How many LI kids are there?

During our trip to Long Island, Jen and Chris hosted an evening for all of us to get together. I think I say this every time we all get together but our group has grown exponentially. The boys headed right to the swing set where Connor pushed Garrett on the swings while Julia watched.
The boys have always wanted a motorized Jeep to ride in and when they saw it - they just had to try it. They both took turns driving and the smiles on their faces was priceless.

I didn't think I would ever get them out of the Jeep.

After an amazing dinner prepared by Chris and Jen, the kids were off to play. Garrett got right in there with the girls and loved playing at the play kitchen.

Connor took a few minutes out to play with Nicholas who could be one of the most relaxed babies I have ever met. Future little girl - please take note!

Alexandra and Garrett are only two months apart and really played well together.

Trying to get all the kids to sit for a picture was quite a trick. I think we got almost all the kids in this picture - although two might have been running away.

After all this playing, my boys were the first to the table at the mention of ice cream. Look at Garrett and Alexandra actually sharing a chair. Connor sat next to me because he strategically planned on being close to the cupcakes too. I think this might be Mia's first appearance on this blog - isn't she such a little peanut. She was born in January and is so cute.

Madi is just like her mommy - she found the doctor's kit and immediately knew what to do. Garrett actually stood still while Madi listened to his heart and checked his ears. Not to mention, Garrett gave pretend shots to Madi. So adorable!

With so many kids in a house, it is absolutely amazing how well they all got along. Time is passing so quickly and to get to seem them all together is phenomenal.

LV here we come!

After the art show, we jumped in the car and took off for Long Island because we had some special visitors waiting for us. It didn't take them long to tackle Papa and make a lot of noise in the house. Thank goodness Isobel is a sound sleeper.
Of course, both boys got into the action when they just had to keep Papa down.

Then, Garrett thought it was an appropriate time to stretch and exercise. Of course it was at least 10pm but as usual the boys had plenty of energy to spare and Papa would not admit defeat.

The next morning they were so excited because Isobel was there. They gave her so many hugs and kisses and loved watching her smile. We had warned the boys to be very gentle with Isobel so it took them a little while to figure out how to deal with a little girl - I call this good practice.

Connor is so gentle and loving - he adored having Isobel nearby and showered her with kisses.

The boys even would lay with Isobel and play. They showed her the mirror and the cell phone - I think they managed to entertain themselves as well.

As the weekend went on, they were more and more comfortable with little Isobel. They needed to know where she was at all times and were such good little cousins. Obviously, pictures of Aunt Laura and Uncle Scott were limited considering we were all focused on the cutest girl in the room. It was fantastic to see everyone and to have a weekend reunion - it doesn't happen often enough.We are all so excited to reunite again in August which will be here before we know it.