Here is our March artwork. I commissioned my friend, Jen, for this one.  We agreed a four leaf clover was appropriate.

On this beautiful Saint Patrick’s Day we took the babies on a mini road trip to my parent’s house.  I say “road trip” because it’s an hour drive there and taking the babies anywhere besides a walk seems like a road trip.  We stuffed the van with a package of diapers, package of wipes. four pairs of pajamas, eight bibs, four booster seats, a swing, a travel crib (mom has two more), four bottles, two cans of formula, four jars of baby food….you get the idea.  It was everything but the kitchen sink and it practically looked like we were going out of town.  In everyone’s best interest, we waited to leave until after the babies’ morning nap.  I knew they probably wouldn’t get much shut-eye at Nisey and Grandpa’s so I thought at least one good nap was in order.  After their 11 am spoon feed (green beans) and bottle we corralled everyone into the van and hit the road in our green attire.  Thankfully, the babies made good use of their time in the van and took a decent nap.

Everyone wore green today in honor of Saint Patrick. And of course we didn’t want anyone being pinched.

A faux road trip seemed to be an occasion worthy of shoe wearing for everyone.

Upon our arrival, the babies made note of their new surroundings.  Eight little eyes darted around the living room fully aware that we weren’t in Kansas anymore.  They clearly knew it was new territory.  Rylin being her pensive self really seemed to take it all in and pouted a little bit initially.  When everyone was settled, the big people  enjoyed a home cooked meal complete with cabbage and potatoes in honor of our Irish heritage.  The babies of course were served some delicious formula.  After lunch, George, my sister, and I headed to visit my Grandfather while the babies stayed behind.  Nisey and Grandpa reported that the babies took a short nap then devoured their spoon feeds despite being in a new place and using booster seats for the first time.  The babies also apparently met many of my parent’s neighbors while we were away.

Before we headed home, some of our extended family was able to drop by to meet the crew for the first time.   While the babies were a bit apprehensive about meeting so many new people they all acclimated very well.  Rylin really sized each person up, but was eventually won over by my uncle Clarke.  Sydney who reserves laughter for special times erupted in giggles when my uncle Mark played with her.  Harper does not know a stranger yet and enjoyed cuddle time with whomever held him.  And Mason, well, he flashed his dimples way too many times to count.  Instead of rushing home, we fed the babies their final bottle before leaving.  George and I feared there would be dire consequences of moving sleeping babies from the van to crib.  To our surprise, the babies handled it all in stride.  Mason didn’t stir a bit and the other three were awake but went to  bed without protest.  Whew!  It was a lot of work taking the babies out for the day, but we had a lot of fun and it was much easier than previous trips with them.   We’re all looking forward to getting out and exploring more this spring and summer.  My sister and I have grandiose plans for a field trip to the zoo and a shopping excursion with two babies (we’ll take the two who took a good morning nap!).

When Rylin finally warmed up to Clarke, she smiled at him and enjoyed this little game. 

Props to Uncle Mark who got Sydney to chuckle.

My Aunt Linda and Sydney enjoyed a little Baby Einstein and cuddle.

It’s so much easier feeding four babies when there are more than four adults. I don’t think I fed a single baby after 11 am today.

Harper was enamored with his Aunt CiCi tonight. He kept touching her face and grinning even while eating. 

Oh yeah, we celebrated my belated birthday too. My sister made this yummy s’ mores cake found on Pinterest.  Oops, someone forgot birthday candles so they improvised with a tea light. 

This was cute. Grandpa sang to the babies as they waited to go back to the van.

How did you spend St. Patty’s Day?  I hope you at least wore green and if not that you were pinched.  I know I made sure to pinch everyone who forgot and that was most everyone in our family except the wee ones I dressed.

Hugs!

Amber