Life with 5

I know I've been neglecting this blog for the last couple of months, but when I get a spare moment this doesn't seem to be the first place I run to :) We are obviously keeping busy over here, but enjoying the new addition. Some people say, "At least you have two of the kids off to school". But honostly, those hours are the hardest for me. My 17 month old Peanut can be as big of a handful as my Baby K, and sometimes a bigger handful. My older two girls LOVE to help. They are willing to take care of either Peanut or K, which ever I need help with. Yes, Bman is at home with me during the day, but he's not much of a help. He has no "motherly" instincts at all and prefers to wrestle with an unwilling Peanut. The loud wails from either of the younger girls doesn't phase him in the slightest. And, if it doesn't bother him, then he sees no need in helping to make it stop. But, things are calming down a little as we get used to our new routine.

We had a great Thanksgiving and baby K was able to meet a lot of extended family members. It was a busy time, but enjoyable. The day after Thanksgiving the kids wanted to put up the Christmas tree. I wasn't sure I had the energy so I told them if THEY wanted to, they could. I told them how to put the tree together, and the three of them worked together and got it done themselves with very little help from me. Branches, lights, ornaments, and everything. (Not the prettiest tree ever, but they worked hard together and did it and for that reason I love it just the way it is). It was very enjoyable to watch. The rest of the Christmas stuff sat out for a week before I got around to finishing it up and putting it away, but we are now officially in the Christmas spirit! Here are a few pictures of their hard work.

Putting on the branches....Love the teamwork going on therePutting on the lightsHanging up the ornaments

The kids have also really been enjoying the snow and spending lots of time outside sledding. Here they are all going down a small hill by the house. They've gone down it so much that it's actually packed down and became icy. I love it when they can all find something fun to do together.