The Luckiest No Matter What!

I'm not sure if other parents feel this way, but 9 months has been a huge month for all of my boys. Some firsts always seem to occur here- for Nolan it was pulling himself up to stand, for Judah it was mastering crawling, for Carter it was FINALLY doing some regular sleeping and FINALLY enjoying eating solid foods, and for Preston it is waving, clapping, and standing on his own. I'm wanting to insert the 'face screaming in fear' emoji for all of this. Interestingly enough, also at 9 months, each of my boys went through a stage where they hated baths. Thankfully, so far, Preston's only lasted like a day or two- seriously, this kid is a fish. Thank GOODNESS we selected Huron as his middle name; I feel it suits him. Also at 9 months, each of my boys began to be HORRIBLE to change. Flopping, scooting, flipping, for each and every diaper change. Preston is here too. There must be something about this age where babies are really starting to come into their own- r...

A while back I read a Tweet from a teacher I admire sharing how he does smiles and frowns in his High School English class- it gives his students a time and safe space to share their voice about what's going on in their life; I thought it was great and genius. We began doing it at my house at bedtime and now it's become a staple routine- the boys sharing their smiles and frowns from that day. A lot of times this short reflection is super insightful and leads to other wonderings and talks and sharing. The smiles can show that even if the day is challenging, even if I find myself being a mean mommy, there are things my boys take-a-way and cherish that show me and them that there is good in every day... because there is. The frowns help draw out what may have happened in the day that isn't perfect and it shows me what's been bothering one of my boys. Again, it also shows that there is an ebb and flow to the day to day. Thankfully, even though our Disney trip feels like...

Last week, at this exact time, I was braving a torrential downpour at Epcot with Nolan, Judah, Carter, and my mom. The wind was howling, the rain was pelting us, and we were sloshing around as water soaked through our socks and shoes. Somehow it feels like ages since we've been on vacation! Disney World was magical, of course. But, I also learned a LOT bringing kids here for the first time! I'm a sucker for a top-ten list so here are my top ten reflections from our trip: 10.) Bring help, send help, get help: I have four kids, four YOUNG kids. Most of the time I don't notice that as being atypical because it's our typical. However, the more out in public we go, the more I find myself thinking four kids is a lot.  We could have never EVER done this trip with my kids at their current ages, if we did not have other adults with us. My mom and Josh's parents were GOD-SENDS/ANGELS to us: extra hands to hold onto my children, extra entertainers during the endless ...

My family is a Disney family. On a scale of 1 to completely obsessed, I'd say we are at maybe an 8? a 7.5? While we don't exclusively have Disney Christmas decorations or dress in Disney apparel constantly, or go to the park yearly (although we all totally would), we will massacre you in Disney Scene It! or other any other Disney trivia game, quote Disney movies regularly on our group chat, and rush out to see the newest Disney flick at the movie theatre. We also relish an opportunity to talk with ANYONE about how much we love Walt Disney World. This affinity for Disney definitely came from my mom. She went to Disney World shortly after it opened to celebrate her high school graduation and fell in love. She loved it so much, in fact, that she dragged my dad there on their honeymoon- a man who hates crowds, gets motion sickness on even the wussiest ride, and is terrified of flying in an airplane. I followed right in her footsteps celebrating my honeymoon at Disney World also...

PARIS By KMH Today we went to Disneyland Paris!!!!  We took a long subway (about 50 minutes) and then had to wait in a long line to buy tickets.  Upon going into Disneyland a little after 10:00, it quickly felt like home: the train, Main street USA, the castle, etc.  Entrance of Disneyland Paris Aurora's Castle Main street USA: just like Disney world and Disneyland in the U.S. Luckily they had a Haunted Mansion ride although it was called the Phantom Manor.  We then navigated through that park for a bit, riding Space Mountain 2 and Buzz Lightyear and then went over to Disney's Hollywood Studios around 11:00ish.  We went straight for the Tower of Terror to get a fast pass.  Always our favorite ride no matter which Disney we're at :) Rockin Roller coaster...closed that day :( After that, we went to Disney Village to eat and so some shopping.  We ate at Annie's Diner getting a burger, fries, and onion rings which totally ...