. Sometimes I feel like it's the only time of the week when we all get along. I guess that's how it is in a big family, someone's always upset about something, but then there's always someone to cheer that person up!

We feel really blessed to be together and look forward to better circumstances. In the meantime, it's sure nice to have Grandma and Grandpa so close by. They kids love the extra attention and I love sharing kitchen and house hold projects with my mom! It's a spoiled woman who doesn't have to cook every night or do laundry every day!