We are officially 15 weeks along with Cole Baby 5 (also known, in utero, as Laney). Everything is going quite well—I’m just embarrassingly slow. Thankfully, the kids have all been extremely patient and sweet. They already love Laney. And Laney loves the world—she’s already rounding me out a lot.

We missed a couple of weeks of family letters due to holiday travelling. In short: we made it safely through Wyoming although we did spend a night in Evanston to avoid the icy, snowy, windy roads. Christmas Eve with all of the Keller aunts, uncles, and cousins was a huge highlight for everyone. The boys raced remote control cars, battled with light sabers, and played many joyous rounds of “Sharks and Minnows” with Wesley. Brenna and Venice began to be friends—and since then Venice will shout, “EMMETT!” and “BRENNA!” Christmas was low-key and happy. We were grateful to have additional time with Grandma Buttars who always makes events shimmer a bit more. Venice is well named for her! Everyone enjoyed cuddling up to Grandpa Corrie. Venice even wriggled away from Wes to run to Grandpa! We drove to Pocatello on Saturday; those Longmores are so generous and hospitable even when they’re moving back and forth across the country! Good grief! Evy gracefully shared, even when Venice decided to tease and take all her favorite toys. Lanny, Spencer, and Chad all shared the hubbub and joy of boyhood. Then we finished the drive to Kuna. The kids travel extremely well. Better than I do, in fact. This short 3.5 hour stretch proved to be the most difficult. Venice screamed the entire way, “OUT! NO BUCKLES!” and we all seemed to take turns weeping. But we made it gratefully into the arms of Grandma, Grandpa, and Royal. Sunday truly was a day of rest.

On Monday I met up with my dear friend Sally to just chat. It’s been a year since we’ve been able to do that. I always miss her. I also met up with my buddies from high school: Jenay, Rachel, and Maren who shaped and saved me in many ways. It has been years! So much fun to see them again. Monday night the boys were educated in Star Wars V.  They also helped Wes and Royal put paneling on a wall. Tools, testosterone, and general wonder.

Tuesday Wes, Royal, and I went to the temple together while Christine graciously watched our kids. This was particularly sweet as Monday they started losing appetites. Then diarrhea joined us. Then Keller threw up in the middle of the night. And she still told me to go. Bless her a billion times. I love being in the temple with Wesley—especially Boise. Every time I walk by that sealing room I feel all fluttery again. We’re married! Life rocks. Tuesday afternoon Wes, Royal, Chad, and a friend went snow shoeing. When they came home they exchanged mission stories; I love hearing those.

I thought our kids were clear by Wednesday, but as we drove Royal back to Pokey, Levi started throwing up. He used his bucket well. And Kathy’s house. Thank you Call family! That night back at my parents’ house Venice threw up. We cleaned her up and she was extremely happy before bedtime. I still went to dinner with my mom and sisters (because we have never, ever done that together. It’s quite fun. I recommend it). Thursday morning we started the Colorado drive before 8. No one barfed (or anything else). Venice slept all but three hours. We only stopped once—and that was for lunch. We’ve never made it home so smoothly or quietly before. I think angels carried us. That night, once we were safely home, the sick bug hit me—but we were home, home, and hopefully didn’t contaminate the people we love. Everyone is slow but on the mend now.

Other fun stuff:

Venice loves Royal. She cried on and off during one night to pause, giggle, and say, “RoYAL!” before fussing again. Venice also loves jewelry. She has talked a lot about “necklaces” lately.

Keller decided to lengthen his vowels, particularly the “a.” Each vowel gets two beats now. We talk a lot about putting things in the “Ba-ag for Da-ad.” It’s funny and goofy and intentional.

Lincoln is a superhero. He can vomit, clean up, then go back to attacking the world in full force. He has a love for Einstein; whenever we read a book about him we have to pause for lots of questions.

Levi loves being home. We love having him home. He is a huge help and peacemaker. This morning he wanted to make sure he kept the Sabbath holy, so he went to Wesley’s study spot, pulled out a notebook and scriptures and diligently read. He earned the “super singer” award in Primary today—then proudly wore his badge for the rest of the day.

Basically, we live a glorious existence.