"Miracle on the Hudson"

So, last Saturday when we were out near O'Hare, walking into the Allstate Arena, Jason pointed out some planes overhead.   This is what followed (keep in mind, this is pretty much exactly what Carter said, he's not even 5 yet.)

"Well, Dad, I hope that he doesn't have a GOOSE in his engine!"  Jason asked him what he knew about that and then he said, "Well, this pilot was taking off, and he ran into a bunch of gooses, and they got into his engine.  So then, the pilot had to make an emergency landing,  IN A RIVER! Then, all the people inside the plane, had to go out the emergency exit and stand out on the wings of the plane.  They waited, and then a rescue boat came and took them to safety!"

Well, Jason looked at me like I had told him that.  And of course I hadn't, so we asked.  He said he had heard it at school.  So, it's been established that Carter can recall very specific details of things, so next time his sister is crying and says he doesn't know what happened, we will know he is full of it!!!!

Below is some artwork that the kids did recently in school, the big one on the Carter did, it's of our family at the beach at Emme & Papa's, and the smaller two are the twins version of The Little Mermaid!

Disney on Ice

Saturday, we had our BIG adventure to Disney on Ice!  The kids have been really looking forward to this for weeks.  So, we made the trek to the Allstate Arena with Carter, Annabelle, and Olivia.  Poor Cooper was left at home (and thankfully so, it was a long walk to and from the car and it was 5 degrees) with Betsy.

The kids LOVED it!  They were mesmerized by the lights, the characters, everything.  We of course had our 10 dollar popcorn, and 5 dollar lemonade, but thankfully managed to make it out of there with only a program.  Jeez, I have never seen so many people pushing SO much over-priced merchandise!  

The kids sat pretty still for the whole thing, it was so fun to see their reaction.  4 is such a great age, they are so impressed by things.  We ended the night with a stop at Steak and Shake for burgers and shakes.  Again, they were really good.  Maybe it's because we never go anywhere, but they are truly impressed by the little things!!!!  Such a fun day!!!!

Here is Olivia singing her version of a song from High School Musical. She now thinks she wants to be "Gabriella" when she grows up! She loves to sing and dance, and perform. Emme really knew what she was doing when she brought the girls the HSM video, I didn't think they would get it yet, but they sure do! Carter even loves the movie. He said when he gets older he wants to sing AND play basketball!! Jason and I both LOVE to hear that! We want some well-rounded kids, that's for sure!!!

Saturday was the BIG birthday party for the twins at Bar Louie.  The girls were SO excited to have their "Princess" party.

The girls were so happy to see their friends, Brooke, Avery, and Lauren.  Carter of course was happy to see his buddies Jack and Carlo, which kept him occupied most of the party. Cooper had a great time drinking cup, after cup of lemonade, and eating at least 2 pieces of cake!!!!

The kids dined on pizza, chicken, and hot dogs, and were thrilled to see their Ariel and Cinderella, cake and decorations.  I love the innocence of 4 year olds, they are SO easy to please, and were thrilled with the few decorations we had.  In fact, when opening their presents, Annabelle reached into a gift bag and pulled out just a hanger (obviously the clothing had fallen off), and squealed with delight, "Look, I got a new HANGER!!!"  It was so cute!!!!

Everyone we invited came to the party, which was great, with the exception of Grandma & Grandpa Evans who apparently had something more important to do.  This wasn't easy to explain to 2 four year olds, but luckily we have the support of good friends who are like family to us.  A special thank you to Martina, Phil, Kamie, Kathy and of course Aunt Ginger for all their help at the party.  It's a little chaotic at times with 4 kids and a pregnant Mom, but these guys really helped make it manageable, thanks again!!!

All in all, it was a fantastic day, that we managed to survive, and the twins had a BLAST.  And that is all that we wanted!!!!

Birthday Celebration!!!

So we had a fantastic birthday celebration for the girls!!!   They were SO excited all day!  They came home with "bucket birthday" hats from school, and gave out goody bags to all their friends. 

Then, when their Dad came home, the party really started!  They had gifts, from Mom & Dad, and Papa & Emme (dresses that they LOVED!)  And even Carter and I stopped on the way home from school and got them each a princess balloon (from Carter of course!)  They were THRILLED!!!!

Then, we had the spaghetti dinner that they requested, and polished that off with a piece of cake!!!

All in all the 6 of us had a great time!!  The girls were so happy and even when it was bedtime,

Annabelle said, "I really loved my birthday today!!!"  So mission accomplished!!!

Saturday we have invited our friends to lunch at Bar Louie to celebrate, the girls are VERY excited about their "friend" party,  so the celebration will continue!!!

Happy Birthday Annabelle & Olivia!

I have to brag a bit about the twins today!  Today is their 4th birthday, and quite honestly, I am in shock that they are 4 already!!!  When I look back at how the entered this world, I can't help but be SO proud of them.  From the moment they were born, it was obvious, that they wanted to be here.  Now, 4 years later, it's hard to imagine them as those sick little babies that spent 10 weeks in the NICU.

They are both, the smartest, most caring little girls.  They shock and amaze each day with their maturity, and their capacity to understand things.  They are both great big sisters, and are both keep us laughing, A LOT!!!!  The get along so well with Carter, and Cooper, and each other.  The rarely cry, they express themselves wonderfully, and they have imaginations that you wouldn't believe.  Jason and I both feel privileged to be their parents, and we can't wait to see what the future has in store for them!

Happy Birthday girls!!!!!!

Olivia, 2 pounds, 7 ounces

Annabelle 2 pounds 11 ounces

Well, it has happened...

It was bound to happen eventually, the big kids are officially signed up for their first "sport."  I use the term loosely, it's only soccer for 4 & 5 year olds.  But, yes, they are officially on their first "team!"

They were very excited when I told them that they are all going to play soccer in April.  Annabelle immediately headed for the basement to find her soccer ball to practice.  Olivia seemed excited, and Carter seemed, well, marginally excited.  

They were all a little more excited though to find out we are all (minus the baby) going to see "Disney on Ice" on the 24th of this month!

Cooper starts school!!!

Cooper began her first week at Montessori on Monday, she is in the 8 a.m. "baby" class as the big kids call it!  She loves getting ready each morning and cries just a bit when having to leave her Daddy when getting out of the car.  All reports from her teachers are that she is doing extremely well, doesn't really cry once she gets there, and is full of energy.  One teacher even mentioned that she is talking in class, which is surprising, because while she is a chatter box here, she's usually pretty quiet around others!  She particularly loves the Elmo "house" that they have there, and was very excited to play!!!