Father's Day Fun Times

Chris, I can never tell you enough what an awesome dad you are. You were made for this gig. You can (and do) run circles around me any day. You rarely grow tired and never lose your sense of humor. It's incredible to watch you with the kids and see the genuine delight you get from being with them - and them with you.  Happy Daddy's Day, sweetheart!  Thank you for all that you do for the entire family - we would be lost and so bored without you!

Daddies Are More Fun from Mari Goerlich on Vimeo.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Don't know when we'll be back again....  

It's that time - our annual dose of complete insanity as Chris and I attempted to maneuver the Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport for a long visit with our family in the Heartland. This flying business is quite the challenge with four very energetic toddlers who still don't speak the same language as we do.  Try explaining to a 21-month-old strong willed little one that their shoes, blankets and wagons need to go through the security x-ray machine and we'll pick them up on the other side.  I was dragging a screaming crying bunch through the metal detector as fast as I could to try to show them that we were in fact getting their precious belongings back.  I must've been as red as their wagons while trying to nod a little thanks for understanding and yes, we hope we're not on your plane either to the passersby who were all giving me long looks of pure pity.  We made it through and managed to get everyones clothes back on and head to go get breakfast. Again we had a communication error where Cohen assumed Daddy had left us for bad behavior at the security gate and we were never going to eat again.  And again I turned a few shades of red as I tried to calm Cohen down while praying the half dozen customers in front of Chris were just ordering a cup of water. It was 3 minutes that felt like an hour but we got our breakfast and everyone was happy and ready to explore our terminal.  We let the kids run around a bit before boarding the plane in hopes they'd be tuckered out and ready to sit still.  

An Attempted Game of Ring Around The Tree Trunk

(Mommy, Cohen, Sophia, Noah - Finn was taking the Photo)

 

The games didn't quite prepare the whole bunch to sit still.  A few screams of protest that echoed throughout the plane were quickly translated as my little travel companions way of asking me to sit with Daddy instead.  So once we had those seating assignments rearranged were on our way and had quite a pleasant ride. 

Goofing Off

(Mommy & Sophia)

The layover was short but long enough for diaper changes and some lunch. By lunch I mean running around the terminal to finger paint a few chairs with the pizza we were trying to stuff in them before the next leg of the trip.  Once we were in the air we had a nice gift of four little nappers on that next two hour plane ride!  (Shout Out to Moni - Thank You!) We have never had so many compliments on how sweet and good our kids are as we did on that flight!  Thank goodness they didn't see them in Houston! 

Crusing In Style 

(Cohen)

My Sweet Snoozers!

(Finn, Daddy, Noah)

Cuddle Time in the Clouds

(Sophia & Mommy)

Traveling Together

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Friendships are some of the most precious gifts God gives to us.  He designed us to yearn for relationships. To need friendships. Friends to laugh with, grow (and shrink) with,  friends to help to guide us on the right path and pull us back over when we're headed down the wrong one.  When you find friends who will do just that they are truly a blessing like no other.  My girls, my quad momma sisters, I love you dearly!  I wish we lived much closer but am so very grateful for the time we are given together!  My boys, my quad papa brothers, you are so precious and so darn hysterical. What a joy it is to have all your jokes running through my head days after a weekend trip together!  I thank God daily for each of your friendships and truly feel so blessed to travel this journey He placed in our laps (or bellies, I should say) with each of you!

Mari, Chris, Conor, Gen, Jen, Brad, Suz & Joe

Suz, Gen, Mari &  Jen

Warning: Do Not Try This At Home

In a burst of ambition, or maybe it was temporary insanity, I decided to show the kids how to make chocolate chip cookies. We all gathered around the island and we baked Food Network style, with a play by play of what was going on.  It wasn't long until the play by play was just playing and flour was everywhere.  They kept getting into the dry ingredients bowl taking out the flour with the spoons I'd given them for when it was their turn to stir. So I thought, I'll just give them each their own little cup of flour and they can play with that and not the actual recipe.  It was hysterical. I told them "do not eat this, just play with it with your hands and spoons." As soon as I said that I turned around to get something and when I turned back everyone had little white beards from taking a big "drink" of the flour.  The laugh I got from that surprise was worth all the mess! Speaking of mess, it's been a few days since the cooking show and I still can't get all that flour cleaned up. This is definitely a project that should always be done at Grandma's house! 

Our Future Patissiers

"Mom, you should totally use this for teeth whitener, look it works!"

(Sophia)

Coco Sports A Distinguished Chefstache

"I'll take it from here..."

(Finn)

Even Jaz got in on getting floured!

Almost Done!

Aren't they beautiful, Grandma?

Excuse Me!

The kids have been playing with each other more and more lately.  Earlier today Chris and I watched Noah feed Sophia some imaginary cereal.  Finn walked up and intercepted an imaginary bite out of Noah's hand and Sophia cried out in sadness. It was so funny! They are competitive little ones even in their make believe world.  

I caught another one of their games today. They often play the "excuse me game" at the front door window which is a long, slim windowpane only big enough for one little set of eyes.  This afternoon they all wanted a front row seat to watch Daddy working outside the backdoor window and the "excuse me game" was on in full swing. 

Excuse Me! from Mari Goerlich on Vimeo.

Disclaimer:

No kids were hurt during the making of this video. We can't speak for any future emotional scarring that might occur from Noah being caught in a tutu.  He is one mean ballerino, isn't he?

And as for our dog, Jazmyn, she is just playing in this video and the kids love it. The kids bite her far harder than she ever mouths them.  She is truly one of their favorite friends.

S.O.S. (Save Our Stomachs)

After we came home from vacation I had confirmation from my parents (who lovingly took care of the kids for the 9 days while we were gone) that this gig is indeed hard and I need help. I finally took their advice and have lined up some wonderful relief each week.  Miss Becky has watched the kids for me once a week from the time we brought them home and she still comes over one afternoon for a few hours so I can get out and run errands.  Another friend, Miss Debbie, is so graciously giving me her only free afternoon each week and comes over to play with the kids and helps me keep the peace around here.  And Miss Jody is my very own Mother's Day Out program customized to my schedule!  I take the kids to her house for few hours once a week and she does all sorts of fun things with them! 

It has made a real difference to have some breaks to our normal routine and to just feel like I can breathe a little.  The kids seem better and my mood is definitely lighter because of each of these precious ladies who share their love with us.  I am so thankful for each of them - I just wish I'd asked for more help earlier!  If I had, maybe I wouldn't be going to the doctor tomorrow to check on what I'm almost positive is an ulcer!

The pics below are all courtesy of Jody who shot these while the kids were at her house. If you live in our area and need a sitter - she's your gal!  She has a true gift with children which thankfully she shares with the rest of us!  Check her out on her website, www.GotBabysitter.com.

Miss Jody & The Goerlich Gang

Finn's Fantastic Face & Body Painting!

Sophia Circles Her Tickle Spot

Noah Paints a Target

Coco Sticks to the Free Food

Splashing Around

Saturday brought buckets of rain in the afternoon giving us some much needed relief from the hot and humid temperature that's been reaching over 90 degrees most afternoons.  The kids loved jumping in the puddles and riding through them with their "cars" was definitely a splashing hit.  

Cohen & Noah Race Through The Water

Sophia Attempted to Wash Her Hair

A Little Push For The Ultimate Soak

(Noah)

Why Can't I Take My Clothes Off In the Front Yard?

(Finn)