st. george, good times

The home we rented was quite deluxe. There were 5 bedrooms, 2 of which were HUMONGOUS master suites. Josh, Kate, and I shared a (smaller) room, and things went pretty well. One night she did wake up and start calling for Mom about 3:30AM. In the stupor of sleep I went and got her out of the pack n play and carted her to bed with me, thinking she might fall back to sleep again on me. I put her back in the pnp, but she would have none of it. I was so tired, that even when Josh brought her back into the bed, fully awake & wanting to play, I managed to slip into blissful sleep anyway. He said that they didn't fall back asleep until 4:30. We all woke up at 7:30 in the (queen) bed together. I have to admit, it was pretty sweet to see her sleeping face right next to me in the bed.

First thing every morning, Kate asked to "find Lydia" or "find Lauren." The girls had so much fun just living with each other, and I'm still having to explain that Lydia & Lauren aren't "downtairs," they're at their home! Of course, they also enjoyed playing bumper cars with all of the aunties, mimas, gagies, mom, dad, and all of the loving arms that would "hold me." Fun activities from the indoor playtimes include playing with "tabow" (playdoh), "moofies" (movies), and most impressive of all -- threading "neckaces" with Mima. She even warmed up to her cousins Jofen & Andoo. The sweetest thing happened on one of the last nights. Several months ago, Gagi went to the hospital because she had a lot of chest pain. We prayed for Gagi a lot those two days, and this made a huge impression on Kate. Our ni-ni sing times are often concluded these days with Kate requesting, "pay Gagi." Well, that night, she asked me, all of a sudden, to "pay Jofen" & "pay Andoo." It was so cute! Of course, it's very likely that it is a stall tactic, but I indulge it! Well, until she starts asking for repeats. Then you just MIGHT hear me say, "We already prayed for Gagi." or "We already sang Jesus."

There was also a private pool at the house & we made pretty good use of it. The girls just weren't able to put in hours at the beach. So, several days we stayed at the beach for a few hours & then went back to the pool for lunch & swimming time. There was an outdoor shower that made the beach to pool transition pretty easy.

The girls escaped their parents after being washed in the outdoor shower & made their getaway to the pool. At least we stopped them from getting INTO the pool. :-)

As I already mentioned, Kate couldn't wait to see Lydia every morning. Same was true for Lydia. Jen, Ben, & Lydia's room was opposite ours, so they could hear each other. Here they are watching "Curious."

I love it when they hold hands!

Yawn! I'm still tired!

The girls got to bathe in the master bath -- quite munificent! I also gave the two older girls a shower in the walk-in shower. Man, I need one of those!

Kate was trying to "wash Lydia's body," even while Lydia was swimming. Earlier that day, we caught Lydia trying to ride Kate. I guess it was payback time!

Once again, why do I buy toys?

I just can't get enough of her smile!

Lydia blowing bubbles in the pool. This is a big achievement for her!

I'm coming to get you!

There was a small leak in the pool, so we had to add water every day, much to Lydia's delight! She loved watering the pool. . . & people, too. :-)

One, two, three, (and then she takes a big step she calls a "jump!")

Lydia kept trying to convince me that this was NOT a hammock, but a swing. :-)
These girls are best buds.