A Few More Reason Why I Love My Kids

Sometimes my kids are funnier than I can describe.  They make me smile in ways I didn't even know I could.  They fill my heart with so much love and make me the luckiest Mom in the world.  Lately, these are the pictures that make me laugh until my stomach hurts.



Emily loves wearing Matthew's pajamas. 
She calls Batman, Batbee.
I love her because she is the perfect little mix of 'rough and tumble'
and sweet and princessy.  She had to wear the Batman pjs but
insisted on carrying a purse.  My kind of girl!



Word to your Mother.



Captain Tutu Pirate Lightsaber Guy!
Outfit courtesy of Claire.



Another outfit courtesy of Claire.  Girly on the outside,
Sponge Bob pajamas underneath.



Three of my kiddos loving being silly together! 
They always catch me off guard!

SCU Pasta Feed

You don't have to twist our arms to get us to go to events at Santa Clara University.  Both Damien and I love it there and really feel like we're part of a bigger family at these events.  Over the years, we have met a lot of people who we continually get to see at various University events.  The Pasta Feed is an awesome event.  For each ticket- you get to go to an all-you-can-eat dinner in the Malley Center and also get a ticket to the Men's Basketball game which always follows the dinner. 

This year, Michael wasn't able to join us.  He was invited to his friend's birthday party so we had an extra kid-priced ticket.  Claire called her friend Lauren and she was able to join us for one super fun night!  My kids really love this event.  There is face painting, free basketballs, fun contests, complimentary SCU tshirts and other paraphernalia.  What is not to love!  The food is usually pretty good and the kids love that they get to have whatever they want!  Another highlight is that the SCU band and cheerleaders come which is always a hit with the kids.  While the band was warming up on a side court, they played the Star Wars theme song which Matthew just couldn't believe!  Matthew's jaw was dropped in pure amazement.  It was a classic moment.

Emily and Matthew had such a great time.  It was hard to keep track of them but they just loved it!  Lucky for us, Uncle Keith was able to join us and helped keep tabs on everyone.  We were even able to eat dinner with Fr. At which truly was a treat!

Thankfully when Bucky the Bronco came out- Emily got a little scared so she let us hold her for about twenty minutes or so.  This enabled us to actually eat our dinner and relax for a bit!  I pondered offering Bucky fifty bucks to just stand right next to our table in the hopes that Emily might just stay put!

After we finished dinner, we all went to the Men's game where we got more free tshirts (I love freebies) and watched the game for about thirty minutes.  I left Damien at the game with Keith and Fr. Art and took Claire's friend home so I could make it to the end of Michael's birthday party and pick him up on time. 

Life certainly can get crazy around here with six different schedules but I wouldn't change it for the world.  Although the night was packed- I was happy we made it all happen so we could experience this awesome night! 

My Family ROCKS

Santa is a smart man.  He knew that our family would love an  Xbox!  I had serious doubts about getting another video gaming system but Santa proved me wrong.  To top it all off- Auntie Gina and Auntie Nannie are even smarter for getting the kids Beatles Rockband for Christmas!  It took a while for the kids to understand the concept of Rockband and be successful at it.  We have two guitars, one set of drums, and a microphone.  It is so much fun to get four of us in on the action at the same time! 

The problem with Rockband and beginners is that if you are not successful with your instrument, your entire group fails!  Thankfully, Michael got Lego Rockband from his cousin Seamus at Christmastime.  You can't fail on Lego Rockband so it was a great starting point!  I think my favorite part of the whole game is that my kids are learning some great songs from my adolescence and beyond. 

When my parents were here a few days ago, we taught them how to play, too!  It was awesome to watch my Dad sing a Beatles song, have my Mom and Claire on guitar and Gina on the drums (ask anyone- Gina is a drums hog).  No matter who plays Rockband, it rocks.  A few times after we have put the kids down for bed, Gina, Damien and I have rocked into the wee hours of the morning.  It is addictive!  All the kids love to play.  Emily has even been caught on occasion playing the drums while holding her bottle in her teeth.  Now that is resourceful!  But you gotta do- what you gotta do!

Coming from a musical family- this is right up my alley.  I love that my kids really get into it.  They sing the songs all day long- even when they are not playing Rockband.  The songs that slay me are the Beatles songs.  They really have no business knowing them but after playing for months- they can sing them at the drop of a hat!

It's serious business here in the Swendsen household.  Right now we are on a tiny hiatus because he have a broken microphone.  Turns out if you try and tug it out of someone's hand enough times- it might mess with the wires.  It also doesn't help that when Matthew sings, he sings with his mouth on the microphone and leaves about two tablespoons of drool for the next singer.  But never fear- the new microphone has been ordered and should arrive shortly!  No pulling and no drooling on the microphone.  Um, yeah.  That will last for about ten minutes!

Nonna's In Trouble!

Look who let Emily put on eye shadow?  It was my parent's last day in San Jose and we were getting ready for Mass.  Nonna was doing her makeup at the counter and she gave Emily a eyeshadow brush and some eyeshadow.  While Nonna continued to get ready- so did Emily!  It was hilarious when we finally looked over and saw her masterpiece! 

Emily knows no bounds and we have learned whether we give her things to get in trouble with or not- she will find a way to get a laugh by getting in trouble.  I am biting my cheeks constantly and trying not to laugh at her antics!  We went to Mass (after scrubbing off 80% of the said eyeshadow) and then went to get some lunch before my parents had to leave.

Lunch was really great.  All the kids held out without melting down and we had a really nice time.  Gina was with us so it just added to the fun!  We all came home and played Rock Band for hours.  It is really addicting- especially for a musical family!  Beatles Rock Band is especially fun.  Hearing Matthew sing Yellow Submarine always puts me over the edge.  Too cute!

We had a great weekend.  What a great treat to be able see my parents for a short but amazing time.  I really miss them so trips like these are priceless.  I hope this San Francisco trip was better than their past trips.  I guess having their flight cancelled and driving through a snow storm to Reno leaves room for improvement on their next trip right?

Yay for lazy Sundays where we can all hang out as a family.  I thank God for my parents and the amazing example they set for me as I grew up.  I integrate so much of what they did into my everyday life.  My Mom is Supermom and has shown me that she can get through everything no matter the circumstances!  She is so talented and has an abundance of love for those around her.  My Dad, has been such an amazing influence on my life, too.  He was so involved and put so much into making his kids happy!  I have so many amazing memories with my Dad.  I am a lucky girl to have my Mom and Dad.  Love you guys!

Go Lady Lions!

Claire has loved this season of basketball!  It is the first time I have seen her so into her sport!  She does love soccer but something about basketball seems to invigorate her and I love watching her glow!  As I have said before, I coached Claire's team this year.  We had so much fun.  Our team was comprised of all second graders which gave us a major advantage in an all first/second grade league!  We did great! 

Claire really improved this year.  I think the biggest thing she learned this year was to approach the game with confidence.  Even if she was called for a travel or made a mistake- she held her head high which enabled her to grow as a player!  She rebounded like crazy (you have to with that kind of height), got so good at dribbling, passing, and even shooting layups properly.  The highlight of this year for me didn't come in the gym, instead it came in our backyard when my Dad worked with Claire on doing the right footwork to a layup.  Before we knew it- she was doing a layup fundamentally correct which is a hard thing to learn!  It was awesome!

The Lady Lions was comprised of Claire's classmates and one girl from another school.  All of the girls had the best time during the practices and games.  I loved watching them love coming to their games.  That is all I can ask for as their coach.  No pressure to win or be the best- just love playing the game! 

After the season ended, we had a pizza party and it was a lot of fun.  At awards time, I love being able to say something special about each player and in turn- watch their faces light up with pride.  Coaching is a lot of work but so fulfilling.  Clairey- I loved coaching you this year.  You never stopped hustling, you tried your very best, and you set such a great example for your teammates and friends.  I hope I get to coach you again next year!

Go Buckeyes!

Michael has been loving basketball this year!  He was put on the Buckeyes with a lot of his school friends which was awesome!  This year he was coached by John Turner who used to play basketball for the men's basketball team at SCU!  How cool is that?  Coach Turner's son is in Michael's class and he did a great job instructing these boys and getting them working on their game!

Michael's league consisted of third and fourth grade teams this year.  Considering that his team was comprised of all third graders- they did great!  Michael showed so much improvement this year.  He loves to handle the ball in a point guard kind of way and is alwasy busy and hustling.  He really wanted to improve on his dribbling and ability to get to the basket and shoot.  In the beginning of the season, he kept dribbling to the corners and I explained that it was the last place he really wanted to be!  Since then, he looked for pockets of space to get to the basket and did great!  I was really proud of him!

Michael hustles so much on defense and gets lots of steals.  My favorite part of his season was during one of his last games when they were getting beat pretty bad.  Michael never gave up.  One time down the floor, he was dribbling and let out this viking-like roar, put his head down and dribbled as fast and hard as he could through the boys gathered in the key.  He made it to the hoop and made the basket!  It was hilarious!  What a great season of baskball the Buckeyes had!  Can't wait to do it all again next year!

Manga!

Emily loves to eat!  I love it!  She loves the basics and she also loves things that are more eccentric!  She loves pistacios, almonds, turkey sandwiches (with turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, and mayo), grapefruit, poached eggs on toast, sushi, pasta, lox and bagels, spicy foods, broccoli, and so many other foods that my other kids didn't like at this age.  She also never drinks out of a sippy cup at meals!  Only big girl cups for this girlie (minus her bottle which she still gets three times a day).  In this picture- she is post meal and you can tell that she thoroughly enjoyed her pasta and sausage!  I never said she was a dainty eater.

Emily is out of her high chair now and sits with us at the table which is something that I have been waiting for.  There are six seats at our table and now they are all filled by our little family!  Woo hoo!  It makes me so happy to see our little Emily growing up.  She has wanted to join us at the table for a while so when I see her all excited because she is with us- I just love it!  I absolutely love our family.  Life literally gets better each and every day.

Nonna and Grandpa Visit SF

My parents have a history with the city of San Francisco.  For starters, they frequented the city by the bay a few times during their dating/newlywed status.  They absolutely love it!  My Dad tells me there is no better time to visit than in the month of September.  Since I have a way of believing everything my Dad says- it probably is the best month.  Once my Mom and Dad's life took off and they started having children, funds for SF were thrown to the wayside and they didn't think much about San Francisco anymore. 

Years later- think twenty-five years later, they decided they would take a trip down to San Francisco for old time's sake.  I remember the trip vividly as I was a junior at Santa Clara University and couldn't wait to see them!  They flew into San Jose, spent a few days with me, watched a few of my basketball games, and then on Valentine's Day, headed up to San Francisco to celebrate their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary!  I was sad to see them go- but so happy they were getting a chance to do something fun for themselves. 

My parents were still pretty financially stretched at that time.  They were supporting four of their five kids (who were still living at home) and had a lot of financial responsibility!  This trip was a lavish escape.  A chance to focus merely on themselves and not worry about anything else.  Hmmm.  The fairytale stopped here. They left Santa Clara's campus and headed north to SF.  It was pouring rain.  And this was the opinion of two Seattlites who 'knew' rain.  They checked into their hotel which they thought was $79 a night and turned out to be $179 a night.  They walked in the rain to dinner and ate overpriced, snobby food that wasn't quite their style.  I guess that is what happens when you don't have reservations on Valentine's Day and eat wherever they have a table.  My parents took a cab ride home and after traveling only one block in twenty minutes because it was also the Chinese New Year parade- they got out and walked home in the rain.  Happy Anniversary!

Fast forward to today.  They were excited to come visit and Gina and I were excited to surprise them a bit!  Matthew, Emily, and I were going to drive up to SFO and pick them up and bring them to Gina's house.  It would be a surprise because they thought Gina was going to be their chauffeur!  Well, that plan changed too.  Their flight was cancelled early this morning.  Why?  President Obama was flying into SF- therefore all other flights re-routed!  Lucky for us, they were re-routed to San Jose.  I felt bad for them.  I prayed this wouldn't be another disastrous anniversary trip!  We were able to surprise them and they loved it!  We all drove up north to Gina's house where they got their first tour of her new place!  We stayed for a while and chatted and then drove them to their hotel. 

We decided to order room service for my family because Gina, my Mom and Dad were going out for romantic dinner later in the evening.  It was a lot of fun to just hang out and be silly.  It is what we do best!  Eventually I dropped the three of them off at dinner and drove my kiddos home!  The following morning, Gina, Mom, and Dad were headed to Reno for a family friend's daughters wedding.  There was a terrible snowstorm brewing in the passes so I was worried about them.  But sure enough- they got up bright and early and headed to Nevada!

They had an eventful weekend.  Think white out snow storm, minor fender bender, near death experience, and a very special vase and that is their experience in a nutshell.  They showed up at my house on Saturday and I was so happy to see them and thankful that after all the drama- they were here safe.  We basically bundled up and stayed at home.  I don't think they wanted to do any more driving after that fiasco!  It was so nice to see my parents and I am happy that their San Francisco trip was much better this time around!

Happy Valentine's Day!

After a long trip with Damien, we both decided that we weren't going to do anything that would require a babysitter for Valentine's Day.  We did decide, however, to enjoy the day to the fullest!  As he does every year- Damien got the kids each a heart shaped box full of chocolates.  They kids really do look forward to his special treat and I think it is so sweet, too.  I know I have mentioned this before, but my Dad used to do that for us as kids.  I can't explain why it meant so much to me, but I really loved when he gave them to us.  I am glad Damien is carrying on the tradition!  My Mom used to have a little pile of Valentine treats for all of us on the kitchen counter.  I loved waking up and seeing what she had gotten us!  My parents were great about celebrating all things big and small.  It is something that has definitely carried over into my own parenting!

Matthew had his four year check up at the doctor's today.  I don't know what says LOVE more than being poked and proded by a pediatrician!  I did get him a frosty from Wendy's afterward so that was loving.  I had found these sweet outfits for the two little kids and had to get them.  Emily's was just so girlie and I loved seeing her chubby leggies squeezed into her leggings!  Matthew shirt?  Let's say that when I first saw it- I laughed a little and though it was a tad bit inappropriate.  That was until I pictured him wearing it and pulling it off!  It was hilarious and certainly got him a lot of attention today!  It's didn't get him a girlfriend- but it was a hit with the ladies!

I hate that Michael and Claire miss out on lazy, fun days like today.  Valentine's Day isn't a huge holiday- but it certainly adds a little flair to a normal monotonous day.  I knew they were having fun at school, wearing free dress, and passing out Valentine cards- but I wanted them home with me because I love them so much!  We received an awesome email from Damien's Aunt Monica who offered to not only watch our kids but Mark and Jocelyn's kids, too!  I felt guilty at the thought of leaving them with a babysitter because we were away so much last week.  However, Damien convinced me that they would have fun with their cousins and Aunt and that dinner wouldn't last long.  I was persueded and we did drop them off over at her house and had a great dinner with Mark and Jocelyn.  We don't get to go out with them much anymore (because we have too many kids) so this was a real treat.  Before we had kids- we went out all the time.  It was really nice to sit, catch up, and just enjoy each other's company.  Thank you Aunt Monica!!!

We had a great day that was certainly full of LOVE.  I am so lucky to have such amazing children and a handsome, attentive, and wonderful husband.  As I reflect today on all of those in my life that I LOVE- I hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day!  To all of you that have shown me such incredible amounts of love, thank you

***One more thing.  I just had to post this Valentine that Claire made in computer class.  Damien and I were hysterical over it.  I wonder what her teacher thought!

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

We have been so fortunate that for the past several years- Damien has hit his sales quota.  Once he does this, we qualify for his company's club trip!  The first year, we went to Costa Rica and it was amazing.  It was our first 'real' trip away from the kids.  The following year, the trip was in Barbados.  I was pregnant with Emily so Damien took his friend, Keith on the adventure!  Last year, the trip was in Jamaica and it was absolutely heavenly.  This year, we were thrilled to learn that we would be going to Playa del Carmen in Mexico (40 miles from Cancun, Mexico).

The thing I love the most about these trips is that it is all done and planned for you.  They let you know when you need to arrive at the destination and then the vaction is set in motion.  The first thing we need to do when we find out we qualified for the trip is find someone who is willing to watch our kids.  Not an easy task!  Luckily for me, Gina and Natalie offered to watch them before I had to formally ask them!  Gina said she would watch them on one condition . . . that I sleep train Emily and get her in the crib.  So, on January 1st, I started sleep training and by the time I left for the trip- she was a crib sleeper.  Not a 'sleep through the night' crib sleeper but at least she was a 'sleep all night in the crib with Mommy calming you a few times every night' crib sleeper.  You can't win them all!

Natalie flew down a few days early, spent the first few with Gina in San Francisco, and then came down to stay with us and prepare to be a 'Mother of Four' for six days!  The plan was that Natalie would watch them during the day and then Gina would help her out after her work day ended.  On past trips, I have dreaded leaving the kids.  While I knew that I was going to miss them this time- I wasn't as apprehensive to leave.  I knew they were in good hands, I knew that we were going to be okay and that we would be better parents when we got back.  It is been a crazy year and Damien and I were really looking forward to having some time to ourselves!

After saying our goodbyes, Damien and I immediately relaxed as we took the hour long car ride up to SFO.  We took the red eye to Dallas and landed there at 5:30 a.m. central time.  We then had to wait until 8:30 a.m. to take the flight to the Cancun airport!  We were tired but knew that in a matter in a few hours- we would be on the beach relaxing!  We landed safely and then followed the signs for Damien's company where we met a nice man who shuttled us to our hotel.

We stayed at the Grand Velas, Riviera Maya.  As we approached the resort, we were impressed by the facade out front.  We then continued in the shuttle down lush paths and eventually made it to the lobby where we were greeted by our first names and handed a tropical drink.  Vacation . . . here we are!  We could tell immediately that this hotel was going to surpass any and every expectation we had.  We were intoduced to our personal butler (we had to giggle at this) and told to call her with any questions or to let her know if we needed anything.  She then showed us to our room which was out of this world.  The hotel room was easily bigger than our first apartment.  It had a wall of windows which let us have a full panoramic view of the ocean.  Then she showed us the ridiculous bathroom and main room that we would be staying in.  The balcony had a queen size lounger and get this . . . our own private pool!  It was crazy.  The wet bar was stocked with food and drinks and she told us that we should call if we needed a refill of anything (this hotel was all inclusive and cost us nothing).  So, naturally Damien called her later in the afternoon and told her we could use a few more Snickers and Peanut M&Ms.  When we came back to the room later in the day, there were about eight Snickers, M&Ms, and Twix waiting for him. 

We headed down to the ocean and wanted to check out the hotel before the majority of his work friends showed up.  We ended up eating lunch at buffet restaurant that had a lot of really ecclectic, yet delicious choices.  As we ate and looked out on the gorgeous view- we watched a pelican fly overhead and then take a nose dive straight into the water to catch a fish.  I have never seen that before.  It was really cool and this was moment #1 I had wished the kids were with us.  (Note:  That moment of wanting the kids there lasted .5 seconds before I woke up and snapped out of it!)

That night, after a long day in the pool with friends, we had a welcome dinner.  It was nice to see everyone and catch up.  A lot of us have kids so it is great to see how they are all doing year after year.  Dinner was fabulous and it continued until late in the evening.  But we couldn't end there!  We had to check out the karaoke bar!  There was a lot of pressure riding on tonight.  Last year in Jamaica, Damien knocked everyone's socks off with his own rendition of No Woman No Cry.  What could he pull off this year?  Would he disappoint?  We would have to wait and see!  It's important to know that fate followed Damien into the karoake bar because right as we walked in- Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline started playing.  No one was holding the microphone so he just walked in and grabbed the mike and off he went!  Damien is actually quite amazing at impersonating Neil.  He met everyone's expectations and then some.  I had to laugh to myself as I watched him work crowd and saw them answer Bum Bum Bum.

Bright and early the next morning, all of the members from his company gathered beachside for a a Friendly Decathalon.  I don't know about you, but I don't think of decathalon and think 'friendly'.  Luckily our nine person squad was comprised of mostly type-A personalitlies so we were all on the same page!  We were the purple team, aptly named Te-Kill-Ya (a creative take on Tequila).  The games consisted of fun, fairly non-atheltic categories so everyone could compete on the same level.  You got points based on creative team name, team song, balancing on one foot wearing a flipper, whistling, passing water with cupped hands and transfering it into a cup, long jump, employee name recognition, tug-of-war, bolero, and the limbo.  We had an absolute blast!  The day was gorgeous and we were in the soft, flour-like sand.  What was not to love?  I am happy to report (and pretty proud, too) that I won the limbo contest!  Yes, me!  I wouldn't have bet my win on anything in the world.  Typically, I suck at limbo so imagine my surprise when all of the core work I did before I came here paid off!  Damien and I were in the top five out of 100 people and I almost died when I cleared the lowest bar.  Next to childbirth- definitely one of my more proud moments!  After ten fun events, our team won by one point!  We each got trophies and an envelope with $50 US dollars in it (which worked out well for us since we were brainiacs and forgot to get US dollars before we left the country)!

The next morning, Damien and I had to be in the lobby at 8:00 a.m. to catch our shuttle to the Xtreme Kingdom.  Here, we would zip line and ride on a shot-over boat.  We were excited to try zip lining in another country.  We zip lined in Costa Rica and it was amazing.  We knew that this wouldn't compare but it was going to be fun nonetheless.  Turns out- we had a great time!  We were right to know that this wouldn't even come close to Costa Rica- but it was thrilling and a good time.  The guides were entertaining and at one point had me screaming and clinging on to one of them when he 'pointed' to a snake.  Turns out there wasn't one.  Damien thought this was hilarious!  After the zip lining, we went on the shot over boat.  I am not even sure how to describe it!  This boat has three rows for passengers and is stocked with 500 horsepower engine.  Think really fast!  It flew down these small canals at such high speeds and came within inches of hitting rocks, the shore, and the lushness that surrounded us.  Once in a while, the driver would make a circle above his head motioning to us that we were going to do a 360 degree spin.  And spin we did!  He would gun it and then let off the gas and flip the boat around!  Needless to say- I was screaming!  Damien thought it was fun but let's just say that he might of gotten a little seasick on the thirty minute ride!

The last day we were there was a total free day.  We enjoyed ordering up breakfast to our room where we dined outside and just tried to take it all in.  How lucky are we?  How blessed are we that we are able to be alone, without distraction to listen to life's thoughts?  As we sat in our robes eating our delicious breakfast, we reflected on our journey as a couple, as parents, and just as people.  I am so lucky to have met Damien and shared so much of my life with him.

After breakfast, we decided to take a cab into town.  I always love to go shopping on these trips not only to shop- but see what life is like off the resort.  Playa del Carmen is amazing!  The shopping was spectacular and there was a lot culture to take in.  I couldn't resist buying Emily a flamenco dress.  I know, I'm ridiculous.  We were able to get the kids some really cool little trinkets and I even found some pottery for me!  After we returned to the resort, we spent the remainder of the day at the pool and then headed down to the beach to lay in one of the cabanas.  Sun on me, no sun on Damien.  The cabana is our friend!  The waiters came and served us fresh guacamole, chips, tacos, and caesar salad.  After our snack, we waded into the warm ocean and thought to ourselves, This is the life.

Later that evening was the company's awards dinner.  I do love this part of the trip.  It's a great excuse to get dressed up and be treated to some fine dining!  It's also gratifying to see Damien recognized for his hard work during the awards presentation.  We had a wonderful dinner, had a great time with Damien's co-workers and spouses, danced the night away, and made it home in time for me to order another midnight club sandwich.  You have to live it up, right?

On our last morning, we woke up to rain.  Every other morning we were there- I raised the huge curtains to see sun and the beautiful blue ocean.   Thank goodness we had such amazing weather during our stay.  Our shuttle to the airport was scheduled to leave at 10:30 a.m. and the rain only motivated me to get back home.  We had a wonderful stay in Mexico.  We loved the hotel, the Mexican people were amazingly friendly and helpful, the weather was spectacular, and I was happy there were not a lot of creepy crawlies (always a fear of mine when we travel to warm, humid, climates).  After spending so much time with Damien this week, I am again reminded how lucky I am to have found him.  He feels lucky, too. 

We had the most warm, loving welcome EVER from our kids later that evening.  After a long day of travel (with my NEED to see them growing) we were bombarded with hugs from our little kiddos.  Emily, who I feared might punish me for leaving her, ran towards me (wild hair and all) and gave me the best hug and kiss I could've asked for.  She kept looking at me and saying, 'Mom, hoop?'  (Emily says this because when I go and coach Claire, I tell her I'll be right back.  So now she associates basketball with me leaving.)  I was happy to look at her and tell her I was going to stay with her forever.  Matthew, Michael, and Claire were right behind her and made us feel so loved.  Our trip to Mexico was a dream, but coming back to our kids was our dream come true.  Yes, it is hard raising four kids but it is the most important thing to us in our lives.  We came back rested, rejuvinated, and ready to handle whatever came our way.

My sisters and Natalie's friend, Claire?  They were done.  D-O-N-E.  Five days with my kids was about as much as they could handle.  I kept hearing them say to me, 'I don't know how you do this everyday!'  They said the three older kids were great, but little Emilini was a terrible sleeper.  And we all know what sleep deprivation can do to you!  I appreciate their efforts so much and I know that they wanted to do this for me, so that I could get away for a little bit.  I love them even more for realizing how badly I needed this and sacrificing their sanity in the process!  Thank you, thank you. 

Life resumed to it's mad pace in the morning and when the going got tough- I closed my eyes and remembered the peaceful and tranquil moments in Mexico.  Adios, Mexico.  We will surely see you again.  Until then- I am going to smooch and hold my babies.