Four of a Kind

Sometime after discovering we were expecting quads, George researched statistics and determined the chances of conceiving quadruplets to be about one in a million.  We joked that we hit the “baby lottery”. George actually bought a lotto ticket, hoping we’d win the state lottery, but no avail.  We’ve always considered having quadruplets to be a “win”.  Keeping that in mind, I thought of the quad’s Halloween costume last year- Four of a Kind.  Actually…I’m not sure I thought of it myself. Four of a Kind is relatively common for quadruplets because In poker, four of a kind is also known as “quads”.  Anyways, I had my heart set on Four of a Kind last year, but the babies were too small for it.  This year they were just the right size.

To bring this idea to life, I picked up a package of Hanes toddler undershirts and black and red duck fabric.  George stenciled the suits and A’s onto the fabric, which we cut out.  Because I have zero sewing ability, we enlisted our friend, Marianne, to help us with that part.  She did a beautiful zig-zag stitch that should last long enough for several future generations of quadruplets to enjoy.  (Thank you, Marianne!!!)

I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing this, but taking a picture of four active toddlers together is nearly impossible!  We busted out the baby Adirondack chairs to contain them, but Mason kept escaping.

I’m sure everyone is tired of hearing this, but taking a picture of four active toddlers together is nearly impossible! We busted out the baby Adirondack chairs to contain them, but Mason kept escaping.

I’ve never been one to dress up on Halloween, but this year, I really wanted to do go all with our theme.  I went onto Amazon and scored a Poker Dealer’s hat and arm bands for George, but was a bit puzzled about what I should wear.  While perusing Amazon for George’s accessories, I noticed that the female counterpart to Poker Dealer was “Lady Luck”.  Being a spendthrift, I wasn’t about to drop any cash on ordering a costume.  Instead, I rifled through my own closet to pull something together.  I think it turned out pretty well.

Four of a Kind wouldn't be complete without a Poker Dealer and Lady Luck!

Four of a Kind wouldn’t be complete without a Poker Dealer and Lady Luck! It’s hard to see in the photo, but my hair clip is made of tiny playing cards (all aces) and poker chips.

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Once our obligatory pictures were snapped, we set out for our very first excursion as Trick or Treaters. Thankfully, Nisey and our friend, Terri, joined us. The quads are all capable walkers, but they aren’t terribly efficient yet.

Just getting out the door posed a challenge for quaddlers.

Just getting out the door posed a challenge for quaddlers.

Our first stop was across the street to Kent's house.  There, a huge bowl of peanut butter cups beckoned the quads, but they were hesitant to take any.  Eventually Sydney gingerly chose a piece and the boys joined her.

Our first stop was across the street to Kent’s house. There, a huge bowl of peanut butter cups beckoned the quads, but they were hesitant to take any. Eventually Sydney gingerly chose a piece and the boys joined her.

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Rylin protested choosing any candy and instead clung to Nisey.

Rylin, hon the other hand, protested choosing any candy and instead clung to Nisey.

Once we collected our fair share of peanut butter cups, we traveled to our next door neighbor, Kim’s house. There, Harper and Rylin had a blast picking Tootsie Rolls from her bucket and handing them to George. This ended up being our final stop as Trick or Treating was hard work this year.

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Kim snuggled Sydney while the others picked through the candy bucket.

Kim snuggled Sydney while the others picked through the candy bucket.

Each time Harper spied a bowl of candy a mischievous look swept over his face.

Each time Harper spied a bowl of candy a mischievous look swept over his face.

Each year, George prides himself in being the most decorated house on the block and this year was no exception.  He laced our bushes with bright orange, purple, and lime lights, hung large letters reading “BOO” from our porch, and giant spiders crawling in our bushes.  I didn’t snap a picture this year, but it looked similar to last Halloween. A few years ago, George and I grew weary of popping up from the sofa to dole out candy to voracious Trick or Treaters.  Not to mention, it drove our fur babies insane hearing the door bell ring and rapping on the door.  We began putting a baby gate in our doorway and posting up in the dining room.  That allowed us to enjoy our traditional Halloween dinner (chili dogs and chips) while we greeted little spooks.  Our usual plan worked perfectly for the quads.  They had a fantastic time playing in an otherwise forbidden part of our home while also checking out all the visitors through the window.

Every year, George insists on putting skeleton bones out as part of his decor.  I absolutely loathe the horrid things, but it's a losing battle for me.  George let the quads play with them and it looked a little grisly.

Every year, George insists on putting skeleton bones out as part of his decor. I absolutely loathe the horrid things, but it’s a losing battle for me. George let the quads play with them and it looked a little grisly.

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Lily took her role as official family greeter and hopped up at the edge of the gate with each new wave of Trick or Treaters.

Lily took her role as official family greeter and hopped up at the edge of the gate with each new wave of Trick or Treaters.

Even though four babies toddled around the foyer and hundreds of kids visited us, Sasha found it fitting for a siesta.

Even though four babies toddled around the foyer and hundreds of kids visited us, Sasha found it fitting for a siesta.

 

 

When I was a kid, mom always made a pumpkin shaped cake of two bundt cakes.  She made it once again for the quads.

When I was a kid, mom always made a pumpkin shaped cake of two bundt cakes. She made it once again for the quads.

 

What do you think the quads should be next year for Halloween?

Hugs!

 

Amber

8 thoughts on “Four of a Kind

  1. Love your costumes! The kiddos are getting so big. Harper is George’s mini-me :). How about two sets of thing one and thing two? and you and George as other characters from the story. anyway, I love to see the babies growing up and how their personalities are developing so well. God bless all!

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    • Thank you! Most people agree that Harper favors George.
      Ah the Thing 1 and 2, also popular with multiples. Maybe we could just do two things and have the other two be the kids, and George be the Cat in the Hat.

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  2. Very creative and you and George looked great! Love that y’all put the baby gate up at the door, perfect idea. And the kiddos playing with the bones is pretty funny. Miss y’all!

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