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On a recent morning I took care of Everleigh, almost 3;

Andrew, 2; Briggs, 11 months; Ethan, 5 months all together

by myself for the first time.  It would have been sweet

to capture a picture of the 4 of them together....

But that didn't quite work out.  

The first half hour went great.  Then, the next

45 minutes was tough.  Andrew needed a time out,

Ethan uncharacteristically could not be consoled,

Briggs clawed at my legs, and even Everleigh

looked like she might cry.  oh boy....

 Then Ethan relaxed and fell asleep, 

Briggs went down for his nap, and Andrew,

Everleigh and I went outside to get

some fresh air (with monitors close by).

Ethan got his bottle, Briggs got his bottle

and Andrew & Everleigh got a snack....
and then they all pooped.

So I learned a couple of things....

1.Enlist the older 2 to help with the younger 2.

Ev was great with Ethan; Andrew loves Briggs. 

2.Briggs is content in a high chair for a few minutes

while I calm Ethan. 

3.Keep a pacifier in my pocket, along with kleenex,

phone and an aspirin.
4. Safety first.
5.This, too, shall pass...

6.How lucky am I to get to spend time with these little ones.  

Marshmellows are cheap

Briggs walks behind the doll stroller, practicing

for walking on his own....it won't be long...

Everleigh and Briggs spent the night recently

so Gpa Greg built a fire on the patio and we

roasted marshmallows.  And when I say roast

I mean as in the fire.  Everleigh wanted them

directly in the fire.

Gpa was able to secure one for me to eat though.

As much as she liked sticking them in the fire,

she didn't really want to eat them.

All my toys were on the floor within 10 minutes

of arrival.  Always great fun.

Briggs, Ami, Scott and Everleigh joined GG

and GAS at a nearby parade.

Everleigh is very patriotic for a 2-year-old.

And Andrew tried out some new paint brushes

this week.  I got to wondering why I don't

have more pictures of little brother Ethan.

Then I realized that watching Andrew

and trying to use a camera are mutually

exclusive activities.  But I'll try it again

soon cause little Ethan is growing fast.

Finally...cool enough to play outside!

Andrew and Everleigh "ride".

then...slide...

Everleigh is always fascinated with Ethan...and he with her!

Kinda funny...They were playing in Andrew's Gazebo

"kitchen"...making sandwiches (thanks, GAS) but the

next day when Andrew was playing alone, he was

using the Gazebo as a garage for his trike.

Briggs with a very sweet smile....but watch him!  He's quick!

On Ben & Jesse's anniversary we took care of their

boys at the camper.  Here Gpa and Andrew share

a swing!

While I chill with Ethan in the Bjorn.

Andrew tries out the new trike.

Then...decides to take over the handlbars for himself.

Later in the week, Everleigh and I headed

to the zoo.  She liked to ride this piggie....

6 years...really?

Can it be only 6 years ago this week that these pictures

were taken?  So much life has happened since Aug 4, 2006...

Anyway, congratulations to Ben & Jesse on their 6th anniversary.

This was the just the first day of their adventure together.