Super-Special-Totally-Impromptu Sleepover

We love new babies, and because Samuel has five brothers and sisters, all grown, it seems like someone is always expecting.  

A fun tradition we began years ago with his brother Joe and his family is to take each others kids when labor sets in.  

It's a blessing to have someone there for you when you need it most, and the kids so look forward to that super-special-totally-impromptu sleepover that could happen at any moment!

As much as I love the tradition, 

this momma is perfectly content with her brood of five, 

and won't need to make anymore last-minute drop-offs on our way to the hospital...

at least I hope!

The kids feel jipped for sure, but they can rest easy!

  

With the birth of Noah Edwin Elmer, their newest cousin, 

Jacob and Luke made it over later in the week for a sleepover with lot's of scrabbling around 

while their mom and dad settled in with their new baby.

  

A favorite destination:

The Park!

  

Luke couldn't keep his eyes off the playground!

  

Dad holding on to Gabriel, who soon will be running around with the rest of the bunch!

  

Is there really only two adults for all these kids?!?

My favorite part of the day was seeing Gabriel react to the swings. 

He loves it when Samuel tosses him into the air, so I thought for sure he'd get a great kick out of the swings.

  

Not so!  

He made a crazy nervous gurgling sound the whole time and was so relieved when I ended the ride!

  

For the rest, the swings were a breeze!
And so was our time with Jacob and Luke.
They are so much fun to have around, and Samuel, Owen, and Gabriel
thoroughly enjoyed having two more boys in the house
to shift the balance of power to 5-4.

Now that they're gone, things are back to normal, 

and the girls and I are once again enjoying the majority!