12 (going on 13) little Munchkins!

My mom left on Friday night which was sad for me. She told me not to cry at the airport and I didn't. I just waited til I got in the car and burst into tears. I am pretty sure my driver thinks I am insane. We had a great time and my tears were the "good kind of sad" tears-sad to see her leave as I enjoyed having her around each day and sad for EG and Jack not to be around their grandparents for a while. EG woke up asking for Mamma Nette.

Thankfully we had QUITE the distraction the very next day! Check out all these munchkins sitting on my couch less than 24 hours after my mom left! Who can be sad looking at all these precious faces?

We had some friends over for a cookout and these are all the youngins-12 under 4 and one more on the way! (the smallest is just two weeks old!) The kids swam in our kiddie pool and ran around like little monkeys! We enjoyed some amazing food-Andy grilled chicken for us and everyone brought sides and desserts. It was really fun to see everyone, though Andy and I both had to take a nap today to recover!

A little side note-in this picture, not one child is crying. Getting them to all sit on the couch for a picture in and of itself is pretty amazing, but no crying? Pretty much a miracle! I'll try to get some more pictures of the outdoor fun soon. Our camera is hopefully arriving this week. But no fear grandparents-your fellow grandparent Lynnette took enough pictures while she was here to keep me blogging for a year! For some great pictures of China and her perspective on our life here, you should check out her blog: thethackfamily.blogspot.com.

This will be our first week of "normal life" in over 4 months! Responsibility is knocking at my door with no grandparents around to help. But we're thankful for a taste of normal for a bit! Speaking of responsibility-I need to change a diaper, put a child to bed, wash my dishes, fold the laundry and plan this weeks' meals before I go to bed. Pray for me.