So much to catch up on

I haven't written consistently since I had my tonsils out, but I've tried to take notes along the way. I figured it might be good to just get caught up today and fill in the gaps later. :)

We had the family visit for almost a whole week. It was nice to see everyone together at once. It was one of the better visits that we had in a few years. The kids were older and got along better. My youngest is mobile and is not attached to me. I was actually able to hang out for the first time in a couple visits.

All of my oldest "kids" are 13 this year. It's mind-boggling. All of them seem to have grown up quite a bit in the last year. Even seeing the interactions between the kids was different. They seem to relate better and enjoy each other more. The younger kids basically played with Reagan and Maddy most of the visit. They walked around and helped them out. Reagan is totally independent (or she tells me she is) so while she hung out and played, she refused help most of the time. Maddy, however, enjoyed all the special attention from the girls and younger kids. They played with her endlessly and just enjoyed their time together. Katie especially loved playing with Maddy. She told me constantly how cute she was and how fun she was. Thank you Katie.

The grown-ups seemed to do better too. We actually didn't even try to do a "major meal" for Christmas. I think because we decided not to plan anything, it made life a lot easier. Since I was still recovering from surgery, I pulled myself out of any driver position and it made my days a lot nicer. The ladies all agreed that it was much easier to not plan so much and just let the days go and enjoy each other - that's what it is all about after all.

My girls grew so much in the last two weeks. Reagan turned four. Ugh. She turned four. My little girl, my baby is four!!! I can't stand it. I look at her and still see my little baby that was my Christmas present a few years ago and today she is running around telling me how much she doesn't need my help. Sniff. My mama's girl is getting bigger. The other thing - she looks like a six year old.  She so tall and her little face is so grown up that it shocks me at times. She is such an awesome kid. I love her so much it hurts sometimes. She's my baby.

Maddy is one. That's another shocker. She hit that first year and breezed right through it. She is hilarious. She is goofy and inquisitive. She has such an infectious laugh that I must tickle her at times just to hear it. She gets into everything and is babbling more and more. She seems to have her own language. I can only imagine at times what she really is saying and thinks most of the time. She is so fun to watch. She loves her big sisters and loves chasing them and loving them. I think the thing that makes the Maddy is the "Love the..." and her silly laugh. I love my littlest angel.