@ Ashley's

My sister Ashley and her husband Shayn were the first to generously welcome us into their home. Considering they only have one son- a cat named Kiefer, as it were- it must've been quite a shock to absorb all of us for 3 weeks. Picture a perfectly decorated, un-childproofed, pristine home, and let your imagination wander as to what 4 kids could do. Especially when the kid's personal jungle gym aka: Uncle Shayn, went out of town on business...
My sisters neighborhood is full of young kids who were all anxious to meet the newcomers. My older three were like rockstars for at least 48 hours. They have never really had the neighborhood friend experience and it was fun to see them make friends and play so easily. On our first Saturday we went to the Eagle Fun Days Parade along with the neighbors and let the kids try and douse the firemen, as is tradition. Kohen especially got a kick out of the proverbial "David and Goliath" water fight.
Notice Kennedy taking out Aly. The fire trucks are the other direction, Kenna.

The babe with my babe

Ashley spent a lot of time helping me shop, and believe me, I needed it. Not to mention the queen of accessories was constantly catching me on my way out the door telling me, "oh! I've got earrings that will match that!" or "I've got the perfect bracelet for that!" It was like playing dress up everyday and I loved it.

After Shayn left Kennedy, Kohen and Aly migrated back to the trees to do their climbing, and one morning I found they had all but moved in, a tribute to the Sound of Music perhaps?
Notice Kohen's monkey tail from his Gma Bonnie...

The first 3 weeks we were without Nathan so I tried my hardest to get the shopping done. I have to thank all of my SIL's, Trevi, Kysa, Tara, Amber and my nieces Maddie and Emilee who all bent over backwards taking care of my children so I could scramble all over town trying to outfit a family of 6 for a year. I was grateful that my children got to hang out with their cousins and Aunts, having a blast. A heart felt thanks.
Another fun first was Kennedy, along with her BFF/cousin, Laynie, both had their very first sleepover* at Gma Bonnie's house. I am not sure if ecstatic even covers their mutual excitement. They got to swim and do projects and play to their hearts content. A first sleepover is a memorable event in a girls life after all. Or maybe not. I just know I still remember mine, and I hope they will always remember theirs too.

* I have to mention that we have a family rule of no sleepovers. There may be a few exceptions involving a favorite cousin and gma's house- should any child of mine try to use this post against me at a future date as leverage for an unauthorized sleepover, please note: Your parents reserve the right to refuse sleepovers with anyone at anytime. That is all.