Sick House

So, we're sick. All four of us. I was thinking about it and me being sick at the same time as the kids has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:
-I don't panic about if/when I'm going to catch whatever illness the kids have.
-It's easier to stay at home and do nothing when you don't feel like leaving the house either.

Disadvantages:
-Usually if the kids are sick and I am not, they are content to sit and read or watch movies and I can get a LOT done without a lot of interruptions. To say my to-do list is getting out of control is a complete understatement.
-I hate it when my house gets messy and lets just say....it gets messy if we're all down and out.

Most days, the kids and I are out the door by or before 9. Either to a class at the gym, taking Addie to preschool, the library, errands, etc. When we all get sick, it definitely changes up our normal schedule.

On Monday I wasn't sure how we were going to stay home all day without going crazy. But by today (Wednesday) I think we've got a pretty good at-home-all-day routine going.

I know I think this every time they get sick, but why don't I do more stay-at-home days when we are healthy? So this is my goal, after we get well, to be more intentional about staying at home together when we are healthy, not just when we are forced to because of illness.

And since no post is complete without pictures, I thought I'd throw in this one....my sister in law is looking for blessing outfits for her son (our new nephew!) and finding out what I did two years ago...that it's HARD! Anyway, I sent her a picture of what we blessed Davis in and oh boy, I forgot how chubby and wonderful he was as a newborn. Here's what I sent her:



P.S. On a side note, Jeremy is sick too. It's horrible when he's sick at the same time as all of us. Because as much as I want to complain to him about our day spent at home in our pajamas watching "Madagascar", he has to actually get up and DO THINGS - HARD things like study how the body works and diseases and take tests, etc. It just feels wrong to vent to him about the advantages/disadvantages of being sick with my kids, so I'll just blog about them instead.

P.P.S. It seems (knock on wood) that the sickness is on its way out....! Just in time for me to leave on Saturday afternoon for Salt Lake City my little sister's college graduation. Yay!

Buddy!

We were so lucky to have our very best buddies from Idaho come visit us last week. We had so much fun going to the Children’s Museum, the local library storytime, the neighborhood park, the zoo, having backyard picnics, and just letting the kids play and get to know each other again. Jentry and I had so much fun with our kids during the day, and then doing fun things by ourselves after they went to bed.

Thanks SO much for coming to visit, guys! We had a blast and can’t wait to see you soon!

Catching Up, Part 1

So I have a lot to catch up on. Luckily (or not so lucky, as the case may be) the kids and I all have major head colds today so I have time to sit and catch up on all the fun we've been having lately.

My parents came to visit for Davis' birthday since it coincides with my mom's Spring Break. My parents were able to see Addie's preschool and of course we went to the zoo. We also went to the Fontenelle Forest, which was SO cool, I can't believe we haven't been through it until now. Lots of fun nature trails, with little tree houses and musical instruments/kid-friendly things all along the way. The biggest hit with my kids were the kid-friendly "binoculars" which they loved looking through, even though the majority of the time they were looking through them backwards.

As always, my parents left my kids' totally exhausted from all the fun we have when they visit.

If any of you ever wonder where Davis got his eyes, here's your answer!



Tired Davis after dropping my parents off at the airport.

Velvet Ropes

This is highly hypocritical of me, an avowed blog-stalker, but...I'm doing it anyway.

I'm going to change this blog to a private one next week....just as soon as I figure out how. I DO know that you need to leave me your email address in the comments section so I can add you to the VIP list. Or email me at nataliehartley@gmail.com if you don't want to leave your email address for all the internet to see.

See you on the other side!

Davis' Birthday Party

We were lucky enough to have my parents in town for Davis' birthday! We had a fun weekend going to the Fontenelle Forest, the zoo, playing outside and eating lots and lots! (I should be getting some pictures emailed to me soon of these fun things...!)

We also had a little get together with our buddies the evening of Davis' birthday. He loved playing with his friends and eating his cake and ice cream.

Happy 2nd Birthday, D!