Wow. How is it that Evan is 5 months old already? We've been busy keeping our heads down trying to figure out how to manage life as a family of 4, while still enjoying every moment of the short time we get with our boys. Some days we are (barely) keeping all the balls in the air, while days like today we are so behind that we are just trying to get everyone out the door dressed, fed, and well caffeinated (Steve and I) to manage the lack of sleep caused by a happy but vocal teething little boy. Never mind the chaotic house, the half completed weekend projects, the unloaded dishwasher, and clean laundry sprawled on the couch.
When I joined the Peace Corps they told me it would be the toughest job I ever loved. I got all sorts of respect from people here and in Zambia for moving to the rugged unknown, half way around the world. Yet the Peace Corps doesn't compare in either measure - tough or loved - to what I experience daily as a mom. There, all I had to do was show up. The rest was taken care of for me - no bills, a flexible work schedule, instant friends. Here, society expects me to keep an orderly house, care for the kids, pay bills, buy and prepare food, do laundry, etc.; all while working full time as a successful and competent employee. It's an unrealistic expectation that parents meet every day. Yet the tough is nothing compared to the love I feel for my little kiddos, and our happy family. It is so easy to get bogged down by the daily logistics and constant effort, but that isn't what matters. I gladly brave the tough every day because the spontaneous hugs and kisses from Elliott, the light up his face smiles from Evan, and the vibrant joy and humor they both exude make me feel like the luckiest person in the world.
Ok, enough sappiness for one blog post. I know what you really want is an updated dose of the ridiculous cuteness that is my world.
We spent Halloween at our local mall. Of course, Elliott was a fireman (he's been obsessed for the last 6months). He's already told me he wants to be Elsa from Frozen next year. We'll see if that obsession lasts. Evan was Yoda. He already looks wise for his years.
A typical Saturday morning at our house. We enjoy relaxing in our PJs and waking up slowly.
My sister Jessica and her family stopped by last month. Elliott had a blast playing with all of his cousins, but was most impressed with Uncle Dave's construction gear.
We try to do at least one fun outing every weekend, and usually go to the beach. When you live in paradise, why not go every weekend?
We celebrated Elliott's 3rd birthday in September with a, you guessed it, fireman birthday party. It was one of the hottest weekends of the year, and we had all our little firefighters put out a "fire" with water balloons.
And all my boys snuggled up reading stories. How did I get so lucky to end up here?
Best. Family. Ever.
