We really are a busy family!
Most days I feel very accomplished to take all the kids on our daily outings (to the playground, park, shopping, McDonald's..pretty much everywhere!) by myself... It wasn't easy at first and I remember when Meghan was 1 , Hailey was a newborn and I was pregnant with Michael and getting out of the house seemed nearly impossible..but a necessary evil nevertheless. I would go utterly insane if I had to stay in the house everyday with 3 kids!
Now I feel like a pro at it,with 3 kids in tow and pregnant with BC#4...but even though it looks easy..trust me, it isn't and it takes monumental energy and effort..along with expert coordination. Sometimes I feel like I could have given General McArthur a run for his money because coordinating two preschoolers and a toddler is pretty much like planning battle strategy ;-)
The preparations alone are staggering.. Seriously, it's not like you can just walk out of the house. Everyone has to be dressed and have their hair done...that's 4 people to get ready and presentable. The bag must be packed (and the old salt about having it packed the night before...well let's just say that isn't practical for mommies of more than one preschooler/toddler)...this means changes of clothing ( as well as underpants for Hailey who is potty training..that is another day's story!) diapers, wipes, snacks, juice, and any specialty items needed for whatever we are doing that day, camera, and car keys. The house needs to be dog proofed and everyone needs to visit the potty or get changed before we leave. everyone needs to be taken outside and buckled into their respective carseats. Then we are ready to put the car in drive and get outta Dodge.
And remember...this is all times 3.
Ok.. I'm tired now.. I need a nap..lol
The following is a pictorial of Our July family highlights (the ones I managed to take pictures of anyway..lol)
Daddy bought the kids a brand new sprinkler...they weren't too sure about it at first but warmed up to the idea eventually...


We had my niece Sammy stay for a weekend sleepover...4 kids under 4 ...YIKES!!!! but it was a success..what's one more kid,right?
We went to the Plainfield County Fair...perfect for little kids...no rides or games...just plenty of food, animals and good old fashioned fun!!



The balloon making clown was another story entirely... I'm pretty sure he had been drinking his lunch..lol. He made this big huge ...ummm...thing....instead of making balloon animals which is what he was supposed to be doing. I had to ask him and then literally stand in front of him and watch him do it...