Liam goes to school!

Liam started school this past week. We started out with a little blessing on Monday night for part of FHE. That was good and Liam was cute.

Tues. morning it was pouring rain and a bit chilly so dressed him warm and sent him off. I was a wreck but Liam was brave. He sure is cute and he is so grown up.

Now that Liam and Michael are at school all day, Sean, Adam and I hang out together. At times I wonder where my Liam is but this is a good thing.

Adam and Sean have been playing a lot. Sean can make Adam laugh like no one else can. Sean is also proud bc he taught him how to go down the stairs in our house. I sure love these cute boys.

Here we are picking him up from day #1. He's happy and good. He had nothing but positive things to say about his day. He tells me about the little butterflies that represent the students and how the butterflies stay high in the sunshine if they are good but if they are bad they sink down near the snakes. So far his butterfly is high every day. He must love school like I did when I was a kid. Michael told him to always hang out with the butterflies who fly high. I thought this was all very cute. His school is on a very large piece of land with tons of grass and beautiful trees that grow flowers.

Since Michael has started school he is very busy so it's just me and the boys most of the time. Since Liam was gone every day we decided to head to the beach on Sat. We loaded up the bikes in the truck and hung out in VA beach. We rode on the boardwalk and explored and then the kids played in the ocean.

They can play with sand for hours. Adam took an almost two hour nap on the beach towel so I got to lay and enjoy the sun while Liam and Sean played. It was good.

This is Sean in the bike trailer after the long day. He fell asleep and I just had to take the picture from the side bc Liam and I were cracking up.

Sean is my cute little man, especially in this picture.

This is me making my usual sausage and pancakes. We don't start church until 1 so it is nice to have a good breakfast before church. There is Adam, my counter sidekick who enjoys being next to me almost every moment of his life. I should enjoy it while it lasts but sometimes I wish Jenny were here so I could take a little break.

As some of you remember from an earlier post, we planted a garden when we first got here and this is a pic of our tomatoes. We had wonderful basil and green peppers. Our corn didn't really make it but it was fun having a garden. We'll keep planting stuff and see how it goes.

Anyway, over Liam had a great first week. We're happy about that. I'm so glad he likes it and I'm glad he's happy. I hope it stays that way.

More visitors, goodbye summer.

It all started when we picked up Mary, Derrick, Carly, Lily, Corey and Caroline from the airport and the boys were thrilled out of their minds. Finally, some more cousin visitors. Here they are on the couch after a long day of travel.

The first night they were here we took them to our local beach where Derrick showed them a crab. Carly collected seashells and they couldn't resist the ocean. We took home wet pajama kids all ready for bed.

The next morning we headed to VA beach. We found a great location called Cape Henry that is just off VA beach, not as busy. It was a great sunny day with a slight breeze of wind. The waves were huge this day which intimidated the Price girls a little but they eventually warmed up to it. All the cousins had a great time playing.

Derrick and Michael took care of the eight children, three of which are babies, while Mary and I hit the waves. We played in the ocean for a good hour and caught a lot of waves on our boogie boards that we rode into shore. It was a lot of fun. I haven't really played a lot in the ocean since we moved here so thanks Mary for letting the waves take us down.

After VA beach we picked up my mom from the airport and headed back to our house to celebrate Caroline's birthday. She turned six and got to play all day at the ocean and then play all night at our house with all the cousins. We had hamburgers and hot dogs followed by carrot cake cupcakes, our new favorite recipe around here from Lara. (Joe's wife)

Here they are opening the goody bags. Liam was so happy that Caroline got to have her birthday here in VA. It helped with not feeling left out of the Colorado scene.

The next day we all packed up and headed to D.C. for a weekend of adventure. Here is Sean and Lily getting ready to swim in the hotel pool. They all have really turned into fish around here. Liam, Caroline and Carly have mastered swimming and Sean can put his head under for quite awhile. I'm excited that they love the water so much. I thought this picture was pretty cute.

Liam and Adam excited to be in a hotel and with their cousins. We live about three hours from D.C. so if anyone would like to come visit us, we can go there and take you around to all the historical sites.

Mary, Derrick and my mom were so nice to let Michael and I go to the D.C. temple. It is a beautiful temple and we had a lovely time. This is the temple that we are supposed to go to living in Norfolk VA so it is hard to get there since it is 3 hours away.

We went to the National Cathedral in D.C. where all the kids toured the church and learned some history. The church was beautiful and it happened to be a Sunday so we listened to the end of a mass.

A little family picture.

My Michael and myself. We have really had a fun summer here and we've definitely enjoyed the company from Colorado. We've really wanted to do more touring and though we had the weekend in D.C., we also had eight kids so we didn't see everything. We're excited to go back and see more.

Here is the crew hiding in a gazebo. It was pretty hot so we took advantage of the shade. You can tell from the picture that we are losing interest in the children. They just want to go back to the water.

Here's our cute little Ryan man who is crawling and really getting around. He loves all these cousins. His favorite part of the day is watching little people play and talk. My mom kept him in her hotel room and gave us a little break. Michael and I were able to sneak out in the night after we put all our peeps to sleep bc our room was right next to my moms room and there was a door in between so she'd watch over all the sleepy people and Michael and I were able to catch a bite to eat. One night we went to PF Changs and the other night we ate some delicious Thai food

Back at the beach for some more fun.

Adam and Corey both taking beach naps under the umbrella. Adam still has some amazing thighs even though all he really eats is breast milk. We're trying to get him to eat more and more human food but he's loving the nursing.

All the people busy building sandcastles.

Here is my mom and Ryan at the National Cathedral. I'm so happy that my mom could come out to VA. She helped me a lot while she was here. We sent little Ryan back home with her bc Emily will be out of Rehab on the 15th. Also Michael started CRNA school and he was a huge help in taking care of him and with school, he is gone all of the time. We're grateful that Ryan could come hang with us for seven weeks be part of the St. John family. He's a sweet little guy and we're excited to see him again at Christmas. My mom also helped me to get a dishwasher while she was here and so that has changed my life too. Doing all the dishes by hand with four little boys and two adults is a lot, especially in the VA summer heat. So thanks to mom for making my life wonderful out here in Norfolk, VA. We were able to keep Caroline here after everyone left to stay and play with Liam and Sean. She's been having a great time. We taught her how to ride a bike without training wheels and we will drive to Raleigh NC this Saturday to take her to the airport there where there is a direct flight to Denver. This officially ends our summer and then Liam will start school on Tues.

Michael started school this past Monday and he is already swamped in study and memorizing and learning. Thanks to all who came to visit us and don't be scared to come again and again and again. Any others needing a vacation, just call me. Allyssa is coming this month on the 25th! We've really had a fun summer here and it did go by pretty fast.

Visitors!

We were so happy to have our most wonderful visitors this past week. Jen and Emma came out to VA for about one week and we played all week long. It was wonderful. Liam and Sean went to the airport with me to pick them up and dressed up as Optimus Prime and a tiger. Jen and Emma were so excited to see them. Of course the first thing we did was head to the beach. Everyone worked hard on building sandcastles and playing in the ocean.

A picture of Michael and I playing at the beach. It is not often that we have another adult to take our picture. We have really enjoyed this summer of beach excursions. We've got a good system down with carrying babies, beach umbrellas, sunscreen, towels, snacks and beach toys. We make a very good team. I love my Michael.

Here they are, Emma, Liam, Sean, Michael and Ryan all playing out in the water. Emma, Liam and Sean are all major water peeps. They could play in the ocean all day every day.

One day we decided to head up to Jamestown. We rode a free bus that took us from Williamsburg to Jamestown. As you can see, it was nice to have Jen and Emma out here to help with the babies. Jennifer watched all the kids one night while Michael and I went out for dinner by the ocean and a nice drive to VA beach. Thanks Jen. Also Jen and I were able to go see The Proposal which I thought was a good movie. I miss my Jenny and wish she lived in VA with me.

Emma, Sean and Liam putting on colonial armor at Jamestown. Liam was so happy to have Emma here. He has missed having cousins and friends in his life so readily. I think when he starts school it will help bc he's getting a little sick of hanging with two babies and me. He's ready for more adventure.

Liam, Adam, Emma, Ryan and Sean looking cuter than ever. All these cousins having a great time.

Adam is one of the cutest people I know. He's been a lot more interested in exploring the sand and water when we go to the beach. He doesn't love getting sand on his hands but he does love chasing the water as it comes in and goes out. Lately, he has found his shadow and loves looking at it and clapping his hands. Every time Adam would escape a wave without falling we would say "Yaaay" and then he would come hug us and give us kisses. His kisses include him approaching you with a big open mouth. It is pretty cute.

This isn't too clear but here is my dad who drove the black truck out here for Michael to use while we're here. We are very grateful for this. My dad left Thurs morning and did the 28 hour drive in two days. He got here late Fri night and so on Sat we went to the beach and had some yummy dinner. We love my dad and we are grateful for him taking time out of his schedule to deliver the truck. We had fun with him while he was here.

I liked this pic bc Adam is sticking his head in the sand. It makes me laugh a lot. Liam is my guy who I enjoy talking to, Sean entertains us and makes us laugh and Adam is just a pleasant guy to have around. He is quite entertaining as well.

Adam has adjusted pretty well to the Ryan addition. We use the bumbo a lot with Ryan so of course whatever we do with Ryan, Adam is interested in. He tries to hard to get into the bumbo but his legs are just too chubby. I thought this was a pretty hilarious picture.

My dad playing with all the boys. This is Sat night and I found out that back in CO, my sis Allyssa was visiting and all the girls went to see the Time Traveler's Wife Sat night. Here I was in VA with six, SIX boys. Sometimes I wonder what the heck is going on. I said this to my dad and he said, "OH shelley, you always were a tomboy." But I don't want to be a tomboy, I want to go to the movies with all the girls. Oh well, like I tell Liam, we can't always get what we want. The great thing is I was hanging with six of the coolest boys that exist. After the beach, we stopped at Dunkin Donuts and then ate some delicious grilled salmon. It was a fun night.

Ryan has made a lot of advancements while he's been here. He now sits up perfectly without falling and he's crawling. He can go from his bum to his tummy back to his bum. He's loving bath time now and he's loving all the boys. He like the ocean and he really enjoys sitting in the sand and playing. What a cute baby.

We are so grateful for the visitors and the fun that we've been having. Since last post, I am feeling much better and Michael starts school very soon. We have a few more visitors coming before school starts and we are looking forward to that. Thanks to Jen, Emma and dad for coming to VA.

The month of July

This is a picture of the beginning of July when we were feeling pretty good, eating delicious food, feeling pretty unpacked and organized and life was good. The only thing missing was CO and our friends and family. Michael has been creating wonderful dinners on the grill and I am the lucky eater. This is a picture of a grilled salmon with a roasted red pepper sauce, black beans and rice, and grilled asparagus. Yummy.

Here we are at the beach doing more beach activities. Liam has taken up snorkeling. He loves the water. Sean is getting a little more brave with the ocean. It is a little scary for a three year old. He loves to chase the birds and build sandcastles.

They decided to cover Adam with sand. He liked it. Michael is out in the ocean with all his boys. We have been slowly purchasing beach gear. The blown up intertube is good but also bad bc sometimes Liam floats away. Overall the beach is wonderful and a fantastic free activity.

Here we are for the fourth of July. We live right next to Ocean View park where they had a display so we just walked a few blocks to the party and watched a fun show. Liam and Sean loved it. Adam was a little nervous at first but just cuddled up next to me and watched.

We played soccer and ran around before the show started. This same park offers music and dancing on FRI and SUN nights and is very close to our house so we go to this park sometimes for the festive activities.

We were so excited to drive to the airport and pick up grandma and grandpa. They brought a little visitor with them on the plane, our new little brother Ryan. Ryan belongs to my sister Emily who has been in the hospital so we are watching him for now. He is a sweet little man. He did very well on his first plane ride. Thanks to Michael's parents for delivering him.

The grandparents had a hotel five minutes away with a pool so we went there a lot to swim. It was right next to the ocean and very beautiful. Here is the clan getting ready for swimming.

Ryan has been enjoying his stay in Norfolk Va. His life is very busy with three older boys to entertain him and lots of activities to participate in. He has a sweet smile and he's a sweet baby. He's 8 months old and fits right in. I must say though that it has been a bit of a change around here with another baby. Lots of work and attention needed.

Here we all are at the pool. The boys are absolutely loving all the swimming. We try to keep them covered so they don't burn. We've done a pretty good job so far. No serious burns yet.

Michael's dad took all the boys on a fishing trip where Liam and Sean caught some croakers. They had a great time and we are thankful to grandpa for the fun boat ride and fishing trip.

Liam and Sean are not afraid of fish or the squid that they used to catch the fish. Liam would take the fish from the hook and put it into the bucket. Maybe he'll grow up and become a fisherman. After the daily activities, we would come to the house and grill more delicious food. What a fun trip with grandma and grandpa.

In the evenings, we would sit out on the front porch and talk and one night we found a frog so Michael caught it and put it into Liam's frog house for the kids to look at in the morning. They were so excited about the frog. Liam decided to let the frog go around noon to live back with his brothers and sisters in the wild. Good job Liam.

Unfortunately, toward the end of the trip Grandma, Liam, Sean and Shelley got sick with a flu bug. We all were weak and sad and we were trying to take care of two babies and life. Michael gave Grandma and myself a liter of fluid to help us get back on our feet. What a wonderful husband I have. I'm lucky to be married to an ICU nurse who knows how to take care of sick people.

Grandma extended her stay for some extra days to help out with Ryan. We are so appreciative to her. Unfortunately after she left I got a terrible case of mastitis that took me out for another few days. It's been a little rough around here lately. No more beautiful grilled dinners or beach excursions. We're just trying to survive. But I'm finally feeling better, I'm on an antibiotic, and it's looking good. We're trying to figure out little Ryan and his schedule. With my being so sick, Michael and Ryan have become very good friends. Liam and Sean have been very helpful and of course Adam, well ..........

That pretty much tells it all. He is my wonderful little baby who keeps us all entertained and laughing. He walks around the house singing and trying yet again to be five instead of 1. He does a pretty good job.

PS. The bugs are under control. Michael used ortho home defense and we haven't seen a roach in weeks. We continue to use Terro for the sugar ants and we've kept those to a minimum. This is good bc bugs are disgusting and they make me angry and frustrated.