And..............We're Mobile!!

Yes, people.....we are mobile in more ways then one now! Addison is the first crawler of the clan! If you'd asked me, I would've thought she'd be last. Way to go Addie!
And........this weekend the "big kids" and I got to spend some good quality time with Addison as Daddy was away on a much deserved golf getaway weekend! He planned months in advance to have 2 of the girls cared for by his wonderful parents and sister. We all enjoyed being able to love on one girl at a time - and they loved it, too! The four of us felt very "mobile" as we jetted all around town with our very portable baby girl! We dined at my favorite restaurant - On the Border - with friends, we played at the mall, we tried on clothes, we went to Spring Lake to see friends, then went to the beach with Aunt Kari! We felt so FREE! We sure missed the other two, though - and kept feeling like something was missing. They had great fun with their Grandma and Grandpa, and Aunt and Uncle! Thanks so much for the wonderful weekend, guys! Our new favorite baby holder, Ashley
"Where did my legs go??"
Digging a hole to the Olympics in China

New Photographer on the Block

My friend Carolyn has started up a new photography business and so graciously allowed us to be some of her first guinea pigs. Our intention was to get some group shots of the girls at six months.........but they didn't have the same idea. She took some great individual pictures of all the kids which I thought I'd show off. If you're interested in booking her.......check out her blog at the right, under "all the small things".

Happy 7th Birthday, Emma!

My baby girl is growing up so fast! She turned 7 on Sunday, and decided she was ready to get her ears peirced! We took her to Libby Lu (where else?), and she was so brave and proud of her herself. She keeps trying to find reasons to have her hair pulled back so she can look at her newly studded ears. I must say, she did MUCH better than I would've thought. We topped the night off with a trip to Craig's Cruisers, and then settled back into reality at home! Next weekend, Rich and I are taking them to see High School Musical at the Civic as part of her birthday present. I'm not sure who's more excited, Emma or Luke!

Proud little lady

"Before"

"After"

Craig's Cruisers

"Treasure's" from Craig's

Granny Day Camp

Okay.........I just need to brag on my mom at little! I am so lucky to have the greatest mom who is very creative and thoughtful. To help me and the kids out this summer, she created a "Granny Day Camp" where once a week she takes Emma and Luke away for the day and they do fun things together. Each week she has a theme, and they learn about a topic and then do activities related to that theme. They've been to parks, movies, walks, and Houseman's ice cream. They've learned about muskrats, mallard ducks, dragonflys, butterflies, Independence Day. They've collected quarters from almost all of the 50 states. It has been the highlight of each week this summer, and the kids wake up on Mondays all dressed in their special "Granny Day Camp" shirts! Thanks mom, for being such a great Grandma!

Reflections from the Past Six Months......

6 months old
One day old

I once saw another triplet post that had a "six month review", if you will, and remember thinking how cool it was to be able to see the progress they made. Here is my humble attempt at documenting what the first 6 months of life with triplets has been like.
*Coffee is a MUST
*I can't remember what a full nights sleep feels like
*Pacifiers...........love 'em and hate 'em at the same time
*The mega huge cans of formula from Sam's lasts 4 days.

What I wouldn't trade for anything.....
*How they light up when I walk into the room
*hearing Ava giggle at the top of her lungs at her silly brother Luke
*Elaina's wet sloppy fingers grabbing for my face
*Giving zerberts to Addie's many, many chubby rolls
*watching Emma mother her baby sisters so lovingly
*Ava's 2 legged tadpole kicks
*Elaina's growl
*Addison's dimple that comes out when she sticks out her tongue

The girls went for their 6 month check-up last week and are doing remarkable! Once again, Addison and Elaina are neck-in-neck for the heavy weight title (A: 18 lb. 8 oz., E: 18lb 7 oz.). Sweet little Ava is a respectable 15lb. 15oz. I think the girl just moves too much - she is constantly kicking. They are sitting, rolling, and Ava and Elaina can get up on their knees and rock. Uh-oh! Please don't start thinking about crawling yet!

It's definitely not been easy, but God has blessed us in so many ways these past 6 months. We are surrounded by such loving and wonderful family and friends who have carried us through! Thank you to everyone who has blessed us with your time, service, meals, gifts and prayers.

Camping and the Fourth of July

Every year it is a family tradition for Rich's family to go camping in Manistee over the 4th of July. We haven't missed in the 5 years we've been back here from Dallas. We have been tenting it for the past 5 years, too. Well..........this year we've outgrown the tent and decided to send the big kids along with everyone else, and bring the babies up for the parade on the 4th. Emma and Luke had a blast with their cousins, Aunts and Uncles, and Grandma and Grandpa. The girls got a little taste of what camping is like - and why Rich enjoys it so much (haha!). Ava was quite the fan of the parade, her sister Elaina not so much! Addie was just content to sit and observe. Next year...............watch out campers - here come the VanTol's! Yikes!

Ava enjoys the parade
Lake Michigan
Grandpa and Addie

Auntie Jen and Elaina
Grandma and sleeping Ava

The Doodlebops

Happy 6 months to us!

We celebrated the girls 6 month birthday while my dear friend Sara was here visiting us from California. She's been like a sister to me and it was so great to finally be able to introduce our newest additions to her. It was so nice to have an extra set of hands so that we could take the whole family to the pool, and we also took all the kids out to Spring Lake to visit our other dear friend Christie. Our older kids had fun tubing with their friends Megan and Sam, while the babies napped. Sara and I got the chance to go out to lunch (thanks to our fabulous volunteers, Michelle and her mom!), and to have a nice ladies night out downtown with Christie and Heidi (another college friend). We really felt our age as we observed all the young little hotties dancing up a storm on the Monroe Mall. We realized that used to be us a few short 10-15 years ago - my how time flies! Thanks Sara for the many good memories...I miss you already!

Auntie Sara

The Birthday Boy

Tubing on Spring Lake

Auntie Christie entertaining the girls with "The Wiggles" - oh no!