Two times Three!

But first, this is how we spent this afternoon:

This was the kids' first trip to the beach - and for the most part, they loved it. Zoe was a little unsure about the water but was happy to sit under the umbrella and snack while her brother and sisters played with Daddy in the sand and water. What a beautiful day to go, we'll definitely have to spend more time there!

And now, for the real news...The triplets are 2! Dave and I feel lucky beyond measure to have been chosen by God to parent these smart, beautiful, sweet, and funny children, and we're so blessed to have such wonderful family, friends, and neighbors who have been a godsend to us since the kids were born. At this point we can finally stop, take a deep breath, and realize how we would not have survived these first two years with triplets plus Ellie without everyone's help and prayers. We are grateful beyond words.

The other day we came across one of Zoe's diapers from when she was a newborn. They were only slightly bigger than a book of matches, and I remember they were big on her at first - but they were the smallest ones the hospital had. Thankfully she grew out of those pretty quickly. We had wanted to keep a few as souvenirs (as did other family members - you know who you are) so each day we'd visit the triplets, we'd sneak a couple home in our pockets until one day, Zoe's nurse asked if Ellie would like a pack to use for her dolls. We felt a little sheepish accepting it but are so glad to have them as reminders of how small she was, as well as how far we've all come in the last two years! I would have never imagined myself as a stay-at-home mother of four kids, let alone triplets, but I wouldn't change a thing!

It's just amazing how they went from this (August 2008):

To this:

These birthday party photos speak for themselves (though I have to say I hope we haven't scarred the kids for life by beating the heck out of Elmo):

What else have we been up to this month? More fun in the backyard:

And, a few photos from their "real" birthday - we made a cake and took them to the park for the afternoon:

Finally, taking the "babies" for a walk:

Yes, Zoe's skirt is falling down in this next photo. The kid just needs to pack on a few more pounds!