We love cupcakes!

No school today! So, of course, we had to find something to do! We made some early Valentine's Day cupcakes! I was just getting ready to put sprinkles on them and I remembered that I didn't want to clean up sprinkles....I have learned the hard way!





Also, here's a picture of the world's happiest baby, still! You can see her new front teeth! Her newest trick is to clap, she claps about everything! What a smart girl, she's only 9 months old!!

Hearing tests!

Today, Annabelle and Olivia had their 3 year hearing test. Since they were born so early, they want to make sure that there were no effects from the prematurity. So, the twins were very excited (they literally LOVE doctor visits) to go to the speech and hearing place for the test. Olivia went first, and did everything the woman asked perfectly. Her hearing was a little off because of the recent ear infection, but she said there's nothing to worry about. Then Annabelle took her turn listening for the "birdie" and putting the rings on a stick every time she heard it. The funny thing about Annabelle, was not only did she follow the instructions like Olivia did, perfectly, she named every color of every ring or block while she did it! The woman said (and I am not exaggerating) that they were the best 3 year olds she had seen in a long time! Annabelle was so cute, she said thank you when she was finished, high fived the lady AND pushed in her chair! Looks like the Montessori education is paying off already!

Just to make this story as real as possible, it's important to note that when Olivia was called in, Annabelle went BALLISTIC in the waiting room because she wanted to go first. And then, when Olivia was done, she didn't want to go back into the waiting room and wait with Carter, Cooper, and Kara. I guess the good news is that while they may not always behave for us, they are very good when someone else ask them to do something!

Next stop? The three big kids to the dentist on the 6th, I think if I "sell" it to them like the hearing test and the doctor's office we should be fine!

Kids in the house!

We were finally able to take some time and look around the new house! Prior to now, the place was a serious death trap for small children. Now that we are getting somewhat close to the end of the process, there are far less tools for them to kill themselves with. However, there is plenty of dust and dirt to drive me bonkers! Not to mention the fact there is mud everywhere and I have a serious problem with dirt in my car! Anyhow, we had a nice time showing them their new rooms, and taking a tour. The girls loved that they had 2 sinks, and Carter was excited to learn that there will be 2 beds in his new room!

Eight Below!

This is now a family favorite! The girls and Carter all love this movie! And, with Paul Walker, there's a little something for Mom too! If you haven't seen it, check it out, it's a great family movie!

Annabelle & Olivia's Big Party!

Saturday was the day! Not only was it a high of 9, we had the girls birthday party at Bar Louie! The girls were SO excited! There were balloons, and of course their fave was the party hats (which they had to wear the entire time).

There was great food, cake, and presents (which was the chaotic highlight of the day, as it always is)! Annabelle ate her weight in skittles and reeses pieces, then went on to eat chicken, fries, cake and ice cream! Olivia enjoyed the cheese pizza, and LOVED the cake and ice cream!

I hope everyone enjoyed themselves, I know we all did, especially the "birthday girls"!

Thanks to everyone who made it and thanks again for all the wonderful gifts for the girls, they are so appreciated!

Cooper is 9 months old!

Cooper went for her 9 month visit today! She weighs 21 pounds and is 29" long...This puts her in the 95th percentile in weight, height, and head size. The doctor agreed that she is definitely an Evans, and just like her brother and sisters before her she is on the big side! Oh, and she has almost 8 teeth, this is a RECORD in this house. Olivia didn't have 8 teeth until she was 2!!!!

Olivia also went with my because I had a strong suspicion that she was on her way to an ear infection. No real symptoms, just a gut feeling on my part. Sure enough, she had a double ear infection. Knowing we had a big party on Saturday, it was a relief to catch it before she had a fever. It's only after almost 4 years that I have learned this, if they are going to get sick, it's going to be when you have something planned. So, she got her Omnicef and we nipped it in the bud!!!! Also, Olivia has to be the BEST child to take to the doctor, she actually said she "loved" her doctor today. She got so excited when they called our name, and she skipped down the hall to the room! She also was actually happy when the doc checked in her ears, took her temp, and listened to her chest. She is such a good girl!

Happy Birthday Annabelle & Olivia!

We can't help and remember where our twins were 3 years ago today! We are both so proud of how far they have come. I know, that had you told me 3 years ago that they would be doing what they are doing now, I wouldn't have believed you for a second!

Again, we both couldn't be more proud of both of them. Oh, and yes, they know it's their birthday and their sweet brother was singing to them, kissing them, and making up all sorts of silly songs about their day!

Here is where Annabelle and Olivia were 3 years ago....

Annabelle


Olivia

Sunday Fun!

So what do you do for fun on a cold Sunday? Head to the Bass Pro Shop of course! I guess our kids are deprived, because you would have thought we had taken them to a zoo, or Disney World, or something along those lines. Anyhow, we had a great time exploring, and checking out the boats, fish and taxidermy!

And of course, the hat the kids tried on was an adult size, and fit Carter perfectly!

Meet Carter's new friends!

It is the funniest thing to hear Carter laughing out loud at the 3 Stooges, he laughs so hard, it is hilarious! He was watching one last night where the "guys" ate soup with soap in it, and every time they spoke, bubbles came out! Carter was laughing so hard he could barely talk! I guess my only concern is that he may go to school and try to poke one of the kids in their eyes or slap one of them in the head!

You can't turn your back for a second!

The twins, while I thought they were playing nicely downstairs, were in fact in Cooper's room! They woke her up after what turns out to be far too short of a nap. I heard some chatter, and when I went down to check, this is what I saw!!!!

I ask myself...

how many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will I make for these kids in their lifetime? I was actually wondering the other day, how many I have already made? It has to be in thousands already, or at least it feels that way. Ah yes, this is the writing of a crazy woman who is luckily (for them and for me) and happily sending 75% of her kids back to school tomorrow, can anyone say WOOHOO???

Potty training and dining out!

Two things are going on here now...Firstly, potty training twins is as hard and physically demanding as you can imagine (for those of you who have done it, I applaude you, Martina!) Anyhow, the positive to this age is that we are now able to dine successfully out in public as a family (this includes the adults actually eating) without too much of an ordeal.

Here are some tips I have for anyone who may need some help dining out with this many kids: First, starve your children to the brink of them passing out from low blood sugar. Second, make sure you know the menu, and order pretty much upon entering the restaurant (no time for "deciding" what sounds good.) And last, know your limits and stick to them (leave right before you think it's all going to go south.)

That's pretty much it! Just a little advice from someone who now is excited by just getting to leave the house to have a meal!!!!!

Jumpy Fun!

We had a BLAST today with the Atkins and Kutckas at the "jumpy place" (as the kids call it) in Dyer. Thank goodness for Kathy, Tiffany, and the "big" kids who basically served as chaperones for my clan. Anyway, we finished it off with lunch at Bar Louie, and again, thank goodness it's our restaurant, otherwise we may have had to pay a "clean up" fee...Annabelle managed to spill an entire cup of milk on the carpeting, only after she went to the bathroom in her pants (she was afraid of the BIG potties in the restaurant).

Regardless, I consider the day a huge success if we manage to get out of the house, have fun, and come home alive!