Half Term with Four - The Ordinary Moments

Half term has arrived and this is usually the hardest one to keep them entertained in as it is still winter-y weather and there isn't as much going on.  We seem to have hit the jackpot though as the sun was shining today and it looks set to stay for the week which means we are planning more outdoor adventures which both wear them out a bit more and keep the costs lower (so there is more money for cake!).  

These four are so incredibly different to one another and sometimes I wonder how I managed to bring up four unique characters when I like to think they have all been treated equally.  They are all so close in age as when Cora was born her brothers were only 4,3 and 1, but the age gaps seem to only get smaller as they get bigger.  One of the best things about having them so close is that there are plenty of things that entertain all four of them still, but I can see differences in what the elder two and younger two want to do and they are often split in half that way. 

We went to the park today and I was determined to stay out all afternoon as they had been squabbling at home all morning.  They spent the first 10 minutes all fighting for my attention and then they suddenly started a game together and completely forgot I was there.  The park became the Polar Express and then it evolved again and again until I had no idea what they were playing but they were all totally engrossed.  Dylan is old enough and imaginative enough to lead the play and Cora is big enough now to join in, to understand and to enjoy it too.  They seemed so close in age suddenly and I went from 'was four really a good idea' to 'I totally did something right here'.

There are so many challenges with raising a bigger family and having four so close in age but sometimes you get those moments where you can just sit back and relax as they have each other and it makes it all worth while.

I have written a few updates about having four and whether it gets easier and in many ways it feels like it gets harder, but I think really it just gets louder and more expensive.  I spend a large proportion of my day preparing snacks, there is always more washing to be done and someone always needs something.  I definitely spend more time sat on the sofa with a hot cup of tea than I ever did when there was only one or two though and my final baby starting nursery is only a few months away now which will change it all again.

We have lots more outdoors plans for half term that will hopefully entertain all four as well as a few things just for the bigger two who get less time off and are desperate to see their school friends over the holidays.  Let's hope the weather stays this sunny as it is so lovely to be out with no coats!