Camas and Quinn - Month 2

September brought a new school and new routines. The boys did fabulous, as always, adjusting to a new school. It helps that we landed in an awesome neighborhood with amazing neighbors and tons of kids.

Our first trip out (to Costco!) complete with Starbucks.

Gavin won the coloring contest on Camas First Fridays!!

Boy was he proud of himself :)

Riding alongside her sister...always holder her little hand and making sure she is OK,

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

Ayden - 2nd grade

Gavin - Kindergarten

To say Quinn was loved by her siblings from day 1 is an understatement....

Hike to Angel rock with the women of InTown Presbyterian.

As look back at these pictures I cannot believe we did all of this in just the first month of Quinn's life and our new life in Camas.  Phew! No wonder I was dead tired!!

Camas and Quinn - Month 1

New house, new neighborhood, new city, new state, new(ish) job for J, and new baby....that about sums up August 2016.

The kids were obsessed with the Olympics :)

They loved to come join me while I nursed Q.

There are no words for this spirit God gave this girl!

Not pictured are all the moving boxes we pounded through. What a team effort as always getting this house set up and "homey" feeling ASAP.

Quinn Arrives; Our Family is Complete.

She came into this world not a moment too soon. It was by far the toughest pregnancy of the 4 and landed me on leave a few weeks before her planned c-section.

Bright and early J and I were ready to do it again....a 4-peat. Surprising not too nervous, more shocked at how fast the time had gone and sheer anticipation of the 'aww' we knew was coming.

It was a marathon c-section topping out at over 2 hours. We thank God for Dr. E who diligently sewed me up layer by layer and repaired the mesh he cut through to get little Quinn out.

We are also thankful for Dr. Williams who had the foresight to know we needed Dr. E.

She arrived perfect as ever, largest of the 4 at 7lbs 14oz.

Jeremy did a stellar job of keeping me calm as it took over 40min for them to get into my uterus to get her out. He took me through deep breathing and visualizations...it was amazing, completely unplanned, and critical to our success.

The kids were overjoyed. Each cuter than the next as they ogled her and held her in their own little arms. 

Quinn -- you've been protected by these three from the moment you took your first breath and the love and adoration they show you daily is humbling.

And that is a wrap....we are a family of 6.  

(wait, what?!?!?!?!)

Waterfront park picnic

Two Fridays ago we rode down to the waterfront for an evening picnic. The kids has a blast looking at the "agua" and playing football and soccer on the grass.

Mommy had a blast listening to the giggles, seeing the smiles and biking to and from.  The fact that we bike almost everywhere together as a family brings such joy to me. It makes the entire experience, whether it is church, a picnic, a dr apt, the dentist...all that much better, fulfilling, and grounding. The time in fresh air, an elevated heart beat, feeling apart of the city and the wonderful conversations we have with the kiddos....all priceless!

We are obsessed with our new city and life!

Mimi's Bday Celebration

Two Sundays ago we celebrated our Mimi!

Mimi's day started with a bright and early Happy Birthday serenade  - the kids belting it out while I played the piano - no one really on the same tune or beat. Then we went to church and listened to another great sermon by Pastor Brian.

From there we headed over the Hawthorne Bridge (one of our favorites!) and into the Hawthorne district where we hit up Clever Cycles - a super bike shop. Madison had the task of picking out a new helmet. Of course, we went with a Nut Case (www.nutcasehelmets.com), since we "Love our Brain," they are just plain fun, and locally made. That makes 3 of the 5 Riley clan Nut Case donners. After being swayed by each brother, her daddy, her mimi and her mommy, Madi settled on a cute little pink flower one - pictured below.

Said new helmet followed us to The Laughing Labrador for lunch (despite us not being on a bike).

Then, home for nap time!! (Yes, we still impose nap time. every. single. day). After nap, Gavin and I took the Hooptie to the Vegan Bakery and picked up some special bday treats. Gavin chatted with me the whole time. How I cherish the one-on-one.

After a delicious dinner and scrumptious treats we left the kiddos with Ms. Emily (yippie!) and took off to the theater  - Mimi's birthday surprise!

We watched the show "Our Town." And this is the 'set'. We gave it a unanimous thumbs up!!

Happy Birthday Mimi!! We love you!