January

January started out ROUGH. I had almost forgotten until I looked at these pictures... Just take a look at the first one...! We were all sick for the first and larger half of the month. What a start to the new year. It took us down one by one and just kept circling back. I'm normally not a downer on January, and I'm not one of those people that feel like the month lasts forever, but this year might have been different. Despite two birthdays to look forward to in the month, it wasn't my favorite one. Thankfully, there were lots of smiles, laughs and love in the in-between, and we've made it through just fine (with a 29 year old and SIX year old in our midst now!) 

 ^^ Judah was the first to catch the stomach bug and we spent the first day of the year catering to his every need with a puke bowl at the ready. Gosh, sick babies is just the worst. ^^

 ^^ Ezra and Uriah went down next and for almost 24 hours, they were both puking every 5-20 minutes. Eventually, it became quite comical. I felt like such a MOM! Luckily, they're both old enough to aim for the bowl or make it to the toilet. ^^

 ^^ I came next. Yuck. Moms should not allowed to be sick. Stephen attempted to go to work but was sent home shortly after. Praise the Lord for two toilets in the house (and sweet, patient kids who are (mostly) capable of taking care of themselves and totally ok with days in front of the television) ^^

 ^^ It stayed with Ezra the longest. After a week we were all on the up and up - on to alllll the laundry and sanitation! ^^

^^ We started school back up on the 7th with our 5th unit - the solar system! ^^

 ^^ Rainy Sundays, cute babies in bathtubs, errands, a dead praying mantis (finally!), family walks and backyard rain play. A lot of our January was spent just us, keeping away from friends and busyness. It was quiet and simple and nice, but slowly I started to itch for more! ^^

 ^^ One of my favorite days of the month was spent at the zoo with my little crew. We opted to leave the stroller at home and Judah spent most of the time walking around the place following Uriah and Ezra. It was slow and wet and empty and just so much fun. It felt like Oregon and it felt good...! ^^

 ^^ TWO boys! I'm a lucky lady! ^^

 ^^ I woke up on my birthday to a sweet love letter and a sweet sleepy babe to snuggle. I got to go shopping (solo!) and eat all my favorite foods. I didn't do a single dish or fold a single shirt and I got to snuggle my hubby next to a fire under my homemade birthday banner (my only birthday request!) I felt spoiled and seen and loved and I am so grateful to be one year older and to get to do life with these people, big and little! ^^

 ^^ All the while Judah is still sick and Stephen is sick and my throat is starting to ache... January, are you over yet? ^^

 ^^ There is another January 12th birthday in "the family" and we got to celebrate sweet Ramsey Drew on a Sunday after church. We have been so blessed by this family and their friendship and I'm so happy we were able to love on their SEVEN year old! ^^

 ^^ Babies being cute, siblings being sweet, good friends, park days, amazing Lego creations and new rain jackets. Ordinary days with extraordinary kiddos! ^^

 ^^ We have all loved this solar system unit but I was especially proud of this moon study activity! The kids only cared about the Oreos, but let's be honest, me too! ^^

 ^^ Pre church naps and post church hangs ^^

 ^^ A day outside by the river - not much beats it! ^^

^^ Uriah wanted to go to Fairytale Town on his birthday (a post to come!) and this is Judah hanging out with dad while the kids go down the too big for Judah slides signing his "I love you". Melts me every time! ^^