A Memorable Weekend, For Sure!

We didn't take any road trips, or have a day at the lake. No jet setting for a weekend getaway. Still, we had a memorable weekend - one that was picture perfect. Here are just a few we captured on camera, there are hundreds more that we'll keep in our hearts.

We smelled summer with the Plumeria blooming on our patio.

The babies tried new foods...this one is mango, lime, avocado!

Sophia worked on growing her teeth that she'll need for summer sweet corn!
 

We took over the park!

Cohen

Finn

Noah

Sophia

We went to the pool and had a blast with our friends! (Thank you Rebecca & Family for pitching in so we could all swim!)

Went grocery shopping - check out those carts!

And dreamt of doing it all over again!

Couldn't end without a video

Moonlit Texas Night

Roughin' It

Last night, Mari and I were sitting outside chatting after dinner.  We were talking about how we hope we remember to play and have fun with our kids.  We want to make sure we have a ton of family memories of going skateboarding with dad or water balloon fights with mom or playing bocce in the backyard together.  We have to remember to stay young at heart.  I told Mari this shouldn't be a problem for me since I still act like a 16-year old and still haven't grown up. :)

The weather was gorgeous outside, the stars were out, the temperature was in the 70's and I said to Mari, like I have over a dozen times before with typically zero positive response, "We should sleep outside tonight!" And wouldn't you know, she agreed!  Off we were to an impromptu camping trip.  Well, actually, we just set up our tent in the backyard and plugged in the baby monitor.  And since we're not true "campers" we tried to squeeze our queen mattress inside of the tent but it wouldn't fit so we just put the tent on top of the mattress.  We enjoyed a beautiful Texas night  lit by a full moon sleeping under the stars.  We created a lasting memory for ourselves and hope to do this with the kiddos one day.  

Don't Drink the Water!

Finn Taunts Jazmyn

Wrestle Mania With Cohen & Jaz

Breakfast Buffet

So remember to have fun this weekend - even if you're staying at home. Enjoy the opportunities you have around you and stay young at heart! Everyone have a safe and fun Memorial Day!! 

A Berry Fun Day!

One of the best things about spending your day with munchkins is getting to experience things for the first time all over again through their eyes.  I thought you might like to see some of that too so here's a little bite...I mean bit of our day today. Enjoy!

Yum!

Mother's Day Gift

The boys with their Mama

Daddy and his little Chica

Lights...Camera...Action!

We are recovering from a whirlwind weekend.  Mother's Day weekend started on Thursday for us.  On Tuesday we received an e-mail from our friend, Aaron Thomas.  He asked if Mari would be willing to be part of a Mother's Day video they were putting together for the church service.  Mari nervously obliged.  The camera crew showed up Thursday afternoon, set up the cameras and lights as Mari's nerves kicked in.  They pretty much asked about us and our story from the time we met until now.  They reviewed the footage and loved it, but there was a catch......they thought it might be even better LIVE!  That's right - Mari and Chris onstage at COF doing a Q&A at all three services Saturday and Sunday.   

Lunch With Laura & Finn 

Cohen Honks Randy's Horn

Mari was so excited to do this, knowing it would be easier live than when filming.  So she thought.  On Saturday afternoon, Mari got her hair done, picked up lunch and came home; that's when the nerves kicked in.  She was so nervous she couldn't eat and kept pacing around the house doing some kind of deep breathing exercises.  As she was getting ready, I walked into the bathroom and there she was kneeling over the toilet with hair pulled back and all, trying to "throw" the nervousness out of her body.  She prayed and asked her parents to pray as we were getting ready to leave.  We arrived at church about 30min before service with babies in tow and Busha to help.  We set up shop in the pastors' green room, which made our family feel like celebrities! It finally came time for us to go on stage and guess what - TOTAL CALM - God totally answered our prayers.  

Busha Entertains While We Pace

Aaron & Noah Talk Sports

This opportunity was such a gift to us. We often let our stresses and fears fog the fact that God has given us four miracles and continues to show Himself in our lives daily.  A year ago we were cautiously excited for four little ones to join our family. We had no idea what the outcome would be and guarded our emotions in case it was nothing like peaches and cream.  Today we still have no idea what the future holds for us but we make a choice to enjoy each day. Guard our thoughts and praise God for everything. He provides everything we need to get through today and when tomorrow comes, we'll have all we need for it as well.  This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24

Mema & Pepa & All 7 of Their Great Grandchildren

Madeleine Shows Us Her Nose

The Girls Tell Secrets

Adventures In Naptime

Naptime...such a joyous part of my day! But there are many days where the sounds from the babies' room mimic more of a comedy club than a quiet resting place.  I always like to peek in to see if I can spy on them in case they're up to something cute again! I was surprised to see how much footage I had of these naptime adventures!