3 hot mamas and 9 kids!

Yes!! 3 HOT mamas and 9 kids:) Last week Ryan was on a retreat with the youth, so I was by myself with the kids for 4 days. I know that may not seem like a lot, especially in comparison to some friends' husbands who have been overseas for months at a time, but to me it is a long time. Ryan Russell taught on the retreat, so Christie was in town with her 4 kids. I am so glad that she came. The week was made much sweeter by spending time with Christie and Rachael. Everyone came over to the house for a couple meals, but we spent most of our time at the pool:) The kids did great, and were worn out from swimming each day. I am super glad that there is an extra year in between Aedan and Mercy. Last summer I felt like I had to be in the pool with Aedan, which would be hard to do with a 2 month old. Josiah and Aedan are able to swim on their own with their floaties on. I keep my eye on them, but I don't feel like I necessarily have to be in the water with them.

Rachael, Christie, and I

Note: We were called "soccer moms" this week...we don't look that old, do we?

Count them! Caedmon (almost 7), Caleb (5 1/2), Justin (5), Athan (5), Josiah (4 1/2),

Charis (3 1/2), Holland (3), Aedan (2 1/2), and

Mercy (2 months) in the beautiful swimsuit from the AZ O'Briens:)

Mercy and I in the pool

Before the Russells headed out, we took over the Burger King play area with our troops:) Everyone is smiles for fries and kid meal toys!...all nine made it into this picture.

Christie's husband returned from space earlier then mine...she met him on I40. Mine returned around 7:30pm that night. The kids were so glad to see him:)