visit with Joni

Right now, Russ is off with Gavin buying something, I think donuts, so I thought it would be the perfect time to blog about my visit with Joni, and her kids. I went up on a Friday, and we went to a park. We ended up not staying for too long, since Betsy got a headache from this plastic headband she was wearing. So, we went home, got the kids to bed, and watched "Dreamgirls" and ate popcorn with m&m's. Gavin didn't want to sleep too well that night, so I slept on the couch (I was supposed to sleep in the room with him). Umm...I dont really remember everything we did, it was a long busy week. I know on Sat, we went to watch a free showing of "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything", and then went to the dedication of a playground at the mall. As Joni mentioned in her blog, Gavin, and Betsy and Amy got their caricatures done. It was fun. It was also Gavin's first movie, and he lasted a good 15-20 mins before he just wanted to eat or walk. Sunday I went to church with Joni, but Gavin was cranky, so we spent most of Sacrament Meeting in the Mothers Lounge. Then Gavin and I went home, where we both took naps. I don't remember much else about Sunday, except I'm pretty sure I colored and highlighted Joni's hair.

Monday thru Thurs, I watched the kids during the day. They are a handful. It was definitely hard, watching 4 kids and being pregnant. They didn't always do what I wanted them to do. We did have some nice moments. Tuesday, Gavin and I took Betsy to her dance class. She wanted to pay more attention to us, then to her teacher. Which ended up meaning I had to stay away from the windows, but Gavin, being Gavin, wanted to walk. So it worked out well. I watched shows with Joni, and pigged out. It was fun. Friday, Joni worked a half day, and then we all took Besty to school. We went to Steak-n-Shake, and then Hobby Lobby. I drooled over patterns and Christmas decorations. Definitely need to go back there. We got home just in time to get Betsy off the bus. We had dinner, and then Joni, the babies and I went to Motherhood Maternity where I bought a new pair of pants, a denim skirt of my own, and black leggings (which I STILL need to shorten). We then went to Target to get some necessities. Joni kept watching the time, which I think is funny, cuz she had a tutoring session at 9 that night. 9...for a 3rd grader...it was waayy late for that. Oh well. Sat was General Conference for their church, so we lounged and ate. I do believe I cut off the tail on Joni's hair that night, too. I think we did something else, but I cant remember. Then I left on Sunday, and drove home.

Here are all the kids together on the couch that was my bed (it's a futon, so it folds down). Gavin was being contrary.

Amy sitting pretty all by herself. I was glad I got to witness her learning to balance herself while sitting. It was cool. Part of Sat night was cutting the back off Joni's hair, and cleaning our pores. It was a fun girly night, and it makes me appreciate my sister (all of them, but at that moment, Joni) even more. I had a ton of fun. We laughed a lot.
Porter got to wear his Buzz Lightyear costume because he was a big boy and pooped in the potty. Gotta love bribery! Gavin discovered a love for pulling things by strings while we were there. So, Gavin and Betsy were playing together and pulling backpacks by the adjuster strap. They had fun doing it. Russell has now added 550 cord to Gavin's favorite toys so he can pull them around the house. Gavin is happy about that.
I don't know exactly what happened to get them to both be on the floor on the backpacks, but I know they were both laughing. So, I took the picture (don't ask questions, just snap away!), and the look of joy on Gavin's face made me post it.
Porter wanted me to take a picture of him, so he did a somersault. It was actually quite good, but I just got the part where he looks like he's standing on his head.
One of the rare times that Gavin sat nicely next to Amy. He was very jealous of her, since she was getting attention from me. There was one time when they both decided they wanted milk at the same time, so I held them both and held Gavin's milk for him, while Betsy stood over me and held Amy's milk. It makes me wonder how Gavin with react when the new baby comes.

P.S. Speaking of the baby, I have started to feel it move, cant wait til Russell can. The midwife said she's voting for a girl, based on the heartbeat, or something. I have an ultrasound on the 23rd, and I cant wait to see the baby! No, I'm not finding out what I'm having, it's going to be a surprise. The other day, I felt the baby's back, when it pressed up against the wall of my uterus. That was cool! Hey, and I have a bone to pick with those of you who have had more than 1 kid...no one told me it would hurt to be PREGNANT with your second. I have heard that the after affects of birth hurt worse the more kids you have, but no one said that pregnancy hurt. Geez...at least now I know. Thanks guys! lol