The Jarrett Family

Newport Beach and Newport Dunes

2011-08-08T11:45:00.001-07:00

We spent a wonderful long weekend camping at Newport Dunes with Gramma and Papa, Aunties Crissi and Jen, Uncles Joe and John and many, many cousins. We had such a great time and the kiddos just love camping. We spent one morning trying to go to the tide pools, but missed low tide so just spent time at the beach instead. We went swimming at the pool, had fun digging in the sand in the bay, enjoyed singing and roasting marshmellows around the campfire and had a spectacular time just hanging out with our wonderful family.

Papa Paul taking some of the "cousins" for a walk around the campgrounds and marina.

Campfire time

Cousins Micah and Kiley with Hailey, Dylan and Brooklyn.

We rented this bicycle built for.....8! Had a great workout peddling the kiddos around.

Dylan getting some air in the pool with Daddy :)

Uncle Joe showed the kids some of the local plant life

We missed the low tide and the tide pools were all full, so we just spent some time climbing the rocks and playing in the water.

Connor and Dylan exploring the rock crevices. What amazing creatures can be found!

A helping hand is always nice! Kiley helping Brooklyn cross the rocks.

Hailey stopping long enough to pose for Mommy.

Little Lillian found her own piece of the ocean to splash around in.

Connors turn to pose for the camera

The crew having fun in the Pacific. Caity was chasing the boys with some seaweed, but beware.....

Connor will get you back!!

Was this really the only place you could find reception Brian?

Gramma and Papa watching the grandkids romp and play

One of our early mornings watching a video in the trailer....I know... we really know how to rough it:)

Evidence of a REALLY FUN weekend. As we were packing up to leave, Micah fall asleep outside our trailer... just like this.

A few days before packing up to go camping, Crissi, Norma and I packed up the kiddos and headed off to Newport Beach for a few hours of beach fun!

Connor, Abi, Hailey and Dylan

Its great to have so many cousins to play with!

Matthew got buried in the sand.... by his MOM!

Sleeping Beauty....Hailey

Connor wanted a picture of him next to his tracks.

The kiddos found little sand crabs and had a blast collecting them in a big bucket.

Trying to Beat the Heat

2011-07-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

The kids and I just spent the two hottest days in Palm Springs. Brian's parents were spending the week in Palm Springs at their timeshare. Brian was gone for a few days for work, so I packed up the kids, headed out to the 114 degree heat (WHAT WAS I THINKING) and spent a couple days with Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Beth and Hunter. We pretty much spent the whole time in the pool. The kiddos all LOVE swimming and Brooklyn wanted to spend as much time as we would let her WITHOUT her floaties.

Dylan gave us the "thumbs up" for spending the day at the pool!

The whole gang - Brooklyn, Connor, Hailey, Hunter, Auntie Beth and Dylan

Connor preparing his attack on Hunter

Brooklyn is enjoying some poolside snacks
No, this face is not in response to the snacks she is eating. One of her many silly faces.

Hailey needed some nourishment, and fast! Couldn't event bother to take off the goggles.

Connor is hiding in the bushes preparing an ambush on poor, unsuspecting Auntie Beth in the pool. Thanks to Hunter for teaching him this technique!

Showing off their jumping skills

Capistrano Part 2

2011-07-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of this vacation was getting to spend some time with Brittney. She is living, working and going to school down in this area (We are soooooo proud of her!!!!!!!) and came to spend part of the 4th with us and took US to dinner the next day at the resturant where she works in Dana Point.

Connor, Dylan, Brooklyn, Brittney and Hailey

Connor spent the time waiting for dinner taking some pictures of the scenery

and Mommy....

and Daddy's thumbs up....

and more of the surrounding hills.

Attempting a family pic

Hailey's happy face artwork with a cherry stem and some crumbs.

Last year we went on a catamaran to see the whales and dolphins and only saw one lone sea lion. So the boat company gave us return tickets to try again. This year we hit the jackpot. Not only did we see at a few pods of dophins(at least a hundred dolphins)but we also saw two whales! The dolphins we saw at the beginning of the two hour ride, so the kiddos were captivated. By the time we saw the whale, at the end of the ride, and the fact that you only see a little part of the back and the blow hole, the kids werent to interested in seeing the whale. We kept trying to show them, but they would rather enjoy their ring pops.:)

Waiting to board the catamaran... Dylan, Brooklyn, Hailey and Connor

Up at the front of the boat with the wind in our faces!

Taking a break and enjoying our lollypops. Connor, Dylan, Brooklyn and Hailey
Showing me their colored mouthes for the lollypops... Connor

Dylan

Brooklyn and Hailey

A far off shot of one of the whales we saw

We spent a lot of time at the pool, but I didnt get any pictures of it this year. All the kids love swimming, even Connor, who was a little hesitant when we went swimming last month was calling to Dylan and asking him to jump in with him. I was so excited to see him get past his hesitation. Dylan was chasing Daddy with his squirter all over the pool. Hailey was swimming all over the pool and joined Brooklyn in the large family spa to try and take off her floaties and swim by herself. Brooklyn saw Daddy sink to the bottom of the spa and decided she wanted to do it herself. She asked for her floaties to be taken off and lo and behold, was actually SWIMMING across the spa. I was amazed!

Until next year Capistrano........

Capistrano 2011

2011-07-12T15:24:00.001-07:00

We couldnt have asked for more beautiful weather this year for our annual trip to Capistrano Beach. I just love the pure enjoyment the kids have the first time back at the ocean. It is such a blast watching them run in and out of the waves, laughing and giggling,then digging into the sand with such enthusiasm. LOVE IT!

Hailey, Brooklyn, Dylan and Connor

Love that grin! Dylan

Brooklyn

Jumping the waves

Connor

Hailey Niole

I love these pics of the girls. In synch with each other as they dig in the sand! Hailey on the left and Brooklyn on the right.

Dylan and Connor hamming it up for the camera

Hailey with cousins Devin and Logan

My bright blue eyed boy

Uncle Steve getting out in the water with Brooklyn and Dylan

This year our vacation landed on the 4th of July and Brians family came out to the beach to celebrate with us!

(Auntie Beth, Brooklyn, Brittney, Auntie Heidi, Uncle Steve, Hunter, Dylan, Me, Connor, Brian, Devin, Grandma Nancy, Hailey and Grandpa Walt)

A complete family pic with Brittney visiting for a few hours on the 4th!

Mountain Adventures - Memorial Day

2011-06-02T15:06:00.001-07:00

This Memorial Day, Brian took the kiddos up to the mountains for some adventure time while I finished recouping from our week up in Big Bear with three sick kiddos. They were all better by now and ready for some outdoor time!

Hanging out in Daddys truck - Hailey, Dylan, Connor and Brooklyn

Love the reindeer antlers. Hailey collected a bunch of flowers for Mommy.

Brooklyn had a close encounter with the dirt

The kiddos built a see-saw with some wood they found. Such smart kids!!

Snack time and I'm sure Dylan is entertaining with some comedy!

Building their own little mountain with rocks
I'm sure Daddy helped a little :)

Big Bear 2011

2011-05-27T16:50:00.001-07:00

What a vacation this turned out to be! The first part was absolutely wonderful. Brian and I headed out without the kids for the weekend to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We enjoyed a lakefront room with beautiful views. Broke out the mountain bikes (at least mine, I havent been on a "real" ride for about 10 years) for a great ride across Big Bear, went on some great off roading adventures and just enjoyed spending some "alone" time together.

The view from our balcony

Gorgeous mountian views - I love the sights and smells and just being outdoors in the mountains

Me and my hunny

Views while 4x4-ing - The back side of Big Bear looking into the high desert

These beautiful little flowers were growing out of the rocks

And of course it wouldnt be a Jeepin' adventure without a blown tire

After a great long weekend, we were looking forward to bringing the kiddos up, take them hiking, hit up the local zoo and just enjoy the lake. It was not to be....ON THE WAY UP THE MOUNTAIN two of the four got sick, ALL OVER THE CAR!! Multiple times!!! Not the way to start the week. Dylan was the only one of the four who did not get sick this week. We tried to do what we could and took turns taking Dylan out for some fun while the others recuperated in the room. What a blessing the lakefront room was. While stuck inside, we at least had a gorgeous view!

Dylan getting some outside time

Connor felt a little better the second day and came out with Dylan to feed the ducks

Dylan passed away some of the time taking pictures around the room

The little sickies. This is how they spent most of the week

Like I said, even from the kitchen, we had a great view!

The last night before we left the kiddos were feeling well enough to do a little fishing with Daddy outside our room.

Cheesy Dylan

Daddy helping Brooklyn

Hailey and Connor taking their turn
Another great view
Connor watching some of the many videos that we watched this weekSilly Dilly

Our "Four" turn Four!!

2011-05-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Better late then never! On March 21st our "four" turned four. We had a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends.

Disneyland - 2011

2011-02-28T17:23:00.001-08:00

So we took the kiddos to Disneyland as part of their birthday present again this year. We took advantage of the SoCal residents deal and went to California Adventure Saturday, then Disneyland on Sunday. The weather was horrible the days leading up and we thought we might have to cancel the Saturday trip and just go down to the hotel the night before. We got a little break in the storm at our house, checked out the weather down in Anaheim and decided to go for it. Turns out it was a good decision and we had clear skies the rest of the day. A little windy and FREEZING cold when the sun went down but we had a blast exploring Bugs Land and Pier Landing. It was our first time at California Adventure.

The next day we met up with Brittney, Gramma, Papa, Auntie Crissi, and cousin Matthew. (Cousin Caity was there too, but off with a friend for the day! Annie was with her school band and we got to watch her march down Main Street)

The kiddos were a little cranky due to the day before, but with lots of hands to help we had a wonderful day. Even made it to 8:00 at night! The Fantasy Land rides were, of course, a hit. LOVED Small World,(except Brittney, who REFUSED to go on) and they even braved the BIG ride, Matterhorn.

Snow Day in Oak Glen

2011-02-21T20:14:00.001-08:00

We've been getting snow in the foothills behind our house and decided to take the kiddos up to Oak Glen to have some fun in the snow. The kids were super excited to get out in the snow and didn't mind the cold too much. We dont have any real snow gear and so they were just in their tennis shoes and mittens, which held up pretty good. The girls shoes are canvas, and so they were the first to call it quits,(their shoes were soaked) and I took them back to the car for some snacks. The boys were still having a blast with Daddy, who LOVES the snow.

Happy 19th Birthday Britt!

2011-01-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T15:32:00.001-08:00

Christmas morning started with one very excited little boy who was the first up that morning. Dylan was up bright and early, saw the presents around the tree and very enthusiastically woke me up from my slumber with a present in his hands. He was eager to get everyone else up too, and so the festivities began....

Hailey, Brooklyn and Connor

Connor and Dylan

The Crew

Dylan LOVES jeeps, and Diego

The big suprise this year.... scooters for everyone!!

Reading the book big sis Brittney got for them

Who doesnt love Hungry Hungry Hippos?

Dylan, Connor and Hailey

While the others were playing games,Brooklyn was busy taking over Dylans jeep!

Daddy and Connor at Gramma Ginny and Papa Pauls (Christmas Day celebration #2)

Dylan refused to smile for the camera

Gift time

The Cousins waiting patiently for gifts at Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Walts (Christmas Day celebration #3)

Logan, Dylan, Connor, Devin, Hailey, Brooklyn and Hunter

"We LOVE our fairy dresses!!!"

Auntie Beth with Brookie and Hailey

Jeepin with Daddy

2010-12-30T15:31:00.000-08:00

Brian and Stephen took the kiddos out for some play time in the jeeps. It was a nice, warm afternoon down the hill,but when they got up a ways, they found some snow. The kids had a great time having a snow ball fight (with the Jeep, haha) and spending time with Daddy!
"You want a picture of me? Ah shucks!" Cousin Devin posing for the camera

Attacking the Jeep with snowballs

Daddy, Brooklyn, Hailey, Connor and Dylan

Poor Jeep:(

Gotta throw in some scenery shots

Thought this pic was hilarious!!! Connor did not like Daddy taking pics while he was busy on the pot!!

After an afternoon of fun in the jeeps, Brian and I had a date night while Steve and Heidi took care of the kids. Here are some pics of them making a gingerbread train. What fun!!

Litte Angels

2010-12-17T19:34:00.001-08:00

The kiddos were in our chruch's Christmas program. It is tradition for the 2 and 3 year olds to be the angels and sing Away in a Manger. Connor, true to form, would not go up on stage. At first, he said he would go up and sing, he just didnt want to be in costume. But once they got up to the stage, he just wouldnt go up. Brooklyn, Dylan and Hailey did an awsome job and knew the song and motions very well. They werent even too distracted from the audience :)

Brooklyn, Dylan and Hailey

Decorating the Tree

2010-12-14T20:04:00.001-08:00

This year I remembered to take out ONLY the ornaments I wasnt worried about. I handed the kids the box of ornaments, turned around for a few minutes, turned back around and the tree was pretty much decorated (at least the parts they could reach). They just went to town!

Dylan, Brooklyn, Hailey

Connor

Dylan, Brookie, Hailey and Connor.....Cheese!!

Dylan

Little Brookie

Many Blessings to be Thankful for....

2010-11-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

CAMPFIRES.........SMORES........GAMES............FEEDING THE DUCKS.........SINGING...............
MINI-GOLF..........NIECES........NEPHEWS........FAMILY..........THE GREAT OUTDOORS.........
WHAT A GREAT THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!!!!!

Hailey and Matthew help Papa Paul build the first campfire

Brook's turn

Dylan the flame charmer

Brooklyn getting hugs from Gramma Ginny

Cousin Annie and Brookie

Going with Papa and Cousin Caity to feed the ducks

Meals with the fam

Game time

Connor

Hailey and Daddy

Dylan Lucas

Caity taking the girls for a walk- what awsome cousins we have!!

Cruisin' on the bikes

Me and my honey!

Hailey and Annie

Brooklyn, Connor, Dylan and Hailey

Palm Springs

2010-11-08T20:11:00.001-08:00

We've been having some nice, warm, So Cal weather. We thought we should take advantage, so the Jarrett clan headed out to Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Walt's timeshare in sunny Palm Springs.

Connor loves the water, but is still the most apprehensive and prefers to stick close to the steps when not in Mommy or Daddy's arms

Dylan, who never even used to like getting his face wet in the bath, is now the fish of the family

Uncle Steve toting around little cousin Logan, Hailey and Brooklyn

Sweet Brookie

Hailey and Daddy

Hitting up the air hockey table. The kids all did really well playing this game....Dylan

Connor's helping out cousin Devin

The girls watching and waiting for their turn.....Brook and Hailey

Logan showing Grandma how to play ping-pong

Connor

Hailey

Brooklyn

For dinner we went to downtown Palm Springs and ate at Ruby's. We had some great burgers to finish off a great day!

Smokey Bear

2010-11-06T20:41:00.001-07:00

This past Monday, we went with the moms group from our church to see Smokey Bear and learn about fire safety. We headed up to the beautiful mountain town of Oak Glen where one of the mom's husbands is a firefighter. It was a fun outing, and a beautiful day to be in the mountains!

Cute, little Hailey Bug

Dylan LOVES his cousin Matthew

The firefighters giving the safety speach

Listening attentively....Brook, Hailey, Connor and Dylan

Exploring the fire truck.....Hailey

Brookie

Dylan Lucas

He found a seat and didn't want to budge, Brookie took up residence on the other side

Connor

Cousin Matthew trying on the oxygen tank

Everyone gets a turn spraying the hose....Dylan

Connor

Hailey

Brooklyn

Meeting Smokey Bear....Dylan and Brooklyn were excited.....

Hailey was a little apprehensive.....Connor wanted nothing to do with him!

Notice who's missing from this pic? Hailey, Brooklyn and Dylan

I had to hold Connor to get him anywhere near the Bear.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

A few tunes from the crew...

Halloween Songs from Melissa Jarrett on Vimeo.

10/31

2010-10-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

This was the first year we actually took the kiddos out trick or treating. Last year we got dressed up and went to an event at big sis Britt's work, but it wasnt really trick or treating. The quads were sooooo excited this year and picked out their own costumes.

Gramma Ginny made Connors costume so he could be a spike dinosaur, just like his beloved toy dinosaur.

Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Walt came over to make the neighborhood rounds with us

Super hero.....Spiderman.....Dylan

Our little Hailey Bug, Lady Bug

Sweet Fairy Brooklyn

Cousins Devin and Logan came over to trick or treat with us. (Little Monkey Logan, Hailey, Brookie, Dylan)

Hailey, Brooklyn, Dylan, Firefighter Devin, our suprised jack-0-latern and Connor

Another group pic

Family pic

The first house

Look at all the candy we got!!!

I just love the excitement seen in their faces

After a spin around the neighborhood, we headed over to our church for their annual 10/31 celebration. Had a blast playing all the carnival games and got TONS of candy and jumped to our hearts content in the jump house.

We met up with Auntie Amy, Uncle Isaac and cousin Maddie for a few pics......

saw Uncle Joe, Auntie Crissi, cousins Matthew, Caity and Annie......

and played games, games, games.

I Am That Hero

2010-10-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite "heros" right now is Larry Boy from Veggie Tales. At the end of one episode called "Larry Boy and the Bad Apple" is a theme song for Larry Boy. The kiddos love to dance around and sing to it. Here is a video of the boys rocking out before bed.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-18T20:16:00.001-07:00

These are pictures of our annual trek to the pumpkin patch. We decided to go to church, out to lunch and then head over to Live Oak Canyon. It was stinkin' hot and muggy, which was not the best weather to be tromping around in. Even so, we had a good time and made some memories in the process.

Trying for a group pic when we first got there.

A little better....

Almost, but not quite.

Maybe in the cart??? Nah.

O.K. Lets go feed some overactive, hyper goats and sheep! Can you tell they are used to being fed by everyone?

Brooklyn deciding whether she should feed this one.

This is Connor telling Daddy he is ready to go...after about 30 seconds with the animals. He did not like them this year. All the other kiddos were happy to contribute to the fattening up of the goats.

Brooklyn found one calm enough to pet for 2 seconds.

Dylan's waiting to see of he's going to be able to get some food from Daddy before the goat jumps in to take it all.

You can call me MR. GOAT!

Checking out some chickens, turkeys, bunnies and birds in the aviary.

Trying for another group pic with Daddy. (Dylan, Connor, Daddy, Brooklyn and Hailey)

That darn sun shinning so brightly!

Waiting for our tractor hay ride.

Connor

Hailey

Brooklyn

Dylan

Daddy and his big boy Connor.

Rain Races

2010-10-05T16:04:00.001-07:00

We've been having our normal hot then cold October weather and had some warm thunderstorms come through our area. The kiddos were in the backyard playing when the sprinkles started. I brought them inside to stay dry and was promptly asked if we could watch the rain out the door. It had really started pouring and since it was warm, I said we could watch outside the front door where there is some covering to be under. Well, who can resist a warm rain storm to play in. One thing led to another and pretty soon they were out having leaf races in the gutter water. Reminded me of my own childhood fun!

Hailey and Connor testing out the rain drops.

Dylan racing back to ask me if I saw his leaf racing down the street.

Brooklyn hates the thunder and would come racing back up to the door whenever she heard it. This picture, of course, was not one of those times.

They were completely SOAKED by the time we were done playing, so I stripped 'em down, got them in a warm bath and we were all happy campers. What fun!

Amusing Weekends

2010-09-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

The past couple weekends were filled with amusement parks. The company Brian works for rents out one of Southern California's amusement/theme parks once a year for all their employees. This year it was Knotts Berry Farm. This was the first year we were able to take the kiddos along for the fun. Just Brian and I took them, and despite the upper 90's temps, we whirled and twirled the afternoon and evening away. I packed extra clothes just in case of accidents and was very pleased to not have to break into them at all!!! Our kids are a bunch of adrenaline junkies and were eager to go on any ride they fit the height requirements for.

The only picture proof that I was there too!!

Waiting patiently for Snoopy's bounce house - Dylan, Brooklyn, Connor and Hailey

Daddy, Brooklyn and Hailey(hanging out the window), going for a ride on the Semi's

Connor and Dylan honkin' their horns

Just hanging around waiting for our turn on the big steam engine train.

Dylan was fascinated with the steam engine and stopped to talk to the cowgirl/outlaw that walks through the train with a gun, pretending to "hold up" the train. Dylan wanted to hang around until the train left again so he could watch the engine roll away.

The following weekend Brittney came home for a weekend visit, so our family along with Uncle Stephen, Aunt Heidi and their kids headed to Castle Park for some carnival type rides.

Brittney and the crew

Dylan, Connor, Brooklyn and Hailey

Daddy, Brittney and Uncle Steve taking on the "big kid" ride

Brittney with Hailey and Daddy with Brooklyn. Every time Connor sees this pic he says, "That spider ride made me dizzy!!"

Hailey and Brooklyn getting ready to take off

Brooklyn

Connor

Brittney and Hailey were joined at the hip during this trip. Uncle Steve in the background.

Dylan

Cousin Devin and Dylan. Riding buddies. They went on this ride over and over.

Britt and Hailey
Dylan
Uncle Steve and cousin Logan. Poor little guy could only go a few of the rides.
Rounding out the evening in the arcade with some skee ball, tickets and prizes.

Time Flies

2010-08-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

We have been sooooo busy these past few months and I have not been keeping up with getting my blogs posted. After the kids birthday waaaaaay back at the end of March, we have SURVIVED potty training, laughed and cried with Brittney as she GRADUATED High School and MOVED to Aliso Viejo to go to college. (All posts I have to get finished) We visited with Auntie Beth when she came back from England for Britt's graduation. Transitioned the girls from a room with the boys into Brittneys old room, as well as getting them into big kid beds and CEASED TO HAVE NAPS. :( Throw in a few summer vacations and all the regularly scheduled activities and time flies!

The quads just finished their first Vacation Bible School last week (at Grandma Nancy's church) and I was really suprised how they took everything in stride. OK, maybe not everything. Going into the week, I was sure we would be taking a break by Wednesday, but every morning as they got up and I asked who wanted to go to VBS, they were all excited. After a few mornings of apprehension in an unfamiliar place, they boys finally settled in and loved every moment. (The girls had no problems from the get-go) They came home every day with projects they had made and excitedly told me stories of Super Cooper. (The puppet show they adored)

One of the days, the kiddos story time was about the birth of Jesus and how the angels appeared to the shepards. So they brought home material and rope to make shepard hats. Brooklyn, Hailey and Dylan all wanted to wear their hats while playing at home. I asked Connor if he wanted to wear his. His reply, "No. I still have my wild curls." This boy does NOT like to dress up in ANYTHING.
Another cute interaction between the kids: Dylan was wearing his shepard hat and was swinging around his head a little turtle he has on a "leash" (shoestring tied around the turtles neck). Hailey came up to him and said, "Hey Dylan, you're 'only a boy named David' (from a song we sing about David and Goliath).

Capistrano Beach 2010

2010-07-18T17:17:00.001-07:00

Yes, its that time of year again. Our annual family vacation to Capistrano Beach. This year was GREAT!! Each year with the kiddos gets a little bit easier and this year it was fun playing with them in the waves, building sand castles and even getting to SIT BACK AND RELAX a little while they played. The first two days we spent mostly at the beach, but I forgot to take my camera with me, so I didnt get as many beach pictures as I wanted and didnt get any of the great sand castles we made. (Boo Hoo) We would start the day with a relaxed morning, head to the beach for a few hours, hit up the pool and spa on the way to the room and end the day with the kidddos in bed and some quiet time for me and Brian. AHHHH! Vacation time.

We took a break from the beach a few days for a picnic in the park and a whale watching boat trip.

All the kids enjoying the fun slide!
Connor

Dylan

Brooklyn

Hailey

Daddy and the kids before the whale watching trip. Which, by the way, the whales and dolphins were all taking a nap on our trip. But we did get to see a few sea lions and had a blast trying to walk around the boat while cruising over the waves. (The boat company did give us our tickets back so we will try again next year and maybe we will have better luck)

After the boat ride we drove over to Dana Point to see if we could find any tide pools, but it was high tide at the time. So we just had fun playing on the rocks.

Brooklyn was still finishing her ring pop from the boat. She fell asleep and didnt get it until we were leaving the boat.

Finally a few beach pics...

Dylan, meet sand. Sand, Dylan.

The picture Hailey made me take of the waves. Every morning Hailey would ask me if we could go play in the waves again.

Daddy and the boys.

Brookie

Hailey

Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Walt came down and stayed a night and day with us. They had a blast with the kiddos in the pool.

Daddy, Dylan and Grandpa in the back.

Grandma with Connor

Grandpa with Hailey

Family

2010-07-18T16:06:00.001-07:00

Cousins - 19 with one more on the way!!!!

Family pic before Britt heads off to college

Me and my sistas - Christine, Me, Mom, Jen, Amy and Norma

Silverwood Lake

2010-06-15T18:23:00.001-07:00

We had a fun, but exhausting weekend. We took the kiddos camping for the second time and they loved it. Every time we go, I say I am never doing this again and why did we go in the first place. But then I see the fun and adventures they are having and the memories we are making and all the WORK is worth it.

We went to Silverwood Lake with Grandma and Grandpa Jarrett, Uncle Steve and Aunt Heidi, and Auntie Beth.

Their last rides on the jet ski.....so sad :(

Marshmellow fingers

Memorial Day

2010-06-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

We spent the day up at Forest Falls with Steve, Heidi and their kids. There were gobs of ladybugs, all over the place. Flying around and on the ground and trees.

Having fun with sister

Check out my sucker face

We headed up to the river after eating lunch and spent the afternoon playing in the water

The Saturday before Memorial Day we took the kids up the mountain to check out some campgrounds for the summer. We stopped at the river along the way to throw some rocks and race some sticks down the river.

Party Time in the Park

2010-05-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

Some cute pics from a fun afternoon at the park!

Hailey

Brooklyn

Connor

Dylan

We'll Be Coming Round the Mountain

2010-05-10T20:51:00.001-07:00

We got a travel trailer (an excellent deal) and on a whim, decided to try it out using a camping timeshare pitch. We got a free weekend of camping, 100 dollars in gas money and free time to use the campgrounds again. So we figured we could listen to the one hour speel and take the kids camping for the first time. Despite being in the middle of pottie training (what was I thinking!!!) and the weather freezing cold at night, we had a wonderful time. The kiddos had a late nap on the way up the mountain and so it was kind of hard getting them down to sleep that night and I was up multiple times with Connor. The next night was much better after no nap and going all day. We had a great time playing on the playground, exploring the campgrounds and most of all throwing rocks into the lake. Overall a great first camping trip.

Dylan, Connor, Hailey and Brookly enjoying a little snack before heading to the playground.

The little duckies following Daddy

Hailey Bug

Connor

Dylan

Feeding the ducks

It was so cold outside at night we couldnt do our campfire and had to roast smashsmellows (as Dylan says) inside over the stove. Brooklyn used hers to modify her facial features a bit. ;)

A Different Kind of Petting Zoo

2010-04-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

Gramma Ginny, Papa Paul and I took the quads to listen to a concert put on by the Redlands Symphony Orchestra. Every year they put on a family concert and since the kiddos just LOVE music, I thought they were old enough to go this year. We went to church and out to lunch and then headed over to the concert. They were a little tired by this time, especially since it was nap time, and had a little trouble getting through "The Magic Flute" pieces. BUT, when "Peter and the Wolf" was played they perked right up. The best time though was getting to see and play the instruments.

Hailey, Brooklyn and Dylan giving the french horn a toot.

Time for the violin.....

and the harp.

Hailey tried out some of the percussion instruments.
You may have noticed that Connor is not in any of these pictures. He was there, for sure, just did NOT want to play ANY of the instruments.
"Peter and the Wolf" is now their FAVORITE video and I have been asked EVERY DAY since the concert to watch this video.

An Emergency Weekend

2010-04-15T15:12:00.001-07:00

Checking out the firetruck with Daddy.

The girls were into giving Sparky some loves....

The boys not so much.

Brooklyn was the only one to brave the big, cool motorcycle. She even started flipping switches and put the blinkers on.
Hailey decided to check out the inside of the fire truck but was not so pleased when told she could only hold onto the steering wheel.

When done with the emergency vehicles, we checked out the county museum.

The land animal gallery was a hit.

Hi ho, hi ho, its off to lunch we go.

An Egg-citing Easter

2010-04-05T22:20:00.001-07:00

We had a full day ahead of us and we were ready to go. After invading Easter baskets we headed off to church, had lunch and an egg hunt at Auntie Heidi's parents house, then made our way down to Gramma and Papa's for another egg hunt and dinner.

Group pic before we headed off to church.

Dylan and Connor sporting their new shades.

During the egg hunt, big ol' Roxy dog got one of the hard boiled eggs. Dylan was right there to tell her to "put that down". Unfortunately, big ol' doggy didnt listen.

Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Walt helping the kiddos find their eggs.

Me and my boys

I just love Brooklyn trying to sneak a little snack.

Hailey had the same idea.

Looks like the boys were digging in too.

A family pic

Uncle Stephen, Auntie Heidi and cousins Devin and Logan.

We had to visit the horsies while we were there. Hailey giving Sugar some lovin'.

Connor just thinks this horse is hilarious!

Brooklyn kept giving the horse kisses and hugs. I think we have some animal lovers here.

Egg hunt #3! Dylan on the prowl.

Hailey showing off her hunting skills.

Brooklyn's more interested in whats INSIDE the egg than looking for MORE eggs.

Papa Paul, Hailey and Brooklyn

Connor is SO excited about the eggs he found, but looking at Micah's basket in the background, I think he missed out on a few.

Why look for eggs when there are plenty of bugs to find?

My sisters Jen and Crissi and nieces Elizabeth and Caitlin.

Birthday Bash!

2010-03-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

March 21st, the quads turned 3 YEARS OLD!! We had a family party for the kiddos and enjoyed a fun-filled day. I try to make a point of telling EACH of the kids that it is their special day. It's Hailey's birthaday, its Brooklyn's birthday, etc... but I think it is also so neat that when asked individually who's birthday it is, they ALL answer, "it's OUR birthday."

A pre-party picture - Dylan, Brooklyn, Connor and Hailey

The Girls - Brooklyn and Hailey

The Boys - Dylan and Connor

Gramma Ginny made the kids little puppets. Connor's having a blast with his turtle.

The kiddos showing off their puppets. Brookie's still checking hers out.

A fishing game they cant wait to check out. Also made by Gramma Ginny.

Cousins Logan and Little Madi having their own fun with the toys while the quads open gifts.

A short outfit and bubbles, Dylan's set for summertime.

Connor and Brookie opening gifts from Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Walt.

Hailey and Dylan opening Grandma and Grandpa's gifts.

Connor had been asking and asking for a basketball hoop, so this gift from Uncle Stephen and Auntie Heidi was a great suprise.

The girls new baby dolls. They just LOVE them.

A Family Room of Family Love

Cake and Candles

2010-03-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Connor was crouched and ready for the birthday song to be over so he could blow out "his" candles.

Connor was SOOO PROUD of blowing out the candles. He had been waiting ALL DAY for this moment.

Dylan listening to the Birthday Song.

Dylan getting impatient and wanting to blow out the candles before the song is over.

Dylan, OH SO PROUD, of blowing out the candles and enthralled with the smoke.

One happy birthday boy!

Brooklyn opened her mouth this wide several times while we sang to her, and we thought she was going to blow out the candles too soon, but she would then realize the song wasnt over yet, close her mouth and wait for the song to end. (Forgive my run on sentence)

She finally got them all out. YAY BROOKIE!!

Hailey just seemed amazed at everyone singing for her and just took it all in.

Hailey was so excited to blow out her candles. They all really liked that we sang to each of them individually this year.

Hailey blows with her front teeth, like she is saying an f sound, so it took her awhile to blow out her candles.

Some backyard play time. Brookie thought she could score more points using two balls.

Connor shootin' hoops

Disneyland

2010-03-16T09:09:00.001-07:00

WOW! Its so hard to believe three wonderful, amazing, challenging, BLESSED, years have almost gone by since the quads were born. To celebrate, we took the quads to "The Magical Kingdom", Disneyland, for their 3rd Birthday! We couldnt have asked for a better day. The weather was sunny but cool. The crowds werent to bad and we didnt have a SINGLE MELT DOWN the whole day! Of course, the awesome help from Gramma Ginny and Papa Paul went a long way in keeping the kiddos away from the grumpys. We had a blast and cant wait for our next opportunity to go see Mickey, Minnie and the gang at Disneyland.

Hailey took a while to warm up and we got her on Peter Pan and the carousel, but was not interested in riding the Dumbo ride. She finally got into the groove of things after lunch.

The crew after flying around and around (as Dylan would say) on Dumbo

Papa and Connor enjoing the train ride

Daddy and Hailey on the train too. (Pre warm-up for Hailey)

Snack time on the Storyland Canal ride

Mommy and Connor

I love seeing the looks of awe and amazement as they take in new sights and sounds. We were going through the mouth of the whale on the Storyland Canal boat ride and Dylan was just taking it all in.

Here's Hailey with that same kind of look of amazement in Goofy's Playhouse.

Papa and Dylan on the Jungle Cruise. Dylan gets startled very easily and the piranha's got him good on this ride as they came up out of the water.

Brooklyn, Connor, Hailey and Gramma Ginny excited to get to the jungle animals.

Everyone of course LOVED "It's a Small World".

Hanging out in front of Goofy's Playhouse.

We went on the roller coaster in Toon Town and ALL the kids LOVED it. Connor is the one who led the way onto this ride and then when we got close told Gramma he didnt want to go anymore. He did, and he loved it. I think we just might have some adventurous, adrenaline junkies on our hands. Especially Brooklyn. (Take after Daddy AND Mommy!)

Daddy and Hailey on the Autopia

Mommy and Brookie

After visiting Nemo on the submarines we decided to call it a day. Connor had other ideas and wanted to keep going. He kept say "See more, Mommy, see more." After strapping him in the stroller and walking about 15 feet, he was out cold. Evidence of a fun-filled, happy day.

I'm actually writing this a few weeks after we went, and the kids are still talking about all they did and saw at Disneyland. The other day at nap the kiddos were singing the theme song to the Pirates of the Carribean. So cute!

Roarin' round the Forest

2010-03-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

One evening I happened upon the kids in the stairwell putting on a show with their flashlights. They like to watch a show on PBS called Dinosaur Train. One of the main characters, Buddy, is a T-Rex and does a song with his shadow in the background. This is the kiddos version. I thought it was very clever of them to use their flashlights.

This is the song they are singing:

T-Rex, I'm a Tyrannosaurus. I'm the biggest carnivore in the Cretaceous forest. Roarin' round the forest. Tyrannosaurus Rex. Stompin' round the forest. T-Rex.

Roarin' Round the Forest from Melissa Jarrett on Vimeo.

Popcorn, Painting and Tent Making

2010-01-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

These pics are actually from December. (I'm SO far behind) Gramma Ginny got the kids an early Christmas gift of the Veggie Tales, Saint Nicholas video so we had a popcorn and movie afternoon. This was the first time I pulled out the popcorn maker for them to see and they loved watching the process of the kernel popping into the fluffy, white popcorn we love to eat. I think the pictures below speak for themselves!

Nothing better than popcorn and a movie

A little bit of art time. I love how their artwork shows off a little bit of their personality.

Hailey is usually very precise, and draws in little, tiny areas. She does this with coloring as well. Of the two girls, Hailey is more reserved, quiet and plays more independently. (Thats not to say that she doesnt roll rough and tumble with the rest of them.)

Brooklyn, on the other hand, fills in every inch of space on her paper with full, wide strokes. She is the more adventerous of the girls, always into EVERYTHING, and gives you this cute little smile when she knows she is in trouble!

Dylan always colors in one spot, over and over. Whether its with poster paint or water color, he usually wears a hole in the paper. Dylan is very tenacious, wants everything done perfectly and wants no one to help him. Usually things need to be done "just so" for him.

This particular time, Connor only wanted blue. He does not seem to have one particular style which he gravitates towards. Connor just enjoys life anyway it comes and laughs his way through things.

Needing a new distraction, we brought out a blanket and tipped over the furniture a made a tent.

Not only did they have this cool tent, but it was a new place to play with their much loved flashlights.

Over the river and through the woods...

2009-12-29T22:26:00.001-08:00

TO GRAMMA'S HOUSE WE GO!!
Ok, so we didnt go over the river, or through any woods, but we did go to Gramma's house. The Wednesday before Christmas Gramma was a brave soul and had ALL the grandkids over to decorate Christmas cookies. Thats 19 grandchildren, give or take a few who couldnt make it. Anyways, it was alot of kids decorating cookies and running around the house. And definately alot of fun!

Gramma handing out the cookies for the little kids table as Hailey, Micah and Brooklyn look on.

Dylan is eager to get a the cookies and frosting

Hailey and Micah creating their masterpieces

Kiley, Dylan and Hailey hard at work

Dylan got a little frosting on and was ready to gobble it up!

Connor finally let go of Papa and decided to give cookie decorating a go

Connor and Abby

Brooklyn approves! Yummy cookies!

Hailey gives the thumbs up too!

An exhausted Hailey conks out in Gramma Ginny's lap

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

After waiting a few days so Brittney would be home to decorate with us, we finally got the ornaments out and on the tree. We cranked up some Christmas music and got to work.

Each of the quads got their own new ornament to hang on the tree. They already have a stuffed animal that corresponds with the ornament. Connor has Pooh Bear, Dylan has Tigger, Brooklyn has Piglet and Hailey has Eyore.

They were so excited and dove right in. I had to quickly step in and pull out the ornaments not suitable for the kiddos to hang. In hindsight, next year I will pull out the ornaments before setting the box on the couch and letting them "have at it".

Hailey and Connor were the best ornament hangers. Which doesnt suprise me. They are more focused and spent quite a while hanging the ornaments. Where as Dylan and Brooklyn are more active and cant be bothered to spend more than a couple minutes putting some ornaments on a tree when there are other things to be done.

Hailey

Hailey found one particular branch and decided to hang ALL her ornaments there.

Connor was very particular about where he put his ornaments.

Brittney showing the little ones how its done!

Brooklyn taking a moment to hang an ornament.

Brittney showing her sibs the art of placing an ornament in the exact right spot. (Not just on the lower branches. Ha Ha.)

Dylan caught on to the idea, and after spending most of the night flying the airplane around the room, decided to put it at the top of the tree.

Four hard working little elves.

Group pic around the (partially) decorated tree.

Deck the Halls

2009-12-08T14:52:00.001-08:00

Its that time of year again. I LOVE Christmas time! So the Saturday after Thanksgiving the kiddos and I pulled out the tree and some decorations and got busy decking the halls. We keep the Christmas tree in the front closet which is also storage for diapers, wipes, toys, puzzles,...you get the picture...quad stuff. So the kiddies see the tree all year long and are always pointing out to me that thats our Christmas tree. Needless to say, they were very excited to FINALLY get that thing out of the closet!

Hailey, Dylan and Brooklyn helping to bring the tree in.

"Looks good from this side Hailey. How about your side?" Dylan

Connor, Hailey, Dylan and Brooklyn all lit up for Christmas.

This string of lights kept them busy while I worked on putting the lights on the tree.

The kids love hearing the Nutcracker Suite and were sooo excited when this nutcracker came out with the decorations. They took turns having it "bite" their fingers.

Some Cheap Fun

2009-11-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

We got some of these balloons a while back at a birthday party and the kiddos had such a blast with them I looked around and found them at Walmart for 2 for $1. They are great to pull out and blow up when having an off day or when we just need something different to do. They throw them, catch them, roll over them and Dylan has even gotten good at punching them. (Which is what you are supposed to do with the rubber band around your finger.) In the video below they have figured out they can bounce on top of them as well when holding on to the couch. Oh such simple pleasures!

Halloween Happening's

2009-11-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

Dylan the Giraffe

Brooklyn the Kitty Cat

Hailey the Leopard

Connor refused to get in his costume!

The day before Halloween, Brittney's work had a trick or treat session for all the residents, so we dressed up the kiddos and headed over for some day-before-Halloween fun.

Connor and Dylan eating up the attention from the residents of The Lakes while big sis Britt guides them around.

An attempt at a group shot. At least Brittney knows how to stand still and take a good picture.

Another attempt at a group shot with Papa, Cousins Devon and Logan and Uncle Steve.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Our second trip to the pumpking patch was a definite good time. We headed out the the pumpkin fields this year and the kiddos walked around in wonder and amazement at all the different pumpkin sizes and colors. There's even a picture of Connor kissing one.

Connor

Hailey

Brooklyn

Dylan

A new treat this year, we got to go on a tractor pull ride around the farm.

We even hit up the bounce house and slide. Talk about FUN TIMES!

The petting zoo was, of course, a BIG hit. No longer did we have little ones hiding behind Mommy and Daddy's legs. This year ALL FOUR took off and didnt even glance back to see if we were coming.

Brookie was in animal heaven!

Dylan just LOVED this little goat! He kept giving him hugs.

Fall Festivities

2009-10-23T13:53:00.001-07:00

Finger Painting Pumpkins

Hailey Nicole

Connor Nathaniel

Dylan Lucas

Brooklyn Elise

Making Pumpkin Cookies

The Power of FOUR!

2009-10-19T13:30:00.001-07:00

When we first found out we were expecting quadruplets, we read anything we could get our hands on. Many times we read about how high order multiples will work together to accomplish a single goal. Sometimes this was a good thing, sometimes not so good. Well the other night as I was cleaning up from dinner I saw them helping each other climb the side of the couch and heard a conversation that went something like this:

Hailey - "Help, Baum (pronounced bomb, Haileys nickname for Dylan, dont know where she got it from) help. Oh, oh, that hurts, Baum."
Brooklyn - "Hey, what you guys doin'?"

Hailey - "Do it Connor, do it!!"
Connor - "EEEE Yah!"

Hailey - "My turn, my turn."

Connor - "Oh, almost."

Dylan - Yay Hailey!"

Connor - "Your turn, Dylan."

It was very amusing watching and hearing their antics. This happens more and more often, helping each other and working together. Its cute now, I just hope it stays that way and they dont put this new found power into making mischief.

The Fantastic Four

My little Brookie Butterfly!

My jackets were the hit of the night for Hailey to dress up in.

Brooklyn's new scooter!

Fun Times With Daddy

2009-10-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Most Saturday afternoons, I run errands while Brian gets some Daddy time with the kiddos. Below are some pics Brian took last Saturday with the fab four!

Connor mid-jump down the stairs

The whole crew (Love the girls hair. No matter how I fix it in the morning, it always looks like this after nap.)

Dylan

I am Dylan, hear me roar!

LOVE Hailey's hair.

Brookie and Dylan

Homecoming Parade

2009-10-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Brittney is the Activities Coordinator on ASB this year at school. Her first activity was the Homecoming Parade and Dance. She worked really hard and got out into the community to invite various city departments to be participants in the parade. Brittney works at The Lakes, an assisted living community. She works on the wait staff and has good relationships with the people who live there. She had the idea to invite the Vietnam Veterans from her work and they were thrilled to be invited and involved. She also found a man who loaned some classis cars for the vets to ride in. It was a good first experience for her and she did an AWSOME job.

Brittney walking the parade route before the parade.

Getting set before the parade.

"Are they coming yet, Mom? Where's the marching band?" - Connor

The kiddos loved the band! If only they would have played their music in front of us. :( Boo Hoo.

Here comes the candy!!!

Brookie couldn't wait for the wrapper to be taken off!

We joined up with Gramma Nancy and Grandpa Walt. We all live just a few blocks away from the parade route and walked down to watch it.

The boys and Mama

My vote goes for the freshman float. The theme was boardgames and they did the game of CLUE.

Uncle Steve driving the Vietnam Vets.

Brittney, after a successful parade heading off to prepare for the Homecoming Game half-time activities.
A Job Well Done Brittney!!!!Yay for you!!!!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

2009-10-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

I thought I would just jot down a few of the kids "favorites" and a little about them at the moment to go along with these cute pics.

Connor loves the ABC song and I hear him often singing himself to sleep. He has been very disagreeable lately and answers me with a "no" quite often. Testing, Testing. It's funny though, he is also the one that I can reason with most and talk to about what he is doing and correcting it. Connor was the first to ask me that dreaded question at two years old. On our trip up to the mountains, we were 15 minutes into the drive and he asked, "Are we there yet?"

Time for a hair cut!!!!

Haileys favorite song is "Twinkle, Twinkle Litte Star" and walks around the house singing. She just loves to sing, period, and will make up little songs with nonsense words. It is sooo cute. She is very much into doing everything herself (they all are, but Hailey even more so) and forcefully tells me, "I do it Mama." Hailey loves to draw and color and will sit with the magna-doodle, draw something and then tell me all about it.

Brooklyn is our resident dress-up girl. She loves to put on the play shoes, hats and clothes. She is very much into saying "I love you" right now as well as "Thank You, Youre Welcome", one right after the other. Brooklyn has re-named our dog Roxie. She will follow Roxie around with a ribbon and say "Here Kitty, Kitty." (I'm pretty sure she got that from a T.V. show)

Dylan's favorite song at the moment is "The Wiseman Built His House Upon The Rock". He loves to do the hand motions and laughs and gets everyone else laughing as well. It sounds much cuter than I can tell it, but when the part of the song goes, "the house on the rock stood firm", Dylan repeats in his little boy voice, "firm". I wont go into the whole story, but the kids get stickers as a reward system, and Dylan loves to tease me when its his turn to pick a sticker. He taps his finger on his chin, says "hmmm", and points to a sticker thats already gone. He then gives me this cute, teasing look and waits for me to tickle him and say "Thats not a sticker." This repeats a few times before I have to tell him to pick a real sticker.

A Fond Farewell To Summer

2009-09-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

We had our Jarrett Family (minus Auntie Beth, who moved to England a few weeks ago, boo hoo for us, yay for her. And big sis Brittney, who had school and work) vacation up in Big Bear last week. We spent the week boatin', jeepin', feeding ducks, playing on the playground and just enjoying being away with family. I loved the two room layout we had, it was more like a little home than a timeshare.
This was the second year having the kids out on the boat and they did much better. I must say that may totally have to do with their life-jackets actually fitting them. They are still big and bulky, but last year they were just swallowed alive. Brooklyn was by far the best boater, seemed the most comfortable on the boat and loved driving. Hailey was fine as long as she was in someones arms. Dylan loved being anywhere someone else wanted to be. If asked if he wanted to drive the boat, he only wanted to if someone else was already there. Otherwise he wasnt interested. (It was just one of those weeks for Dylan) Connor liked the boat just fine and even better when best bud and cousin, Devin, was with him, making him laugh. Brian even took 3/4 of the kiddos out on the jet ski. Hailey looked a little dazed, Connor liked it for a little while, Dylan refused to go and Brooklyn, our little dare-devil screeched and laughed the faster Brian went. I had to tell him to slow down a little, it was making me nervous. (I dont have pictures yet, but hope to get them from Mom and Dads camera soon)

Brooklyn's in control of the wheel, look out!
Connor, Brook, Daddy, Gramma and cousin Hunter

Dylan, Hailey, Mommy, little cousin Logan, Auntie Heidi and cousin Devin

Hunter braved the cold, cold water for a long, long time. He was usually a little blue when he finally came in.

Dylan taking a turn at the wheel. He loves driving. Anything.

Best buds Devin and Connor watching Hunter on the tube.

Out on the boat with Gramma and Grandpa - Hailey, Mommy, Connor and Dylan

"I cant look, I cant look." - Gramma Nancy and Brooklyn

Brian getting some air on the jet ski.

Uncle Stephen and cousin Logan

One of the days we took the kids on a little walk around the lake. They loved finding pinecones, lizards, wild flowers and walking sticks.

Dylan

Give four 2 year olds walking sticks and some bushes to whack and they will be entertained for quite a while.

There are a whole lot of pictures here that look somewhat the same, but in each one a different look has been captured in a different kiddos face. Soooo, I, of course had to put them all in!

Hailey, Brooklyn, Dylan and Connor

This place we stay, Loganita Lodge, is great for the kids. It has a playground and a huge rec room we can run around in when we need to get out a little bit. A big bonus is the ducks that are all over the place. The kids love them.

Brooky didnt want to get off the swing to feed the ducks.

Connor and Brooklyn hanging out with little Loggie-Bear.

Hailey and Mommy catchin' some ZZZZ's.

Daddy reading the kiddos a book.

Breakfast on the patio. Brooklyn needing her hands wiped. This girl cannot stand to have crumbs on her hands while eating.

Four-wheelin' Brian

Grandpa Walt, Uncle Steve and Hunter in Steve's jeep.

Happy Times

2009-09-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

After bath and before bedtime comraderie. I love these times when all four are getting along, loving each other and having a grand old time!

Dylan wanted to sit at the table a while longer after we were done with breakfast. I left to change a diaper, came back and here he was. Relaxing on the hard wood table. Content as could be. Go figure.

A quiet moment when all four are focused and busy stringing beads to make necklaces. Thanks Gramma Ginny for the beads. :)

Hailey has this thing for orginization!

I think we might have a future drummer on our hands. Check out the drumset Dylan created.

The kiddos gathered all my measuring cups and spoons and wanted to have a jam session.

One day, I was checking to see what pictures I had on the camera, and of course, the kids all wanted to see. They love checking out the pics and videos. So I told them I would video them singing a song and they could watch it. As you will see, Connor did not appreciate the fact that we had to sing the song first and decided to protest. I thought it was cute and enjoyed their individual styles. (Pardon my singing in the background.)

Papa's MIG

2009-09-08T15:19:00.001-07:00

Papa Walt was a pilot in the Air Force and later a missionary. Brian and his parents lived in the Amazon in Brazil and Walt flew in supply's. They were later also missionaries in Zimbabwe. Because of Papa Walts love for airplanes, he acquired a Mig Fighter, which was in pieces and he was going to work on it and refurbish it. Due to lack of time and just not getting to work on it, he donated it to the March Air Reserve Museum in return for them fixing it up. Last Friday, we took a trip and braved the heat to go see Papa's MIG.

Gramma Nancy, Papa Walt, Auntie Beth and the Quads on the way into the Museum

Our own personal tram ride around the airplanes

Front Row: Aunt Beth, Devon, Hunter

Back Row: Aunt Heidi, Uncle Stephen and Logan

Papa's Mig in the background

Dylan, Brooklyn, Connor and Hailey checking out the exhibits inside the Museum

Maybe we have a future pilot here, just like Papa.

Connor

Dylan

Hailey

Brooklyn

I love how in each of their pictures, each kiddo finds something fascinating in the steering wheel buttons.

Dylan

Connor

Brooklyn

Hailey

Papa and his MIG Fighter

June Lake Part 2

2009-09-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

We spent some of our time at the two lakes in the town of June Lake. There is a smaller lake, Gull Lake and the larger, June Lake.

The boys LOVED throwing rocks in the lake!

Checking out the fish at the Gull Lake Marina

Feeding the fish. It was funny watching how each one of the kiddos put the fish food in the water. Hailey put each little piece in one at a time. Brooklyn scooped hers off with her hand. Connor put all of his in really fast and Dylan wanted to put one in at a time to keep as many as he could the longest.

The BEAUTIFUL Eastern Sierra Mountains, pictures taken on one of Brians bike rides.

Our last day, having some fun at the lake.

June Lake Trip

2009-08-27T14:40:00.001-07:00

The drive to June Lake takes about 6 - 7 hours, including pit stops. We usually try and drive during some time that the kiddos are asleep, so we left during nap time and hoped to arrive a little after bed time. Hailey decided to cut nap time short and only slept about 40 minutes, then wanted to grouch the rest of the ride. :( Everyone else slept a bit longer and did okay with the long ride. I think the longest we've had them in the car is probably 2 hours tops. So this was a new experience for them having to sit for soooo long. We dont have video players, so tried to pacify them with their music CD's, crackers and dare I say it, CANDY. Around 4 hours into the drive, we came into Lone Pine, had some dinner and found a park to let the kids let out some steam. We stayed longer then anticipated, about an hour and then hit the road again.

Dylan and Hailey

Connor Dude

Brooklyn, Dylan and Mommy

It was funny, as the girls were swinging, both of them liked to sit as far foward in the swing and kept their legs stick straight.

June Lake is a beautiful, natural alpine lake that gets its water from the glaciers around it. It is about 45 minutes away from the back entrance to Yosemite and the views are just gorgeous. We usually come to this vacation spot during the winter to snowboard, but with the quads, that has taken a back seat until they are older and we wanted to see what it was like during the summer. Other than the fact that everyone except Brian got a fever and cold while we were up here, we loved the beautiful weather, cool nights and oh the stars you could see! Nothing like being up in the mountains.

So many of these pictures are of the kids back sides. Its hard to capture them when they are so excited to see all the new sights.

Hailey, Brooklyn, Connor and Dylan

We went and saw the old ghost town of Bodie. Part of the drive was a dirt road and going off the pavement made it very loud and bumpy. I turned around and saw Connor with a very concerned look and Dylan holding his hand as if to comfort him. So sweet!

The old town of Bodie

Below are some pics of the town and the kids. We got many comments on the kiddos (as usual)and suprisingly many of them commented on their cute back packs. I, myself, will be over the top happy when we can go without those darn backpacks. But they do allow for some independence for the kids without letting them get to far. Connor and Hailey would probably do fine without them, but our little runners, Dylan and Brook would influence them to make a break for it.

Hailey and Brook

Connor, Brook and Hailey

Mommy and her crew (Can you see Connor just peeking over Dylans shoulder?)

The kids suprised me with how interested they were in seeing in the windows and going in the old buildings. Of course, they are only 2, so they were mostly interested in how many rocks they could pick up, how much dirt they could scatter in the wind and trying to get Mom or Dad to carry them if they just sit down in the dirt and not move.

My sister Amy, her husband Isaac and his family were also vacationing in Mammoth Lakes at the same time as us. Mammoth is only 20 minutes or so away from June so we spent some time with them as well. I didnt get any pictures, but we took the kids swimming at their place and Isaac invited Brian on a mountain bike ride. The kids hadnt had a nap yet, so I took them on a long car ride, enjoyed some beautiful scenery while they slept and Brian went on the bike ride. Basically, I am putting all this in here because I was very proud (and a little scared at the time) of myself for what I did after the kids nap. I TOOK THEM TO THE PARK ALL BY MYSELF!! Having two who like to run off, I was a little hesitant, but didnt want to go back and sit in the condo and wait for everyone else to return. THE KIDS DID GREAT. We even recieved a few compliments on how well behaved we were. Only when it was time to get back in the car, did we have a little bit of a melt-down. Even with not feeling our best, we were determined to have a great vacation!

Daddy, the Quads, and the Wooly Mammoth

The kiddos first bus ride on the way down to Devils Postpile.

After the bus ride to the ranger station, it was a .8 mile hike (round trip) to the Devils Postpile Monument. The kids were such troopers, especially with Connor and Brooklyn having only a small nap, and Dylan and Hailey not having any.

Brooklyn resting on the rocks bigger than her.

Connor

Family Pic

The Devils Postpile
Taking a much needed break. Always on the lookout for wildlife, Connor found a blue bird.

"I can climb to the top of the rocks, Dad. Really, I can." - Hailey

More of our June Lake trip coming up next!

One Hot Summer Day - Palm Springs

2009-08-12T14:46:00.001-07:00

Last week Stephen and Heidi (Brians bro) and their kids were out in Palm Springs for the week and invited us to come spend a day with them. So we loaded up all the swim gear and some snacks and headed out. We got there around 11, had some lunch and headed to the pool. It was in the low hundreds, which is cool for summer in Palm Springs. We stayed at the pool around 3 hours, which is a best for the kiddos. We would hop out of the water and I would think the kids were done, ask them if they were ready to go and get a firm reply of "no, more swimming". We had bar-b-que for dinner and some fun visiting time and then headed home. Boy, were the kiddos tuckered out!

Snack time - Hailey

Warming up in the shade and gettin' some grub
Brooklyn, Connor and Dylan

We Will Miss You!

2009-08-07T14:57:00.001-07:00

Last week was our last week of Early Intervention. Due to California's financial crisis, and many budget cuts within the state, our program was also looking for areas to cut back. The kiddos have been doing SOOOO GREAT that their program facilitator and teacher could not justify continuing the kids. We were only given about a weeks warning and are very sad to say good-bye to Kathy and Maritza. Maritza has been working with the kids for about a year now and they just love, love, love her. When ever I tell them its a day for Maritza to come, they get so excited and wait for the doorbell to ring. Maritza is such a sweet, caring person and her love for the kids shows in all her interactions with them. We will miss her!!

Maritza and Dylan

Maritza and Connor
Maritza and Hailey
Maritza and Brooklyn Hailey and Dylan working on some puzzles "Here Bro, I think this goes with your puzzle." Connor and Dylan
Maritza has everyone working so nicely!

Capistrano Vacation Part 3

2009-08-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

Some more pics from our beach vacation... we hit up quite a few parks around the area and this was one of the nicest ones. Gotta love the views of the beach from all these parks!

Connor and Mommy

Getting friendly with the locals "Big...ocean...Mommy!" We took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese one of the days, just for something different. I actually thought they would have more climbing structures, but they had mostly video games. The kids played a few games, ate a little pizza and and had a grand ol' time.

The girls off to put out a fire ( the boys would not get on these rides at all)
Dylan LOVES race cars. He played this game for about a half and hour, driving as best he could.

Once the boys found this game, we used up the rest of our tokens. They were enthralled with putting in the token and magically getting the tickets.
Playing with the sticky hands they got with their tickets

We finally got the boys on a ride. They all loved the horseys on the carousel.