Lots of four-year-old love

These boys don't even look related, but they sure enjoy being best friends and brothers! Will and David spent two hours wrestling on Isaac's bean-bag chair yesterday, devising all kinds of games and laughing riotously. Seth was off with his daddy and the girls.

Despite how different they all are, they very much band together and look out for each other (sometimes too much so, being bossy towards each other or too defensive of each other with kids outside our family).

Karen had all the manger scene pieces in a straight line, but Marcie insisted they needed to crowd around Jesus, because "Everyone wants to see the Baby Jesus!"

Then Marcie introduced a small wooden pig into the crowd around baby Jesus. We haven't taught her about Jewish dietary laws and "unclean" animals. :)

Marcie is very possessive of her family, always referring to us as "my daddy," "my mommy," "my three boys," etc. She is very sensitive to anyone being left out or left behind. (They all are sensitive that way, actually.) She likes to manage things in a motherly way, which of course comes across as bossy - especially when she tries to force her will on the others! She is a very passionate child with a sunny disposition if she's getting her way, and a strong aversion to correction if she's not. :)

David is our analytical rule-follower and self-appointed enforcer. He's the loving Alpha Male of the group. He's so responsible and aware, it's actually really great to have him looking out for the others and telling them what to do - and what NOT to do! He's amazingly trustworthy for a four-year-old. Of the quints, he's the most reticent with his affections (but loves DEEPLY). He's also the most verbal, our biggest question-asker, easily excited by presents and outings - complete with a little happy dance, rapid-fire giggle and enormous grin, and just an intensely interesting little person. He seems older than his years.

David rolling in the grass

 Seth is the class clown of the group. He is SO silly and funny with his antics, and he very much enjoys watching his siblings do silly/funny things too. He's quick to laugh and very quick to make his brothers and sisters laugh with him. He's very sensitive, which means his feelings are hurt easily. He's thankfully also very sweet and happy the vast majority of the time. He's the most physically affectionate of the quints, wanting to be held throughout the day and particularly at bedtime. His grin has one pronounced dimple in his right cheek - so winsome!

David and Seth being "bridges" over a small ditch.

 Silly, cute sisters:

Gracie is the definitive "winsome" child. She skips and sings through life, chuckling with a darling belly-laugh, is quick to run and give hugs when greeting people, and is very eager to learn and do new things. She is our most independent child. She dislikes being helped unless it's absolutely necessary, e.g. with her clothes. She's currently in a very bossy phase, standing up for herself, her things, and her personal space in a loud, demanding voice. She is very affronted if someone tries to mess with a sibling, too! Thankfully, overall she's a sensitive pleaser, almost perpetually happy.

This reminds me of the sister act in the old movie White Christmas

Will has such a sweet heart! His feelings are easily hurt, but he's the quickest to forgive and move on. He frequently doesn't even make it over to us for comfort if a sibling hurts him, he's so quick to want to jump back into the game! He's physically the biggest, but David has the strongest force of will and can easily lord it over Will. Will is PASSIONATE about food and TV shows. If he's hungry, life isn't worth living as far as he's concerned. I feel like I'm feeling him all day long! And he's the most keen on watching Bubble Guppies, Paw Patrol, or Octonauts (the current quint favorites). He's also our biggest loner, obviously needing some downtime by himself. He'll disappear to somewhere quiet and play or draw for sometimes an hour at a time. He's also crazy about his brothers and sisters and upset if he thinks anyone is being left out: "Mom! We forgot ______! We need to go get him/her!" He's the most protective of the quints.

Sweet Will

The kids really enjoy group hugs. They find them hilarious! (Seth and David were too busy being bridges to participate in the hug.)