What a great week with Grandma and Grandpa Cole! When we prepped the boys on Friday night that they had to leave, Levi whimpered, “But I want them to stay with us forever!” And Lincoln suggested they live with us. Keller looked for Grandpa all morning on Saturday after they left. That’s the problem with visitors: they leave! Even though I’m slow and boring these days, we had a great time having them here. Grandma unloaded all sorts of delights from her suitcases—including kindergarten quiz cards and a ton of Wesley’s small childhood footballs and a Bob the Builder book shaped like a saw (we had already ruined the last one she brought). All of them attached to a ball. Levi went through all the cards with Grandma. Lincoln sawed everyone in half then cut them back up. Grandpa tried to work in the office, but had frequent visitors. He paused to toss the boys on the couch occasionally. He met Wesley for lunch at a park with us one day, and every evening played and played. They ran around playing baseball—and just running. I took a nap almost every day and they basically ensured that the household kept running smoothly and happily while I blobbed around. They stayed with boys so I could run errands alone. They read stories. They ran. They ran. They ran. They endured my emotional and energy roller-coastering. They showered everyone with affection.

Christine washed the windows, cleaned off a high fan, weeded our front flowerbed, did dinner, and even swiped my kitchen floor on her hands and knees so I wouldn’t do it. She amazes me at her ability to see ways to serve others and love them. She doesn’t care about the silly floor, but I do and she cares about me. She expresses her thoughts so forthrightly, genuinely, and lovingly. She always teaches me so much when she’s around. We kept both her and Chad up talking at night. Chad is so encouraging and kind. He told us funny stories of growing up and gave us great insights into how we can be better missionaries—including what they’re doing in Kuna. I am forever grateful I married Wes—then extra blessed in my parents-in-law!

On Wednesday we went to a concert in the park. This week featured traditional Liberian drumming. They taught us songs and dances which we sang for the rest of the week. At the playground Lincoln decided to be a “mean pirate.” He commenced yelling and showing his hand shaped like a hook to the world. One little girl nearby burst into tears then didn’t stop until we left. Thursday evening they took the boys to the Lakeside Amusement park. We earned free entrance and ride passes in the reading program. We also went to a library program where the boys learned to draw rockets then watercolor over the oil pastel. I couldn’t have done that without help! Friday we picked Wesley up from work to head to the Mount Falcoln for a little evening hike. Beautiful evening! Lincoln threw up on the way there and back (“This wasn’t even a windy road!” he moaned), but otherwise we thoroughly enjoyed the rocks, view, and fresh, cool night. Chad gave Wesley a father’s blessing that night as well as assisting in blessing me.

So, while I really hoped that they’d get to meet little Venice Christine (note that whenever I said, “Christine,” Lincoln would run to my tummy to check on his sister)—they told me that she probably won’t come until the 24^th, which is Grandma Ruth Cole’s birthday. I’m resigned that she’ll arrive sometime in September.

Levi could play games, virtual or otherwise, all day long. Grandma taught him to play Mah Jong. He also loves “scary” stories. As a result of some of Grandma and Grandpa’s stories of being scared, he drew pictures of monsters. Our neighbors were outside working on the cul-de-sac flowerbed. We decided to help. Levi loaded buckets of mulch, oohing over the grubs. He attached to Grandma and didn’t want to let go. Watching him hold onto her all week was fun. He teased her on our hike about high places, then reassured her that he wouldn’t let her get too scared.

Lincoln has been full of funny things. He’s wanted to get married. When he couldn’t marry a brother, he wanted to marry Venice. When we explained he couldn’t marry her, he wanted to marry Wes. After that it seemed he gave up. A few days later I heard his sweet, distressed voice, “But Mom I want to marry you! I’ve been saving my money to marry you!” Grandma brought a talking Mickey Mouse. When we took off his clothes to wash them, Lincoln studied between his legs. “But where is his boy part?” Later when he went to the bathroom he covered his penis, grinning, “I’m Mickey Mouse!”

Keller is growing. He has been taking long naps. He reminds me of his constant need for “SNACKS!” which is helpful since I forget. I think he knows a new sister is coming. His nights have been a little restless, but he plows on. Each day brings more words: we always look forward to them and the fewer meltdowns that result from communication. We pulled out the baby swing and car seat. “BABY!” he joyfully exclaims. Then he climbs in. We’re practicing with them before an actual little girl arrives so he doesn’t smash her.

Wesley’s work continues to go well. Wesley finished up some projects that ran through his brain even in dreamland. He’s also been diligently figuring out his ward clerk responsibilities. Yesterday after taking the Coles to the airport, he sent me to the temple since I won’t be able to go for a while. He took the boys to a splash pad and plays, plays, plays with them. Such an amazing daddy.

We decided that on Saturdays our scripture study will focus on our family needs. After reviewing Sister Reeves’s talk from conference and talking with the Coles, we concluded that we should begin these discussions by checking on how we’re doing with core things: prayer, study, family home evening and personal testimony. There will always be other developmental things to focus on as well, but this is what matters most. I’m excited for our future discussions on this.

In baby news: I meet with the doctor tomorrow morning. It looks as if I’ll have to be induced (what a funny twist of expectations!). If she doesn’t arrive before, we’ll probably invite her here on Friday since my mom flies in on Thursday evening. We’ll keep you posted. 

 Sharing the bike.

 A note from Levi. He copied one that Wesley left by the door we most often use.

 Playing with Grandma and Grandpa at the park and the library.

 39 weeks!

 On a ride at Lakeside.

 37ish weeks along. I'm not very good at these kinds of pictures...

 Keller and Will!

 Tressia and Wes playing a duet of "'Tis a Gift to Be Simple"

 Writing notes at breakfast

 Fourth of July complete with glow-sticks!

 Keller clutching my legs at the beginning of fireworks (and Lincoln running down a steep hill)

We have been missing the Knapps since Monday. “When will our friend Will come back? When will they be our neighbors?” To console the boys we pulled out the Legos. Levi started quoting one of the scriptures they memorized in primary about families being bound together and sealed in the temple; he expounded upon this at Family Home Evening very seriously. They prayed for Uncle Royal then all three marched to “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission.” So even at a distance—we do think about and love you!

Today Wes was sustained and set apart as the ward clerk. We’re excited for the new learning experience and opportunity to work more with the bishopric. I was sustained and set apart as an official nursery worker. Awesome!

Our 4^th of July turned out to be a wonderful holiday for everyone. We went to a pool not far from our house that turned out not too crowded. All three showed off their swimming skills to Wes. He told me to sit down and read a book! After two hours of being fish and turtles, they were all wiped out. We rested, played games, then went to Arvada to explore the community celebration. Free Frisbees and suckers, tons of people, military vehicles, police, and red-white-blue. We staked out a spot on a hill then stayed for the fireworks. They’ve never seen fireworks in real life—so this was a huge, glorious, ringing event. Next year we’ll be more prepared with water, jackets, and outdoor game-stuff—but this seems like a good tradition to start!

The weeks have been going by surprisingly fast for as slow as I move. Don’t worry: Venice is not slowing down at all! She’s even given me a few new stretch marks lately. The boys are content to run crazy in the mornings and putter in the afternoons. We go to parks, see free events (including a darling little man who makes homemade instruments out of thrift store and side-of-the-road finds), and pretending. They run around as Buzz or a fox or whatever enters their fancy. Lincoln decided to transform into an eagle. Since eagles eat meat (including deer? At least in his mind) he told me that he’d make me a deer birthday cake, freeze the meat and use it for the rest of our family birthdays. Sweet sentiment even if I don’t really want to participate.

We survived grocery shopping by pretending to be a family of kangaroos (kangaroos don’t roll on the ground, but they can jump, and there’s a spot for Venice…etc.). They were champions! Keller saw a baby girl in an aisle and cooed, “Baby! Baby!” then he reached over the cart handle to rub my tummy. “Baby! Baby!” he grinned. I guess he’s as prepared as he can be for his new sister.

Levi writes signs, notes, letters, and all sorts of other things. I found a note on my desk that says, “I love Mom. I love Dad” complete with a picture of our family and the alphabet. He had a sudden burst of kindergarten excitement and wrote a sign for his backpack, “I tell jokes and I laugh so I’m a joker.” We really need to help him learn better jokes…Lincoln is picking up on the note writing and leaving all sorts of notes and pictures for us. I love it. Keller was born with this desire. We may have to repaint the house because he always finds a pen (preferred to pencil or crayon) and will probably die with one in hand because no one can pry it away from him.

Other fun things:

Levi helped clean door windows at the church (we cleaned it yesterday) and said, “My tithing helps buy the cleaner!”

Lincoln sprawled over my lap: “Tickle my tummy with your claws!”

Keller babbled a prayer. He loves music. We have a few phonics songs and he sings all the sounds proudly—although he sometimes gets stuck on “Hhhhh!”

Wesley found old dos games, including Mario typing and “Oregon Trail.” All of them are giddy over this.

We love you!

Picture Update: May and June!

 Levi learning Stratego

 Hike to Mount Falcon

 Leaping from boulders

 A love of reading discovered through ornithology...

 Fort built in the closet

 Happy Birthday, Levi!

 Swimming lessons. It's hard to get Lincoln's head out of the water.

 Hike to Lair 'O the Bear

 Attempted Buzz Lightyear/Andy helmets

Learning to play chess

Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers! Especially happy to our dads. Your cards are in the mail, belatedly. We are so grateful for you, your example, and your diligence in providing for us spiritually and physically. I don’t think we comprehended the weight you carry (and we still probably don’t!) until we reached parenthood ourselves. We feel privileged that we can continue to turn to you for guidance, your opinions, and just get to know you as we progress along. Occasionally I look at our crazy, darling little boys and catch a glimpse of their great heritage—particularly their grandparents. I am honored to see a piece of Chad Cole or Corrie Keller coming through. No wonder they will be able to do anything. Thank you for being there. Thank you for being our dads. Thank you for loving us still.

And Wesley. I will never be able to say enough about Wesley. I don’t even have the words. He cares for all of us with such patience and understanding. When home he is fully home. When we started dating I thought he was about as near to perfection as you could get (and I was right) and now I’m amazed to see he continues to develop and grow steadily. I am constantly impressed with Wesley Cole and so grateful he’s my husband (!) and the tender father of our children. Who prayed these blessings upon me? What a wonderful, wonderful man. I am in awe of him.

The week just melted away. I had things written on my list…and they remain primarily on the list. A few times Wes and I have looked at each other (or collapsed too late into bed) saying, “What have we been doing?” Is it possible that some weeks just slip away? 

Main event of the week: Levi officially turned 5! WOW! Has it only been five years that we met him face to face in Provo, Utah? Simultaneously, has it really been five whole years? What a little man! He negotiates, he plans, he prepares, and sometimes I forget that he’s so grown up or I forget that he’s not yet an adult. He’s full of delightful surprises. We found an awesome Thomas the Train mountain/tower/loop thing at a thrift store for $6. It has entertained all week. Keller really loves Thomas’s wheels (oh the joy of battery power!) and Levi has sweetly shared the joy. We bought paper Ninja Turtle masks and party hats for the celebration. And balloons. The Ninja Turtles continue to be with us everywhere. Wes took him and the boys to Toys ‘R Us for the first time yesterday to give him a broader perspective of what he could buy with his birthday money (I was at the temple). He proudly came out with three tote bags: Buzz Lightyear, Lightning McQueen, and Ninja Turtles. The three loves in useful form. Levi can’t wait to get his own library card this week and fill up his own bag. He can’t wait for tomorrow’s swimming lesson to carry his own towel and extra clothes. He woke up with them this morning and probably would have carried them to church if allowed. Life just rocks. I was kind of a lump on his actual birthday, but we did pull through with a semi-decent airplane cake and we did spend two hours at the pool after swimming lessons. Thankfully, those things combined with presents and the general awesomeness of birthday made for a wonderful day. And! Wesley came home early. Can a birthday be better than that? Last Sunday Wesley gave him a birthday Father’s blessing in addition to the usual monthly interview. They discussed helping around the house. Levi has thoughtfully been helping more without complaint or even request. His ability to observe and act blesses our family.

We successfully finished level 1 of swimming lessons and begin level 2 tomorrow. All three boys would live in the pool if they could. It’s hard to get Keller’s face out of the water. Levi tries to figure out how to flip under the water in 3 feet. Lincoln grins, climbs, and attacks. It’s near swimming.

The hospital where Venice will be born just began a new “OB Navigator” program where they talk with each woman registered to deliver there, go over the paperwork and insurance, make sure that they have all the signatures necessary, etc. so that they don’t need to do that while the woman labors. Genius! They also provide a personal tour if desired and go over your birth plan to ensure everyone is on the same page. This is mostly for first-time moms, I think, but they asked me to come in and I asked if the boys could join me. The paperwork section went pretty quickly as a result of many helping hands. All of them loved the tour. They wanted to know more about how the bed works, the baby warmer, what Dad will do, etc. They charmed all of the nurses. Levi may actually pursue gynecology. When Keller saw the Jacuzzi he pointed excitedly, “TUB! Bubbles!” All of this, plus contractions, plus Venice dropping some, helps us all feel more and more excited for our little girl.

We hiked to “Lair O’the Bear” yesterday. The entire loop is close to 7 miles. We didn’t realize that. We only went the first mile and a half or so. It follows a creek/river that we happily splashed/threw rocks in on our way back. It also passes a private property castle complete with turrets, a water mill, landscaping, etc. I guess the owner rents part of it out for special events. It was a gorgeous, cool, breezy day and the trail wasn’t that crowded. Hurrah for mountainous living!

I hosted book group for the first time in Colorado on Tuesday. It went well. So many good people wherever you go. Wesley has finished his assigned tasks through August, so it looks like he’ll be doing some “housecleaning” work for his project. Hopefully they’ll be able to come together and balance that with more meaningful work.

Add in lots of other stuff and hilarious commentary from the boys and that was our week! We love you!

Summary in Doctrine and Covenants Style

Paragraphs 1-3: Wesley’s trip to Idaho and class reunion, 4: Swimming lessons and associated adventures 5: Special conversations with the boys 6: Levi 7: Lincoln 8: Keller 9: Reflections on allowing growth 10: Venice is coming, each day closer Conclusion and farewell

1 Wesley attended his ten-year class reunion this weekend. Flying from Denver to Boise is really slick! He left early Friday and was home in time for dinner on Saturday. Even though he was basically gone just a bit more than a workday, his absences always make me (and the boys!) more appreciative for all that he does. Dinner, bath, bed, and life are just not as fun without Dad. I just don’t play hide-and-seek as well. And he’s so attentive and enthusiastic about our daily report—whether it be building a tower out of the couch cushions on the bed so they could touch the ceiling, seeing a garden snake for the first time, or just finding shoes. Wes is a fully-involved father. I don’t even dare imagining parenting without such a happy partnership. Plus! He endures so well! The poor man takes such good care of me even when I’m hormonal, moody, whale-like, and whiny!

2 He enjoyed the reunion. One of the things that impressed him as well as increased his general feeling of hope is how many of the people there are married and having kids. Most of the people our age that we associate with think we’re crazy to have a family; these guys were very supportive and even excited about our fourth. Many of them are quite successful and happy in what they do. In contrast to teen years, the group was just happy to see each other because of the shared commonality of high school class. They met for dinner on Friday night then at the park with families on Saturday afternoon. They are talking about doing a 15-year reunion. Wes felt the whole experience was so great that we’ll probably attend mine next year (not in the original plan).

 3Other benefits of the Idaho trip included being able to go to the temple with Christine and saw off some tree branches with Chad. We all wish he could have had more time with them. They are refreshing—and so busy doing the most important things! Wes returned loaded with toys and jam. We’re spoiled! Wes also met with a professor he knows at BSU; it turns out that some of Wesley’s UT research could benefit him. Fun intersection.

4 Swimming lessons continue! The boys are tuckered out. After swim one day, we continued celebrating Levi’s birthday by meeting Wesley for lunch at Tanglewood Park (near NREL). Then they all buried each other in the sand rather than running around. By Friday (our day off from lessons) they were content to sleep in and build towers out of couch cushions. Lincoln even napped! Levi loves swimming. I think it liberates him. He jumps in, bombs in, plugs his nose and goes. He kicks and scoops. I don’t know how much Lincoln likes it. He likes the water; he likes the wall. He doesn’t really connect with the teacher (who doesn’t pay much attention in general…this week I’ve felt nervous watching them in deeper water and wondering how long she’ll ignore him while he dead-man floats…) Keller surprised me on the day we got in the water. He blows bubbles, kicks, and knows what it means to use his arms like “ice cream scoops.” His favorite thing is to kick while trying to float on his back. All of them are entranced by the “deep pool” and the lap swimmers.

5 One of the other fun things about swimming lessons is the conversations we have while driving. Lincoln asked when he’d be resurrected; he doesn’t want to be whipped or be crucified. Somehow in our teaching about Jesus, Lincoln has internalized that when we die we’re all tortured and crucified and that it might continue after resurrection! No wonder he’s been worried about the mean guys resurrecting him! We clarified. Levi helped a lot. We testified of Jesus’ purpose on earth, or Lincoln’s purpose on earth, and we all felt the Spirit. Very special. Another time, Levi wanted to go over “how girls are made and how boys are made.” By this, he means XX and XY chromosomes. They’re all attentive on these explanations. Forgive me if my budding gynecologists ever share things with your children…they’re curious, they ask questions, I answer. We’re all comfortable and straightforward (until they start talking easily about the process of childbirth after primary and nursery—that’s when I wonder if I should hesitate!)

6 In our constant hero-play, Levi told Lincoln, “I’m your side-kick, so I’m Robin!” They ran around saving the world. (For the record, I am either Splinter or Wonder Woman. The deal is I get to wear more clothes as Wonder Woman—both for modesty and because there’s no room for Venice in that slice of fabric!) Because he is five, he decided that he’s old enough to have his own library card. He eagerly waited for Thursday, chose his card, and tied it to one of his new bags (purchased with birthday money) which is now his library bag. He’s extremely proud and protective. He also discovered that our library reading program cards result in prizes. While all of them could have totally blacked out the card in a day, I’ve tried to slow us down and make it a little more deliberate. He still led us on a determined walk to read signs followed by a few songs and more reading. During a rare moment of just me and Levi time, I read Levi his birthday letter about his spiritual gift we saw during the year (hungering and thirsting after righteousness). He wanted to look up the scripture references and talk more about the stories of Enos and Nephi who asked questions in their prayers. When I fell asleep, he quietly played in the other room. I woke up and he grinned at me, “I tricked you! You fell asleep and I was quiet so Venice could grow, grow, grow!”

7 Lincoln has become a little teacher. He wants to show me, but especially Levi and Keller, how he does things. I often hear the phrase, “Let me show you how…” with instructions on turning shirts right-side out, digging holes, climbing up or over or through anything, popping balloons, etc. He has been writing me notes and giving them to me, which is darling. He also picks me flowers. Primarily dandelions. But also lilies from the library flowerbeds, columbines from the neighbors, a few others I’m not sure where they came from; but he protects them so diligently through all of his adventures until we arrive home and he can dump them in a cup of water by the sink. Since the flowers are for me, picking them can’t be wrong in his mind. I asked him today if he wanted to go to preschool. In our discussion he expressed the desire to have preschool at home (other kids might come occasionally), and he’s really excited to be the oldest leader. I’m not sure what the best thing to do for him is. Interacting with other kids and adults would probably be good for him. He thinks I’m his personal gym. He spent the last ten minutes of nursery sitting on my shoulders and head today. After he leaped on me/Venice (and she retreated even lower if that’s possible), he kissed my tummy, gently whispering, “It’s okay, Baby, I will kiss you at night and in the morning time.”

8 Last night Keller kissed me all over, patted my cheek, grabbed my face, kissed my mouth and laughed laughed laughed. When I mention that it’s almost time for Dad to come home, he stakes out by the door saying, “Dad! Dad! Door. Door Dad.” To pass the time he smashes the bugs that sneak through the screen. He surprises us with his words. He has so many but prefers to use the all-purpose DA! He quickly learned “quiche!” and “box!” among others. What we hear most is “PEN!” and “PAPER!” He would wander around with both all day if allowed. He scribbles on more surfaces than the other two have combined. At church today he put his click-pen in my purse without my noticing. He screamed until he could find it. Kind of hilarious. At Costco, our deal is that the boys can run on the empty aisles (usually they are Ninja Turtles calling back and forth to Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo). When the big boys took off, Keller—holding about 18 samples—would pat his strapped self and giggle, “Me too? Me too?” We went to the ward service project yesterday a bit late. They didn’t have much direction for us, so we cleaned all the chalk boards, sanitized doorknobs, and vacuumed. Keller found wrappers and threw them in trash cans. He also wiped down the chalkboards. He’s not one step behind in understanding.  

9 I need to let these kids grow up. They’re all ready to take over the world. I struggle releasing them, I guess. Sometimes I wonder if I’m holding on so tight in an embrace that I hold them back. They understand and are capable of so much. I don’t have little babies anymore (at least for another few weeks). Where did they learn to take care of each other and our family so well?

We made Buzz Lightyear helmet/wings out of boxes. And crowns out of paper. And masks. And they can sign most of the alphabet. They can quote scriptures. They care about missions (Royal: Lincoln often prays for you to drive safe—however that translates into your life!). They pray for the apostles and they love the Savior. Special, wise spirits in such wiry, energetic little bodies.

10 Venice heads on downwards. I’m pretty sure the dilation process has started, but I don’t have a consistent contraction schedule. With her I actually have to sit down sometimes. Annoying, but probably good. I had two disparate dreams this week with the same tone and woke up thinking about packing the hospital bag. I’ve avoided this since I don’t want to be overanxious. But the two dreams connected to each other convinced me I better get going. If nothing else—we’re prepared! I think she’ll be early. Maybe a few weeks, maybe a day. Maybe she’ll tease us and be late! Hopefully early enough to meet Grandma and Grandpa Cole when they come in July!

That’s enough!