They Grow Up So Fast

Well, it seems like only yesterday....we were visiting each other in hospital for the births of our babies...

Flash and Mr Cousin, exactly 9 years ago today

With 5 babies in 4 years...family gatherings were always accompanied by the sounds of crying and at least one of us would be taking turns standing at the table rocking and and comforting a baby so the others others could eat. Dinner music would be a wiggles DVD as we were all squished around highchairs. There would often be a child crawling under the table for attention and we'd all be scoffing down food as fast as we could so we could go and look after the children.

Flash, Miss Cousin, Muscles and Mr Cousin

If you are reading this and are at that stage....it's hard....but so worth it!!


.....how things change!

I loved and enjoyed that time when our children were babies and toddlers but please don't judge me too harshly if I admit that I''m mostly glad that we've moved on tho this next phase....

I have just had the best Easter with my Mum, my Brother and his family. It was everything that I thought it would be. The kids had an absolutely  fantastic time playing together. They have formed a kind of a gang and have that special bond that cousins have. We have all got to know each other a little better and I really think some fantastic memories have been made.

I truly enjoyed cooking for my family...and receiving the compliments :) . Now that the kids are older we have the opportunity of having relaxing family meals! I loved organizing Easter and the Easter-egg hunt..Taking the kids out to some fun spots and watching them laugh smile and play.

Before I had children and when they were babies, I had often imagined what it would be like to see them all playing together...and it is wonderful!

For me, some of the best times were simply spent talking, drinking, watching really, really trashy TV into the wee hours of the morning with my sister in law.

But this morning they have packed their car and we have waved them up the hill. The little face of my niece stuck up against the car window...as they return home after a 12 hour drive....

...until next time...

I have really enjoyed this time spent with the kids....as I reflected on them as babies and toddlers, I couldn't help but imagine them as teenagers....

...God help us!!!!....

Flash (with the ball) and Mr cousin on the right. Muscles, Miss Cousin and Buster on the left

So, today I am thankful for having a wonderful Easter weekend with my family. I'm also thankful that those five babies have grown up to be wonderful friends!

Linking up with Kate Says Stuff for Thankful Thursday (but not in Haiku) hop over and see what the Thursday crew are thankful for!