Dallas Arboretum Friday: the grandparents

My dad is recovering great from his hip replacement, so he took turns pushing the wheelchair with me as ballast. It was reminiscent of when I was on bed rest while pregnant with the quints, but I felt a LOT better this time! 

Seth wanted to reach out and touch his Grandpa. He probably thinks the wheelchair is another stroller.

Marmi and Papa with David, Marcie, Will, Seth and Gracie. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the kids to smile.

That's a lot of Joneses! Too bad Isaac had school. :(

David and Marcie with Grandpadad

Seth

. . . and Will

. . . and last but never least, Gracie

Marmi and Gracie

Grandpadad pushing two tired boys (David and Will).

Dallas Arboretum on Friday: the kids

David

Marcie

Will

Seth

Gracie (with David behind)

Will

David in a dictatorial stance

Marcie

Marcie walking like she's on a balance-beam

Gracie playing peek-a-boo

Seth

I don't know what Seth is doing in this picture, but it's cute and goofy.

Gracie (with Will in far left background)

Will loved the individual flower petals. 

Love is in the air

The babies can sure work their charm these days, which is needed given how much they also display frustration and self-centeredness/self-preservation. Screams of emotional angst frequently reverberate around our house. We've learned to differentiate them from the screams of pain or any real need. Frequently Marcie gives a two-second shriek, followed by a sob or two, followed by happiness or at least acceptance of whatever just happened (toy taken away, whatever). Seth and Gracie, despite being the two more mellow babies, also let it be known when they are feel infringed upon, albeit at a few decibels lower than Marcie. Will yells like none other, but doesn't tend to yell quite as much as Marcie screams. He is very focused on getting what he wants, and frequently charges in with a grunt rather than a scream. David, on the other hand, screams with intensity of desire and delight when he sees what he wants. I was what he wanted this morning, and it was hilarious to contrast his shrieking glee as he ran towards me with Will's single-minded, silent plowing forward in David's wake. Both boys climbed over the other three babies (all of which were in my arms at the time), ignoring the wails and whimpers of protest. It's good to be loved. . . most of the time. Sometimes I wish I could put their devotion on "pause" so I could move through the house a little more rapidly and effectively, but under my impatience I realize it's a huge blessing to have all these little bodies clinging to my legs.

Marcie loving finger painting. The kids wouldn't leave the paper on the table. They ripped it up ASAP despite the packing tape I'd used to affix it! They are strong, determined little kiddos.

All the kids are getting more interested in hugging each other. Will and David too frequently allow their hugs to become tackles, but here's a nice one from David to Marcie in the tub.

Seth and Grace are best buds nowadays. They love to play peekaboo and hide-and-go-seek, laughing uproariously the whole time. I have a video - so cute!

Such adoration!

Such devotion!

Such companionship!

Such bliss!

Such annoyance!
Sometimes one is ready for the love-fest to end before the other is ready to give it up.

My beautiful girls with their beautiful friend Megan, who they love! 

The kids love their new huge tunnel from Uncle Chuck! Seth and Grace

Tackling and wrestling

David and Will again on the trampoline, with Gracie in the background - which is better than her being tackled!

I'd love to know the name of this hold. I think Will is biting David's fingers, too. 

And now for something completely different . . . the two sweet, quiet ones (Seth and Gracie) take time for a break with their new record player. This was one of my favorite toys as a kid; I can't believe Fisher-Price still makes them! Thanks so much for the gift, Uncle Chuck and Aunt Janet. It's been a huge hit! Even Isaac likes it. Mostly the babies are interested in figuring out how to get the records on and off the turnstile. :) 

Much better, thanks!

Look who's feeling well enough to play! He (Seth) never actually got very sick, thank God, and his cough and congestion has stayed out of his chest, despite sounding somewhat nasty in his throat and nose. Thanks for praying!

A more sober, sick Seth a few days ago with Daddy's hat

Marcie at Chik-fil-a with Aunt Courtney and Aunt Sam on the way to taking Aunt Sam to the airport.
There is no Chik-fil-a where Sam lives in Michigan, sadly!

Seth and David loving on each other. Marcie does not seem impressed.

The big boy and his buddy, Megan. We got a lot of great balls, thanks to the babies' ball obsession.

Gracie and Grandmommy playing peek-a-boo

Jones 8 March Update

This is our email newsletter we sent out last week. Lots of current news that we haven't shared yet on the blog. 

 If you are unable to view it, click here to download the PDF file.

"Encouragement Luncheon" Slideshow