Kindergarten

Homeschool! Yes, that was the answer! After all,  how was I going to give my child to someone else, every day, all day long? What if she was confused about something and needed help? What if she fell down at recess and scraped her knee, and I wasn't there to wipe her tears and put the neosporin and band-aid on just right, the way that only a mother can? What if she got sunburned at recess? What if her shoes came untied? What if she didn't have enough food at lunch, and she was hungry or thirsty? What if kids were mean to her?! I was a wreck.

London did get sunburned, she did fall and scrape her knee, she got lost at the lunch table and cried, her double-knots came untied, and she missed me a lot. BUT... London's kindergarten teacher is kind and patient, and London simply adores her. Everyone at school likes London, and she has the sweetest little group of friends! I taught her how to tie her shoes, I pack way less in her lunch because I learned that she eats about two things each day, not seven. And the best part of all? She loves Kindergarten. And I love when she comes home and tells me allllll about it; who she played with, what art projects she did, all the worksheets she completed, and all the new things she learned. And then we sit together at the kitchen table and do her homework and I feel like a million dollars because she is killing her sight words and no one does math worksheets like my girl, London.

And you know what? I can do hard things, and so can she!

Something I certainly wasn't expecting to come with Kindergarten was the change I saw immediately in Elle. Let me preface this by saying, I had been really struggling with Elle. She was acting out, throwing tantrums, and being disobedient, and I was angry at myself for losing patience with her each day. Elle is a really really good girl, but the poor thing has to share my attention with crazy one-year-old twins and a bossy older sister, and, time after time, there wasn't enough of me to go around. Enter Kindergarten. London is gone for seven hours each day, in which time the twins also take a nap and a half, and suddenly, me and Elle have hours of time together, just the two of us! We read books, play horsies, watch Paw Patrol, and she is back to her wonderful self! And the girls, after being away from each other for most of the day, are so happy to be together once more, that even they are playing more peacefully. THANK YOU, Kindergarten!

After much prayer, I also felt inspired to sign Elle up for horseback riding lessons... But how was I to find someone willing to take on a two-year-old student? I finally found one trainer about twenty minutes away, named Anna Baker, who listened to our story and immediately offered to teach Elle! Riding a horse is the absolute highlight of Elle's life. She tells everyone who will listen about "her horse", Bella. She'll say, "Bella's my horse. Her name is Bella. She's a good girl. She had a haircut. Santana gives me treats for Bella. We ride on saddles. And she has a howter(halter) and reins. And I say 'whoa' and then she stops!"

The entire drive to her lesson, Elle cheers, "I'M SO EXCITED!" And the moment she sees Bella, she calls, "BELLA! MOM---LOOK! It's my horse! I'M SO EXCITED!" And she gets right up on that horse with the brightest smile I've ever seen. It makes me teary-eyed every. single. time.

With the new school year, came something else we didn't expect... Our dearest friends, the Adams, accepted a job offer in South Carolina, and moved away! We have always remained close, no matter how many states separated us, and I know this time, it will be no different. But sheesh, we miss them! 

 Someday, when we've finally figured our lives out, we'll buy houses right next to each other at the end of a darling tree-lined street, and our 13 children will play together in the cul-de-sac every night until the sun goes down. But until then, it's wonderful to know that they are always only a phone call away.

Sunriver, Oregon

Kyle's mom and step-dad generously booked a beautiful home for the whole family in Sunriver, Oregon, for our first ever Garvin family reunion. It was 15 hours of driving, all while Tangled played on repeat, but it was so worth it! For five days, thirteen cousins played from sunrise until way past their bedtimes!

Juliette was Kennedy and Sydney's
 doll for the week!

Each morning began with a special devotional prepared by an assigned family. We talked about faith, service, kindness, and love, and it truly set the tone for our time together.

We spent our days riding bikes, going on family walks, relaxing at a tiny water-park, and playing at the park together. We had two special outings: one to Bend for school shopping at the outlets, and the other to the Sunriver Observatory for stargazing. We also drove to the breathtaking Crater Lake for an afternoon.

The highlight of the trip was a game tournament, where we all played a round of Happy Salmon, Memory, Chutes and Ladders, and Candy Land. The tie-breaker, which I was lucky enough to be a part of, was the game "Pie Face". You rest your chin on a little contraption, turn a handle the prescribed number of times, and wait for a handful of whipped cream to hit you square in the face! And though I made it to the final round, I was finally pied in the face for the first time in my life, but probably not the last.

Other memories include a talent show, where the kids played the piano, sang songs, performed stand-up comedy, and magic tricks. Then Kayla put together a playlist of everyone's favorite song, and we had to pick which song belonged to each family member.

There was a lot of laughter and teasing and practical jokes, but mostly, there was love. And that's why family reunions, I'm convinced, are a tradition we Garvins will continue for years to come.

The twins are one!

The doctor came in and asked which baby was Henry and which was Juliette.

London introduced Henry to her Kindergarten teacher and actually said, "This is Handsome Boy." And with a face like that, it's pretty clear why. I was warned about having a boy. Everyone said that boys are crazy and busy and messy...and that is definitely true! Henry is the most mischievous child! He gets into everything- he can open every door in the house and move every barrier I put in his way. He has the loudest cry I have ever heard. His favorite thing is playing outside..in the dirt. But there is something so unexplainable about that boy--he has my heart! When he sees me, his entire face lights up, and he comes running into my arms. He wraps both arms around my neck and tangles his baby fingers in my hair, and lays his head on my shoulder. He can lay like that, swinging his right leg in the air, for twenty minutes, before squirming free. I think he was a koala in another life. And his laugh! Ah, he laughs and laughs, this contagious bellowing laugh, and it is the most beautiful sound.

Juliette thinks her name is Peanut. She is the easiest, cheeriest, and sweetest little girl. When she gets her feelings hurt, she drops her face to the ground and screams, the highest pitched scream I have ever heard. When she's really mad, she then rolls onto her back and kicks her legs until she has scooted her way across the floor. Finally, she looks at me to make sure I've caught the entire spectacle, stands up, and continues on her merry way. She doesn't really laugh...it's more of a squeal & giggle combination. She loves to read, almost as much as Elle, but her attention span is exactly three pages long. Then, she takes the book out of my hands, drops it on the floor, and walks to the bookshelf for another. She is so smart! If she wants something, she brings it to me and says, "Ah?" She always has a doll or Barbie in her arms, and she carries them affectionately, constantly giving them hugs and kisses. She loves music, and starts to dance whenever she hears it playing.

One year into this twin mom thing, I wouldn't say that it has gotten easier...but I would say that I am much better at my job. I'm a scheduler, a planner, a balancer. I know what every cry means from every child, who is hungry or thirsty or tired or who needs attention or affection or a diaper change or time alone. And I've learned to politely say "no" to others when my plate of life at home is full. My life with them is everything I've ever dreamed of and nothing I could've planned for all wrapped into one crazy love fest.

Also, they turned one last month... and this was their Flintstone's Party...

Maple Valley

 "Oh my gosh, are they all yours?!"
"Wow, you must have your hands full!"
"Are those twins?!" (*gasp)

We flew as a family to Seattle last month to visit family and friends for an extended weekend trip. I can't express the joy I felt, knowing that I would soon be with so many people that I love so dearly! But first, there was getting there...

Flying with four small children is quite an ordeal. There are four car seats to be checked and carried, strollers, snacks, sippy cups, activities, stuffed animals, blankets, diapers to be changed, and twins to be nursed. What do people say to you every time you leave the house? I just nod, smile politely, and wait for the next staring person to repeat the same sentiments. But every once in a while, I hear kind words from someone who "gets it". Those comments sound like this:

"Your family is so beautiful!"

"What cute kids!"

"They're all so well behaved!"

My kids are exceptional flyers. I'm pretty sure the three hours of church every Sunday for their entire lives has a little something to do with it. But just to be sure, I sit them down before each flight to explain what I expect of them, and reward them with "treats" in their backpacks. It makes them positively giddy with excitement. Thankfully, the airplane was practically empty, so the girls had enough room to lay down and sleep. Kyle and I each held a twin, and they slept for most of the flight as well. 

Oh, Maple Valley. It was so good to be back! My kids had missed their cousins immensely! Especially London, whose little companion Taylor is her favorite person on the planet. It was as if we had never left. 

We made it to Washington at the very end of blueberry season...I have this thing with fresh fruit. Dusty wooden fruit stands on the side of any road are my guiltiest pleasure. The whole "you pick" farm idea, I'm convinced, was invented for me. I could pick fresh fruit and eat it all day long forever and never consider stopping. Especially on the morning we went: the air was crisp and the sky was foggy, and it had just stopped raining. It was heaven. I could've stayed all day. Kyle's The twins' blueberry picking limit, however, was only about six pounds. I think the kids had fun, even though their combined contribution to our bucket was three blueberries, and Kyle indulged me, even though he thinks I'm crazy. 

When I was pregnant with the twins, I was really really sick. Due to preterm labor, I spent an entire month in the hospital, and had to rely entirely on my family, husband, and sweetest friends for the care of my older two girls. One lady in particular took a liking to London and Elle, and though we were friends before, the birth of the twins brought us much closer. She was my angel in those first crazy months, when newborn twins should have taken my sanity. She helped me with housework, played endless hours with the girls, and rocked the twins to sleep over and over and over again. My children love her dearly, and so do I. We went to visit her on our trip to Washington, and the girls were so happy to see her again!

I sneaked this picture of the girls and Elaine
 looking for frogs in the water!

Matt and Rachel invited us to their home after church, and Brigham and Kari had us over for dinner. Our kids all played together while we enjoyed some much-needed adult time. We feel so fortunate to call them our friends! I even attended one of my book clubs, where I reconnected with a wonderful group of women I adore and deeply respect, thanks to our countless thought-provoking discussions until 2 am.  

12, 10, 8, 5, 5, 3, 1, 1

On our very last day, my littlest nephew, Grant, came down with the cold Elle was carrying, and our plans to attend the Children's Museum weren't looking too promising. Then, I had this crazy idea that Kyle and I could take the kids ourselves...all eight of them. Thankfully, Melissa went along with it, and entrusted her children to us for the afternoon. 

When the trip came to a close, we weren't ready to leave! I am so grateful for our time there, for my amazing sister-in-law who hosted all of us, and for the memories we shared with our friends and family. Until our next trip to Washington, we truly love you all!

Be Our Guest!

-"Mom, are mermaids real?"
-"Well, they're real in your imagination!"
-[total and complete utter devastation face] "Are you SERIOUS!?! NOW what am I going to be when I grow up?!"

People, this is London.

I had an awful cold last week, and as I laid helplessly on the couch, London came to see me.
"Mom, I'm sorry you're not feeling well. You need lots of rest, and vitamins. Don't forget to eat lots of fruit and venchtables." And then she got me a glass of ice water with a straw and held it to my lips to drink. "Here, Mom."

And now she's five. I blinked and my baby turned five.

The beautiful flowers provided by Hartworks Floral Design!

She wanted a Beauty and the Beast party, and you know by now how I feel about birthdays...so we did just that! The food was really yummy- banana, peach, strawberry, and nutella crepes, tiny chocolate chip muffins in the shapes of roses, and fruit salad----- but London's friends weren't too excited about having real tea...oops!

Uncle Noah decorated this delicious lemon-blueberry cake!

Princess Belle was our wonderful surprise guest! She sat down with all the girls to read them a story, while the boys all hid, peeking into the room from around the corner! London kept telling her friends, "She's princess Belle from the play!" 

Thank you Princess Belle!!!!!

London spent the entire day in her Belle dress, holding it up just enough to show her ankles-the most graceful little princess. 

The day before London's birthday, she sat at the kitchen table, saying her morning prayer. She sweetly asked, "...and please bless Auntie Tarynie, and bless baby Layla to be healthy and strong, and--please--bless baby Layla to be born on my birthday..."

Layla was born on London's birthday:  a healthy, teeny, beautiful baby girl! My mom and I sobbed the happiest tears as OJ brought her into the hospital room. Taryn is so attentive and loving, and her entire countenance glows with pride. Happy birthday, little miss Layla!