visiting the Allens

 We finally made a trip out to see Seth's family. It was long overdue. His mom and brothers have come out a few times, but we had not seen his sisters in 8 years! How sad. I know.

It was so wonderful to be with them. And fantastic to have our boys play with their cousins. 4 of our 5 boys all have a cousin very close to their age in Georgia. I loved seeing them run around and play together. They were all automatically friends and after seeing that, I was definitely sad to realize it will be another long time before they can play again.

I sure wish I could magically make them all live nearby. I've often (selfishly) thought that it's nice to not have to split holidays and bla bla bla between 2 families, but after our time with them, I'm truly sad the boys (and us) don't get to have ongoing, close relationships with that side of the family.

Seth's 2 sisters, Heather and Jessica and Jessica's boyfriend

 

Seth's mom (Nana) and Zeke, 6 months old (lame he's not turned around, I know!)

 Easton and Gabriel, just turned 9, having a serious discussion ;)

 Lots of the group :)

my not so little baby

 I still can't believe how old Brock is. He is less than 4 months away from his first birthday! I know!! I'm in denial too.

He still is pretty much the perfect baby. Sometimes I wonder if we maybe should've had one more as long as I could be guaranteed they'd be just as good and then I take all 5 boys to any store and realize that has got to be the most insane thought I've ever had. I don't know what gets into my boys once we step into a store, but no matter how good (or bad ;) they've been beforehand, they suddenly become fighting, hiding, screaming ninjas who think the store is their playground. 

P.S. I don't really wonder if we should have one more baby. I'm totally still happy and at peace with our decision to be done. :)

showing off his smile

 

He is definitely a curious little boy. Notice the destruction he left behind him. I pick that mess up multiple times a day and if I had a different place to put all that stuff, I would surely move it. Yes, I know they make nifty little things to childproof doors, not sure why I don't invest in some.

Oh how we love this little guy!!

chocolate kisses

 what happens when a 4 year old eats a very chocolatey chocolate chip cookie and then sees his baby brother anywhere near by. 

"But don't worry mom. I tried cleaning it good."

self portraits

Peyton has recently become very interested in taking pictures of himself.

can you blame him?

christmas morning

 Another fun, typical Christmas morning around here. Although I think if it hadn't been Brock's first Christmas, I may have forgotten the camera all together. :(

Trey, that really is a smile

 

giving hugs

 twins :)

 opening his very first present

 although this is how he was for most of the morning, crawling off to find something more exciting