Our Week

It's been great to have the kids home, not worrying about packing lunches or getting out the door on time.  Our week has been really good, with the exception of Monday.  Not sure what was going on with Monday, but it passed :).  The big kids have been playing well together, spending  a lot of time outside in this beautiful weather, and they are always playing with Hope as well.  They follow her around in a line, or play peek a boo with her around the ottoman, which she LOVES.
The other highlight of our week is that our sweet friends, the Mannings are in town for the week!  We spent some time with Candace and the boys on Tuesday, at the zoo.  The kids all just picked up where they left off, and it was equally comfortable with Candace!  We had a blast, and just enjoyed each other's company.  I really miss her being on the other side of the neighborhood!  We are in the same life stage, and so we can celebrate/commiserate together!  Hopefully we can see them one more time before they head back to Boston, and are praying they get to move back to Jax soon!!! :) 
I have been practicing taking pictures on manual mode, as I mentioned before, so I've been subjecting the kids to "just be still, just smile, just play with Hope" etc as I try to understand how to set up a good, clear shot! 
Hope has also been up quite a bit at night, not sure what's going on, but something is bothering her!  As I type this she is in her crib, quiet but awake.  I don't like going to sleep and then having to wake up 5 minutes later to her crying- that's such a tease!  It's easier to just stay up, until I know she's out again. 
Hope's new trick is to give kisses, so I try to exploit this skill whenever possible.  It's THE cutest thing.  Sometimes I'll ask her for one, and she comes over, fakes me out, and then goes and kisses Asher and Hannah!  Check out this cute video from today:

The big kids got haircuts this morning, and did great!  Girls get quite the special treatment at this place, with nails being polished, a special hair style at the end, glitter, a tattoo (which was her first EVER) and also a lollipop!  Asher gets a tattoo and lollipop, which excites him as well. :)
Well, thanks for reading the update and here's a ton of pics to go along with it!  Only 3 more sleeps until Christmas!  Well, after tonight... :)

Hannah is loving this Rapunzel doll she got on Sunday from Aunt Tina- she requested her hair be done in a side braid like Rapunzel :).

 We've been taking daily rides/walks around the neighborhood, and stop at the "pajillion" aka pavillion area to run around and play tag before heading home. 

Zoo Fun!  We realized the kids' ages are 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1! :) SO much fun!

 Playing on the porch yesterday, and haircuts today

 Asher is mildly obsessed with nutcrackers, so we just took a quick pic by one of the neighbors!

And here's a few of my attempts at using manual mode!  My outdoor attempts are improving, but using natural light inside is challenging!  

I just thought this was funny- it's how I feel at the end of the day!!

Would have been great if only I had gotten Hannah all the way in the frame- doh- but they just move so fast!!

Hannah has perfected the art of pouting, and Asher was trying to talk her out of it!